HTX-KTY: Impact 10/23/2025

At an Oct. 21 meeting, Fulshear City Council set a new timeline for staggered council terms following the approval of new district maps in mid-September.

The new maps will require an election for all council seats, including the mayor, in May 2026.

How we got here: The new terms follow City Council approval of redistricting after a study conducted by law firm Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP showed the city has nearly doubled its population since the 2020 census.

Zooming in: Goodlander said city officials prioritized allowing positions up for election earlier this year to not have to run again in 2027.

According to agenda documents, four seats will be up for election again in 2027, including:

• Mayor
• At-Large Position 2
• District 3
• District 5

Launched in September, Lamar CISD’s Bring Your Own Laptop pilot initiative aims to support high school students enrolled in Advanced Placement, dual credit and dual enrollment courses, amid a statewide personal device ban on campus grounds.

By the numbers: So far, 1,604 students have been authorized to use their personal laptops, said Monica Baines, director of advanced academics and college and career readiness. While most students are adhering to the rules amid updated policies, officials emphasized consistent enforcement and personal responsibility.

The feedback: From a district-administered survey of 30 AP and dual credit teachers across all high schools, Baines said most reported positive outcomes, citing improved access and fewer instructional disruptions.

Additionally, Baines said some teachers noted challenges with the reliability of district devices, making BYOL a helpful supplement. 

Moving forward: In September, LCISD Board President Jacci Hotzel said if approved, the 2025 bond could make personal devices in classrooms unnecessary.

Big Blue Swim School has opened its second Houston-area location in Katy.

What they offer: The school, which focuses on safety, distance and endurance, provides lessons for children from three months to 12-years-old, Area Manager Payton Minnick said. The company also offers adult lessons.

Zooming out: The Chicago-based chain has 50 locations with two more coming to the Houston area, including Magnolia and Kingwood in 2026, Minnick said.

• 29907 Jordan Crossing Blvd., Ste. 200, Katy

In November, Harris County Commissioners Court will consider a worksite safety policy proposal seeking to standardize safety protocols countywide in order to reduce injuries and strengthen worker protections on authorized construction sites. 

By the numbers: Workplace injuries in 2021 cost $167 billion and amounted to $47.4 billion in wage and productivity losses, according to a 2024 report from a Houston-based Occupational Safety and Health Administration training organization.

The experts: Linda Morales is the organizing coordinator at the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation. Harris County’s current contractor safety record policy is taken into account during the bidding process, Morales said, where contractor and subcontractors must show a proven safety record that complies with industry standards.

In their words: “What it does is that it helps prevent habitual violators of health and safety standards from operating on Harris County projects, but what they don’t have is a policy that addresses real-time safety issues that arise on county projects," Morales said.