Mapping it out: Tomball ISD is reviewing a proposal for a Virtual Academy for Cybersecurity, a new Career and Technical Education program. If approved, the program is set to open for the 2027-28 school year. The fully online academy would be within Tomball Star Academy, with admission not expected to exceed 60 students. TISD is partnering with Sam Houston State University's Polytechnic College to allow students to earn an associate degree or 60 transferable college credits in cybersecurity or computer science alongside their diploma.

What to expect: The funding for the virtual program will be based on average daily attendance, with the cost per student estimated at $6,215 plus an additional $1,200 for CTE courses. The program would be open statewide, but TISD students will have priority. Students must maintain a C or above in all dual credit courses.

The TISD board will vote on the plan in October.

With the start of Lone Star College System’s fall semester Aug. 24, a new bachelor’s degree in education is now being offered at two centers.

The update: The Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching is now available at the LSC-Atascocita Center in northeast Houston and the LSC-Creekside Center in Tomball, a spokesperson for LSCS confirmed via email Sept. 9.

Students can graduate from the two-year program as teachers certified in early childhood education-third grade or early childhood education-sixth grade, as previously reported by Community Impact.

Quote of note: “There is a great need for professionals in this field, and we look forward to serving more students and helping prepare them for meaningful careers in early childhood education,” said Nadia Pickwoad, LSCS division operations manager of the Educator Preparation Program.

Candidates Letitia Plummer and Orlando Sanchez are running to lead Harris County government.

What you need to know: Plummer, a Democrat and Orlando, a Republican, will face off in November’s general election to become Harris County’s next judge. The judge oversees the Harris County Commissioners Court, which governs the county. The court and county judge are responsible for the about five million residents who live in Harris County.

Before you go: Early voting begins Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30, according to the Texas Secretary of State's website. Election day is Nov. 3 and polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Registered voters can cast their ballot at any polling location during early voting and election day.

According to the August monthly housing update from the Houston Association of Realtors, the number of single-family home sales has decreased by 11.5% across the Greater Houston region.

The breakdown: With the decrease in single-family home sales, affordability rates for home owners saw year over year growth for 22 of the last 25 months, HAR data shows. The nationwide growth rate stood at 15 out of the last 25 months.

When compared to single-family home sales in 2019, the 2026 market has seen a 20.1% decrease overall.

In their words: “Buyers have more options and more time to make decisions, while sellers continue to benefit from relatively stable prices," HAR Chair Theresa Hill with Compass RE Texas, LLC - Houston said. "That's a healthier environment for consumers and a positive sign for the long-term strength of our market.”