COMAL ISD SCHOOLS GETTING CRAMPED INSIDE PG 23
pg.18 OFFICIALS SET TO LOWER TAX RATE, CALL FOR BOND Cibolo enlists drug-sniffing K-9
CONTINUING EDUCATION GET THE FULL JISD CLASS SCHEDULE
Police Department’s newest officer helping combat crime
COMMUNITY NEWS
bracken
Vol. 2, Issue 2
cibolo
garden Ridge
schertz
pg.11
Selma
08/2014
Air Force studying urban influence
Metrocom growth could affect military exercises
fantastic deals
coupons INSIDE Discover the city through LOCAL deals from restaurants, retailers and services in your community, and save money while you do it! PG. 31
www.salocallowdown.com
pg.20 SCUCISD
begins work on bond projects New elementary school, campus additions under way
pg.16 pg. 28 EAT LOCAL
CATALANO’S PIZZERIA
Passion and dedication have paved the road to success for this Cibolo popular eatery
pg. 03 local commentary SUSAN YERKES
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AUGUST 2014
From the editor wwright@salocallowdown.com
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President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield
Change on tap for area ISDs
Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton
t’s back-toschool time, and this month’s LOCAL Community News looks at the challenges awaiting the Judson, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City and Comal independent school districts. Those districts – as well as North East ISD – are grappling with increasing student enrollment.
Editorial Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers Eric Moreno, Eileen Pace, Travis E. Poling, Arthur Schechter, Wynton Thomason and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence Edwards Advertising Design Pete Morales Contributing Photographer Joshua Michael Advertising Account Managers Dawn Radick and Joe Rieras Controller Keith Sanders READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Fax Phone (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries rupton@salocallowdown.com Story Ideas tips@salocallowdown.com Website www.salocallowdown.com LOCAL Community News publications Zone 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 Zone 2: 78213, 78230, 78231, 78248, 78249 Zone 3: 78216, 78232, 78247 Zone 4: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239 Zone 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2014 Helen Publishing, LLC and Local Community News, LLC, all rights reserved. For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229
I
We chose to highlight construction plans for some of those districts, and in the future LOCAL will look at their academic road maps. Texas public schools have also been busy trying to improve standardized test scores and follow Texas Education Agency criteria for the implementation of House Bill 5, which substantially changed the state’s curriculum and graduation requirements and increased assessments and accountability. The districts have several options to reset their graduation-program paths. Area superintendents seem optimistic about their district’s plans, but are wary of additional edicts coming from the next legislative session. Millions of dollars worth of brickand-mortar projects have either launched or are slated to begin across the Metrocom. However, they are only part of the overall challenge for the districts, which must also cope with increased transportation and energy costs, safety and security, and ensuring infrastructure keeps up with growth. Noticing that most ISDs annually grant pay raises for teachers, administrators and support personnel, taxpayers might assume the districts are doing just fine. Staff retention usually translates to improved academic results, officials said. Area educators must find ways to blend all of the above – and that’s become a year-round task.
Will Wright Managing Editor facebook.com/salocalcommunitynews
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local commentary
Castro’s move up, and what lies ahead by susan yerkes
B
y the time you read this, Julián Castro could be picking art for his office as head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C., and San Antonio will have a new mayor. Castro’s easy confirmation was no surprise, nor was the fact President Barack Obama tapped him for the position. Our Julián is, after all, widely touted as one of the brightest rising stars in Democratic politics. Slightly more of a surprise was that his confirmation was not unanimous, as was that of one of Castro’s avowed role models, Henry Cisneros, to the same Cabinet post back in 1993. Twenty-six out of 45 Republican senators, including Texan Ted Cruz (but not John Cornyn), voted against Castro. Castro follows Cisneros as the second San Antonio mayor named to a president’s Cabinet, and the fact that both were asked to helm HUD has generated comments about stereotyping. However, Castro could have made the leap to D.C. a couple of years back, when Obama offered to make him secretary of transportation. But with the SA2020 push for downtown housing just gaining serious traction, and the citywide vote on Pre-K 4 SA looming, he chose to stay in town to wrap up those “legacy” projects. Anyway, Castro is headed for D.C. with wife Erica, daughter Carina and their new baby-in-waiting. Most pundits agree it’s a smart move. The fact is that no matter how hard Dems wish, most agree the Lone Star State isn’t turning blue. The new role allows Castro to travel the country and solidify his D.C. and national connections.
Some observers also suggest the HUD job is a better transitional position should the Democratic presidential nominee (read: Hillary Clinton) pick Castro as a vicepresidential running mate. But that decision rests on too many other factors, including who ends up on the GOP ticket. Cruz and retiring Gov. Rick Perry both are said to be jockeying for that role. If the GOP goes with Cruz, Castro would make for great balance on a ticket with Clinton. For now, it’s most likely Castro has no definite plans, except to do the best job he can at HUD. A Cabinet job is a good place for an upwardly mobile public servant to make a difference. It’s also a much better jumping-off place for higher office than another mayoral term. He’ll also be closer to brother Joaquín, now a well-liked and established congressman, and that will likely bring them even more attention in D.C. While family dynasties are nothing new in politics, it’s the first time twin brothers have simultaneously held such visible positions in U.S. government. Meanwhile, Castro’s departure has really ramped up local politics. Candidates who want to be the next full-term mayor — including any City Council members — should be ready to face state Rep. Mike Villarreal, a bright, popular Democrat who has indicated he will resign his seat in the Legislature to campaign for the position next spring. Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, who lost his bitter run against incumbent County Judge Nelson Wolff, has also expressed interest in the seat. And a few pundits have suggested that if state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, another Democrat, isn’t serving as Texas’ lieutenant governor next spring, she, too, might decide to seek the office. However, with so many folks apparently positioning themselves to become S.A.’s head honcho, who knows? Here’s a wild thought: Maybe if things don’t work out for Cruz, Perry or even Clinton, we could see them running for S.A. mayor. Just kidding! What do you think? Send your thoughts to syerkes@ salocallowdown.com
The fact is that no matter how hard Dems wish, most agree the Lone Star State isn’t turning blue.
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OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community
Keep minors from buying e-cigarettes
S
an Antonio is moving in the right direction to prohibit minors from purchasing liquid nicotine and electronic cigarettes.
A proposal recently floated by San Antonio Councilman Cris Medina only regulates the sale of such products to children under 18, just as minors are barred from purchasing alcohol and tobacco until they are old enough to make responsible decisions on their own. Far too often government oversteps its boundaries and indulges in too much regulation, but in this case the proposed ordinance makes sense. Medina’s suggestion does not alter the city’s existing smoking ordinance. The city is not saying retailers cannot sell e-cigarettes and flavored liquids, only that minors cannot buy these items. Research cited by Medina notes
that many of the flavors correspond to bubblegum, chocolate, cola and cherry, which makes them appealing to children. Let the kids buy bubblegum, not bubblegum-flavored nicotine. While it is true e-cigarettes use lower levels of nicotine than traditional cigarettes, nicotine is still considered by the medical community as a habit-forming substance, and no more appropriate for a 10-yearold than a whiskey sour or a cigar. Our Founding Fathers correctly supported the values of a free-market economy, with consumers’ purchasing powers deciding which merchants rose and which ones fell. But there are times when some oversight is needed to protect our youth. We applaud and champion the right of e-cig businesses to sell these products and make a profit, because it is the adult consumer — not the government — who will decide the fate of such enterprises. But from a moral and health standpoint, sales to children of these items must be prohibited. -the Local Community News editorial board includes Harry Lees, Gregg Rosenfield and Thomas Edwards.
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Happening LOCAL
Plan your month with our calendar of upcoming events in the community.
OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH
ha p p ening key
fitness
ART
TALK
outdoor
Music
FOOD
HOUSEHOLD GOODS DONATION DRIVE The Steele High School Band Boosters, in partnership with Goodwill, is hosting a donation drive collecting household goods and clothing 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Steele High School, 1300 FM 1103 in Cibolo. Proceeds will support the Steele High School Band. For more, email steelebandboosters.com.
and female finishers in the elementary, middle school, high school, adult (18-39) and masters (40-plus) divisions will receive awards. Entry fees are $20 for adults; $15 for students. Proceeds will benefit SVHS’s boys and girls cross-country teams, which will also participate in the event. Participants can register through a link at www.athleteguild.com or through entry forms available at the SVHS front office.
SV CROSS COUNTRY TEAM MELON RUN The Smithson Valley High School cross-country team will stage its annual Melon Run 5K fundraiser, which begins at 8 a.m. at Ranger Stadium. Registration for the event, featuring a run-walk and a mile run for elementary school students, begins at 7 a.m. with races beginning at 8 a.m. The top three male
SCHERTZ CHAMBER EVENTS The Schertz Chamber of Commerce has scheduled the following events during August and September: The Chamber’s Aug. 19 luncheon, featuring guest speaker Shaun Kennedy, regional chairman of Texas Capital Bank and Broadway National
AUG 16
AUG 23
AUG - SEPT
Happening continues on pg. 06
Extended Hours For Child Care
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“Loving Care When You’re Not There” Safe and healthy environment. Owner/Director Barbara Niemietz has over 30 years experience in childcare. State Licensed Child Care Center
· We accept CCS. · Established USDA Food Programs · Meals included in tuition. · Full time, Part time, After School & Drop In available.
We provide standard curriculum to get children ready for kindergarten starting at one year old.
How Should Your Risk Tolerance Influence Investment Decisions? As an investor, how much risk can you tolerate? It’s an important question — because the answer can help you make the right investment choices. Before you know your risk tolerance, you’ll want to make sure you first understand the nature of investment risk — the risk of losing principal. This risk is especially prevalent when you invest in stocks, because stock prices will always fluctuate — and there are never any guarantees about performance. Of course, a decline in value does not mean you need to sell; you can always hold on to the stock with the hope that its value will bounce back. And this can certainly happen, but again — no guarantees. How you respond to this type of investment risk will tell you a great deal about your own risk tolerance. Of course, no one, whether he or she has a high tolerance for risk or a low one, particularly likes to see declines. But people do react differently. If you’re the sort of person who can retain your confidence in your investment mix and can focus on the long term and the potential for a recovery, you may well have a higher tolerance for risk. But if you find yourself losing sleep over your losses (even if, at this point, they’re just “paper” losses), becoming despondent about reaching your goals, and questioning whether you should be investing at all, then you may have a low tolerance for risk. This self-knowledge of your own risk tolerance should help inform your investment decisions — to a point. Even if you determine you have a high tolerance for risk, you almost certainly should not load up your portfolio exclusively with stocks. If the stock market enters a prolonged slump, you could face heavy losses that may take many years to overcome, causing you to lose significant ground in the pursuit of your financial goals. Conversely, even if you discover you don’t have much tolerance for risk, you won’t want to invest only in supposedly “safe” vehicles, such as certificates of deposit (CDs). During those periods when rates on CDs and similar instruments are low, as has been the case in recent years, your interest payments from these investments may not even keep up with inflation — meaning that, over time, you could end up losing purchasing power, which, over the long term, can be just as big a risk as market declines. Ultimately, then, you’ll probably want to let your risk tolerance guide your investment choices — but not dictate them with an “iron hand.” So, if you believe you are highly tolerant of risk, you might have a somewhat higher percentage of stocks in your portfolio than if you felt yourself to be highly risk-averse — but in any case, you’ll likely benefit from building a diversified portfolio containing stocks, bonds, government securities, CDs and other investments. While this type of diversification can’t guarantee profits or protect against loss, it can help reduce the effects of volatility on your portfolio. By knowing your own risk tolerance, and the role it can play in your choices, you can help yourself create an effective, suitable investment strategy — one that you can live with for a long time and that can help you avoid the biggest risk of all: not reaching your longterm goals. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
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AUGUST 2014
HAPPENING continues from pg. 05
FIGHTING HUNGER TexasMobilePack and Feed My Starving Children are seeking volunteers to help pack 4 million meals for hungry children overseas during a six-day event Sept. 25-30. The goal is to line up 20,000 volunteers to work two-hour shifts at two local sites. More on the organizations and their goals can be found on links at www. texasmobilepack.org and www.fmsc.org.
ongoing
Bank board member, is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway. Admission is $28; $18 for Chamber members. The next luncheon will be held at the same time and site Sept. 16. Please RSVP by Sept. 9. The monthly Biz Ed class and breakfast, featuring Timely Tax Tips from Liberty Tax Service, is 7:30-9 a.m. Aug. 27 at the Chamber offices, 1730 Schertz Parkway. Admission is $10; free for members. The Chamber’s After Hours Mixer, hosted by RE/MAX Corridor and featuring networking, food and beverages, is 5:30-7 p.m. Sept. 18 at 17156 Interstate 35 North in Schertz. Schertz Chamber Toastmasters convene each Monday at 6:45 p.m. at the Comfort Inn & Suites meeting room, 5571 Interstate 35 North in Selma. All meetings are open to the public. Looking ahead, the Chamber is soliciting support for its fifth annual Chamber/Caterpillar Golf Classic on Oct. 3 at Northcliffe Golf Club, 5301 Country Club Blvd. in Cibolo. Registration is under way for the Chamber’s 2015 Business Directory and Visitors Guide and new Schertz-area map. For more, call 566-9000 or visit www.schertzchamber.org.
RITA’S GIVE BACK GALA The event, sponsored by The Circle of Cancer Care, supports female cancer patients in northeast San Antonio, Schertz and Cibolo. It begins at 7 p.m. at the Schertz Civic Center ballroom, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building 5. The gala will include dinner, live music and a silent auction. Cost is $75 per person. For more, call 802-1740 or email circleofcancercare@gmail.com.
OCt 18
Comal Independent School District board members on July 31 welcomed Joe Moczygemba as Canyon High School’s new head football coach and boys athletic coordinator. From left are CISD trustees Cody Mueller, Stephen Smith, David Drastata; coach Moczygemba and trustees Amy Freund and Denise Kern. For more, see Local Lowdown, page 9. Photo courtesy Comal ISD
CIBOLO GRANGE The nonprofit agricultural weekly and civic organization hosts a Farmers and Artisans Market each Thursday 2-6 p.m. at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. in Cibolo. For more, visit CiboloGrangeFarmersMarket/Facebook.
ST. PAUL’S CHURCH monthly FREE SUPPER During the first Wednesday of each month, St. Paul Evangelical Church, 108 S. Main St. in Cibolo, serves a free dinner 6-7:30 p.m. For more, call the church at 658-5874.
Submitting events: Email all
the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@salocallowdown.com. facebook.com/salocalcommunitynews
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY NOW OFFERS CLASSES TOWARDS AN MA IN ADULT EDUCATION IN SAN ANTONIO. Classes are conducted at the Alamo University Center in Universal City (located at I-35 and Loop 1604), on-campus, and in hybrid formats.
Designed for individuals working in or aspiring to work in adult, professional, or community education programs in diverse settings including community-based organizations, government agencies, business and industry, and postsecondary education programs for adults. The degree prepares graduates for work as: • Continuing education program coordinators • Workplace training and development specialists • Health education professionals • Nonprofit organization project directors • Community developers • Adult degree completion program directors • ESL instructors or directors We have three concentrations with the MA in Adult Education: Continuing and Community Education; Workplace Learning; and Adult English as a Second Language Instruction. Thesis and Non-Thesis options are available.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE to learn more about course offerings and graduate degree program options at the Alamo University Center conveniently located near Universal City as well as the San Marcos campus in Adult and Professional Education. Thursday, September 25th: 6:00PM – 8:00PM Alamo University Center Rooms 136/138, Located at 8300 Pat Booker Rd, Live Oak, TX (@ I-35 and Loop 1604) Refreshments will be served! For more information, please call (512) 245-2531 Learn more: txstate.edu/clas/Adult-Education or facebook.com/TXStateAdultEd Dr. Joellen E. Coryell, Program Coordinator: aded-program@txstate.edu
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LOCAL LOWDOWN Take a quick look at what’s new in the community from opening and closings to news tidbits.
Open and Opening Soon 1. MR. GOLD FINE JEWELRY, 5524 Walzem Road, offers a wide variety of uniquely crafted jewelry and repair services. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more, call 590-3645 or visit www. mrgoldus.com. (See story on page 25) 2. CATALANO’S PIZZERIA, 102 N. Main
St. in Cibolo, offers Italian cuisine such as pizzas, calzones, strombolis, spaghetti and linguine, as well as hamburgers and chicken strips. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday. For more, call 566-9706 or visit Catalanos/Facebook. (See story on page 28)
3. MAJORS BODY AND PAINT, 6464 Randolph Blvd. in San Antonio, services anything in need of automotive repairs and paint, with free estimates. Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Sunday. For more, call 368-
9295 or visit www.majorsbodyand paint.com. (See story on page 26)
4. ALAMO MOBILITY INC., 16262
Interstate 35 North in Selma, offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles and vehicle conversions to fit the needs of the mobility-impaired. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. For more, call 7180055 or visit www.alamomobility.com.
5. WILLIAMS CONFECTIONERY CRAFTS, 12107 Toepperwein Road,
Suite 5A in Live Oak, serves a variety of bakery items and home-cooked meals in an expanded dining area. Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more, call 967-5200. (See story on page 27)
LOWDOWN continues on pg. 08
Cibolo Fest 2014
Oct. 11th, 2014-Saturday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm 200 S. Main Street, Cibolo, TX
Carnival Rides, Petting Zoo, 5K Run Pony Rides, Silent Auction, Games, Car Show, Craft and Food Vendors Entertainment and more! For Vendor information please call Peggy Cimics at 210-566-6111 or pcimics@cibolotx.gov
SEE YOU THERE!
Universal City United Methodist Preschool & Kids’ Day Out Our school is a HAPPY PLACE where children feel secure and LOVE LEARNING.
AUGUST 2014
LOWDOWN continues from pg. 07 6. DAYS BAR-B-QUE & CATERING, 339
Registration For Fall 2014
S. Seguin Road in Converse, specializes in brisket, pulled pork, sausage and side items, with catering services available. Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. For more, call 290-8883.
is ongoing at this time.
Feel free to come by and visit our programs. Kids' Day Out: Ages 12 months through two years by Sept. 1, 2014.
An Awesome Toddler Program with large classrooms & experienced teachers!
Preschool: Ages three and four by Sept. 1, 2014.
7. DRE’VAWN’S HAIR SALON,
Nationally acclaimed and locally valued as the area’s best preschool! *The preschool is accredited by NAEYC (www.naeyc.org)
658-5761
90 Winn Ave Universal City, TX 78148
www.ucumpreschool.com
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First Street
8275 FM 78 in Converse, is a 24hour women’s hair studio offering highlighting, sew-ins, quick weaves, color corrections, eyelash extensions and makeup. For more, call 661-6245.
8. SCHERTZ FIRST BAPTIST ACADEMY, 600 Aero Ave. in Schertz, is enrolling students for the 2014-15 school year. For more, call Lois Cox at (830) 4819777, the church office at 658-3251, or email schertzfba@gmail.com.
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The welfare, comfort and dignity of our residents are our primary goal. We serve our residents as we would have others to serve us and our loved ones. Hence, accord us the privilege to serve your loved ones.
IN OTHER NEWS
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CIBOLO VOTERS COULD GO TO THE POLLS in November, if the City Council follows a recommendation to call for an $8 million bond election for additional road improvements and constructing a third fire station. On July 22, City Manager Bob
Herrera informed council members of details behind the bond, which would spread out improvements for FM 1103, Haeckerville Road and add the new firefighting facility over a four-year period. Council members have until Aug. 18 to decide whether to go back to Cibolo voters, who approved a $2.8 million bond issue to upgrade two major intersections and Fire Department facilities last November. OWNERS OF WARBLER WOODS BIRD SANCTUARY, a 124-acre ranch on Old Wiederstein Road in Cibolo, dropped their opposition to a proposed residential subdivision next to the sanctuary after developers submitted changes to their original proposal. In December, Investment Realty Co. of San Antonio, which sought to rezone 140 acres between Dean Road and FM 1103 from agricultural to residential, withdrew its initial zoning request to the city after protest from Warbler Woods’ owners, Susan and Don Schaezler, who were concerned the development’s close proximity to the sanctuary might create migratory issues for the birds. After working with the Schaezlers to modify
LOWDOWN continues on pg. 09
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salocallowdown.com LOWDOWN continues from pg. 08
exceptional head coach and establish a high level of expectation for the Canyon High School athletic program.” A “Meet The Coach” reception was held at the school Aug. 4. The Cougars, who began fall drills Aug. 11, will open the season Aug. 28 at Round Rock Cedar Ridge.
its original proposal, the company’s new rezoning request was approved by the Cibolo City Council on July 22. LONGTIME SMITHSON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT COACH Joe Moczygemba was named as the new boys athletic coordinator and head football coach at Canyon High School on July 31. Moczygemba, who served as defensive coordinator at Smithson Valley, succeeds Matt Elliott, who posted a 23-20 record in four seasons at Canyon before resigning to take a job in the private sector on July 22. Because Elliott’s departure occurred three weeks before the start of the 2014 football season, district officials wanted a quick search for an individual who possessed the skills necessary to successfully lead Canyon’s athletic program. “Coach Moczygemba is well-respected across the state as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator,” said Matt Monzingo, Comal Independent School District athletic director. “His 22 years at Smithson Valley is a testament to the dedication and loyalty he brings to the district and this position. I anticipate that he will be an
RE
COMAL ISD TRUSTEES ON AUG. 7 unanimously selected Marty Bartlett to succeed former trustee David Spencer, who resigned June 26 due to his impending move out of the district. Spencer, who represented District 6, first joined the board in 2007 and subsequently served as its treasurer and vice president. CISD school board President David Drastata said three candidates initially applied to fill Spencer’s seat, which Bartlett will occupy until a special election in May 2015.
Welcome Home to Lookout Hollow Rustic Comfort meets Modern Chic
It’s life less ordinary ... An Urban Lifestyle in a Suburban Atmosphere.
New Construction Special!
CANYON AND NEW BRAUNFELS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACHES held their annual “Battle of the Blizzards” contest at a New Braunfels Dairy Queen on Aug. 14. Coaches from both schools took turns selling the most Blizzard Treats, with proceeds benefiting The Children’s Miracle Network
LOWDOWN continues on pg. 10
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U.S. SLED TEAM PARALYMPIAN JOSH SWEENEY received the inaugural Pat Tillman Award for Service during ESPN’s annual ESPY ceremony on July 16. Sweeney, a bilateral amputee and Purple Heart recipient who served in Afghanistan, said he was humbled and “grateful just to receive this award” after accepting the honor, presented by actor Jeff Bridges following a poignant feature on Sweeney narrated by actor Gary Sinise. Sweeney’s goal led the U.S. Sled Hockey Team to a 1-0 victory in the gold-medal game at the Paralympics in Sochi, Russia, earlier this year.
LOWDOWN continues on pg. 22
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Judson ISD students on path to excellence by DR. WILLIS MACKEY
I
hope this summer provided a muchdeserved break with a chance to refresh yourself and your family. As we return to the classrooms across the Judson Independent School District, I am excited about the academic success we’ve achieved over the past several years and look forward to building on that success with each and every student.
The latest released standardized test scores show noticeable and substantial gains across the district, especially in the middle schools’ reading and math results. Our elementary schools continue to show a positive academic direction, and at our high school level, both Judson and Wagner high schools showed good gains in both science and math scores. At the same time, the district’s college and career-readiness efforts are impacting our students in a positive way. We’ve seen not only the expansion of career and technology programs and intern partnerships with our community business members, but the number of our graduates entering two- and four-year public colleges and universities continue to rise at a healthy pace. I can see while there is still a lot of room for improvement, we are making progress by taking good, steady steps, both measurable and encouraging. You may have seen in the news some of the construction results from the 2013 bond, which authorized building a new
elementary and high school without a taxrate increase. I’m happy to report we are opening Copperfield Elementary School in August, and monthly expense reports show we are on budget. Meanwhile, we recently broke ground on the new high school on Evans Road, which will initially accommodate 1,600 students with the option of expansion in the coming years. Opening in August 2016, it will be JISD’s third comprehensive high school, taking enrollment pressure off of Judson High School and serve the northern end of the district’s footprint, which will likely see significant development in years to come. As you know, at the end of this year I will be retiring as JISD superintendent. I just want you to know what a pleasure it has been to work with this community and with these students to raise the standard of excellence as a team with such supportive parents. It’s my mission and my passion, and I look forward to seeing great things in our students this year as we work together producing excellence.
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of San Antonio. “It’s a wonderful event that’s taken place since 2008 and everyone in the town always loves it,” said Teresa M. Lopez, Dairy Queen general manager. “We always have a lot of the football players here buying Blizzards and laughing at the coaches, because I think this is the only time they get to do that. I know how much this means to the Children’s Miracle Network. I’ve visited the hospital in San Antonio and the kids are so appreciative.”
unaccompanied immigrant minors flowing into the country. Cuellar and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, sponsored the Helping Unaccompanied Minors and Alleviating National Emergency Act – legislation designed to help alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis on the southern U.S. border. Several provisions contained in the HUMANE Act include revisions to existing laws addressing human trafficking, and providing swift processing, medical treatment and expedited court proceedings leading to the safe repatriation of children illegally entering the U.S. Cuellar also sent letters to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, congressional leaders and others requesting financial assistance and reimbursement for communities affected by the crisis. He also met twice with Honduran officials. Both houses of Congress entertained a $3.7 billion proposal by President Barack Obama, but remained divided along party lines. Before adjourning for summer recess on July 31, the Democratic-controlled Senate took no action. On Aug. 1, House Republicans passed two bills – a $694 million appropriation for border enforcement, and a companion
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JLUS continues from pg. 01 35
Joint land use studies under way at JBSA-Randolph
SELMA
SCHERTZ
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LIVE OAK
by EILEEN PACE
U
NIVERSAL CITY – Officials are drawing up recommendations to ensure future economic development in the Metrocom will be able to coexist with training missions at Randolph Air Force Base, as well as considering impending civilian-military partnerships.
Planners have been collecting data at public workshops to help develop the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Joint Land Use Study. Other groups involved in the coordinated effort include cities along the Loop 1604/Interstate 35 corridor, Bexar and surrounding counties, and the San Antonio River Authority. The process is an outgrowth of Joint Land Use Studies sponsored by
to JBSA seguin auxilary airfield
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JLUS continues on pg. 17
The military is still in flux and consolidating, which is why they are moving more to the Joint Base concept.
CONVERSE
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the Defense Department’s Office of Economic Adjustment, which involve bases providing grants for communities to research compatibility issues with military installations. Studies were recently completed at Lackland Air Force Base, Joint Base San Antonio’s Camp Bullis, San Antonio and other areas. The Randolph base study, headed by Robert Brach, Bexar County’s JLUS project manager, said the procedure is part of the DOD’s Base Realignment and Closure process, which began during the 1990s.
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salocallowdown.com JLUS continues from pg. 16 “The military is still in flux and consolidating, which is why they are moving more to the Joint Base concept,” Brach said. “It’s a plan so that both the cities surrounding the base, and the base itself, can work together to allow for cities to continue to get the businesses and residential developments they need to ensure their economic growth and development without jeopardizing the mission of the base.” “By just getting those folks together with that installation … (it will) send a positive signal to a future BRAC commission that we, the community, are very much interested in the installation’s mission, and the proof of that is the JLUS,” said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert Murdock, director of San Antonio’s Office of Military Affairs. He added community growth sometimes conflicts with military missions, such as night training. “If there is significant light pollution around the training area, it destroys the function of night-vision goggles,” Murdock said, citing bright lampposts from a parking lot as an example. Other issues may include gunfire within installations, which many residents might find disconcerting. Another is dealing with endangered animal species, such as the problem Camp Bullis’ JLUS officials encountered. “The JLUS identifies all those factors and then provides recommendations both for short term and long term,” Murdock said. In the case of JBSA-Randolph, where the chief mission is flight training, nearby growing communities face obstacles. “With as much residential development as we had back in 2007, and now with the economy rebounding, we’re starting to get into the commercial development that naturally follows,” Brach said. Metrocom cities – including Live Oak, Universal City, Schertz, Cibolo, Garden Ridge, Selma and Converse – have addressed problems associated with noise reduction, light pollution, safety, wildlife hazards and more. Now, JLUS officials utilize a “strategy toolbox” outlining those concerns. “There are certain areas that have been identified through the AICUZ (Air Installation Compatible Use Zone), which is basically a noise study, but also identifies accident-potential zones – certain areas
17 outside the runways that have the highest potential for possible aircraft crashes,” Brach said. “You don’t want to have a dense residential neighborhood underneath that.” Brach added, “There’s this conical, vertical-height-type thing that kind of looks like a football stadium. (A map) identifies certain height restrictions you need to have to ensure that there’s no conflict between the building and the aircraft that’s taking off.” These designated “clear zones” can be problematic. Converse Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Kate Silvas said some of the city’s private landowners recently learned they wouldn’t be able to develop certain tracts. “It’s akin to property-taking,” Silvas said. “The federal government doesn’t have the money to buy it, but is basically saying we can’t develop this land. Therefore, economic development can’t happen on that property.” Airborne wildlife presents another dilemma. The Federal Aviation Administration’s Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard program pinpoints travel and nesting patterns in order to minimize collisions. “Apparently, it’s costing Randolph about a million dollars a year in aircraft repair with bird air strikes,” Brach said, adding discussions for wildlife control include ordinances restricting certain types of vegetation, which in turn attract nesting birds. Randolph’s JLUS is broad in its geographic scope. Brach said noise-contour maps include an airfield in Seguin and San Antonio’s Stinson Municipal Airport. “(One) particular map deals with the noise contours and you can see the different training pathways that occur. This is where things are taking off and this is where they’re turning out to go off on flight paths, where they do their touch-and-go training,” he said. Completion of Randolph’s JLUS strategy is expected by late summer or fall, when another public meeting will be held. Ultimately, officials believe it is in the Metrocom’s best interest to work within the process, especially if a base will be considered in a future BRAC. “Whoever the stakeholders are, whether they’re Realtors, developers, municipal governments or environmental folks, they will want to ensure that they have compatible use with the installation, because obviously that installation provides a significant economic impact to the community,” Murdock said.
Getting those folks together with that installation ... will send a positive signal to a future BRAC commission. RETIRED AIR FORCE BRIG. GEN. ROBERT MURDOCK
RE
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COMAL ISD continues from pg. 01
Board set to OK lower tax rate in September by WILL WRIGHT
N
EW BRAUNFELS – The sight of portable buildings at two of its middle schools is a sign that growth is ramping up in the Comal Independent School District.
To keep pace, the school board in September will consider reducing the current tax rate, paying down on bond indebtedness and proposing a much smaller bond covering the district’s necessities. The upcoming school year, which starts Aug. 26, will be pivotal for the district, which covers 589 square miles in five counties. In the coming months, officials must make short-term decisions to accommodate at least 800 new students this year, and for 12,000 more expected over the next nine years. “We’re already seeing visible signs
of the growth we predicted last summer in the Canyon and Smithson Valley (high school) feeder patterns,” said Andrew Kim, CISD superintendent. Kim said explosive residential growth in those areas, as well as in the FM 1101/Freiheit Elementary School and Canyon Middle School areas in New Braunfels, is under way. “It’s very visible,” he said. “We knew about these projections and now the public can see the bulldozers are there. We’re not the only ones talking about it now – the parents are also talking about it.” In November, voters rejected a $451 million bond issue many believed was too bloated and lacked specifics. Then in February, after discovering CISD overpaid contractors by over $7.1 million for projects contained in its 2008 bond, officials accepted a $5.9 million settlement. That didn’t sit well with taxpayers, who ousted two incumbents on the board in May. Now some board members want to float another bond issue, but this one will tackle only the priorities. “Over the next several years the needs of the individual campuses, as they were
COMAL ISD continues on pg. 19
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salocallowdown.com COMAL ISD continues from pg. 18 spelled out last year, are going to be realized,” CISD board President David Drastata said. “That’s why in all probability that we will go back to the voters with a $150 million (bond) package next spring. “All we’re going to do is identify our immediate needs – middle schools, transportation, infrastructure and safety.” Demographic reports indicated the district’s four fastest-growing home starts occurred in the Kinder Ranch, Indian Springs, Hoffmann Lane and Garden Ridge areas, each with over 100 new-home starts in 2013. The November bond would have added schools in those areas, including two in Garden Ridge, where students attend Canyon High and Canyon Middle schools. Garden Ridge Elementary School, which opened in 2010, is also close to its 800-enrollment capacity. The focus is on alleviating overcrowding at Canyon and Smithson Valley middle schools, which have projected student enrollment at 1,105 and 1,043 students, respectively. Both are expected to add at least 70 students in each of the next three years, thus the imported buildings from other campuses.
Portable buildings such as the one above are already in place at Canyon and Smithson Valley middle schools. Photo by Josh Michael
“Using portable classrooms is always a last resort,” Kim said, as both schools will be near or at capacity this fall. If voters approve the $150 million bond, district officials hope to construct two new middle schools. One, planned for Borgfeld Drive and Bulverde Road in the Kinder Ranch subdivision in the Smithson Valley/ Bulverde sector, would also reduce projected enrollment at Spring Branch Middle School. The other, near the intersection of Hubertus Road and FM 482 in Garden Ridge, is expected to also relieve forecasted overcrowding at Church Hill Middle School. “If the next bond measure doesn’t pass,
then you’re left with the option of running out of space on the campuses – such as putting them on the athletic fields,” Drastata said. “We really don’t think parents will really be open to that, but that’s a possibility.” Kim admitted adding quick-fix portables could be financially draining, “but going forward, because of the fact that we’re looking at a very short-term, needs-based bond, I predict portables will become part of the long-term repertoire throughout the district.” If another measure fails, an alternative is redistricting. Students would shift from Smithson Valley and Canyon high school feeder patterns into Canyon Lake High’s pattern, resulting in one-way bus trips, which may total an hour-plus. “Redrawing boundaries elicits much more push-back than anything that a district does,” Drastata said, “but if we don’t get schools built, then we’ll have to start shifting population to the areas of the district that are under capacity.” That would also upset CISD’s current balance of students attending local schools, Kim added. “We have to be very thoughtful about that,” he said. “While we have to take steps to manage our growth, we have
to make sure we maintain the concept of the neighborhood schools.” Drastata said the board has only taken a cursory look at formulating a game plan to present to the community, as last year’s bond committee already determined the district’s needs, which will again be shared at area meetings in each feeder pattern this fall. In June, the board unofficially adopted CISD’s 2014-15 budget, which allots $146.5 million for general fund expenses, with an additional $9.1 million for child nutrition, and $40 million toward debt service. The budget is based on a proposed tax rate of $1.39 per $100 assessed property valuation, a 4-cent per $100 decrease from last year. The board will make a final decision before its fiscal year ends in September. “In the past 10 years, through paying down debt early and refinancing existing bonds, the district has saved nearly $60 million in interest alone,” said Drastata, who added the board considered budgeting $9 million towards long-term debt relief, but opted for $5 million. “The consensus on the board was to provide some tax relief,” he said. “By bringing the (tax rate) down by four pennies, we could still reduce (indebtedness) by $5 million. We really felt we needed to do a combination of both.”
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SCUCISD continues from pg. 01
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In this day and age, more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts, and according to the National Eye Institute, by age 80, more than half of all Americans will either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. However, perhaps one of the most concerning aspects of these impactful statistics is the fact that there are currently no medications or treatment options besides surgery to correct cataracts making it the most frequently performed surgery. While most people who are affected by cataracts will not usually begin showing symptoms until at least age 40, cataracts can also occur among young adults or children. Risk factors that can lead to developing cataracts at a younger age include certain diseases, hereditary influences, eye injuries, eye disease, smoking and more. While cataract surgery is a very delicate, detailed operation, it is also one of the safest operations done today. The procedure is extremely quick and non-invasive, and more than 95% of surgeries are successful. Plus, because cataracts are now removed under a local anesthetic, patients are able to go home the same day and most people only experience a minor discomfort following surgery. In many cases, patients can see well enough to resume their normal activities a few days after having cataract surgery, while their vision will continue to improve over the following weeks. Because there is no definite cause of this disease, there is currently no way to prevent age-related cataracts. The best chance a person has for preventing cataracts is to avoid certain risk factors that have been proven to increase your risk of developing this vision problem. These risk factors include a family history of cataracts, certain diseases, such as diabetes, long-term steroid use, long term exposure to UV rays and excessive sunlight, smoking, unhealthy eating habits and certain eye injuries or diseases. Cataracts are easily treatable through today’s advanced technology. During a cataract surgery procedure, a surgeon will remove the clouded lens of the affect eye, then replace it with a new intraocular lens (IOL). Doing this requires a small incision at the edge of the cornea. The surgeon inserts a small ultrasonic probe that breaks up the clouded lens into a bunch of tiny parts, which are then suctioned out of the eye. From there, an intraocular lens is inserted to replace the cataract. This is then perfectly aligned by the surgeon resulting in the return of vision. Stitches are usually not needed for this surgery. So if you or someone you may know has questions or concerns about cataracts, please call to set up an appointment to talk to Dr. Klufas about this common condition. W In Health, Dr. Roman Klufas, O.D. | 210.651.3926
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Schertz-CiboloUniversal City ISD bond projects, including construction of the district’s eighth elementary school, are already under way.
Despite commercial growth, officials forecast possible bond in 2016
Photo by Josh Michael
by WILL WRIGHT
S
CHERTZ – Work on construction projects will abound this coming school year in the Schertz-CiboloUniversal City Independent School District, which is carrying out plans approved by voters in 2013 along with other capital-outlay items.
SCUCISD voters approved $92 million for implementation of an eighth elementary school, additions to Steele High School and Dobie Junior High, technology upgrades, land acquisitions and transportation needs. In addition, SCUCISD trustees approved $4 million for a wing addition to Wilder Intermediate School and later this month will consider spending $2.7 million for improvements to Lehnhoff Stadium.
All of these projects, designed to keep pace with rapid district growth, have either begun or are slated to launch during the 2014-15 school year. Wayne Pruski, the district’s executive director for facilities planning and development, said Wilder Intermediate’s $4 million wing addition would bring
student capacity on par with the other three district schools for fifth- and sixth-graders. “Wilder’s (capacity) is roughly 630 (students),” he said. “We’re trying to equalize that to about (900 students).” SCUCISD’s $34 million elementary
SCUCISD continues on pg. 21
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salocallowdown.com SCUCISD continues from pg. 20 school is being constructed in the Turning Stone subdivision near Green Valley Road and FM 1103 in Cibolo. The project broke ground in April and will open in August 2015. “We’re pouring the slab for the first floor and erecting steel on (the site),” Pruski said of the 153,000-square-foot facility, which will welcome 900 to 1,200 students in kindergarten through fourth grades. District demographer, School District Strategies, issues quarterly report cards on commercial and residential development growth. Its latest report calls for the district’s enrollment – set at 14,058 in 2013-14 – to grow 3.9 to 4.3 percent annually through 2018 and average 3 to 3.7 percent over the next decade. District officials forged a 10year scenario calling for additional projects; however, those long-term plans are based on current tax receipts, not projected future tax income. SCUCISD Superintendent Greg Gibson insists desired betterments will go unrealized, until money begins rolling in from the explosive commercial growth in Schertz and Cibolo.
21 “Our approach is basing our budgets on the worst-case scenario,” Gibson said. “We base it on zero commercial growth, but if more comes, then fine. This year, because of Amazon and a few others, we might have 5 to 6 percent growth from commercial. If that does happen, then it will give us more breathing room. “While we’re thrilled to have the growth, we won’t build our budgets around it.” Between 2017 and 2023, the district forecasts a need to construct a ninth, and plan a 10th, elementary school; build a third junior high; renovate Clemens High School and plan for a third high school, all the while maintaining infrastructure and transportation needs. “Those are just projections,” Pruski said. “We’re just indicating projects that might be coming that haven’t (yet) been allocated bond dollars.” While there will be income stemming from the Crossvine and Nor-Tex projects in Schertz, various commercial developments springing up in Cibolo and hundreds of additional residences throughout the district, Gibson said there aren’t imminent plans to press the electorate.
SCUCISD continues on pg. 22
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AUGUST 2014
LOWDOWN continues from pg. 10 bill to deny immigration hearings and swiftly deport the migrant youths, as well as up to 500,000 more immigrants previously granted temporary work permits by the Obama administration. GOODWIN FRAZIER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL was recently recognized by the Texas Education Agency as a Reward School for High Progress. The campus, located at 1441 Business 35 North in New Braunfels, was one of only 10 Title I campuses awarded within the TEA’s District 13, which includes 60 school districts in Bell, Williamson, Travis, Comal, Hays, Guadalupe and Gonzales counties. The award cites schools where at least 79 percent of students in several student groups passed the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness reading and mathematics tests and demonstrated ability to close performance gaps. As a high-progress school, Goodwin Frazier Elementary performed in the top 25 percent in annual improvement and/or in the top 25 percent of campuses demonstrating ability to close performance gaps in each student group. PACK THE BUS, an annual school-supplies drive sponsored by Communities In Schools of South Central Texas, began in July and culminated in all-day events Aug. 9 at H-E-B locations in New Braunfels, Schertz and Bulverde. CIS provides new education materials to thousands of students during the school year. During July, supplies were collected by the Broadway Bank in Spring Branch, Bulverde Area Republican Women, Canyon Lake Presbyterian Church, the city of Garden Ridge, Edward Jones Investments’ Courtyard location, Fiesta Lanes, First Commercial Banks in New Braunfels, First United Methodist Church, Frost Bank
(Landa Street location), GVTC Foundation, Harland Clarke, Hunter Industries, Litton Family Dental, McKenna Children’s Museum, New Braunfels Orthodontic, New Braunfels Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, the New Braunfels Family YMCA, Oakwood Baptist Church, Reliance Residential Realty and Treetop Pediatric Dentistry. School supplies and donations are still being accepted at the CIS offices, 161 S. Castell Ave. in New Braunfels. For more, contact Christine Watson at (830) 620-4247, ext. 11, or visit www.cis-sct.org. GUADALUPE COUNTY CONSTABLES have entered into the enforcement stage of their warrant roundup, which began with an amnesty period for those with misdemeanor warrants July 15-Aug. 1. On Aug. 2, constables began rounding up those with warrants issued through Guadalupe County justice of the peace courts. Offenders can make arrangements by calling 945-6685 (Precinct 3), 830372-4223 (Precinct 1), 830-379-2214 (Precinct 2) or 830-372-8916 (Precinct 4). SECURITY SERVICE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is breaking ground for a new branch, moving from Rolling Oaks Mall to a nearby pad site, officials said. The new location at 6907 N. Loop 1604 East is expected to open in the first quarter of 2015. The 4,800-square-foot interior will feature seven private offices and safety-deposit boxes; outside, will be four drive-thru lanes and a drive-up ATM. SMITHSON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL’S Media Team won several awards during the University Interscholastic League’s Press Conference summer workshop held June 20-23 at the University of Texas at Austin. Several students brought home awards, including Eric Lindholm, Katy Joseph and Sean Dooley for excellence in multimedia and video editing, and newspaper editor Orlando Mendiola for outstanding writing.
Workers have poured concrete and framed the first floor for Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District’s newest elementary school in Cibolo. Photo by Josh Michael
SCUCISD continues from pg. 21 “If commercial values do go up, then we could consider moving some of those (forecasted) projects up on the schedule,” he said. “I do anticipate having to go to voters to talk about (funding other) projects in May 2016.” Gibson said the district’s 2013 Bond Advisory Committee identified $270 million in possible projects over the next decade. He said it was decided smaller figures would be more palatable to voters, despite necessitating bond approvals every three years. “Our community group said that by then we’ll have better information (regarding) commercial and residential values,” he noted. “That’s why, after much discussion, we agreed to do it in smaller chunks.” Besides district construction, there’s
also implementation of House Bill 5, instructing Texas schools to create a new graduation formula for all incoming freshmen beginning in 2014-15. There are several different plans the district can follow, Gibson said. “We’ve been granted some flexibility in doing it the way we want to do it and we just want to make sure we get it right,” he said. “We want to make sure that we can offer all the paths and make them available to our students.” The district’s 2014-18 Strategic Plan outlines a gradual timeline for implementing standards set by the Texas Education Agency, as well as other academic goals. Updated information regarding the strategic plan, bond projects and demographic forecasts can be accessed through links at the district’s website at www.scuc.txed.net.
While we’re thrilled to have the growth, we won’t build our budgets around it. Greg gibson, SCUCISD superintendent
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salocallowdown.com CRIME DOG continues from pg. 01
CPD hopes to add another canine to force by WYNTON THOMASON
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IBOLO – With the city undergoing rapid expansion, the Police Department hopes a recently acquired drug-sniffing canine named Carlos will follow in McGruff’s footsteps by taking a bite out of crime. The 1-year-old mixed Labrador retriever can scent illegal narcotics such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine in vehicles stopped in the city’s jurisdiction. Carlos was trained by Spring Branchbased Worldwide Canine Inc., dog trainers in general police service, drug and bomb detections and protective services. CPD patrol Lt. Chris Kotzur said the city purchased the canine for $7,500 in May; Carlos was brought on as part of the department’s narcotics-detection team.
Cibolo Police Officer Chris Ybarra and his partner Carlos, the department’s newest crime fighter, are on the lookout for illegal drugs passing through the city. Photo by Josh Michael
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Carlos is paired with Officer Chris Ybarra, a five-year veteran who works 10hour shifts with the dog, trains with him and makes sure Carlos stays in the best physical shape. During workweeks, the dog and his handler are constantly together. After only a little more than two months as partners, Ybarra said he and Carlos have made numerous traffic stops resulting in discoveries of hidden narcotics. Just like the fictional McGruff the anti-crime dog in a trench coat, Carlos is helping keep the bad guys at bay, officers said. Ybarra described the experience of working with Carlos as something he “truly enjoys.� Working and training with Carlos, and performing with other area drug-deterrent units, Ybarra claimed he learns something new every day, whether it’s from an instructor, other narcotics-detection teams, or Carlos himself. Ybarra, last year one of the department’s two school resource officers, said Carlos’ duties are wide-ranging. Though Ybarra has been reassigned to the new canine unit, he’ll still help out on school patrols, where Carlos’ talents will come in handy with locker and vehicle searches. Cibolo’s K-9 team will collaborate with other area agencies, but only in narcotics interdiction.
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“Our dog is only trained to sniff narcotics,� Kotzur said. “Because he will be used in the schools, we don’t want him biting anybody; but Comal County has several dogs, and so does other departments in the area. We all work together.� CPD hopes to hire another canine officer soon. “It’s a matter of finding the funding at this point to be able to do that,� Kotzur said, “but we are looking at getting another one, hopefully by the end of the year.� Ybarra not only sees Carlos as a coworker, but also as a friend. He said Carlos has become a member of his home, and the officer’s family enjoys having the dog as one of the family pets. “When we get home, I’ll be very tired after a long day and Carlos will still want to play,� he said. However, Ybarra said he’s had the time of his life ever since Carlos came into his. They play together at Ybarra’s house, but once the police uniform goes on, Carlos also is all business. “I’ve really enjoyed this experience,� Ybarra said. “I’ve learned so much, and I really look forward to what the future of the program holds for us and the department as a whole.�
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AUGUST 2014
JISD approves pay raises, looks to select new superintendent by WILL WRIGHT
L
IVE OAK – Like other school districts in the Metrocom, the Judson Independent School District is experiencing growing pains.
JISD debuts an elementary school this fall and earlier this summer broke ground for a new high school, projects approved by voters in an $83 million bond election in 2013. However, the district must also eye ways to address future growth and find a successor for outgoing Superintendent Willis Mackey, whose leadership helped bolster academic performance at the high school and junior high school levels. Copperfield Elementary, located at the corner of Coppergate Road and Loop 1604 in Live Oak, is a $19.4 million facility designed to relieve overcrowding at Salinas, Converse and
Judson ISD officials recently joined Metrocom city representatives and community members for the groundbreaking of the district’s newest high school, slated to open in 2016. Photo by Josh Michael
Coronado Village elementary schools. “Those schools have seen enrollments rise to between 800 and 900 students,” said Steve Linscomb, JISD communications director. “We would like all of our elementary campuses to get back down to 650 or 700 students, and this new school will definitely help.” Copperfield’s design was modeled after 3-year-old Rolling Meadows Elementary. “That project was contained in the 2006 bond, and was built on time and
under budget,” Linscomb said. “It was a priority for us to replicate that.” The new high school, located near the intersection of Nacogdoches and Evans roads, will be the district’s third such comprehensive facility. Projected to cost $50 million, community members and JISD officials celebrated its July 15 groundbreaking. Slated to initially accommodate up to 1,600 students in the Kitty Hawk Middle School feeder pattern, the
262,000-square-foot facility will reduce enrollment at Judson High School when it opens in August 2016, with eventual capacity nearing 2,400 students. Dan Kershner, the district’s executive director of operations, said there would be community discussions this year to select the school’s colors, to be incorporated into design plans. Deciding the official name and mascot will happen in 2015, after receiving input from junior high students and community members. Linscomb assured there is now increased oversight on the newest bond projects, approved three years after voters soundly rejected a $198 million bond proposal in 2010, which called for two new elementary schools, a new high school, a new transportation center and other items. Linscomb blamed the 2010 loss on perceptions formed by taxpayers angry about cost overruns in several projects contained in the district’s $236 million bond four years earlier. Among them, renovations to Rutledge Stadium – slated to cost $10 million, but finished at $14 million – and transforming Judson High School to accommodate students from two campuses,
JISD continues on pg. 29
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Mr. Gold Fine Jewelry celebrates silver anniversary by WYNTON THOMASON
W
INDCREST – Just east of Interstate 35 sits a gem of a store – Mr. Gold Fine Jewelry – offering a variety of precious
stones and a host of other services. Whether it’s watch repair, stringing pearls or helping customers pick an engagement ring, Mr. Gold has met
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customers’ needs since 1989. Mr. Gold, 5524 Walzem Road, is owned by Wally Mae Lockhart, who is assisted by a team of jewelers and sales experts. With a background in business administration and many years in sales, Lockhart said the decision to operate a jewelry store or a restaurant was a conundrum. Taking her daughter’s advice, Lockhart opted for earrings over onion rings. Now enjoying its silver anniversary, Mr. Gold Fine Jewelry offers an abundance of watches and pearls, along with beaded necklaces and bracelets. Jewels such as diamonds, colored precious gems, karat gold and sterling silver are its hottest attractions, Lockhart said. The store also features custom designs, specially branded jewelry and jewelry repair – all performed under the close eye of Victor Madrigal, Mr. Gold’s master jeweler for more than nine years. “I enjoy every minute of it,” Lockhart said. “I love the team I’m a part of, and I love helping our customers in very precious moments of their lives.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Wally Mae Lockhart and her husband Moses are celebrating this year’s silver anniversary for Mr. Gold Fine Jewelry in Windcrest. Photos by Josh Michael
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Majors Body & Paint at home in new location by eric moreno
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Majors Body & Paint in San Antonio offers the latest in cutting-edge technologies for body-shop repairs, particularly quality auto-body painting and equipment. Photos by Josh Michael
AN ANTONIO — For many people, auto repairs seem like an inevitable part of life – necessary but not always convenient. However, John Sferle said his family-run business at Majors Body & Paint has been steering car owners in the right direction for 40-plus years, paying off with a legion of loyal, repeat customers. His long-established shop recently moved from New Braunfels to 6464 Randolph Blvd. to attract more customers and offer additional services. “We opened this (San Antonio) location (a few) months ago,” said Sferle, the owner. “It has more to offer to us as a company and to customers. Our major goal is to help customers.”
Majors features cutting-edge technology for body-shop repairs, particularly quality auto-body painting and equipment, and the staff provides free estimates on both, Sferle said. “Our certified technicians work on all makes and models of vehicles,” Sferle said. “We have arrangements with multiple suppliers to get any part required to fix any vehicle on the road today. We have a do-it-all mentality and do repairs on all trucks, cars and motorcycles to get your vehicle looking like factory new.” The shop offers lifetime warranties, car rentals, full-detailing services, custom paint jobs and frame repairs. “We are certified to work on all makes and models and accept all auto
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Heavenly treats at Williams Confectionery Crafts by wynton thomason
L
IVE OAK – Williams Confectionery Crafts, known for its pastries and other homemade dishes, embodies the heart and soul of owner Joyce Williams. It is located at 12107 Toepperwein Road, Suite 5A.
Owner Joyce Williams (left) and daughter Andrea have drawn raves for the food and pastries featured at Williams Confectionery Crafts in Live Oak. Photos by Josh Michael
Everyone who comes here gets a taste of my heart, and a taste of my home JOYCE WILLIAMS, OWNER
Williams, a retired educator from the Rio Grande Valley, dreamed of owning a bakery, but believed it would only happen if “God intended for it to.” After relocating to the San Antonio area following her 2002 retirement, Williams joined New Creation Christian Fellowship in Windcrest, where her tasty treats soon became staples at religious events. It wasn’t long before word of Williams’ church desserts spread like gospel. She and daughter Andrea opened a bakery in 2005. Williams’ initial menu of popular home-cooked French pastries, lemon
bars and buttermilk chess pies, soon bolstered by full-blown entrees and meal packages, drew rave reviews. The roast beef – topped with red onions, bell peppers, provolone cheese and mayonnaise – has garnered critical acclaim, along with other weekday specials. On Thursdays, diners can choose gravysmothered pork chops on rice, served with a pineapple casserole, greens and cornbread. Southern soul food and Tex-Mex dishes also showcase the versatility of Williams’ culinary talents. Breakfast, served all day with a variety of omelets, biscuits and gravy, is also very popular among customers, she said. Williams treats diners as though they are family, she said. “Everyone who comes here gets a taste of my heart, and a taste of my home,” she said. Williams Confectionery Crafts, which also offers catering services for special occasions, is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
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EAT LOCAL Learn about the newest neighborhood places for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks
Catalano’s Pizzeria a mainstay in Cibolo by WYNTON THOMASON
C
Sarah Bacek is one of many family members serving up Italian and American delights at Catalano’s Pizzeria in Cibolo. Photos by Josh Michael
IBOLO – Hard work and passion are the secrets to success at Catalano’s Pizzeria, said owner Carl Catalano, who operates the business with four of his children. A third generation — the grandchildren — are now getting involved in the family-owned business, which has been in town about 12 years. “I do this because I love it,” Catalano said. “This place is a piece of me and my family.” Located just west of the railroad tracks at 102 N. Main St., next to Harmon’s BarB-Q and Emily’s Place Coffee Shoppe, Catalano said he launched the restaurant shortly after learning about the potential for business growth just north of San Antonio.
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Catalano described his first couple of years as “tough.” Eventually, folks moved into the neighborhood and came in flocks to taste the pizzas, calzones and strombolis. Featured items are mostly Italian cuisine, but Catalano’s also boasts American standards including hamburgers and chicken strips. A Catalano’s specialty – Our Peanut Butter & Jelly Pizza – blends American and Italian favorites. Catalano said he’s always been an avid peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich fan, but never thought it was something he could serve. Then one day, a customer
asked if he could create such a pizza. He obliged, the patron loved it and the concoction was born. Healthy meals also are a part of the menu, including fresh salads with crisp lettuce and homemade croutons, Catalano said. Catalano’s Pizzeria is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday.
CATALANO’S PIZZERIA 102 N. Main St. in Cibolo For more, call 566-9706 or visit www.facebook.com/Catalanos
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at least 2,300 slated to attend Wagner High School. However, even with the addition of a new high school, enrollment projections remain the largest in the Judson High area, Linscomb said, meaning prior to the new school’s opening, the district’s secondary school boundary lines will be refigured for the first time since 2012. “The feeder patterns (from the junior highs) will change at that point,” Kershner said. “We’ll have to split the lines for Judson and the new school. We’ll visit with the community before doing that, the same as we did with the elementary schools (to add Copperfield).” In June, the JISD board approved a $219.2 million budget for 2014-15, which included pay raises for employees and additional contributions to employee insurance. The board must soon consider a method to replace Mackey, superintendent since 2007. “The next superintendent will have some big shoes to fill,” Linscomb said. “During his tenure, he produced positive results. Some of his academic programs helped raise the performances of African-American and Hispanic students and raised the standards at all of our campuses.”
JISD continues from pg. 24 which ran way past the completion deadline and slightly over budget. Those and other issues eroded public trust, which Linscomb said the district has taken steps to re-establish. For example, the JISD board in June approved creating an internal audit unit intended to improve accountability and efficiency. Linscomb said although the unit’s job description has yet to be outlined, it would go a long way to help. “As far as construction measures for this bond, the administration is now completely different,” Kershner said, adding there were more bidders for the current projects instead of asking for bids for projects in the 2006 bond. Not only have construction costs declined since then, but the district in 2011 formed an advisory board, comprised of community members and the mayors of Live Oak, Converse, Selma and Universal City to assist in oversight and bolster confidence in district operations. “There is a big difference now in the perception (how) Judson ISD did business at that time,” he added. This fall, more than 3,400 students are projected to enter Judson High School, with
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• Playground for kids within view from patio dining • Full service bar - Come watch your favorite sporting event on our many flat screen TV’s • Party room available up to 60 people
Closed on Mondays. Tue-Fri 11AM -10PM Sat 9am-10PM Sun 9AM-9PM
210-658-6600
170 Buffalo Place Cibolo, Texas 78108
NFL TICKET
FLAT SCREEN TV’S, To Enjoy all the NFL games Great Food, Wine, & Over 25 Beers To Choose From With Seasonal Beers On Tap
Say “Make Me A Big Papa” & Any 16” Pizza Becomes An 18”
www.bigpapaspizzaandsportsbar.com
I Love It When You Call Me
BIG PAPA 1420 SCHERTZ PKWY. SCHERTZ, TX
Mon-Thur 4pm -10pm Fri and Sat 11am - 11pm Sunday: 11am - 10pm BIG PAPA’S PIZZA AND SPORTS BAR
AUTHENTIC SOUTH PHILLY
AT THE FORUM
CHEESESTEAKS
8096 Agora Pkwy (Near Pat Booker Rd.)
Mom Says Don’t Take Any Wooden Nickels...BUT... At Youz Guyz Every 10” Sandwich Gets You A Wooden Nickel!!
210.798.8646
SANDWICH, Collect 5 Wooden Nickels & Get Large Combo! 10” FRIES & DRINK!
Buy One, Get One
*
www.hearthstonebakerycafe.com
• Cheesesteaks • Grilled Italian Hot Sausage • Homemade Cannoli’s • Funnel Cake Fries
FREE
*Not valid for catering. One single item discount of equal or lesser value per voucher. Expires 9/15/14
Italian Water Ice
GET WACKED BY OUR 10” BOOM-A-LATTI Extra meat, cheese, onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, sweet pepppers, hot peppers
www.YouzGuyzCheesesteaks.com
316 Pat Booker Rd Universal City, TX 78148 210-659-8930
Mon-Thu - 11:00 - 8:00 Friday - 11:00 - 9:00 Saturday - 11:00 - 8:00
AlAmo Discount solAr screens & shADes Decreasing energy costs & increasing comfort
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708 MAIN STREET SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154
this mention
.99 19 OIL CHANGE
(210) 659-3020
Mon-Friday 7:30am – 6:00pm Saturday 8am – 2pm
SEALING WOOD, FLAGSTONE, & PEBBLESTONE
FROM THIS
TO THIS
Deck & Patio Care
Cleaning & Sealing Patios and Decks for 28 years... Fences too! www.deckandpatiocare.com Call 210.822.9147
we are on instagram.com/localcommunitynews
$60 OFF
www.alamosunshades.com
Because Painting is Personal •
For 1st Time Customers
210.587.7050
SUMMER OFFER $200 OFF* Any interior or exterior over $2000
Melissa – President and Full time Licensed Pharmacist that believes is World Class Customer Service and fixed with integrity. Henry, VP, runs the daily operation of the business and adheres to family values and Military-style work ethics and gives 110 Percent and then some for each customer.
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Start Saving Today
Made in Texas • Veteran Owned
• Suspension – Struts And Shocks • Tires – 30-60-90K Interval Services • 2 Master Certified Technicians • Tow Services
Main Street Garage is a husband and wife business in Schertz, Texas, Henry (UTSA 03) and Melissa (UTSA 95, UT Austin 99) have owned Main Street Garage since December 2010.
FREE ALIGNMENT CHECK
Blocks 80-90% of sun’s raDiation
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Free estimates
QUALITY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE SINCE 1971 • Bg Services • 24 Month, 24,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty • Maintenance/Repair – Oil Changes – Brakes • Engine Diagnostic – Drive-Ability Concerns
· Our Solar Screens are EXTREMELY durable · Daytime Privacy · Good Ventilation · Excellent Outward Visibility · Stops Interior fading of carpets and furniture
Interior and Exterior Painting • Wallpaper Removal • Drywall and Texture Repair • Carpentry • Free Color Consultations
Call CertaPro Painters to schedule a
FREE Estimate. 210-490-0460 www.certapro.com 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award
Find more LOCAL deals online at salocallowdown.com
Automotive Specialties
LOCAL DEALS
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salocallowdown.com
*****ECR WSS Postal Customer Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit 6450 San Antonio TX
We’ve Moved! Please visit us at our new location. SERVICES: • Same or next-day appointments
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• Physical exams and well woman care
• Lifestyle modification and care for chronic conditions
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• Immunizations and preventative care
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• Schools, sports and camp physicals
Schertz
• Osteopathic manipulative medicine
Victoria S. Chang, DO Board-Certified Internal Medicine
Blaine Carmichael, PA
Kirsten Fikes, PA
Call (210) 656-5600 or go visit Med1st.com to learn more about us and schedule an appointment today.
6/6/14 3:04 PM
COMMUNITY NEWS
7110_MedFirstShertz_MovingAd_.indd 1
4204 gardendale Ste. 201 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78229
An affiliate of Baptist Health System
MedFirst Schertz 16977 IH 35 North, Suite 210 Schertz, TX 78154 (210) 656-5600