Preliminary budget projections show Cy-Fair ISD could end fiscal year 2025-26 with a shortfall of approximately $33.7 million, according to a March 2 presentation to the board of trustees.

The big picture: While the projected shortfall is less than the initial $45.5 million shortfall shared in June 2025, officials said CFISD still faces challenges related to enrollment and limited state funding.

More details: Chief Financial Officer Karen Smith said factors that may increase the shortfall include dips in average daily attendance during the spring semester, unfilled positions and a reduction in federal reimbursements for school-based health services. On the other hand, the shortfall could decrease pending potential interest income and FEMA reimbursements.

Some context: CFISD receives the least per-student funding compared to other large school districts in Greater Houston, per the presentation. Smith said CFISD's lower state aid is in part due to enrollment decline and the district's 20% local optional homestead exemption, which is not considered in the state's funding process. 

Stay tuned: The board is expected to receive another budget update in April.   

Owner Oksana Ramotowski said Artisan Bread Gallery held the soft opening for its second location on March 2. During its soft opening the bakery will be offering European sourdough and bagels.

The details: Founded in Cy-Fair on Windfern, Artisan Bread Gallery offers handcrafted European sourdough breads made from scratch with no preservatives. While the original location offers grab and go services, the new location offers a dining area, a larger menu and coffee. Ramotowski said after the grand opening the bakery plans to add salads, soups and more sandwiches.

What they offer?: Bread offered ranges from French baguettes, jalapeño bread, cranberry raisin walnut bread and rosemary focaccia.

Over 2.3 million Democrats and nearly 2.2 million Republicans voted in the March 3 election, according to unofficial election results from the secretary of state. Totaling nearly 4.5 million voters, this is “the highest voter turnout for a primary in Texas history,” the secretary of state’s office said.

By the numbers: Nearly one-fourth of Texas’ 18.7 million registered voters participated in the primaries, shattering turnout rates from recent years. Less than one-fifth of registered voters cast ballots in the 2024 presidential and 2022 midterm primaries, state election records show.

Texas’ previous primary turnout record was set in 2008, when 4.2 million voters cast ballots in high-profile presidential primaries.

Zooming in: Election data shows the most people cast votes in the high-profile U.S. Senate races that topped the ticket, with the total numbers of votes steadily decreasing down the ballot in both primaries.

There is “some certainty” that voter enthusiasm will extend to the November midterm election, Republican data analyst Ross Hunt told Community Impact during early voting.