Throughout October and November, Boerne ISD has expanded programs, passed a new tax rate and reviewed district finances. Check out these five education stories from the Boerne area.

Straight to Trades program launches at Boerne ISD, combining trade skills with entrepreneurship: Vocational students in Boerne ISD have a new program to take advantage of, offering 12th-grade students the opportunity to learn entrepreneurial and leadership skills before graduation. Straight to Trades Ownership is a unique program founded in Boerne ISD designed to weld the relationship between trades and business ownership.

Boerne ISD tax rate election results canvassed, leading to higher staff pay: The Boerne ISD tax rate is officially approved following the canvassing of the Nov. 4 election results, which showed voter support for the district to use its remaining golden pennies—a funding mechanism the district can use to generate revenue not subject to state recapture. Over 80% of the total $4.8 million has been earmarked to increase staff salaries.

A new, locally-owned eatery is on the way to downtown Boerne and the Hill Country Mile.

In case you missed it: The new spot, Selah Cafe Coffee + Market, is situated at 616 N. Main St.

Owners Aubrey and Stephen Gimenez said they’re hoping to have it open by late January or early February.

“So, depending on the remodel, we plan to open late January or early February,” Aubrey Gimenez said in an email to Community Impact.

On the menu: Currently, the new menu for the cafe is still being finalized—but Gimenez said there’s a general idea of what the eatery will offer.

“We are going to have award-winning New York-style bagels available for sandwiches or with good ole schmear, as well as weekly specials from local micro bakers,” Gimenez said.

For drinks, Selah Cafe will be serving a traditional espresso menu, featuring house-made syrups and flavors.

• 616 N. Main St., Boerne

A nationwide burger chain has changed ownership and reopened its doors in the Stone Oak area.

What you need to know: Wayback Burgers officially opened under new ownership and management on Sept. 18, according to a Facebook post from the restaurant.

The nationwide chain also reopened another location in Northern San Antonio off Bandera Road in September with the ownership change.

A closer look: According to the menu, Wayback Burgers serves up specialty hamburgers, fries and other comfort food entrees like chicken sandwiches, wings and more.

There’s also milkshakes, specialty teas and lemonade on the drink menu.

The nationwide fast-casual chain has eateries throughout the United States, with two locations in the San Antonio area.

A nearby location in Universal City closed in May, according to previous reporting from Community Impact.

• 1723 N. Loop 1604 E., Ste. 108, San Antonio

A San Antonio-based dental clinic chain has opened its newest location on the city’s north side.

In case you missed it: 7 to 7 Dental officially opened its new practice on Dec. 1, administrative officials from the company told Community Impact.

It’s located at 16350 Blanco Road, Ste. 114, inside the Mission Oaks shopping center.

The clinic was originally scheduled to open on Oct. 1, according to previous reporting from Community Impact.

In a nutshell: 7 to 7 Dental has 11 locations across San Antonio, according to their store locator.

The clinic provides traditional dental and cosmetic services, from teeth cleanings to veneers and cosmetic treatments.

There are also orthodontic treatments, including braces, available to clients of all ages.

Additionally, they also offer appointments and emergency dental services from Sunday to Saturday, according to their website.

• 16350 Blanco Road, Ste. 114, San Antonio