Richardson ISD is considering a $450,000 marketing investment to combat declining enrollment in the district. City staff presented plans for a “district awareness campaign” at the March 12 school board meeting that would involve a partnership with an outside agency and a multichannel marketing push.

The big picture: Richardson ISD enrollment has been in decline since 2020, a trend that is forecasted to continue for the next decade. Texas bases school funding on attendance, so one of the only ways to increase district funds is by increasing enrollment.

Quote of note: “The local ISD is no longer the monopoly. Families and parents have always had choices, and now they have more choices,” said Melissa Heller, assistant superintendent of strategy and engagement. “The traditional ISD communications teams are having to pivot.”

A closer look: District staff recommended that the district partner with an outside marketing agency and invest in a multichannel engagement strategy that could target potential families with customized advertising. RISD would need to enroll 75 new students to cover the total marketing cost.

Trinity Metro, Dallas Area Rapid Transit and Denton County Transportation Authority updated and created a more consistent pricing structure across partner agencies, which started March 1, according to a news release.

The regional one-day ticket price was lowered, while regional reduced fares have been adjusted as part of the alignment to ensure long-term consistency and sustainability in regional pricing, the news release states.

What’s happened: The updated fare is $9 for a one-day ticket, and the cost for monthly tickets is $192. The new reduced regional fare is $4.50 for a one-day ticket and $96 for a monthly ticket.

To purchase a reduced fare, customers must present valid identification, be between the ages of 5 to 19 years old or 65 years or older, or be a person with a disability or a Medicare cardholder, according to a news release.

The details: The agencies connect Fort Worth, Dallas and areas of Denton County, according to a news releases issued by each entity.

Stay informed on road projects happening around Dallas-Fort Worth, including highway projects in Denton County and construction on Eldorado Parkway in McKinney. 

Plano bridge repairs 
Project: Repairs to 29 bridges in Plano will address the surface of the bridges, including the deck and railings, as well as possible damage to structures underneath the bridges from wear and erosion.
Update: Work on the first bridge to be repaired, Custer Road at Spring Creek, began March 2.

• Timeline: work anticipated to be completed by spring 2027
• Cost: $4.2 million
• Funding source: city of Plano

• Timeline: TBD
• Cost: $260.7 million
• Funding source: TxDOT

On a 25-acre park in Waxahachie, hundreds of actors and artisans will bring to life a 16th-century English village over eight weekends in spring, complete with jousting, feasts and Scarborough Castle.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival, one of the oldest and largest renaissance festivals in the nation, celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, providing immersive entertainment from April 4-May 25.

The overview: Visitors will have the opportunity to watch jousts and other entertainment on the festival’s 20 stages, explore games and rides, shop handmade goods, and eat and drink at the variety of restaurants, pubs and taverns. Around 100 cast members bring the festival to life, interacting with guests as villagers, nobles, performers and other characters to create what Assistant Entertainment Director Janna Zepp calls “interpersonal magic.”

How we got here: Although the festival has evolved over the years—additions include sit-down restaurants, ticket scanners and modern restrooms—Zepp said that interpersonal magic between actors and guests remains a constant.

“The moment you walk in the gate, you just feel the joy and the celebration," Zepp said.