Oak Ridge North will hold a public hearing for its fiscal year 2026-27 tax rate Aug. 24, which will be an increase from the current rate of $0.4268 per $100 valuation, per a decision made at the Aug. 10 City Council meeting.

Breaking it down: While the staff recommendation is to set the proposed total property tax rate at $0.4615 per $100 valuation, City Manager Heather Neeley said at the meeting that if the council sets the public hearing for a rate no higher than $0.5327 per $100 valuation, they can reduce it to the recommended amount at that time. However, if it proposes a higher amount now, it cannot go any higher at the public hearing.

The tax rate is made of two portions—a maintenance and operations rate, and an interest sinking, or debt service, rate.

FY 2026-27 tax rate options per $100 valuation:

• The no-new-revenue rate: $0.2927
• Voter approval rate: $0.3962
• Recommended M&O rate: $0.3250

Kumon Math and Reading Center of The Woodlands West will mark 15 years in business this fall, offering an after-school program for students age 3 and older in math and reading.

Owners Luis Contreras and Birgit Hess said the program helps students build a strong foundation in math and reading as well as to develop work skills like discipline and self-esteem.

The center also offers Kumon Connect, allowing students to complete homework with a tablet.
 

• 8000 McBeth Way, Ste. 155, The Woodlands

Fall into the new season this Aug. 26-Sept. 27 with Community Impact’s events guide featuring festivities across The Woodlands area.

All events are subject to change, and this list is not comprehensive.

Prevailing HOPE Luncheon
Child Advocates of Montgomery County are holding the inaugural Prevailing HOPE: A Gathering for Good luncheon. The event is focused on uplifting children in crisis and features keynote speaker Amelia Rose Earhart.

• Aug. 26, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

• $175 (individual ticket), sponsorship levels vary

• 1737 Sawdust Road, The Woodlands

Young Makers Market
Attendees can shop original artisan pieces and crafts in this mini-arts festival dedicated to empowering student artists grades 3-12. The event is produced by The Woodlands Arts Council.

• Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Free (entry)

• 9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands

The Texas Education Agency released public school accountability ratings for the 2025-26 school year on Aug. 14.

"We use [A-F ratings] as a way to evaluate our own performance as adults, and then build action plans so that the way that we run our schools next year can be even better than last year," Education Commissioner Mike Morath said during an Aug. 14 news conference.

The overview: Across the state, 85% of campuses received a C rating or higher, which is considered “acceptable" academic performance.

Schools are rated based on three criteria: student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps.

Zooming in: At least one district, Austin ISD, is at risk of being taken over by the TEA after two of its middle school campuses received their fifth consecutive failing grades this year. State law requires the agency to shutter those campuses or take control of the district.

Any potential state-mandated closures or takeovers will not happen immediately, as districts with concerns about their ratings have through Sept. 11 to appeal scores to the TEA.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage this week? Check out these trending stories across the northern portion of the Greater Houston area from Aug. 7-14

1. Sam Houston State University announces new name for College of Osteopathic Medicine in Conroe

2. Bristol Myers Squibb selects Generation Park for new $2.3B manufacturing campus

3. Magnolia traffic detour began Aug. 10 ahead of the school year

4. Studio 3113 Modern Needlework opens store for crafters in The Woodlands

5. Facing $178M shortfall, Harris County approves raises, funding for independent ICE investigation

6. Tim Horton's to open along Barker Cypress Road in August

7. Houston Airport System unveils renovated IAH Executive Club