HTX-PLF: Impact 8/13/2026

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Pearland expands public school options for families

Pearland’s charter school presence began in 2019 with Horizon Montessori, followed by International Leadership of Texas’ Pearland campus, which opened for the 2024-25 school year.

What's new: Construction began in July on Harmony Public Schools’ first Pearland campus, which is an open-enrollment charter elementary school set to open for the 2027-28 school year. The 825-student pre-K through fifth grade campus is the first phase of a broader plan that includes an adjacent intermediate and high school campus expected to open for the 2030-31 school year.

What parents should know: Traditional independent school districts and open-enrollment charter schools are both part of Texas’ public education system and free to attend at the point of service—but they differ in educational models and structure.

Measuring the impact: While charter campuses have expanded in Pearland since 2019, district officials say the growth has not yet had a significant or sustained impact on Pearland ISD or Alvin ISD enrollment.

Learn more.

Latest Education News

Friendswood ISD proposes lower tax rate for FY 2026-27

Friendswood ISD homeowners could see a lower school tax rate for fiscal year 2026-27 compared to last year, following a budget proposal presented to the board of trustees at its Aug. 10 meeting.

What you need to know: The district is proposing a tax rate of $1.0249 per $100 valuation of a home for FY 2026-27, documents show. Based on that rate, a homeowner with a median homestead taxable value of $424,611 would have an estimated annual property tax bill of about $4,350, budget documents show.

What's next: Trustees are scheduled to hold a public hearing ahead of adopting the proposed FY 2026-27 budget and tax rate at 6:45 p.m. Aug. 24 in the FISD boardroom, located at 402 Laurel Drive, Friendswood.

Find out more.

Metro News

Houston Airport System unveils renovated IAH Executive Club

The Executive Club at George Bush Intercontinental Airport has recently completed a full renovation, Houston Airport System officials announced in an Aug. 4 news release.

What's new: Operated by SSP America, the IAH Executive Club debuted a new modern look this summer featuring new furniture, fresh paint, updated decor and redesigned seating areas. Per the release, the lounge also features a central food and beverage area that includes buffet service and a dedicated bar.

Additional amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, a meeting room and televisions, snacks, beverages and reading material.

Who it's for: Located on Level 2 of Terminal D near Gate D12, IAH's Executive Club serves qualifying international passengers flying with British Airways, Emirates and EVA Airlines. Qualified passengers will note access to the IAH Executive Club on their boarding pass, per the release.