Lamar CISD officials said achieving its 95% average full-time positions through competitive pay and career advancement opportunities offered through the district helps the district foster student success amid enrollment spikes.

Chief Human Resources Officer Julia Andrews outlined the district's current staffing landscape, recruitment efforts and retention strategies that have resulted in the district's 11.5% turnover rate— nearly half of the state’s 20% rate. 

“These priorities form the foundation of our recruitment and retention strategy, ensuring that we not only attract the right people to [LCISD] but also create conditions that help them thrive and grow with us,” she said.

What's being done: In addition to maintaining a competitive pay structure, which positions LCISD among the top starting salaries in the Houston area, the district wants employees to have career pathways for advancement to position the district as a long-term career destination.

Moving forward: To address substitute shortages at secondary campuses, HR is proposing daily rate increases of $25 for sixth through eighth grade and $35 for high school for the 2026-27 budget cycle.

Willow Fork Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Katy is closing soon.

What they offer: The special care center offers memory care, respite care and companion living service for seniors suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The center uses the "Meaningful Moments" approach—in which staff try to engage residents emotionally, physically, mentally, socially and spiritually to create meaning and bond caregivers to the resident.

• 24024 Westheimer Parkway, Katy

Fort Bend County will see two new district court judges begin their terms in December.

The big picture: Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Richard “Rick” Bell of Richmond and Mark Hanna of Sugar Land for the 501st and 502nd Judicial District Courts, respectively, the governor’s office announced in a Nov. 24 news release.

The appointment comes after Abbott signed House Bill 16 to add the two new courts Sept. 17, following the second special session, Community Impact reported. The courts will bring the county’s total number of district courts to 10.

The background: Bell previously served as the associate judge for Richmond’s 387th District Court, while Hanna served as the associate judge for the county’s 458th Judicial District Court.

Looking ahead: The terms will begin Dec. 1 and expire Dec. 31, 2026, per the release.

Harris Health officials are one step closer to completion as part of its multi-year, multi-phase initiative to open a new $60 million operations center in the Texas Medical Center. 

Marking a milestone: A final steel beam was placed Nov. 11 at the facility, marking the topping off at the Holly Hall Operations Center, located at 2525 Holly Hall St., Houston.

The four-story, approximately 145,275-square-foot facility is projected to open in late 2026 and support the county healthcare system’s pharmacy and emergency medical services, according to officials. 

What's being done: Pharmacy operations will be consolidated into the new center, according to Harris Health Media Relations Specialist John Martinez. 

“It will feature new automation systems and technology to support current and future pharmacy needs for Harris Health, a centralized sterile compounding and inventory central distribution services to maximize economies of scale, enhance cost-effectiveness and improve operational efficiency,” Martinez said in an email. 

The cost: Funding for the facility is coming from Harris Health's operational budget, Martinez said.

• 2525 Holly Hall St., Houston

The 76th annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will be celebrated Nov. 27 at 9 a.m. in Downtown Houston this year. Hundreds of thousands of patrons are expected to gather for the event, officials said.

The celebration: Here is what visitors need to know before heading to Houston.

• Date and time: Nov. 27, 9 a.m.
• Starting location: the corner of Lamar and Smith Street
• Cost: free to the public, or $33 per ticket for reserved seating