Renovations to Allen ISD’s Curtis Middle School could start as soon as April, according to a district news release.

What’s happening: The Allen ISD board of trustees approved a total cost of $58.4 million for renovations to the school during a Dec. 15 meeting. The project, designed by VLK Architects and managed by Balfour Beatty will update mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems while improving areas like the cafeteria, library and administrative offices.

Renovations will be funded by the 2024 bond proposal which includes more than $320 million for renovations to multiple schools across the districts.

Assistant Superintendent Brent Benningfield said the renovation project will bring a “massive redesign of the building” that officials have been planning for over a year.

About the project: Renovations could start as soon as April once the construction contract is finalized. Construction will start with the auxiliary gym before moving onto the cafeteria, library and administrative wing in the summer. The school’s academic wings and other areas will follow in a rotating schedule.

A Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop is coming soon to the Allen Premium Outlets, according to a news release.

What you need to know: The retailer offers Dallas Cowboys-themed merchandise, such as hats, t-shirts, drinkware and more. The business also has a location in Frisco at 5 Cowboys Way, Ste. 100.

• 820 Stacy Road, Ste. 312, Allen

Two candidates have filed to run for seats on the Allen ISD board of trustees in the May election since the filing period opened Jan. 14.

The current situation: Two seats on the board are up for election in May:

• Allen ISD board of trustees, Place 6
• Allen ISD board of trustees, Place 7

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen reached 25 years of operation Dec. 30, a hospital spokesperson said.

The gist: The hospital offers a variety of services including emergency care, cardiovascular care, family planning, orthopedics, rehabilitation and more, according to its website.

Quote of note: “This milestone represents the dedication of caregivers who have shaped Texas Health Allen into the trusted, award-winning hospital it is today,” Hospital President Amanda Thrash said in an emailed statement. “For 25 years, we’ve focused on expanding services, embracing innovation and meeting the growing needs of our community—and we’re excited for what the future will bring.”

• 1105 N. Central Expressway, Allen

Anthony Blaylock said when he was a child growing up in west Philadelphia, he either wanted to become a corporate lawyer or own a Philly cheesesteak business.

“College didn't work out for me, so I ended up doing this,” Blaylock said. “Very few people get a chance to live their dream. I thank the Lord, God Jehovah I was able to live my dream. If I die tomorrow, I had a great life.”

On the menu: Blaylock said his top three selling menu items are their mushroom cheesesteak, Philly cheesesteak and the Philly cheesesteak with bell peppers.

• 740 S. Greenville Ave., Ste. 400, Allen

Texas families can soon apply to receive state funds for private education or homeschooling under the state’s new education savings account program, known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts.

What's happening: The application opens at 9 a.m. Feb. 4 and is designed to be completed in about 15 minutes, according to the state comptroller’s office. Families can apply through 11:59 p.m. March 17.

Parents must submit information about their family's residency, household income, their children's educational history and each child's special education status, if applicable.

The details: To be eligible for the program, students must:

• Reside in Texas
• Be U.S. citizens or lawful residents
• Be eligible to attend a Texas public school, open-enrollment charter school or pre-K program