Jersey Village City Council approved moving forward on a city pool design that would feature a diving board and two separate bodies of water in a 3-2 vote Feb. 9.

The big picture: The design that received the most positive feedback from residents was 6,940 square feet and included:

• Eight lap lanes
• A connected open pool area
• A tall waterslide
• Diving board
• Shaded pool areas
• Heated-water capabilities

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, Cy-Fair ISD curriculum will be able to include previously deleted chapters from science textbooks after the board of trustees voted Feb. 9 to permit the material as supplementary content.

The overview: The board adopted the item, proposed by President Julie Hinaman, in a 4-3 vote with trustees Christine Kalmbach, Justin Ray and Todd LeCompte opposed. The three dissenting members voted to omit the textbook chapters in 2024, according to Community Impact.

Looking back: In May 2024, trustees voted 6-1 to remove 13 chapters from dozens of science textbooks, citing concerns with subjects they viewed as “controversial” including climate change, vaccines and COVID-19. Hinaman voted against the 2024 decision, Community Impact previously reported.

In other news: In a 4-3 vote of the same split, the board declined to adopt an optional school prayer policy as allowed by Senate Bill 11, citing implementation challenges in a district of CFISD's size. General Counsel Marney Collins Sims said the statute does not allow for individualization at the local level. 

Commissioners will consider and potentially take action on over 300 agenda items Feb. 12, including approving an interlocal agreement for a mental health mapping project in Precinct 4 and a progress update on a countywide flood mapping system.

The big picture: Harris County Flood Control District officials will provide an update to commissioners on the progress and next steps of the MAAPNext project. The project is a collaborative effort with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is also funding the project, and HCFCD to create up-to-date hydrology and flood maps to gauge current and future flooding risks across the county.

Also of note: Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones will seek to approve an interlocal agreement with the University of Houston to conduct an extension of a mental health resource mapping project to "provide actionable data to guide policies, budget priorities, and community engagement strategies aimed at enhancing access to care."

Harris County Commissioners Court meetings are held at 9 a.m. in the administration building at 1001 Preston St., Houston.

Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse for Lunar New Year at one of multiple celebrations being held across the Greater Houston area.

Lunar New Year at Children's Museum Houston
Enjoy two days of Lunar New Year festivities at the Children's Museum Houston. On Feb. 14, entertainment will begin at 11 a.m. and include a traditional lion dance; a Diabolo, Chinese yo-yo, performance; and a contemporary Chinese dance show. On Feb. 15, at noon, a traditional Chinese dance will take place.

• Feb. 14-15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• $19.95 (entry for adults and children ages 1 or older), $17.95 (seniors)
• 1500 Binz St., Houston

• Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• $9 (admission for adults and children 1 year old and older)
• The Woodlands Children's Museum, 4775 West Panther Creek Drive Ste. 280, The Woodlands