Richardson ISD will focus on academic growth, staff retention and strengthening instruction in its 2026-27 District Improvement Plan. District officials presented proposed objectives to the school board on Sept. 17. The plan is set for official board approval on Oct. 15.

The overview: Every school district is required by the state to annually develop, review and revise a data-driven District Improvement Plan, said Jennie Bates, assistant superintendent for school leadership and superintendent support.

Quote of note: “We’re basically putting the culture of the district into a document,” school board President Chris Poteet said.

Breakfast restaurant Sam & Mary’s is set to open in Richardson by the end of September, a company representative confirmed.

Sam & Mary’s is an “upscale and modern twist” on the American diner, serving classics like pancakes and waffles as well as disco fries, milkshakes and gourmet deli-style sandwiches. All menu items will be halal and made in-house.

• 600 S. Sherman St., Ste. 124, Richardson

Check out five upcoming, ongoing and completed transportation projects in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Upcoming projects

1. Mount Gilead Road improvements

Project: Surface improvements are planned on Mount Gilead Road from US 377 to Bourland Road in Keller. The work features three lanes with turn lanes, a trail along the north side of the road, a sidewalk along the south side of the roadway and a single-lane roundabout on Bourland Road, according to a council presentation on Aug. 4.

Update: Alonzo Liñán, director of public works, provided an update during the Aug. 4 council meeting. He said the design by firm Kimley-Horn was 98% done and the next step would be to award the contract in September.

• Timeline: estimated construction is from January 2027 to January 2029

• Cost: $12.5 million-$13 million

• Funding source: city of Keller

To cast votes for a U.S. senator, governor, state attorney general and dozens of other races during the Nov. 3 midterm election, Texans must ensure they are registered to vote or have submitted an application by Oct. 5.

How it works: To be eligible to register to vote, an individual must:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Reside in the county they apply to vote in

• Be at least 18 years old by Election Day

• Not have been declared mentally incapacitated without the right to vote by a court

Getting registered: Eligible Texans must submit a paper voter registration application by Oct. 5. The online form must be printed, signed and mailed to the applicant's local elections office.

One more thing: Voters who are already registered have through Oct. 5 to update their name or address, if needed.

Some voters may appear on the state "suspense" list if local officials cannot confirm their address, although they will still be able to vote in the election.

More information: Learn more about federal, state and local races at communityimpact.com/election.