College Station ISD trustees approved several bond-funded projects at its April 21 meeting, aimed at modernizing campus technology and replacing aging building systems across the district.

These approved projects will use funds from College Station ISD’s 2021 and 2023 voter-approved bond programs. Upgrades will target classrooms, network infrastructure and mechanical systems.

What readers should know: Trustees unanimously approved the ranking of six firms as the district gauges what company it will go with for districtwide mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements.

Planned work includes:

• Completing LED lighting upgrades across campuses
• Replacing aging HVAC systems
• Installing temperature and humidity control systems to protect technology

• $263,762 in district management technology
• $826,748 in classroom audiovisual equipment and upgrades at high schools and the CTE center
• $161,079 for cabling infrastructure upgrades at CSHS

Brazos County commissioners approved a feasibility study at its April 21 meeting to begin planning a future relocation of the District Attorney's Office.

About the project: The court authorized a $114,860 contract to evaluate renovations needed to move the DA's office into the current Adult Probation building once county departments transition into the new courthouse annex in 2028.

County Judge Duane Peters said the move is separate from the annex project itself but is intended to prevent delays once the new building opens.

What they're saying: The DA's office told commissioners the existing layout of Adult Probation limits evidence storage and daily workflow, calling the space "functionally unworkable."

Meanwhile, Precinct 3 Commissioner Fred Brown voted against the proposal, describing it as "a total waste of money."

Fellow commissioners and county staff said early planning will avoid future delays, and the office requires enhanced levels of security.

The takeaway: The measure passed with opposition from Brown.

‘The Curious Savage’
Stagecenter Theatre will host performances of “The Curious Savage,” a family-friendly stage production.

• April 23-25, 7 p.m.; April 26, 2 p.m.
• $13.50-$19.50
• 218 N. Bryan Ave., Bryan

• April 25, 6 p.m. (gates open), 7 p.m. (concert begins)
• Free (admission)
• Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater, 1015 Colgate Drive, College Station

• April 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• Historic Downtown Bryan

• April 26, 5 p.m.
• $11.50-$58.50
• Rudder Auditorium, 401 Joe Routt Boulevard, College Station

Demand on the Texas power grid could more than quadruple in the next six years, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas announced April 15.

The details: The state grid operator projected that peak electric demand could hit 367,790 megawatts by 2032—more than four times the current demand record of 85,508 megawatts, which was set during an August 2023 heat wave. Much of this forecasted growth is due to data centers, according to ERCOT documents.

However, ERCOT leaders warned that the growth forecast is “preliminary” and needs adjustments.

What's happening: During an April 17 meeting, ERCOT officials told the Public Utility Commission of Texas that they plan to work with utility providers to issue a revised forecast in the coming weeks.

“I think it's clear we need to engage in the process and look at ways to refine this number to something that's more usable,” PUC Chair Thomas Gleeson said.

Stay tuned: ERCOT said it expects peak electric demand on the grid this summer will hit between 90,500-98,000 megawatts, which would shatter the current demand record.