From STAAR scores to campus improvements and more, check out the top 10 San Marcos CISD stories of the year.

1. San Marcos CISD faces current enrollment decline, projected growth in future: The projected increases come despite the district facing a shorter-term enrollment decline starting in 2023, students transferring out and other factors impacting enrollment.

2. Hays County school districts adopt FY 2025-26 budgets; all-staff raises on hold: School district officials in Hays County have adopted their district budgets for fiscal year 2025-26, following months-long discussions on how to manage funds.

3. Mendez Elementary breaks ground at site of new campus building: The new San Marcos CISD campus building is expected to be completed June 2026 in order to open for the August 2026-27 school year.

4. San Marcos CISD earns C in TEA A-F ratings, shows year-over-year gains: San Marcos CISD scored 76 of 100 possible points in the Texas Education Agency’s 2024-25 accountability ratings released Aug. 15.

San Marcos has another fast food option following the recent opening of McDonald's at Wonder World Drive. 

The breakdown: Construction began over the summer, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

The location offers amenities including a dual-lane drive-thru, kiosk with audio navigation, 24/7 online or in-person ordering and more.

• 185 Wonder World Drive, San Marcos

Read about businesses, restaurants and nonprofits that Community Impact highlighted this year.

1. Austin Salt Cave brings halotherapy, wellness options to South Austin: Owner Kyle Nigro and manager Mallory Ekhlassi hope to bring more wellness options to South Austin through halotherapy sessions, sound baths, yoga classes, workshops and more.

2. Austin nonprofit Urban Roots cultivates young leaders, local food access: The youth-centered nonprofit organization, aims to “grow young minds” to be leaders and give them opportunities to be part of a community-focused solution to local food access.

3. Andino Artisan Gelato serves up handmade family desserts in South Austin: Today, Bejarano owns and operates her own gelato business alongside her husband, Carlos Bejarano, and their sons.

4. Summer Revival brings healthful hometown dining to Dripping Springs: In a growing city like Dripping Springs, healthful eatery Summer Revival aims to build community through serving familiar foods with fresh twists.

5. Austin toy shop Monkey See, Monkey Do! keeps "DIY funky vibe" alive in South Austin: The toy shop reopened at 2810 Menchaca Road on May 2.