HTX-KTY: Impact 10/30/2025

Katy ISD scored 98 out of 100 on the state’s financial accountability assessment, meeting all key financial indicators set by the Texas Education Agency for the 23rd consecutive year.

The Texas Schools Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas, or FIRST, rating system was established by the Texas Legislature in 1999 and implemented in the 2001-02 school year. The system ensures public schools manage taxpayer funds responsibly and direct as much funding as possible toward classroom instruction, Chief Financial Officer Chris Smith said at the Oct. 27 board meeting.

The specifics: Smith said the 2025 rating is based on an external audit on the district’s fiscal year 2023-24, during which it met or exceeded standards in nearly every area against 21 financial indicators, including fiscal stability through a 6.7% average increase in fund balance over three years. 

Moving forward: Smith said high FIRST ratings also contribute to strong credit ratings, which in turn lower interest costs on district borrowing for new schools and infrastructure.

Fort Bend County and Fulshear officials gathered Oct. 28 to break ground on a superhero-themed all-abilities park in Fulshear.

What residents need to know: The $3.4 million Super Dave's All Abilities Park, located at 4200 Katy Fulshear Road, will provide accessibility for all children, including those with disabilities, county officials said.

The details: The park is named in honor of resident David “Dave” D’Andrea, who was a founding member of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 169 in Cross Creek Ranch, Community Impact reported.

Fulshear Mayor Don McCoy said the park will feature:

• Three play zones tailored to different age groups
• A splash pad
• A pavilion
• Fully accessible pathways

YES Prep Public Schools has launched a new four-year, $80 million campaign dubbed “The Power of YES," officials announced in an Oct. 23 news release.

The gist: The campaign will allow the Houston charter school system to invest in technology and facilities while working toward becoming an "A"-rated district. Per the release, the initiative will:

• Add 5,000 new school seats
• Complete YES Prep’s full pre-K-12 feeder pattern
• Fund the construction of six new schools
• Rebuild three of YES Prep’s oldest campuses
• Invest in innovative programs, bilingual education and tools that prepare students for college, careers and leadership

Texas homeowners could see larger property tax breaks on this year’s bills if voters approve two state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The details: Proposition 13 would raise the property tax exemption on a Texas homeowner’s main residence, known as a homestead exemption, from $100,000 to $140,000. Proposition 11 would give homeowners who are over 65 years old or have a disability a $200,000 exemption.

The exemptions would apply only to taxes charged by public schools.

The impact: Sen. Paul Bettencourt, the Houston Republican who authored the legislation, estimated in June that the average Texas homeowner would see about $484 in annual savings if the tax cuts are approved by voters, with roughly $950 in savings for seniors and people with disabilities. These estimates do not account for potential tax rate increases by local governments.

If voters approve the two ballot measures, the cuts will take effect for the current tax year and appear on homeowners’ upcoming tax bills, according to the Texas House Research Organization.