DTX-FHA: Impact 10/27/2025

The overview: The Argyle ISD board of trustees unanimously approved an incentive pay plan for bus drivers at an Oct. 20 meeting.

The proposed incentives and pay plan will cost the district $30,000 from the general operating fund, according to district documents. 

A closer look: Executive Director of District Operations Thomas Ledford said the district has faced challenges hiring and retaining bus drivers.

“It seems like as soon as we get close to getting ahead, something happens, and we lose a few drivers,” Ledford said.

Ledford said the district is currently five bus drivers short, and he thinks the incentives will help fill that gap.

The incentive pay plan includes:

• A $500 sign-on bonus after the first 90 days 
• A $250 referral bonus for current employees after the first 90 days for every new bus driver they bring on board
• Guaranteed six hours daily
• Pay starting at $24.50 per hour
• Benefits, including health insurance, retirement, paid training and holidays off

Pigtails and Crewcuts now offers children’s haircuts in Northlake Commons, according to a news release from the business.

The details: The salon has themed vehicle chairs, books, movies, video games and a variety of toys for children to play with while in the building. There is also a retail section with children’s hair products, accessories, gifts and ear piercing services, according to the release.  Pigtails and Crewcuts includes a sensory room for kids with sensory sensitivities, per the release.

Quote of note: “We love that Pigtails and Crewcuts offers services designed to meet the needs of all kids, including those with sensory sensitivities,” Co-owner Ziggy Watrous said in the release. “It’s so rewarding to give families a place where children can feel comfortable, safe and celebrated.”

• 1234 FM 407 Ste. 300, Northlake

Funding is in place for a trail construction project and the design for a sports field surface conversion in Flower Mound.

Council unanimously approved a little more than $347,292 for both projects as part of its consent agenda at the Oct. 20 meeting. Both projects will be funded through the town’s 2025 bond program, which was approved by voters in May.

The details: The two-phase trail construction project will take place at Shadow Ridge Park and includes a new multiuse looped trail through the area, according to town documents. The project will start at St. Francis Way extends to Lexington Crossing.

The project cost is $257,847, which will be covered by 2025 bond funds.

One more thing: Council members approved a professional services agreement with CEI Engineering Associates Inc. for the design work to convert one field from grass to artificial turf at the Chinn Chapel Soccer Complex.

The project’s cost is $89,445, and it will also be funded through the 2025 bond.

A traffic study conducted in 2023 will lead to improvements in traffic signals and pedestrian crossing at SH 114 and Championship Parkway, near the Texas Motor Speedway.

The estimated project is $5 million, with Denton County funding $3.5 million of it. The city of Fort Worth will use $1.5 million from tax increment reinvestment Zone No. 2 to pay for design and construction. Denton County will advertise, bid and award the contract for the work, according to city documents.

According to city documents, work will start Jan. 31, 2026, and will be completed no later than Jan. 1, 2028. There is a six-month option for an extension, if needed.

A closer look: According to city documents, pedestrian crossings will be added due to safety concerns for northbound and southbound traffic near the intersection across from Texas Motor Speedway. Championship Parkway leads to North Central Texas College’s Champions Circle location and to the Dallas/Fort Worth Marriott Hotel & Golf Club at Champions Circle.