Q&A: Robyn Hughes, Conroe ISD's director of child nutrition, discusses the importance of healthy school meals
Conroe ISD's director of child nutrition Robyn Hughes spoke July 28 with Community Impact about her role in the district and its Child Nutrition Department.
Learn more: The following is needed for the application process for free and reduced lunches in CISD:
The names and incomes of every member of the household
The school, grade and birth date of every student in the household
The applicant's Social Security number and electronic signature
A valid email address or phone number for district communication about the status of the application
Notable quote: "I think that good nutrition is the foundation for [a] long, healthy life, and you have to start at a young age," Hughes said. "And so, if children are properly nourished, they're going to be more focused and ready to learn, and so [I am] passionate about making sure that every student has the access to nutritious meals and that they can support learning."
PREVIEW: Montgomery County to discuss new criminal district court, Conroe traffic signal upgrades
Montgomery County Commissioners Court is set to meet Aug. 26 to consider items, including the creation of a new criminal district court and a potential interlocal agreement with the city of Conroe to improve traffic signal systems.
What you need to know: According to the agenda, commissioners will consider, discuss and potentially take action on entering into an interlocal agreement with the city of Conroe for the installation and maintenance of Intelligent Transportation Systems. The systems would be used to enhance traffic signal operations throughout the city, per the agenda.
The court will also discuss the possible establishment of a new criminal district court. Details on the proposed court, including its scope and funding, were not outlined in agenda documents.
Also on the agenda: Commissioners will consider accepting an advance funding agreement between the county and the Texas Department of Transportation for a fiber connections project.
Another agenda item calls for approval of an interlocal cooperation contract between Montgomery County and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
Lone Star College appoints retired veteran to newly created position
Lone Star College System has appointed retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. David J. Yebra as its inaugural chief veterans officer, effective Sept. 1, according to a news release.
The gist: Yebra will lead system-wide efforts to support veteran and military-affiliated students at Lone Star College System, according to a news release. He will work with internal, community, military and industry partners to expand educational access, enhance veteran success and strengthen engagement across campuses, according to the news release.
Quote of note: “I’m honored to join Lone Star College System and continue my life’s work supporting those who have served our country,” Yebra said.
H-GAC launches regional clean air survey, public meetings
The Houston-Galveston Area Council is inviting residents to help shape the future of clean air and climate action through a new survey and a series of public meetings beginning Aug. 27, according to an Aug. 22 news release.
The Regional Clean Air, Healthy Communities Survey will collect input on strategies to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions across transportation, energy, industry, waste and land use, per the release. Community feedback will guide the Regional Clean Air Action Plan, a roadmap for improving air quality and public health through 2050.
What you need to know: According to the release, the plan is funded by a $1 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant. Residents can take the survey online through Oct. 31, and a series of public meetings will be held across the region.
Fort Bend County: 5:30-7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 27 at Missouri City Branch Library, 1530 Texas Parkway, Missouri City
13-County Focus (Hybrid): 11 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, Sept. 16 at H-GAC, 3555 Timmons Lane, Houston, or join online
University of Houston expands behavioral health programs to meet workforce demand
In response to the growing demand for behavioral health professionals across Texas and the nation, the University of Houston is expanding its academic offerings in Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, an evidence-based therapy most commonly used to support individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
“Our goal is to train highly skilled individuals so they come out of our programs and can provide really effective treatment for our diverse community and our learners with autism and developmental disabilities,” Charlotte Carp, program director and a board-certified behavior analyst, said in an Aug. 14 news release.
Programs are available online and in person at the UH Katy campus.
Zooming out: The timing of this expansion aligns with a significant surge in demand for certified behavior analysts, per the release. This summer, Community Impact reported on the rise of ABA centers in Katy, Sugar Land, Missouri City,Cypress, Tomball and Magnolia, where many clinical providers cited staffing demands as many public school districts see a rise in autism diagnoses.
DATA: Greater Houston single-family home sales rise 9% year over year
The Greater Houston area housing market is entering a “more balanced and sustainable” period as of July according to a report from the Houston Association of Realtors.
The details: Despite a slight decrease in regional housing affordability in the second quarter of 2025, the Greater Houston area housing area market saw a significant increase in year over year home sales according to the July housing inventory report from HAR. The number of active single-family home listings jumped from 46,629 in July 2024 to 61,144 in July 2025, a 31.1% increase in homes on the market.
In their words: “The rising inventory levels have led to modest price adjustments by sellers,” HAR Chair Shae Cottar said. “While some homeowners are adjusting their expectations, many homes are still attracting solid offers. This is a good indicator that the Houston market continues to be in a relatively healthy and balanced spot.”
