The Tomball ISD trustees reviewed updates for a proposed virtual cybersecurity program in partnership with Sam Houston State University. The online program would allow students to earn an associate degree or 60 transferable college credits.

What parents should know: A community survey of local seventh and eighth grade parents showed over 80% combined were somewhat to extremely interested. Top parent interests included virtual flexibility and a full comprehensive pathway, while concerns focused on student workload, socialization and academic support.

The framework: To address these concerns, the program framework includes:

• A requirement of 240 flexible minutes per day on materials or one-on-one sessions.

• A requirement of at least 80% unit mastery to move forward.

• Support from nine professionals, including seven teachers, a success coach and a facilitator.

• In-person "live interaction" intervention support for students who fall behind.

The cost: First-year revenue is estimated at $372,900 if 60 students are admitted, leaving the district with $22,110 after expenses. If only 30 students are admitted, the district faces a first-year deficit of $22,695.

The Tomball window replacement business Renewal by Andersen celebrated its 20th anniversary on Oct. 1.

Two-minute impact: Owned and operated by Bob Birner, the company was founded in 2006 after Birner finished his career with the Marine Corps. Birner comes from a long line of homebuilders, and home improvement has been part of his family's legacy since the 1960s.

Since its founding, the business has achieved the following milestones:

• It has grown to over 175 employees.

• It has reached an estimated $60 million in revenue.

Birner and his umbrella company, The BORO Group, plan to expand the business with a new Renewal by Andersen location in Corpus Christi in 2027.

Tomball High School Astronomy and Earth Science teacher Jessica Schilder was accepted into the Space for Teachers Embedded Teacher Program. Through this program, she will participate in a zero-gravity research flight experiment in France.

About the program: Schilder and a cohort of 12 teachers prepared for the program at the Center for Space Research in Austin. Schilder will travel to Bordeaux, France, on Nov. 17, with the zero-gravity experiment scheduled to begin on Nov. 20. The experiment will test the effects of zero gravity on conduction and the rising of heat. The teachers will fly on an Airbus A310 aircraft that will complete a series of parabolas to simulate 6 minutes of weightlessness.

Schilder, who has been teaching for 10 years, also participates in other science programs, including Project Lead The Way and a student club called Astro Engineering. She noted that her students have been among her biggest motivators as she prepares for the flight.

Motorists should expect traffic delays near George Bush Intercontinental Airport due to ongoing road work scheduled through Oct. 16, according to a Houston Airport System traffic advisory.

What's changed: The construction is causing the following disruptions and changes:

• Fewer open lanes are available on southbound JFK Boulevard near the airport's Marriott hotel, with work occurring near Terminals A and B.

• Drivers leaving Terminals A and B are advised to allow extra travel time and follow detour signs toward Will Clayton Parkway.

• Law enforcement officers will be onsite to assist with traffic flow.

Some context: The road work is being done to prepare the airport for the Oct. 22 unveiling of its newly expanded Terminal B. The expansion, a project that broke ground in November 2023, is a $2.55 billion partnership with United Airlines. Terminal B North is scheduled to open this fall, and Terminal B South is projected to be completed in early 2028.