New Braunfels ISD remained at a ‘B’ rating in the state's annual A-F accountability ratings for the 2025-26 school year, according to new data released Aug. 14 by the Texas Education Agency.

The rating system, which was developed by the 85th Texas Legislature, gauges how well schools prepare students for the next grade level and for college. The accountability ratings mimic school report cards, using A, B, C, D, E and F to rate schools based on performance. 'A' and 'B' are the only ratings considered passing. NBISD scored 84 out of 100, a three-point increase from the previous school year. The district's 'B' rating indicates that the district is doing well with student accomplishments, according to TEA.

What you need to know: Oak Run Middle School went from a 'C' to an 'A' rating over the past year. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, who visited Oak Run Middle School Aug. 14, said the middle school's leadership team has been "extraordinary."

Lamar Elementary School and New Braunfels High School also saw a higher rating.

A loan agency has changed its name in New Braunfels.

The overview: First Plaza Loan Co. changed its name to Excel Finance in August, Branch Manager SP Preslar told Community Impact. The name change comes after Andrew Asbury took ownership of the business.

Excel Finance—a branch under AMG Finance—offers personal loans and tax preparation assistance.

• 605 N. Walnut Ave., Ste.105, New Braunfels

On Aug. 5, the San Marcos City Council approved an approximately $2.19 million construction contract for the Airport Taxilane Project, which will rehabilitate pavement and complete taxilane improvements at the San Marcos Regional Airport.

The overview: The city received two construction bids for the completion of the project June 4. Harper Brothers Construction LLC submitted the lowest bid, was determined to be capable of completing the project and was awarded the contract, according to agenda documents.

The company's bid featured a base bid of $853,670 plus an additional amount of $1,338,645, known as bid schedule No. 1.

City funds will be used to cover the base bid cost while grant funding from the Texas Department of Transportation will cover up to 90%, or $1.2 million, of the bid schedule No. 1 costs, according to agenda documents.

Diving deeper: The Airport Taxilane Project will rehabilitate portions of the existing concrete apron pavement at the airport, according to agenda documents.

Construction is anticipated to begin in November and end by summer 2027.

The Texas Education Agency released public school accountability ratings for the 2025-26 school year on Aug. 14.

"We use [A-F ratings] as a way to evaluate our own performance as adults, and then build action plans so that the way that we run our schools next year can be even better than last year," Education Commissioner Mike Morath said during an Aug. 14 news conference.

The overview: Across the state, 85% of campuses received a C rating or higher, which is considered “acceptable" academic performance.

Schools are rated based on three criteria: student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps.

Zooming in: At least one district, Austin ISD, is at risk of being taken over by the TEA after two of its middle school campuses received their fifth consecutive failing grades this year. State law requires the agency to shutter those campuses or take control of the district.

Any potential state-mandated closures or takeovers will not happen immediately, as districts with concerns about their ratings have through Sept. 11 to appeal scores to the TEA.