Bryan ISD is set to consider approving multiple items concerning programs for students with disabilities, as well as a karate instruction program for all students at the July 20 meeting.

The overview: The school district is considering contracted services for students who are deaf, dyslexic and those who have general special needs. If approved, the monetary amount of the services requested would be a little over $1 million. Bryan ISD approved a balanced budget for the 2026-27 school year, despite many other districts in the state facing a budget deficit.

The district is requesting the services in light of a “critical shortage” in both deaf and special needs curricula, along with a reduction in funds for dyslexia programs.

The district is also deciding on a program that teaches martial arts and character development skills to children.

Before you go: The July 20 school board meeting is set to take place at 6 p.m. at the Bryan ISD Administration Building, located at 801 S. Ennis St., Bryan.

Here are road projects that are coming up or already under construction in the cities of Bryan and College Station.

Bryan: Bristol Street & Esther Boulevard Drainage Improvements
Project: This project will replace the existing storm sewer collection system to increase capacity to Burton Creek, as well as install new storm sewers within existing rights of way.
Update: Work continues on Esther and Bristol, and the construction is approximately 63% complete.

• Timeline: current phase expected to be completed by winter 2026 or spring 2027
• Cost: $7,264,127
• Funding source: Fund 245 – Drainage Fee

• Timeline: construction is expected to begin in mid to late July
• Cost: $750,000
• Funding source: certificates of obligation, Streets Capital Improvement Project Funds

As a part of the expansion of College Station’s Century Square, Tecovas, an Austin-based Western wear store, is slated to be the next big business in the area.

What’s happening: Century Square is currently undergoing an expansion of housing and retail space. With the relocation of Aerie and the construction of student-focused housing, along with the expansion of 5,000 square feet of public space, the square is positioning itself to offer luxury living and shopping.

Tecovas features luxury handmade Western wear, including boots, apparel and leather accessories for men and women. Tecovas had a presence in Bryan-College Station before the opening of its retail store, with the brand previously sold at the 6Whiskey boutique. 

The first retail location in Bryan-College Station will be next to Grass Stains Boutique and across from Kendra Scott, according to Century Square’s Instagram.

What’s next: According to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing, the construction of Tecovas is set to cost $700,000 and be completed in October.

• Opening in October
• 155 Century Court, Suite 109, College Station

Need to catch up on news from the past week in the Bryan-College Station area? Check out these five stories.

1. College Station narrowly passes ordinance allowing vehicle sales in Wolf Pen Creek District

2. ‘Sense of pride in your community’: College Station parks boast 3M+ visitors in 2025

3. Blinn among 4 Texas community colleges honored for theater program

4. How College Station’s ‘oldest independent Christian bookstore in Texas’ supports mission over longevity

5. Bryan City Council votes to amend solar energy compensation, hoping to create equitable prices

Gov. Greg Abbott named Robert S. Howden, one of his senior advisers and his office's legislative director, as Texas' 116th secretary of state effective July 18. Howden will succeed Secretary of State Jane Nelson, who resigned effective July 17 more than three years after she took office.

As the state's chief elections officer, Howden will be responsible for overseeing the application of Texas election laws and assisting local election officials. The secretary of state's office also manages business records, government rules and regulations, and other official duties.

Following Abbott's appointment, Howden must be confirmed for the position by at least two-thirds of the Texas Senate. The state Legislature's next regular session will begin in January.