It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Bastrop, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care was there for me when I needed them. I was providing”
“I am so happy with Mr. Steven Coleman services. He has been very professional and”
“We had an excellent experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in Austin. They provided”
“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and”
“Kyle and his team are great.”
“I am a past client of this provider My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care”
“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to”
“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who”
“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my”
“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff”
“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother”
“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. ”
“Lori & Kyle were very attentive and responded very quickly to our needs. They visited”
“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in”
“I’ve known Lori for years and have high confidence in her ability to provide care.”
“I had the pleasure of working with Lori Schrayer in a professional setting where she”
“I am a current client of this provider Lori and staff - What a sanity saver”
“Always Best Care of Austin, TX is the only place I trust to care for”
“Always Best Care was there for me when I needed them. I was providing hospice care for my mother in my home. I could not have done it without them. The caregivers are kind and dependable. The company was supportive in every aspect of my mother's care. I cannot thank them enough for their support during this difficult time.”
“I am so happy with Mr. Steven Coleman services. He has been very professional and helpful.”
“We had an excellent experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in Austin. They provided in home care when my mom got out of the hospital and, in parallel, helped us find an assisted living facility. I was calling them from the hospital and we didn't know when my mom would be discharged or what kind of care she would need and Always Best Care was responsive, flexible and provided guidance when we needed it most. This was a stressful time and they gave us peace of mind while providing the best care for my mom. The caregivers were on time, thoughtful and kind. I'd recommend Always Best Care to anyone trying to navigate the complexities of eldercare.”
“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and really takes care of patients to make them feel comfortable and safe!”
“Kyle and his team are great.”
“I am a past client of this provider My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care to help care for our mother, initially when she was still able to do a significant amount on her own. Over time she declined and needed different levels of care. At each stage, Lori, Kyle, and each member of the ABC team listened to our needs, and was warm, caring, attentive, patient, punctual, and flexible in accommodating Mom‘s abilities, needs, and wants. Caregivers often went above and beyond, and the teams’ communication with my siblings and me was terrific – – especially helpful since none of us lived in the area. I feel fortunate to have been connected with Lori and Kyle, and I highly recommend the ABC team.”
“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to know my loved ones are in good hands ????”
“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who would need this service”
“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers were on time, professional, and did what mom/we asked of them and more. The owners, Lori & Kyle, listened to our needs and went above and beyond in their help and care. A few times when we had to take mom to the ER, Lori and/ or Kyle came to the house to be sure all of mom's needs were met. At the end of mom's life, their caregivers could not have been more attentive, kind, caring and professional. I would highly recommend ABC Care for your loved one.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support for our clients, their family members and our caring team of staff .”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”
“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”
“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. I know I can trust them to make sure our Mom gets the care and help she needs. And caregiver Leah is so very kind -- she's the best!”
“Lori & Kyle were very attentive and responded very quickly to our needs. They visited us in person to introduce the new aide, to make sure instructions were done smoothy. ABC came thru in a very critical time for us. Forever grateful for their compassion & thoughtfulness to our health needs.”
“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in a skilled nursing facility and it continues to provide steady, reliable and helpful care now that she is at home. The owners are very kind and authentic and seem to really care about the people they are helping! My mother adores her caregiver. Would highly recommend.”
“I’ve known Lori for years and have high confidence in her ability to provide care. She’s caring, intelligent, dependable and friendly. She would be an excellent service provider!”
“I had the pleasure of working with Lori Schrayer in a professional setting where she was in a leadership role. I worked with her and her team on multiple projects as a liaison to the County Manager or head of the municipal organization. Lori is consistent in her treatment of peers, communication style, and commitment to her staff. I would be fortunate to work with Lori in the future and would provide her business if given the opportunity as I know they’d be in great hands.”
“I am a current client of this provider Lori and staff - What a sanity saver and great team. From day one we have felt that Mom’s well being is their first priority. We were extremely hesitant to turn over care to someone else. But those concerns vanished immediately— thanks to the team’s communication and compassion. It’s a great comfort knowing the entire staff are there for us and responsive to our need and requests.”
“Always Best Care of Austin, TX is the only place I trust to care for my elder loved ones. It's locally owned by a the kindest couple who treat every patient and employee like part of their family. Their caregivers are compassionate and give me a sense of comfort knowing my loved ones are in good hands when I cannot be with them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Bastrop, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bastrop, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Bastrop, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Controversial Hollywood actor Zachary Levi has set his sights beyond Southern California in his latest career endeavor — a 75-acre, $100 million film studio project in the heart of Central Texas.Levi is in the process of a $40 million capital fundraising endeavor for Wyldwood Studios, a master-planned development along the banks of the Colorado River in ...
Controversial Hollywood actor Zachary Levi has set his sights beyond Southern California in his latest career endeavor — a 75-acre, $100 million film studio project in the heart of Central Texas.
Levi is in the process of a $40 million capital fundraising endeavor for Wyldwood Studios, a master-planned development along the banks of the Colorado River in Bastrop, a suburb east of Austin. Wyldwood describes itself as a "movement toward meaningful creation," with the development poised to house a creative studio alongside amphitheaters, offices and residential space, the project's website noted.
"Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks and all those O.G.s knew it over 100 years ago. Hollywood was broken then, and we needed a better system," Levi told Variety in an interview published May 22, citing the silent film stars and their creation of United Artists as inspiration behind the project. "This industry is crumbling around us. In order for us to survive, we need to have a space for artists that will foster certified organic human-made content."
It's also an endeavor that would benefit under the current political climate of both the Texas Legislature and President Donald Trump's administration. Trump has touted plans to enact a 100% tariff on producers who shoot productions overseas, and the Texas Legislature has approved a 10-year, $2.5 billion investment into incentives for in-state media production.
Levi, who previously supported Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson in 2016 and Democratic candidate Marianne Williamson in 2020, backed Trump in 2024 after initially supporting then-presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in part for his stances on the COVID-19 vaccines. Despite some conservative leanings, Levi told Variety he wants his studio's productions to cover a whole host of topics, saying in part he's eyeing content more aligned with The White Lotus than The Chosen, a Christian drama series following the life of Jesus Christ.
Levi is by no means the first star to trade in Hollywood for the Austin area. His interview with Variety drew parallels to fellow COVID-19 vaccine skeptics like Joe Rogan and Woody Harrelson who call Texas home. The Chuck and Shazam! actor is poised to relocate to Texas this July alongside his partner and newborn son, he told Variety.
He added his newfound introduction to fatherhood is at the helm of creative decisions planned for Wyldwood, including capping daily production schedules to eight-to-10-hour shifts and the addition of on-site residential space to keep cast and crew members tethered to their families.
"And if we need to shoot two more weeks in order to make up those hours, then we’ll shoot two more weeks and figure it out in the budget," he added during his interview with Variety.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct accountability rating of B for the 2018-19 school year and C for the 2021-22 school year. Bastrop ISD received a D for the 2022-23 school year with 65 out of a possible 100 points in the Texas Education Agency's ...
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct accountability rating of B for the 2018-19 school year and C for the 2021-22 school year.
Bastrop ISD received a D for the 2022-23 school year with 65 out of a possible 100 points in the Texas Education Agency's 2022-23 school accountability ratings.
Public schools across the state were rated based on a variety of factors, including academic performance and how prepared students are for college and careers after high school.
Why now?
Ratings for the 2022-23 school year were delayed by lawsuits, and released April 24 following an April 3 ruling in which the Texas 15th Court of Appeals overturned a 2023 injunction that prevented the accountability ratings' release for more than a year.
In September 2023, more than 100 Texas school districts joined in a lawsuit aimed at preventing the release of these ratings, as changes in the methodology for how letter grades were calculated were made mid-school year.
Because the ratings released April 24 are two years old, BISD Superintendent Barry Edwards says they are not a good representation of the district’s current performance, and the work done to improve performance by students and staff.
“They don’t reflect the growth and resilience we’ve seen in our students the last two years, nor do they reflect the dedication of our teachers and staff and the blood, sweat and tears they’ve poured into improvement,” Edwards told community members in an April 24 email.
In a nutshell
The A-F rating system was created by the 85th Legislature to provide clear and consistent performance tracking data for public schools and ensure students are prepared for the next grade level. Per the TEA, the focus areas of student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps were intended to drive continuous improvement in public schools.
According to an April 24 release from the TEA, various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and lawsuits, have left an incomplete set of ratings for families to understand how their public schools are serving students.
“For far too long, families, educators and communities have been denied access to information about the performance of their schools, thanks to frivolous lawsuits paid for by tax dollars filed by those who disagreed with the statutory goal of raising career readiness expectations to help students,” Morath said in the news release.
The 2022-23 updates to methodology were made to "more accurately reflect performance," according to the TEA.
In his email to the community, Edwards addressed changes to the accountability ratings for 2022-23, including the redesigned State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness and an adjustment to one indicator related to College, Career and Military Readiness. For the latter, the CCMR threshold for a district to receive an A overall was shifted from 60% to 88%, applied retroactively to the class of 2023 after they already graduated, Edwards said.
The district has since implemented multiple strategies to improve student performance and achievement, he said.
“This work isn’t easy, and it certainly doesn’t always show up in a single letter or rating,” Edwards said. “But we see what’s happening in our classrooms. We see the growth. We see the passion of our teachers. And we see the impact that parent involvement has made.”
The breakdown
Statewide, about 11% of school districts received an A rating for the 2022-23 school year, 40% of districts earned a B, about 32% scored a C, 14% received a D, and about 3% received an F, according to the TEA.
At the campus level, in 2023, 1,646 campuses earned an A, 2,873 campuses scored a B, 2,107 campuses received a C, 1,264 campuses received a D, and 649 campuses scored an F, according to the TEA’s statewide summary report.
Out of the BISD campuses that received ratings:
Zooming in
Texas school districts like BISD last received ratings through the A-F system in the 2021-22 school year. At that time, about one-third of districts earned an A rating for 2021-22, and just over half earned a B, according to prior reporting.
BISD did not receive a rating in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years due to state of disaster declarations stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the adjusted methodology, the district had earned a B in the 2018-19 and 2021-22 school years.
What's next?
The TEA remains blocked from releasing accountability ratings for the 2023-24 school year, pending another lawsuit from school districts across the state. The second lawsuit is pending a decision from a state appeals court, as reported by Community Impact.
Edwards told community members he was confident that performance on the 2025 STAAR exam would demonstrate a level of improvement the district has been working toward since receiving 2022-23 performance data.
“We’ve witnessed our kids using their instructional strategies and giving us their best as they’ve been testing,” Edwards wrote. “We are proud of their effort and their heart!”
Education Reporter
Brooke is an education reporter covering Georgetown, Hutto, Pflugerville and Round Rock ISDs. When she joined Community Impact in May 2021, she covered education, city government and business news in Round Rock. Brooke is from Seguin and graduated from The University of Texas in 2020. Her last name is pronounced “Show-burg.” When she's not working, Brooke is with the love of her life, her dog Doc Holliday.
Thanks for reading!
Daily news about your community is free, and your support is invaluable.
Give $10 now towards CI's journalistic mission across Texas.
Northmarq’s Tulsa Commercial Investment Sales team led by ...
Northmarq’s Tulsa Commercial Investment Sales team led by Jeff Matulis, Toby Scrivner and David Annett, and St. Louis Debt + Equity team led by Jada Purchase completed the sale and financing of the Texas Oncology cancer treatment center at 3107 State Hwy 71 in Bastrop, Texas.
Northmarq’s Investment Sales team represented both the seller, BlueDrake Capital, as well as the buyer, Maple Street Management. The sale and financing were led in collaboration with both Northmarq’s National Healthcare Group and the firm’s Net Lease Financing team.
Northmarq arranged financing for the borrower, Maple Street Management, through a correspondent relationship with a financial institution. The transaction was structured on a five-year term with a 30-year amortization schedule.
Built in 2009, this Texas Oncology property features an 11,000-sq.-ft. building on a 0.93-acre lot. It is a triple-net lease. The property is the main location in Bastrop for Texas Oncology, the largest cancer treatment and research provider in the state of Texas.
The property is the only oncology practice within the city limits of Bastrop, and it is located in the heart of the densest medical corridor in the city. The area includes St. David’s Emergency Center, Family Health Center, Bastrop Community Health Center, and Ascension Seton Bastrop Hospital.
This Texas Oncology location is positioned off of State Highway 71 and TX 360, which see a combined 44,472 vehicles per day. It is less than two miles from downtown Bastrop, and roughly 34 miles from downtown Austin.
Bastrop city leaders said it costs $10,000 in taxpayer dollars to transport stray animals to the county shelter each year.BASTROP, Texas — Bastrop city leaders are poised to approve a new ordinance requiring all pet owners to microchip their dogs and cats.It’s a move officials say will save money, reduce shelter crowding and increase the chances of lost pets being reunited with their owners.The Bastrop City Council is set to hold a second reading and possible final vote on the proposed ordinance on Tuesday....
Bastrop city leaders said it costs $10,000 in taxpayer dollars to transport stray animals to the county shelter each year.
BASTROP, Texas — Bastrop city leaders are poised to approve a new ordinance requiring all pet owners to microchip their dogs and cats.
It’s a move officials say will save money, reduce shelter crowding and increase the chances of lost pets being reunited with their owners.
The Bastrop City Council is set to hold a second reading and possible final vote on the proposed ordinance on Tuesday.
If approved, the measure would require all city residents to have their dogs and cats aged four months and older implanted with a registered microchip.
City officials say the ordinance is a response to the high number of unclaimed animals in local shelters. According to a recent city survey, only about half of the 160 respondents reported that their pets were microchipped.
“Well, you know, we’re not doing enough,” Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland said.
Kirkland said that every time animal services finds an unchipped animal, it costs the city about $270 to transport them to the animal shelter. The city spends roughly $10,000 in taxpayer money each year on such transports, he said.
He said the microchipping ordinance will help save the city some money, as well as potentially save some animals' lives.
Bastrop County Animal Services operates as an "open-intake facility," which means it works with rescues and looks for adoptive homes. The status prevents the facility from being a "no-kill" shelter.
“If we’re turning over fewer animals to the shelter, then there will be less crowding. Crowding directly determines what happens to the animals, ultimately, because they don’t have enough space and funding to hold all animals indefinitely, and not enough volunteers or people willing to adopt. So, yeah, it helps them,” Kirkland said.
To address cost concerns, the city is partnering with the nonprofit Save an Angel to offer microchipping services for $22 once a month, compared to the typical $70 to $100 charged at a veterinarian’s office.
A 2009 study found that dogs with microchips are 2.4 times more likely to be returned to their owners and cats are more than 20 times more likely, Kirkland said. Without a microchip, the likelihood of a cat being returned to its owner is about 1%.
While the ordinance includes a penalty for noncompliance that could be considered a Class C misdemeanor, Kirkland said city officials don't plan to issue citations, focusing instead on education and voluntary compliance.
The council is expected to take up the measure at its meeting on Tuesday.
A new turn lane on the frontage road of Hwy. 71 onto Ed Burleson Road into the upcoming Burleson Crossing East retail development is one step closer to being constructed.A closer lookOnce completed, the turn lane is anticipated to improve traffic flow and congestion in the area. Burleson Crossing East is slated to include a Sprouts and LongHorn Steakhouse, according to ...
A new turn lane on the frontage road of Hwy. 71 onto Ed Burleson Road into the upcoming Burleson Crossing East retail development is one step closer to being constructed.
A closer look
Once completed, the turn lane is anticipated to improve traffic flow and congestion in the area. Burleson Crossing East is slated to include a Sprouts and LongHorn Steakhouse, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.
During an April 8 City Council meeting, funding was secured for the project. Council approved entering into an interlocal cooperative agreement for an interagency loan of $600,000 from the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation in addition to a Chapter 380 agreement with BEBD Frontage Road, LLC, and the city of Bastrop for $600,000.
The developer is seeking approximately $1 million for the improvements that will be funded 40% by the BEDC and 60% by the city of Bastrop. The city will borrow the $600,000 in funds from the BEDC, which is charging 4% interest on the loan, according to city documents.
The 4% interest is better than the city would have gotten out in the private market, Bastrop City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said.
“The proposed [Chapter 380 agreement] is the formal mechanism for the city to complete, and this is not a loan to the developer. This is a grant to the developer. The city is paying itself back over with the sales and property tax,” Carrillo-Trevino said.
The background
The Burleson Crossing East retail subdivision, a project of BEBD Frontage Road LLC, is a two-phase development anticipated to create more than 300 jobs and add more than $1,425,000 in ad valorem and sales tax upon completion to the city’s General Fund, according to agenda documents.
Community Impact will provide an update on a construction timeline for the project once it is announced.
Editor
Sierra is an editor for the San Marcos/Buda/Kyle and Bastrop editions of Community Impact. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in journalism and media studies in 2020. When she joined Community Impact in July 2022, she covered education, local government, transportation, business and real estate development in the New Braunfels community. Prior to CI, Sierra served as the managing editor of San Marcos Corridor News and spent time as a senior reporter for the University Star. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading and traveling.
Thanks for reading!
Daily news about your community is free, and your support is invaluable.
Give $10 now towards CI's journalistic mission across Texas.
512-215-3747
