HTX-WDL: Impact 10/23/2025

Conroe ISD is in the process of developing its 2026-27 school year calendar that will be presented for approval to the board of trustees in January.

What to know: Hedith Sauceda-Upshaw, the district's assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, described the process used by the District Level Planning and Decision-Making Committee, which is developing drafts of the calendar, at an Oct. 22 board of trustees meeting.

Digging deeper: The committee has found that the calendars work as a recruitment tool for school districts, especially with the flexibility for work days for the teachers to meet the required 187 days, Sauceda-Upshaw said.

Also on the agenda: Additionally, former interim Superintendent Ted Landry was named CISD’s deputy superintendent, and the board approved the position in a 7-0 vote.

Events this weekend include the annual The Woodlands Pride Festival as well as several seasonal trick-or-treat opportunities. This listing is not comprehensive, and events are subject to change.

In the Pink of Health
The 25th annual luncheon supports technology, prevention, community outreach and education in the fight against breast and ovarian cancer, including The Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands.

• Oct. 24, 10 a.m. (champagne reception), noon (luncheon and program)
• Sponsorship levels vary
• The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands

• Oct. 26, 1-5 p.m.
• Free
• Rob Fleming Recreation Center, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands

NRG Energy Inc. will invest $360 million to expand power generation in Harris County through a new 456-megawatt natural gas facility at the existing TH Wharton Generating Station, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Oct. 21.

Explained: The project, which has been designated as a qualified initiative under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation (JETI) program, is expected to begin operations by summer 2026. Once complete, the facility will serve the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ Houston Load Zone—including Houston, Pasadena and The Woodlands—helping meet growing energy demands across the fifth-largest metro area in the U.S., according to the release.

Offering input: NRG leaders said the project will bring both temporary construction jobs and permanent positions once operational.

“Texas energy powers our state’s booming economy,” Abbott said in the news release. “This $360 million investment by NRG in Harris County is a significant advancement in Texas' energy infrastructure. The new natural gas facility will expand power generation and provide reliable, affordable energy for homes and businesses.”