14-acre retail center could be coming soon to Preston Road, Prosper Trail
Prosper residents could see a new retail center off Preston Road.
What happened: At their Sept. 15 meeting, Prosper Planning and Zoning commissioners approved a preliminary site plan and replat for a 13.6-acre retail center called Saddle Creek Commercial.
The details: The preliminary site plan includes five one-story buildings and four two-story buildings, all designated office and restaurant uses, according to town documents. The retail center currently includes the Dentistry at Saddle Creek, a dental practice that opened in July.
Texas to overhaul STAAR, launch 3 new exams in 2027
The Texas Education Agency will begin transitioning to a new standardized testing system after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law Sept. 17 to replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness with three shorter exams.
The overview: Through the 2026-27 school year, Texas public school students in third through 12th grade will continue taking the STAAR each spring. Beginning in fall 2027, students will take three tests at the beginning, middle and end of the year under House Bill 8, the new law.
Students’ results will be released within 48 hours after each new test is administered. STAAR scores are currently released about six weeks after a test ends, according to the TEA.
The debate: Bill author Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, said the new system will reduce test-related anxiety; give students and teachers feedback throughout the school year; and increase legislative oversight of Texas’ assessment and accountability systems. Critics of the plan said it would increase the amount of time students spend taking exams and essentially create “another STAAR test” developed by the TEA.
