The big picture: The McKinney ISD board of trustees approved a waiver application to ask the Texas Education Agency to delay the requirement that all district teachers must be certified at a Feb. 16 meeting.

House Bill 2, which Texas lawmakers passed during the 2025 legislative session, prohibits districts from hiring uncertified educators to teach core subjects, such as math, English, social studies and science.

The details: House Bill 2 prohibits uncertified teachers in reading and math classrooms for kindergarten through fifth grade for the 2026-27 school year, said Shelly Spaulding, MISD’s assistant superintendent of public relations, communications and support services. The law will apply to all core subjects, including science, social studies and English/language arts, in the 2027-28 school year.

To comply with this legislation in future school years, MISD is partnering with Indiana Wesleyan University and teaching certification program Teachworthy to help teachers work toward certification, Spaulding said.

A new restaurant called Shorty’s is coming soon to the downtown McKinney square, co-owner Bryan McVay said.

The gist: Shorty’s menu will include hot dogs, smash burgers, and a variety of sandwiches. The restaurant will also serve cocktails, wine and beer, according to its website.

Also of note: Bryan McVay said he hopes to celebrate and share McKinney’s history through the restaurant.

• 109 N. Kentucky St., McKinney

Looking for something fun to do in McKinney this month? Check out these 12 events.

Festival of Colors: Inspired by the ancient Indian festival of Holi, the Festival of Colors is a family-friendly experience featuring live music and DJs, traditional and contemporary dance performances, color throws, cultural showcases, food vendors and activities for all ages.

• March 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• $10 (ticket)
• Myers Park, 7117 CR 166, McKinney

• March 10, 11 a.m.-noon
• Free (admission)
• 200 W. Virginia St., McKinney

• March 14, 8 a.m.
• $30 (registration)
• 1405 Wilson Creek Parkway, McKinney

Victoria in McKinney, a senior community project, recently opened in East McKinney.

What they offer: Amenities will include home health services that will be available to all residents, daily activities, workout classes and more.

• 153 Enterprise Drive, McKinney

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Don Horn is running against Pat Fallon in the Republican primary to compete in November for the U.S. House of Representatives District 4 seat.

What voters should know: The winner in March will face the winner of the Democratic primary in November. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. The questions include:

• What would your top priorities be if you are elected? 
• Why are you running for this position?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the cities in your district?

Jason Pearce is running against Andrew L. Rubell in the Democratic primary to compete in November for the U.S. House of Representatives District 4 seat.

What voters should know: The winner in March will face the winner of the Republican primary in November. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. The questions include:

What would your top priorities be if you are elected? 
Why are you running for this position?
What are the biggest challenges facing the cities in your district?

Dates to know: Early voting began Feb. 17, and election day is March 3.

The overview: Dallas-Fort Worth residents can expect to see mixed-use developments continue to drive residential and commercial growth across the region, local real estate leaders say.

Community Impact Founder and CEO John Garrett sat down with local real estate experts for a panel discussion Feb. 17 for the company’s first InCIder Hour event in Dallas-Fort Worth.

The panel included Michael Ortiz from Pogue Construction, Laura Blackstock from The Cheney Group and Jay Nelson from Rimosa Real Estate Services.

More details: To learn more about The InCIder reader membership program and support Community Impact’s mission, click here.