Staff at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land is looking to incorporate renovations in the next three years. 

At a glance: At a Nov. 3 joint meeting, Museum Executive Director Kavita Self asked the city of Sugar Land to fund part of the museum's proposed $4 million renovations, which would include adding life-sized sculptures, upgraded exhibits and accessibility improvements. 

With 17 years of operation, museum officials are looking at ways to strengthen scientific literacy and stay inspiring for the next 20 years, Self said.

A sneak peek: The renovations, which are still in the early stages and subject to change, include improving:

• Building exterior 

• Entry and ticketing areas

• Early-learning spaces

• Permanent galleries

• Base-building systems

• Parking and site improvements 

Looking ahead:The corporation is set to discuss the funding resolution in November, while the City Council is set to vote on a lease amendment in December, Rodriguez said. 

Museum staff said they would announce their capital campaign in January with completion expected in fall of 2029. 

District officials invite families to participate in an online survey open from Nov. 2 to Nov. 15 to determine academic dates for 2027-28 and 2028-29.

What you need to know: The survey includes two options for each year, according to the district’s website. Each calendar includes professional training, teacher planning, preparation and breaks, including a weeklong fall break.

The options: Both 2027-28 options include 172 instructional days, plus a bank of minutes. Meanwhile, both 2028-29 options include 173 instructional days, plus a bank of minutes of instruction and three days of teacher Professional Learning in August.

Looking ahead: The survey will close on Nov. 15, per the website.

Fort Bend ISD staff expects to submit the calendars to the board of trustees for approval in January.

The Texas A&M University Space Institute will be celebrating its grand opening in mid-November, officials said.

What you need to know: The new facility serves as a hub for collaboration among researchers, industry leaders and government agencies working to solve challenges in space exploration while developing the workforce and technologies needed for future missions, officials said.

The cost: The project cost $200 million, which was paid for through the state’s Texas Space Commission, which was passed in the 88th Texas Legislature and allotted $350 million for space programs in Texas, including $200 million for the institute, according to documents from the university.

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