Carroll ISD leaders have established a plan to streamline technology use in school and increase small group instruction for students, among other goals, in the current school year.

The CISD board of trustees approved the district’s 2026-27 improvement plan and campus improvement plans at its Oct. 5 meeting.

What’s happening: The district improvement plan was approved unanimously by the board and will serve as a guide for achieving district goals.

One of the goals outlined in the plan is improving career and technical education programs for students with additional real-world problem solving opportunities like internships.

Another goal was using multiple school data sources to determine which students need more personal and individualized instruction to ensure more students are meeting state standards.

Latest update: Starting Oct. 19, North Gym inside of The REC of Grapevine will close for three or four weeks for structural repairs and improvements.

The main focus of the renovations will be the walls of the gym, which will be repaired and reinforced during the construction, said Claire Gilbert, parks and recreation marketing manager.

No other amenities or offerings at the REC will be affected by the renovations.

• 1175 Municipal Way, Grapevine

Voters in North Texas, including Denton County voters, will choose between two candidates for the State Board of Education, District 14 seat, which will be on the ballot for the Nov. 3 election.

What you need to know: The candidates running for the position are Republican Mindy Bumgarner and Democrat Amy Taylor. The District 14 seat is currently held by Republican Evelyn Brooks, who is not running for reelection this year.

Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

What else? Oct. 5 is the last day for residents to register to vote, according to the Texas Secretary of State website. Early voting will take place from Oct. 19-30.

A Sandman Signature Hotel is planned to be constructed in Grapevine and Allen ISD is working on renovations with funds from a 2024 Bond. Check out some of the latest construction filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

1. Sandman Signature Hotel in Grapevine

A six-story, 221-room hotel is planned to be constructed near Grapevine Mills, per a TDLR filing. Sandman Signature Hotels offer Canadian hospitality, comfort and style according to its website. A company spokesperson said Northland Properties closed on the 5.9-acre site in August.

• Location: Lot 4 3400 Grapevine Mills Blvd. N., Grapevine

• Estimated timeline: Nov. 15, 2026-Nov. 15, 2028

• Estimated cost: $30 million

2. Providence Church in Frisco

Providence Church in Frisco has purchased a 27-acre site for a new church in Frisco, according to its website. The 61,645-square-foot facility will be constructed along Panther Creek Parkway, according to the TDLR filing.

• Location: Panther Creek Parkway, Frisco

• Estimated timeline: Jan. 4, 2027-June 5, 2028

• Estimated cost: $25 million