Convenience Big Store: Timeline: Katy ISD board's most notable or controversial decisions in 2023

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A look back at Katy ISD's biggest policy changes from transgender students policy to book bans.

I've been covering the Katy ISD board of trustees meetings for more than five years now, but I've never seen a board pass so many new policies as I have this year.

The 2023-24 school year is almost half over, but we've already seen new policies or actions on gender, book banning and record-setting school bonds.

If you're struggling to keep up with all the changes, you're not alone. I sometimes find myself getting information confused, and I do this for a living.

With that in mind, I put together a timeline that helps you track the changes to the district that have taken place this year. It's a compilation of the board's biggest decisions and the outcomes of those decisions to date.

Check out my guide and let me know your thoughts. Do you think any of these big Katy ISD stories will carry into 2024? Let me know your thoughts.

Claire Goodman, Katy reporter

claire.goodman@houstonchronicle.com

Education

Books that have recently been challenged or banned in school districts sit on a shelf Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, at First Christian Church in Katy. Earlier in the week, Katy ISD discussed a process to challenge, review and remove books during a school board meeting.

Photo by: Jon Shapley, Staff Photographer

Timeline: Katy ISD's biggest new moves from transgender policy and book bans.

Katy ISD's board approved a new policy for transgender students, book banning guidelines and a record-setting school bond.

Growing Katy

Creekland Village will open in the Bridgeland master-planned community in Cypress in spring of 2023.

Photo by: The Howard Hughes Corp.

Big residential developments to know in and around Katy.

Big residential developments, including Bridgeland in Cypress and Sunterra in Katy, hit milestones across the region in 2023.

Need to Know

Deerbrook Mall is prepared to ensure guest safety through one of the busiest times of the year for retail stores this holiday season. The Deerbrook Mall is a shopping destination for the northeast side of Houston.

Photo by: Photo By Savannah Mehrtens

Guide to Houston-area malls: New stores, best entertainment and more things to know before you go.

The holiday season is the time for Houston-area malls to shine and show off their unique stores and entertainment.

Openings and Closings

A fond farewell goes out to Tiger Nutrition. The smoothie and juice bar closed its doors Dec. 2.

Shout out

High fives go out to Thomas Daniels, the new principal at Bethke Elementary.

"I am thrilled to join Bethke Elementary and work collaboratively with the dedicated staff, students and parents to create an environment that fosters the growth of every individual," Daniels said of his appointment. "I am committed to carrying out the school's vision and mission, ensuring that each student reaches their fullest potential academically, socially, and emotionally."

One last thing ...

Whataburger fans- your favorite Texas-founded fast food restaurant has a new menu item coming your way.

Whataburger intends to launch its "Whatawings" concept in January 2024, my co-reporter Octavia Johnson reports. The restaurant will offer boneless wings in flavors such as buffalo, sweet-and-spicy and honey barbecue.