College Station ISD is considering a proposal to require administrative employees to take substitute teacher assignments.

The overview: The board of trustees reviewed the idea during a Sept. 15 workshop meeting, drawing inspiration from El Paso ISD, which uses administrative subbing as a cost-cutting measure.

CSISD is currently facing an $8.3 million budget shortfall for the 2026-27 school year alongside declining overall enrollment. Trustee Kimberly McAdams noted that the district's 80% substitute fill rate is not high enough for adequate coverage.

Trustee Chris Field, a former substitute teacher, said the cost-cutting measures would be helpful for the district’s shortfall, but connecting with students as administrators would be just as important.

Going forward: The board has not made any final decisions regarding the administrative substitute days. Board President Kim Ege stated that the idea requires further refinement, and more concrete information must be presented to the administration before a vote is held.

Future meetings will likely include continued discussions on the proposal.

Bryan’s property tax rate will remain unchanged at $0.624000 per $100 of assessed valuation for the 2026-27 fiscal year after council members unanimously approved the rate Sept. 15.

Some context: The rate has remained at $0.624000 since Fiscal Year 2022-23, when it was lowered. According to the city, Bryan has not increased its property tax rate since Fiscal Year 1998-99.

Cost to taxpayers: Bryan estimates the unchanged rate will result in an average property tax bill increase of about $30, although individual bills will vary based on changes in property values. Property values are determined annually by the Brazos Central Appraisal District.

The breakdown: About 80% of Bryan’s anticipated property tax revenue will go toward the General Fund, which supports services including police and fire protection, parks and recreation, libraries, road maintenance, planning and inspections, the city said. The remaining 20% will support debt service and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones.

During a Sept. 15 meeting, the Brazos County Commissioners Court unanimously approved more than $1 million in additional funds for contingency and utility work.

In a nutshell: This decision follows a previous approval of $20 million in July for county building repairs.

The newly approved funds are split between two specific areas:

• $523,722 for owner contingency to keep work on the administration building uninterrupted by unforeseen circumstances.

• $486,600 for additional utility work regarding road and office building repairs.

Zooming in: The road and office building renovations project is expected to be extended by 60 days. This extension is necessary because the contractor must separate intertwined utility infrastructure connecting the road and bridge office building, old ag extension office, gas shack and pumps, and water filling station.

Stay tuned: The court approved both change orders after questions from commissioners Bentley Nettles and Fred Brown. Brazos County estimates both projects will be completed sometime in 2027.

A new pasta restaurant with local ownership and gluten-free options is opening soon in College Station.

About Rosie's: According to an Instagram post, Rosie’s Pasta Bar and Catering will serve pasta, sandwiches, salad and soup. Plus, all of the bread will be made in house.

The restaurant will also have complimentary soft serve ice cream.

Rosie’s Pasta Bar and Catering is owned by Peter Madden, who also runs Madden's Casual Gourmet with his friends Andreas and Costa Dallis, according to an Instagram post. The restaurant is named after one of Madden's favorite dishes from Cafe Eccell, a former staple of College Station.

What to expect: The restaurant will have a soft opening in mid-September, with a grand opening at a later date. Madden announced on Instagram that another restaurant will open at Pickleball Junction next year.

• Soft opening by Sept. 18

• 4501 Mills Park Circle, Ste. 100, College Station

With the start of the 150th anniversary celebration of Texas A&M University, along with college football and music, here is a look at seven events happening Sept. 18-20. This is not a comprehensive list.

"Remnants of 150 Years at Texas A&M University" Exhibit at Cushing Library: Featuring 150 years of artifacts showcasing Texas A&M University’s history, the exhibit begins its school-year-long stay at the Cushing Library.

• Sept. 18-May 25, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 400 Spence St., College Station

Aiden Ross: Homecoming at OPAS: College Station local and winner of The Voice, Aiden Ross, returns to Aggieland to play at the Rudder Theater Complex.

• Sept. 18, 7:30-11:30 p.m.

• Prices vary (ticketed)

• 401 Joe Routt Blvd., College Station

Cars and Chicken in Century Square: Throughout the fall 2026 school semester, Century Square will be hosting a show featuring local owners of luxury cars with food courtesy of Houston Hot Chicken.

• Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 175 Century Square Drive, College Station

College Station ISD voters will decide between incumbent Kim Ege and challenger Michelle Gallagher Nov. 3 in the race for the school board's Place 6 seat.

Get to know the candidates: Candidates were asked to keep Q&A responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents.

One question Community Impact asked was, "What would you do to improve student learning and outcomes?" The candidates answered in part:

• Kim Ege*: "Creating a culture where teachers mentor each other and collaborate together to find ways to reach all students and where there they feel valued and supported are important factors in improving student learning."

• Michelle Gallagher: "Our educators need the resources and flexibility to respond to the students in front of them."