Commercial Roofing Contractors in Prosper, TX

AUSTIN, Texas — Enrollment in Texas schools is declining and will continue to decline for at least the next decade, despite the massive influx of new residents to the state, Commissioner Mike Morath told Senate budget writers at a hearing on Monday morning.

Texas, like many states, lost student enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Morath said that loss was just one factor in a greater overall trend of declining enrollment for Texas public education.

“For the last two decades, student enrollment in public schools in Texas has been growing by leaps and bounds. We probably added 70,000 kids each school year for the better part of the last 10 to 15 years,” Morath said. “To put that in perspective, it’s sort of like an Austin ISD-sized school system just emerging, whole cloth, every single year.”

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COVID-19 adjusted that trajectory, but that trajectory began changing after the Great Recession of 2011, Morath said. The trend crossed all racial and ethnic groups. In Texas and across the country, people started having fewer babies, Morath said. For the first time in recent memory, the number of students leaving Texas schools exceeded the number entering in the 2020-21 school year.

As fewer children enter the public school system, it’s going to create a sort of negative enrollment bubble moving up the grade level as fewer students move forward to graduate.

To add specific numbers, the enrollment in the year before the COVID-19 pandemic was 5.5 million children in the Texas public school system. That dropped to 5.3 million, rebounded to 5.5 million and is projected to drop slowly over the next four years; specifically, a 2.2% decline.

Texas has fewer children in middle school this year because it had fewer children entering pre-kindergarten and kindergarten after the 2011-12 school year, according to TEA numbers.

A Prosper or a Frisco school district might see enrollment increases because the communities are magnets for economic development, Morath said. Families will move to those cities for jobs.

“But the best projections that we have is that enrollment is going to actually begin to trend negative on a net basis for the next decade in Texas because of this shift in birth rates,” Morath said. “And this is not well understood. This is a statewide phenomenon. It’s not specific to any region or geography.”

Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, pointed out that the overall expenditures on public education may continue to increase, even as the number of students declines. Texas, under House Bill 3 in 2019, poured additional funds into the school finance formula to reduce the property tax burden for homeowners and support specific interventions such as dyslexia and bilingual education.

Hypothetically, declining enrollment could free up additional revenue Texas has been rolling into the public education system, Bettencourt suggested. For every additional 70,000 students in Texas schools, the state and local taxpayers must cover a cost of roughly $10,000 per child, or an extra $700 million per year.

The Senate had a specific interest in fixing the state’s special education funding formulas this year. An interim committee reviewed the actual cost of special education support, comparing it to what school districts actually provide.

“If I remember correctly, I think that was a $600 to $650 million budget item if we implement everything in that commission report, off the top of my head,” Bettencourt said.

Morath said federal funds only cover 17 cents of every dollar spent on special education.

Lawmakers will have other demands for additional education funding besides teacher pay raises. Public education advocates are lobbying hard this session to switch from funding based on actual enrollment rather than average daily attendance.

Funding based on average daily attendance disadvantages school districts that have a high concentration of low-income students, according to an analysis from Every Texan.

During his testimony, Morath said education funding based on enrollment would be a decision of state policymakers. Only a handful of states actually use enrollment for public education funding.

On the one hand, funding based on enrollment provides a more predictable funding stream for school budgeting. Conversely, average daily attendance offers a financial incentive for school districts to invest in outreach and bring students back to campus.

Championship Hosts Record-Breaking Numbers at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Jan. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Varsity Spirit – the global leader in cheerleading, dance team and band apparel, camps and competitions, and a division of Varsity Brands, the market leader in team sports, school spirit and achievement recognition – is pleased to announce that the 2023 NCA High School National Championship took place on January 21-22, 2023, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, TX.

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This event, produced by National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), a Varsity Spirit brand, celebrated the power of school spirit, community, athleticism, and their 75^th anniversary as a brand. This year's championship hosted a record breaking high of 310 cheerleading teams and showcased nearly 800 performances across 27 states. Cheerleading teams are judged on their crowd leading abilities, stunting, and tumbling skills and overall performance. The Spirit Program division includes combinations of the cheer squad, dance team, band program, and mascot, and offers the chance for teams to recreate their traditions from the sidelines to the competition floor. All teams invited to perform at the championship received eligibility at a Varsity Spirit Camp in 2022.

"We are thrilled to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of National Cheerleaders Association and provide a national championship platform to showcase these incredible athletes," said Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit. "Celebrating these athletes' contribution to their schools and communities, dedication to school spirit, and excellent talent, while giving them an opportunity to compete for a national title is core to our mission of elevating student experiences."

Select Varsity Division Champions include:

Game Day Varsity Division Champions:

Advanced Varsity Division Champions:

Intermediate Varsity Division Champions:

Novice Varsity Division Champions:

Varsity Spirit live streamed the championship on Varsity TV, a website dedicated to exclusive live coverage and video libraries of Varsity Spirit cheer and dance competitions. Videos of the routines are available for fans who were otherwise unable to attend, and full results listings are available on Varsity TV.

About Varsity SpiritMemphis-based Varsity Spirit, the driving force behind cheerleading's dynamic transformation into the high-energy, athletic activity it is today, is the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team and performing arts. A division of Varsity Brands, Varsity Spirit is a leader in uniform innovation, as well as educational camps, clinics and competitions, impacting more than a million athletes each year. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit's employees have been dedicated to celebrating spirit through its brands since 1974. For more information about Varsity Spirit or Varsity Brands, please visit varsity.com or varsitybrands.com.

About Varsity BrandsWith a mission to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for young people, Varsity Brands elevates the student experience, promotes participation and celebrates achievement through three unique but interrelated businesses: BSN SPORTS, a Varsity Sport Brand; Varsity Spirit; and Herff Jones, A Varsity Achievement Brand. Together, these assets promote personal, school and community pride through their customizable products and programs to elementary and middle schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, as well as church organizations, professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations. Through its dedicated employees and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year through competitions, camps and sales.

MEDIA CONTACT: Emily AlbertVarsity Spiritealbert@varsity.com

SOURCE Varsity Spirit

Following a unanimous vote at their meeting on Tuesday evening, the Prosper Town Council announced today that Mario Canizares will serve as the new Town Manager of Prosper. Canizares brings with him decades of municipal government experience, most recently serving as City Manager for the City of Nacogdoches, Texas.

This announcement followed an extensive nationwide search led by Government Professional Solutions which was narrowed down to three finalists. Each applicant for the position was evaluated based on experience, education, accomplishments, presentation skills and knowledge of local government management. Last week, each of the three finalists had the opportunity to meet with the Town’s senior staff and community leaders in addition to taking a tour of Prosper prior to their final interview with the Prosper Town Council.

Canizares has served as City Manager for the City of Nacogdoches since 2020. Prior to this role, he served as both Deputy and Assistant City Manager for the City of Denton and Deputy City Manager for the City of Coppell, as well as Assistant City Manager for the City of Addison. Mr. Canizares earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and has a Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of North Texas. He is an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Texas City Management Association (TCMA). Canizares and his wife, Jennifer, have two daughters.

“I am thrilled to welcome Mario Canizares and his family to the Town of Prosper,” said Mayor David Bristol. “From our very first meeting, I have been so impressed with his knowledge, demeanor, experience, and his contagious passion for the opportunity to serve the people who live and work here. The Council and I are ready to work with Mario and see his leadership positively impact the future of the Town of Prosper.”

“For years, I have admired Prosper as a town that has found a unique way to hold true to its incredible heritage while pioneering its way through this exciting moment in time,” said newly hired Town Manager Mario Canizares. “I am humbled and honored to begin serving the residents, businesses, elected leaders, and employees of the Town of Prosper, and to become a part of the Prosper community. I pledge to honor those who helped guide us to where we are today as we boldy move toward the greatest days that are before us.”

Canizares will officially begin his role as Town Manager on February 20, 2023.

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Media contact: Todd Rice | trice@prospertx.gov

The annual Celebrate Prosper, BBQ & Blues community party in the park will be held at Frontier Park from 5-9 p.m. on October 8. The community is invited to spend an evening of free music, food and fun with neighbors and friends. Live blues and jazz music will fill the scenic park near the pavilion and Windmill Playground. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and/or chair to enjoy the lawn seating which will be open throughout the event.

Entertainment for Celebrate Prosper BBQ & Blues will feature premier North Texas blues band Texas Flood as Event Headliner. Also on stage will be Prosper favorites, Fingerprints and The Halftones, kicking off the event with some smooth jazz paired with some Texas brand of high-energy rock and blues. The jam-packed Kids Zone will keep the youngsters entertained with a Mega obstacle course, Toddler Combo, two big slides, three sports games and Meltdown.

Hot dogs will be served by the Town Council and Prosper-based nonprofit organizations will host exhibit booths. Come meet your Town officials and learn about community resources and volunteer opportunities! BBQ sandwiches, refreshments, and dessert also will be onsite, along with Kona Ice items for purchase. Prosper-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations interested in hosting a booth should contact Brant Holland at bholland@prospertx.gov or call 972-569-1115.

“The Town looks forward to hosting this event at the beautiful Frontier Park and bringing out our Town officials and nonprofit organizations to mingle and engage in great entertainment, music and food,” said Dan Baker, Director of Parks and Recreation.

The event is free of charge due to the generosity of 2022 Title Sponsor CoServ and Community Partners Gateway Church, Prosper Ladies Association, and Prosper United Methodist Church. Thank you for your event contributions and continuous support!

Parking for Celebrate Prosper, BBQ & Blues, will be available at Frontier Park and also in the Prosper ISD stadium parking lot. ADA parking spaces are available near the Frontier Park pavilion and in the PISD Stadium lot.

Celebrate Prosper. BBQ & Blues, is presented by Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Prosper Economic Development Corporation. For additional information about the event, entertainment details, directions to the event and answers to FAQ, please visit celebrateprosper.org

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Prosper’s small-town spirit will come together with big-town festivities during the Prosper Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 3 from 3-7 p.m.

Main attractions include the Community Tree Lighting, Santa’s Workshop, Kids Christmas Shoppe, Kids Zone, Community Stage performances, Horse-drawn Wagon Rides and the new Santa’s Selfie Station. With the backdrop of the snowy Town Hall, the annual event is the ideal time to make holiday memories and capture that perfect snapshot!

Dan Baker, Director of Parks and Recreation, said, “The Christmas Festival is the culmination of many hours of the Parks and Recreation staff’s hard work and the community’s support to produce the Town’s signature event. We can’t wait to light up Town Hall and welcome Santa Claus and the public.”

In addition to the main attractions, the event site will brim with dazzling exhibits allowing event-goers to stroll the grounds of vendors including: fine art, macrame designs, unique ornaments, jewelry, custom vintage jackets, wooden decor, holiday wreaths and more. Some of this year’s tasty treats will include gluten-free bread, elderberry syrup, flavored popcorn, decorated cookies, decadent gourmet truffles and Grinch Juice!

Also onsite will be interactive activities, crafts and games within the exhibit spaces. Plan to be a part of the hands-on community fun! Join the players in the Instrument-Rhythm Circle, decorate a homemade cookie under the red awning, make a creative project to take home and take part in building a HUGE tree of LEGO™ bricks.

For the young shoppers, treasures await in the Kids Christmas Shoppe! Open from 3-6:30 p.m., the Shoppe gives those ages 4-12 the opportunity to learn the blessings of giving. Children are led through the secure environment in 15 minute shifts to select gifts for others, ranging in price from $1 to $10. The Shoppe operates on a cash-only basis and is not equipped to accept credit cards.

Pre-registration for the Kids Christmas Shoppe is required. To sign up a child for one of the 15-minute shopping shifts, please visit the registration table set up near Town Hall on event day. Proceeds from the Kids Christmas Shoppe benefit the Recreational Scholarship Fund, which assists Prosper residents in attending camps and classes when they are financially unable to do so.

As the festival draws to a close, at 7 p.m., families are invited to gather for the Community Tree Lighting countdown, which will be led by Prosper Mayor David Bristol. A spectacular fireworks show will follow the tree lighting.

The event is free of charge thanks to our sponsors. This year’s Platinum Sponsors are Texas Health Neighborhood Care and Wellness Prosper, The Cliff Freeman Group, brokered by eXp Realty, and Mario Sinacola and Sons Excavating. Cook Children’s Health Care System is the Kids Christmas Shoppe Sponsor.

Gold level Sponsors are Bietsch Orthodontics (Santa’s Selfie Station), Carpet Tech (horse-drawn wagon rides), Prosper’s Finest A/C And Heat (community stage), Super Splash Car Wash (hospitality), the Event Center on Broadway (Kids Zone), The Gin (Santa’s Workshop), and Texas Health Neighborhood Care and Wellness Prosper (fireworks).

Town officials encourage everyone to park and ride the free shuttle to and from the event. Parking is limited in the downtown Prosper area. Complimentary shuttles, including an ADA bus, will run from Reynolds Middle School, 700 N. Coleman Street and Prosper High School, 301 Eagle Drive, beginning at 1:30 p.m. and continue to run as long as needed to return attendees to their cars. A limited number of ADA parking spaces are available on the west side of Town Hall.

Safety for the children attending our event is a top priority! For those that wish to participate, Child ID bracelets will be available at the Event Headquarters booth on the festival grounds and at each shuttle site. Child ID bracelets are free and available to parents and guardians to write their name and contact information. In the event a child is separated from a parent, the ID bracelets can provide critical information to help reunite families.

Detailed information about the Prosper Christmas Festival, including road closures, stage performance schedule, things to do, food trucks, and the complete list of Sponsors and Exhibitors, can be found at ProsperChristmas.org. To reach the Prosper Parks and Recreation Department, please call 972-569-1160.

Prior to the Prosper Christmas Festival, at 2:30 p.m., the annual Prosper Rotary Club Christmas Parade will make its way down Broadway Street to the festival grounds. For parade details and entry forms, please contact the Prosper Rotary Club at prosperrotary@prosperrotary.com