Austin ISD has completed all requirements under an agreement with the Texas Education Agency after three years of work on improving special education services. This means the district has been released from state oversight.

The background: In September 2023, AISD officials accepted a proposal from the TEA for a state-appointed monitor. The agency had found as of March 20, 2023, the district had more than 1,800 special education evaluations overdue, meaning 1,800 students were awaiting potential access to accommodations at school.

AISD Superintendent Matias Segura said the goal was reach 100% compliance with the order. The district reached this goal in December and has since maintained it, he said Feb. 17.

What's next: District officials said during the news conference that "sustainability" and "maintaining momentum" is the goal as they move ahead and that this accomplishment is "not a finish line."

Nick Ford and Wade McElroy of Rocco’s will open neighborhood sushi bar Kinsho off Rainey Street in Austin in March, the first-ever dedicated sushi restaurant on the street.

On the menu: Kinsho will offer an a la carte menu, as well as an omakase option. The restaurant will feature an 18-seat sushi bar where chef Victor Gonzales, who has spent time at Uchiko and Lucky Robot, will guide guests through chef-chosen courses.

Quote of note: “Rainey [Street] continues to be one of the most dynamic areas of Austin,” McElroy said in a news release. “Kinsho is meant to be a true neighborhood sushi bar, easy for Rainey [Street] residents to enjoy often, and inviting to Austinites from all over the city.”

• 51 Rainey St., Ste. 140A, Austin

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority published a draft version of the MoPac South environmental assessment Feb. 13, a project that could bring express lanes in each direction along a section of MoPac South. 

The gist: The project aims to improve traffic and travel times through the implementation of two new toll lanes between Cesar Chavez and Slaughter Lane. The draft reflects the Recommended Build Alternative 2C plan, or the "express lane alternative," which includes two express lanes with elevated ramps near Barton Skyway.

Get involved: The extended comment period for the assessment will begin March 9 and remain open through May 3.

Project officials will hold a virtual public hearing during this period. An in-person public hearing will take place March 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Bowie High School, where participants will also be able to watch a prerecorded video, view exhibits, speak to the project team and submit comments.

Rollingwood and West Lake Hills city officials held a meeting with Mobility Authority officials in December to address concerns about the proposed plan.

From a neighborhood amenity center to a new aircraft hangar and more, here are five of the most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. Pflugerville: A 30,875-square-foot aircraft hangar with offices will be constructed at the Austin Executive Airport.

2. Round Rock: The Islamic Center of Round Rock will construct a two-floor worship assembly.

3. Cedar Park: Crestline at Brushy Creek, a new community in Cedar Park, is building a neighborhood pool, pool house and parking lot totaling 1,684 square feet.

4. Leander: Baltimore, Md.-based Highway 29 Commercial will construct an 11,261-square-foot shell building. Leander Technology Park, a 50-acre community, will support 13 buildings with approximately 230,000 square feet of space, according to St. John Properties.

5. Bastrop: The breakfast and lunch chain will launch its Bastrop spot within the upcoming development, Sendero. The Toasted Yolk Cafe offers a variety of meals across its breakfast, brunch and lunch menus.