Bryan ISD officials are restructuring summer learning programs this year, consolidating campuses and adjusting staffing to improve efficiency while continuing to support students academically.

What's happening: District administrators said the district looked at past summer services to figure out how programs could operate more efficiently while still meeting student needs.

The specifics: One of the most noticeable changes is the consolidation of elementary summer school sites, moving from six campuses to two.

Rather than buses traveling across the entire district, Bryan ISD will split transportation service areas roughly in half.

These changes allow the district to use existing personnel while continuing during the summer session.

Items worth mentioning: Credit advancement will cost $100 per half credit, with a reduced $50 rate available for eligible students.

Before you go: Summer programs will run June 1-25, Monday through Thursday. Schedules vary by program and grade level.

Stella Southern Cafe was never supposed to be a breakfast hotspot, but thanks to a landlord’s request and community enthusiasm for biscuits and grits, a different kind of restaurant took shape, rooted in southern hospitality and the spirit of a beloved pick-up truck.

The backstory: At its inception, Michael envisioned Stella as a Southern market and deli, but pivoted after strong community interest and his landlord’s one stipulation for becoming a tenant: The restaurant had to serve breakfast.

Quote of note: “Mom always said that breakfast was the most important meal of the day, and I hope that means there is a huge opportunity to start someone’s day off with a positive impact,” owner and head chef Michael Lair said. “We like to say that we are a hospitality company that just happens to serve great food.”

Why it matters: Connecting with and supporting the local community is at the forefront of Stella’s operations, he said.

• 4040 Hwy. 6 frontage road, College Station

A recent analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows that the cities of College Station and Bryan have experienced population growth and overall growth velocity since 2020, per the Greater Brazos Partnership.

What to know: According to the new data, the region now ranks 100 out of 387 metropolitan statistical areas nationwide for total population increase, adding nearly 20,000 new residents since 2020. The region also secured the No. 65 ranking nationally for percentage growth rate, growing at 7.2% over the five-year period.

Quote of note: “This data proves that the Greater Brazos region isn't just growing, we are growing with purpose,” said Tom Johnson, CEO and president of the Greater Brazos Partnership.

Brazos County commissioners received an update at their March 24 meeting on the region’s groundwater supply, with officials emphasizing that while water remains available, long-term planning and public awareness will be key as population growth continues.

What you need to know: Alan Day, general manager of Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District, presented the district’s 2025 annual report during Commissioners Court, outlining how local aquifers are being monitored and managed for the next several decades.

According to the district, aquifers in the area remain stable and are expected to stay viable long term if current management practices continue.

Zooming in: A major focus of the presentation was encouraging residents with private wells to register them with the district.

What they're saying: Day said the district’s board prioritizes ensuring local water needs are met first before considering any outside water marketing or large-scale transfers.

Commissioners and Day also talked about hosting a future public meeting to help residents better understand how aquifers function and how groundwater is managed.