Keller ISD’s Long Range Planning and Citizens Bond Advisory committees had their first joint meeting Jan. 14 to begin discussions on a campus consolidation plan in the district.

The gist: The committees will have a total of 10 meetings in which committee members will learn about demographic data from the district, school finances, maintenance priorities, participate in facility tours, create criteria for consolidation and build a bond package for the district for the upcoming November 2026 election, according to a presentation Jan. 14.

Committee meetings are being led by Lizzy Johnson, a senior associate at VLK architects, who provides consulting and guidance for school districts across the state.

The background: Superintendent Cory Wilson said campus consolidation will “right size” the district and help determine which schools will close as district enrollment continues to decline.

A new senior living facility in Roanoke broke ground along Oak Street in November.

At a glance: Roanoke’s first independent living facility, which is an $81 million project, broke ground in November and is set to open in 2027 at Oak Street and Dorman Road on more than 10 acres.

City officials approved the development, called Watermere on Oak, on April 8. Amenities like a fitness center, meal options and housekeeping will be available. Residents 55 and older will have an alternative to nearby senior living facilities.

Measuring the impact: The National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care is a Maryland-based nonprofit that seeks objective insights into market data for senior housing.

Head of Research and Analytics Lisa McCracken said Tarrant County already has a high demand, and the percentage of 75-year-olds is projected to grow by nearly 30% in the county over the next five years.

Looking ahead: Construction is expected to take two years to complete.

A runoff election for Senate District 9 will be held Jan. 31 between Taylor Rehmet and Leigh Wambsganss.

Early voting for the election runs from Jan. 21-27.

What you need to know: For the Jan. 31 election, there are several dates to know, including:

• Jan. 21: early voting begins
• Jan. 27: early voting ends
• Jan. 31: election day

Stay informed about transportation projects around Dallas-Fort Worth with these five road project updates.

1. Renner Road water project

Project: The work will increase the water system capacity in northwest Richardson, including the installation of a new waterline along Renner Road. Construction of a new ground storage tank and pump station near Point North Park will also occur in the final stage of the project.

Update: The westbound lane on Renner Road near Custer Parkway is now open. Renner Road may still experience temporary rolling lane closures during non-peak traffic hours as the project enters the final construction phase.

• Timeline: Anticipated completion this winter
• Cost: $75 million
• Funding source: city of Richardson, North Texas Municipal Water District

The University of North Texas will offer free tuition to families who meet certain criteria starting in the 2026-27 school year.

The breakdown: The new initiative, called the North Texas Promise Program, will give first-time college freshmen living in Texas the opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree without paying tuition or the mandatory fees, UNT announced in a Jan. 14 news release.

The program covers four years, or eight consecutive semesters. The fees will be compensated by a combination of federal, state and institutional grants, according to UNT’s website.

What they're saying: “With the North Texas Promise, more outstanding Texas students will be able to access a college education that prepares them to unlock their full potential,” UNT President Harrison Keller said. “I am proud we are able to offer this program grounded in our core values and our commitment to create enduring value for the public good.”