Katy ISD is exploring new ways to assist its lowest-rated schools and most economically disadvantaged students.

The big picture: At an Oct. 26 meeting, the Katy ISD board of trustees approved staffing, stipends and incentives for its strategic school improvement framework designed to assist needs at select high need campuses.

“This is a leadership framework that’s designed to accelerate student achievement at our highest need campuses,” Chief Academic Officer Christine Caskey said at an Oct. 19 work study meeting.

The framework: Caskey said the new components to the framework are related to hiring a director of strategic support who would work with the assistant superintendent of leadership in overseeing the highest-need campuses, a master (lead) teacher stipend and a principal incentive allotment.

What happens next: Caskey said the district will be hiring for the director of strategic support position this school year, while the teacher stipend and the principal allotment will go into effect in the 2027-28 school year. 

Citrino Bakery and Cafe has opened in Katy, business representatives confirmed.

What they offer: The artisanal bakery and coffee shop offers several beverages including espressos and cappuccinos as well as pastries such as danishes, baguettes, croissants and cakes, according to its website.

• 5560 S. Peek Road, Katy

The Harris County Clerk's Office announced the U.S. Department of Justice intends to send federal election monitors to Harris County polls on Election Day, Nov. 3.

The details: The DOJ Civil Rights Division plans to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws, specifically Voting Rights Act provisions protecting voters from discrimination.

What you need to know: Key details regarding the federal monitors and voting locations include:

• Monitors are expected to wear everyday clothing and may ask voters about their experiences as they exit.

• Monitors may be stationed outside the 100-foot electioneering boundary.

• Guidance from the Secretary of State confirmed federal monitors are not permitted inside polling locations under Texas law.

• Voters can cast ballots at more than 600 locations in Harris County.

• Voters should not anticipate disruptions, as county election operations will proceed as scheduled.

Looking to catch up with Community Impact's coverage? Check out these six trending stories from Oct. 23-30.

• Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector Carmen P. Turner indicted

• City of Fulshear hears $520M Fulshear Town Square project proposal

• Luxury takes root in Houston

• Alvin ISD reviews TIRZ expiration, financial impact

• Houston Museum of Natural Science to launch new Marvel exhibit in December

• Ace Hardware coming to League City Parkway

Texans' last chance to vote in this year's midterm election is Nov. 3. Polling places across the state will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Election Day, according to the secretary of state's office.

What to expect: Dozens of races will appear on the ballot, from U.S. Senate and governor to local officials and propositions.

If a voter runs into an issue at the polls that cannot be immediately resolved, such as a lack of photo ID or an administrative error, they have the right to cast a provisional ballot, per state law. Some voters may be required to return to the local voter registrar's office by Nov. 9—six days after Election Day—to resolve the issue after voting.

Stay informed: Visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide to read Q&As with hundreds of candidates, find coverage of local propositions and print a custom sample ballot to bring to the polls.

After polls close at 7 p.m. Nov. 3, election results will be posted on the same webpage.