HTX-KTY: Impact 10/31/2025

Katy ISD officials welcomed the community to the Leonard Merrell Center Oct. 24 for the district’s annual State of the District event focused on academic successes, bond updates and recent innovation.

Diving in: The district will launch Legacy Virtual High School in fall 2026, Gregorski said. The online campus aims to expand the district’s academic success to an online format for eligible part-time and full-time students, Community Impact reported.

Diving deeper: This spring, the district will open the Merchants Way Park Building, which will be home to the Behavior Learning Center and the 18-plus program, Gregorski said. Meanwhile, Elementary School 49 and Junior High 19 are slated to open in fall 2028.

The district also has ongoing renovations at over 10 locations across the district, he said.

Looking ahead: Gregorski said following potential board approval the district could partner with parents and community members during the 2026-27 school year for a bond committee to look at school growth, facility age and conditions as well as safety and technology needs for a potential 2027 bond.

GLĀZ Dental Studio, a Spanish-speaking dental practice headed by Chilean dentist George Galaz, is coming to Fulshear.

What they offer: Along with comprehensive exams, cleanings and digital imaging, the family-owned studio will provide several specialized services including clear aligner therapy, dental implants, tooth extractions and emergency dental care, a GLĀZ representative said.

Dates to know: The studio will host a grand opening Jan. 2, 2026, according to its Facebook.

• 6601 Skyline Dr., Ste. 800, Fulshear

Mental health nonprofit Texana Center and Houston Humane Society animal shelters have partnered to provide temporary emergency boarding for pets belonging to individuals seeking mental health services through Texana’s Crisis Center, per an Oct. 21 news release.

The program is designed to ensure that people facing mental health challenges or emergencies do not have to choose between their own safety and the well-being of their pets.

The gist: Through this collaboration, the HHS will offer free temporary boarding for up to 90 days, including meals and daily care. Pets may also receive spay and neuter services and updated vaccinations during their stay, with the owner’s consent, according to the release.

Moving forward: All services provided through this partnership are available at no cost to clients receiving services at Texana’s Crisis Center, per the release. Individuals seeking more information can contact the crisis hotline at 1-800-633-5686.

Since Nov. 7, 2000, at least one person has died on Texas roads every day, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. As the Lone Star State nears 25 years of daily traffic deaths, officials at all levels of government are investing in new roadway safety projects and encouraging Texas drivers to do their part to curb deadly crashes.

The big picture: In the past 25 years, over 91,000 people have died on Texas roads. That is enough people to fill Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, according to TxDOT.

On average, 11 people died daily on Texas roads last year. In 2025, an average of 10 people had died per day as of Sept. 24.

Zooming in: State and local leaders found that the top factors in severe crashes include:

• Impaired driving
• High speeds
• Distracted driving
• Pedestrian and cyclist safety
• Lack of seatbelt use
• Roadway or lane departures
• Wrong-way driving