DTX-DEN: Impact 10/6/2025

To address a projected $15 million shortfall in the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, Denton ISD officials have called a voter-approval tax rate election that will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The gist: If approved, the tax rate increase is expected to generate around $26.91 million in new revenue for the district, which would result in a projected surplus of more than $11 million. With the additional funding, district officials plan to earmark funds to support costs associated with instruction, district operations, general administration and other services.

What they're saying: “What was very important to us as we worked with our 1925 committee was to hit the tipping points that would help us balance back out, contribute to our fund balance, take care of what we need and not overburden [taxpayers] unnecessarily,” DISD Superintendent Susannah O’Bara said.

Family entertainment business, Launch Entertainment, plans to open in Denton’s Golden Triangle Mall early next year, according to a spokesperson.

What they offer: The business will offer full-family entertainment, including arcade games, indoor trampolines, duckpin bowling and obstacle courses, per a news release. The location will also include the brand’s Krave restaurant and bar that serves food and beverages, including pizzas, nachos and wings.

What they're saying: “Bringing Launch to Denton is about creating a space where kids, parents, and friends can make lasting memories together,” franchisee Satwinderpal Singh said in the news release.

• 2201 S. I-35, Denton

The 20th annual Sounds of the Stadium, which features Denton ISD student musicians, took place at the C.H. Collins Athletic Complex Oct. 1.

What you need to know: The event allows middle school ensembles to showcase their talents by playing in the stands and bands from the district’s four high schools, Braswell, Denton, Guyer and Ryan, putting on a marching band production on the complex’s field. The final performance featured The University of North Texas’ Green Brigade playing a finale alongside all four high school bands, according to a DISD news release.

• 1500 Long Road, Denton

Construction crews have completed three out of the seven phases in the city of Denton’s Bonnie Brae Street renovation project, Capital Improvement Projects Director Seth Garcia said.

Some background: Phases 3 and 6 of the seven-phase project are currently under construction, and phases 1, 2 and 4A are complete, Garcia said.

The project will add water mains, wastewater and stormwater drains, as well as two additional lanes to the street, making it into a four-lane road, starting from Vintage Boulevard up through US 77, to accommodate increased traffic.

What you need to know: North Texas residents can celebrate the fall season with the city of Denton's monthlong Halloween extravaganza. Here are eight events to check out this October. This list is not comprehensive.

Denton Haunts ghost walk
The Denton Haunts ghost walk offers a 1.5-hour evening tour through downtown Denton where guests can hear local ghost stories.

• Oct. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25; 7:30-9 p.m.
• $30 (ticket)
• 110 W. Hickory St., Denton