Allen ISD officials approved purchases for new instructional materials and network infrastructure upgrades during a recent meeting.

The gist: Allen ISD’s board of trustees approved more than $888,802 for the purchase of instructional materials during an April 27 meeting. Materials are being purchased for algebra and geometry classes in fifth grade through eighth grade, according to a district document.

Materials were selected and recommended by a selection committee made up of campus and district staff, said Jennifer Wilhelm, assistant superintendent of Learner Services.

“Opportunities were provided for teachers, parents and community members to review and provide feedback to the committee prior to making a final recommendation for selection,” she said.

Also on the agenda: Board members also approved purchases related to upgrading the district’s network infrastructure at specific schools. Board members approved up to $326,601 for the purchase of uninterruptible power supply units and up to $1,263,588 for making network upgrades at specific schools. 

GameStop is closing its Allen location this spring, according to signage posted at the business.

The details: The store sold Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch games and systems, as well as baseball cards, Pokemon cards, toys, plushies, clothing and accessories, per its website.

• 816 W. McDermott Drive, Ste. 328, Allen

Stay informed on five road projects happening around Dallas-Fort Worth.

Collin County
Spring Creek Corridor intersection improvements
Project: The Spring Creek Corridor will receive additional turning lanes, new concrete pavement, barrier-free ramp reconstruction, sidewalk replacements and signal modifications in Plano.

Update: The southbound right lane from SH 121 to 800 feet south of Headquarters Drive will be closed. The project is in final design and is awaiting property acquisition before construction can move forward. Public Works Community Investment Program Manager Drew Zaeske said construction is estimated to be completed in the second quarter of 2029.

• Timeline: May 2026-May 2029

• Cost: $8 million

• Funding source: city of Plano

Tarrant County
Lipscomb Street and Forest Street
Project: The outline for the work is replacing the waterline, sanitary sewer lines, storm drainage and adding sidewalks, according to city documents.

Update: The project has a contract completion date by the end of May.

• Timeline: June 2025-May 2026

• Cost: $1.5 million

• Funding sources: city of Grapevine, Tarrant County

Several new restaurants have recently opened across the Dallas-Fort Worth area including smoothie bowl shop Playa Bowls in Allen, Tex-Mex restaurant Cristina’s in Keller, Mediterranean eatery Sheesh Kitchen in Frisco, craft brewery Odd Muse in Plano, dessert shop Ciao Sweets and Gelato in Richardson, and Indian fast-casual concept Madras Mojo in McKinney.