Applications have opened for Bright Futures Academy, a charter school for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, set to launch in the 2026-27 school year at Beasley Elementary in Lamar CISD.

The academy will also be open to students requiring intensive support and students needing special programming, according to the district's website.

The details: The charter school—a partnership between the district and nonprofit Lamar Legacy Partners—will serve students 3 years old to second grade with:

• Specialized classrooms tailored to sensory and behavioral needs
• Targeted communication and behavioral support
• A team that understands how to help children navigate the school day

A stretch of Texas Heritage Parkway in Fulshear will be fully closed as construction crews pour the bridge deck along the road.

Zooming in: Both the north and southbound directions of the parkway will be closed from 12 a.m. on Feb. 7 to 5 p.m. on Feb. 8, the city of Fulshear announced in a Feb. 2 Facebook post.

Westbound traffic will detour via Charger Way and Bois D' Arc Lane, while eastbound traffic will detour through Cross Creek Ranch, per the post. Off-duty police officers will be on site to assist with traffic.
 

Two Republican candidates are running for Fort Bend County district clerk in the upcoming March primary election.

What you need to know: The position is currently held by Democrat Beverley McGrew Walker, who is running for re-election in the Democratic primary.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.

Here's what we asked them:

• Why are you running for Fort Bend County district clerk?
• What are your qualifications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role?
• If elected, what will be your top priorities?
• What should the county's budgeting priorities be?
• How do you plan to continue preparing for population growth as the county nears 1 million residents?

Three Democratic candidates are running for Fort Bend County district clerk in the upcoming March primary election.

What you need to know: Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.

Here's what we asked them: 

• Why are you running for Fort Bend County district clerk?
• What are your qualifications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role?
• If elected, what will be your top priorities?
• What should the county's budgeting priorities be?
• How do you plan to continue preparing for population growth as the county nears one million residents?

Harris Health officials are one step closer in the process of acquiring nearly 9 acres of Hermann Park—also known as the Warnecke Tract—as part of a $410 million Ben Taub Hospital expansion at the Texas Medical Center after Harris County commissioners voted in favor of the March 19 formal public hearing date.

Quote of note: “None of this gives permission to just move forward with impunity,” Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia said. “Without creating consensus or at least making the effort to create consensus and dialogue.”

The gist: The unanimous vote at the Jan. 29 Commissioners Court meeting paves the way for Harris County to condemn approximately 8.9 acres of parkland for the proposed hospital expansion.

Zooming out: Public town hall meetings across the county have occurred since October, including in all four county precincts, discussing the hospital district’s proposal—a prospect that has raised concerns among some residents and community members.

Community Impact is now covering BCS, from growth and schools to business and city happenings.

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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