Bryan ISD leaders are preparing next year’s budget amid declining student enrollment, limited state funding growth, and rising operational costs.

In a one-on-one conversation with Community Impact, Bryan ISD Chief Financial Officer Norma Friddle said the upcoming budget year is expected to include a projected deficit, but emphasized how the district is working to avoid long-term financial imbalance through staffing adjustments, attendance improvements and spending reviews.

What you need to know: The district faces a projected $3.1 million deficit after losing more than 300 students from the prior school year. Because Texas funds schools based on average daily attendance rather than enrollment, this drop created a $3 million revenue loss.

What's next: To address long-term revenue, officials are evaluating a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, to increase the maintenance & operations tax rate, which funds employee pay. A voluntary efficiency audit is underway to build community trust before a final decision. The board must decide by Aug. 17 whether to place the VATRE on the November ballot.

College Station City Council’s May 18 meeting was dominated by its workshop agenda, going over two major long-term projects: a new public works facility and a potential recreation center that could ultimately go before voters next year.

About the public works facility project: The council reviewed updated options for replacing the city’s aging public works facility, originally built in 1978. The recommended proposal is estimated at about $49.9 million, which would support a 10-year growth plan.

No formal vote was taken, but the council favored continuing work toward the recommended plan.

About the recreation center project: The council also reviewed results of a feasibility study examining the construction of a city recreation center. It’s estimated to cost up to $91 million, depending on final design and location.

The proposed facility could include indoor aquatics, fitness space, gym courts and year-round programming.

The former Macy’s site at Post Oak Mall is widely favored to be home to the rec center.

Ultimately, the council agreed the project should advance only with voter approval in 2027.

The city of Bryan broke ground on Midtown Legacy Park on May 18, making way for its new destination playground at Travis Bryan Midtown Park.

About the project: The all-abilities playground, located along the 300 block of Midtown Boardwalk Way, is designed to serve children and families of all ages.

According to the city, plans call for 119 play components, more than 12,000 square feet of shade structures, accessible play features and design elements inspired by Bryan landmarks.

Before you go: Construction is expected to begin this summer and wrap up in early 2027. The project will also include restroom facilities and gathering spaces to support larger family visits and community events.

• To be completed early 2027
• 300 block of Midtown Boardwalk Way, Bryan

Houston officials officially dedicated George Bush Intercontinental Airport's Terminal E in honor of the late former U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in a May 18 ceremony, officials announced in a May 18 news release.

Career history: Jackson Lee represented Texas' 18th Congressional District—which includes IAH—for more than three decades. Jackson Lee died at age 74 in July 2024 following a battle with pancreatic cancer, as previously reported by Community Impact.

During her tenure, Jackson Lee advocated for aviation security, federal transportation investment and infrastructure improvements, and helped secure more than $125 million for Houston airports, per the release.

The impact: Houston City Council voted unanimously to rename Terminal E to "Sheila Jackson Lee Terminal E" in April 2025, as previously reported.

During the May 18 ceremony, a 500-pound memorial plaque featuring a portrait of Jackson Lee was unveiled. In the coming weeks, the plaque will be permanently installed inside the terminal's international concourse beyond the TSA security checkpoint.