District K – Update

Last week, District K Council Member and Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, became the eighth official from the City of Houston to be elected Texas Municipal League president. With a longtime commitment to community, she is the first TML president who has served on the city council of two Texas cities. Castex-Tatum served on the San Marcos City Council in 2000-2003, where she also served as the deputy mayor pro-tem. “I wholeheatedly believe in serving where I live, and I’m honored to join the leadership team of TML.,” said Castex-Tatum.

 

TML is a voluntary association that has more than 16,000 mayors, council members, city managers, city attorneys and department heads and the new president is ready to fulfill the association’s purpose-Empowering Texas cities to serve their citizens. “I look forward to using my experience in a small city and large city this next legislative session as we work alongside state lawmakers to ensure the best public policy for all Texans.”

Residents in Windsor Village neighborhood, please note the sidewalk replacement coming to Heatherbrook Dr. The sidewalk area between Altair Way and Amble Way will be replaced starting May 21, 2021. The sidewalk at 5665 Heatherbrook will also be replaced. This sidewalk project should be complete in 30 days and is being funded by Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum via District K Council District Service Funds.

 

The Houston Humane Society Pet Pantry supports Houston residents in caring for their pets by providing free pet food and supplies to pet owners needing assistance. The Pet Pantry programs include offsite community events where you can drive up and get free dog and cat food, and a monthly assistance pet food program. For more information go to:

 

In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act, also known as the ARP Act, was signed into law. The bill dedicated $122 billion for K-12 schools through the Elementary and Secondary School Education Relief (ESSER) III funds. As a result, HISD is eligible to apply for ESSER III grant funds under the ARP Act.

 

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released the entitlements for HISD under the ARP Act, ESSER III grant funds. These are additional funds to HISD and are to be used to address the impact COVID-19 has had – and continues to have – on elementary and secondary schools.

 

The grant funds application must be submitted to TEA by Tuesday, July 27. HISD’s entitlement for ARP Act, ESSER III grant funds, is projected to be $804,456,215.

 

The public has the opportunity to provide feedback on how the district utilizes ESSER III grant funds allocated under the ARP Act. You can access a survey to provide feedback. For assistance completing the survey, please call the HISD @ H.O.M.E. Hotline at 713-556-INFO (4636). The survey will close on Friday, May 21.

 

Thank you for your continued support, and your feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

Sincerely,

 

Grenita F. Lathan, Ph.D.

HISD Interim Superintendent

Help is available. Grandparents raising grandchildren is often a hidden population because they step up and do what needs to be done, often with little help. In Texas, there are over 314,000 grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren who live with them. Below is information to assist Texas grandparents in connecting with resources they may need for themselves as well as the children in their care.

 

Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren mission is to advocate and empower grandparents raising grandhildren by providing access to resources, information and support. For more information visit www.txgrg.com or call 210-762-3208.

 

Methodist Children’s Home GAP Program- provides services to grandparents and other relatives who ar caring for for children in the absence of parents. They offer case management, I&R, support groups, etc. You can find more information at

www.mch.org/locations/Houston or call 713-682-8911.

 

Texas Legal Services Center- provides sliding scale/free guidance on legal right, financial security, accessing public benefits, etc. More infor mation is available at

https://www.tlsc.org/generalintake or call 512-477-6000.

 

 

Last Call to “Name Our Library”– We want to hear from you! The District K “Name Our Library” initiative is still open for submissions. There’s still time for you to throw your suggested name in the hat.

 

Construction for the new library is expected to begin in June 2021 and will be completed by the end of 2022. Vice Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum believes getting community feedback will help ensure the name reflects the personality and character of the community.

 

Do you have a suggestion? Community members can submit one name, along with a 250 word support statement about your choice. Submissions will be accepted through 5 pm on May 24, 2021. Click here for access to the form.