Homeless database is key to HUD grant funding

Part 2: Funding basic needs

By Cari Herr Tribune Staff

The recent blockbuster movie “The Pursuit of Happiness” is a good representation of how “good” people become homeless, said David Sands of the Veterans Administration. Though Sands works primarily in Houston, he also works closely with Yahweh Street Ministries of Montgomery County to assist homeless veterans with services they need to get off the streets.

Pete Taraski (right) of Yahweh Street Ministries in Conroe aids two homeless men under a Montgomery County bridge where they live; bringing them food for the body as well as the spirit.
Submitted Photo

In the movie, Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith), loses his investment, his wife, his shoe and his apartment all while working hard at two jobs. He does manage to hang on to his son. The result of Gardner’s determination to provide for his son is both heartrending and eye opening.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) initiates nationwide point-in-time surveys to assess the number of homeless for the purpose of funding and defining homelessness.

According to HUD, an unsheltered homeless person lives in a place not meant for human habitation, such as public bathrooms, cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings, alleys, tents or under bridges.

This segment of the homeless population is often described as “street people.’’ Because they have no address, they often are not eligible for Medicaid, WIC, Lone Star or other social service programs.

“Homeless people do not have a zip code,” said Judy Everett, director of Society of Samaritans of Magnolia.

HUD defines a sheltered homeless person as residing in an emergency shelter, such as the Salvation Army; or those in transitional housing, who originally came from the streets or emergency shelters.

This does not include homeless people living with relatives or friends, who often “couch surf” from one place to the next, said Dr. Joanne Callahan, director of the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance (MCEA)agency.

This happens most frequently with the teenaged homeless population, according to Ann Hall, director of Community Education and Outreach for Montgomery County Youth Services (MCYS) facilitating Street Outreach Services for homeless and runaway youth.

Street people, the sheltered homeless, and couch surfers are all clients for which assistance is available in many forms. Basic needs such as food and hygiene supplies along with assistance for gasoline, prescriptions, utilities, rent or mortgage payments and shelter are met first.

That is followed by intensive case management, coupled with “wrap-around” services for life skills training classes, covering everything from education, to money management and job skills training, to cooking. Agencies providing these services are referred to as Continuum’s of Care (CofC).

Funding comes from many sources. Most CofCs apply for grants both private and public, and still others look for a stream of community donations and fundraising efforts. Faith based CofCs are often a budget line for many churches, according to Dr. Silvia Mischler, director of Interfaith Hospitality Network.

To better facilitate the funding needs and services of the county’s CofCs, an organization to develop and provide housing in Montgomery County has been established, called The Montgomery County Homeless Coalition (MCHC).

“The coalition is currently facilitating a Notice Of Funding Availability (NOFA) to the CofCs,” said Susan Willis, secretary of the board of directors for MCHC. “The HUD Continuum of Care Application process is now in progress. The HUD SuperNOFA combines all the CofC needs into one grant application.”

Montgomery County will receive a small portion of the $1.25 billion in CofC program dollars available nationwide. Those CofCs that are funded by HUD grant monies must submit a letter of intent to apply for funding to the coalition by April 20.

However, HUD requires that CofC’s report statistical data on the homeless to be eligible for grant funding. Willis is also the coalition project manager for database software called ServicePoint that meets the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) criteria of HUD for reporting the statistical data of the homeless.

Though it is a partner of the coalition, MCEA is implementing its own database system called ClientTrack and the two appear to be in a launch day race for the HUD June 8 CofC application deadline.

For more grant and deadline information on the HUD Emergency Shelter Grant Program (ESGP) visit www.federalgrantswire.com or the HUD Continuum of Care grant program (SuperNOFA) visit www.hud.gov or call 936-760-4179 ext. 295

Pictured, (left to right) Wesley Reader, Aaron McCorkle, Douglas Herben, Parker Perego, and assistant Scout Masters Randy McCorkle and Duane Perego of Boy Scout Troop 1114. The boys attended the Magnolia City Council meeting on April 10 and led the Pledge of Allegiance, taking an active interest in the council proceedings as part of their Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge.
Photo by Cari Herr

Magnolia council breaks precedent, allows payment plan for impact fees

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

A shake up at the Magnolia City Council meeting on April 10 left Magnolia Ridge developers pleased and council members at odds when the city council exchanged a $750,000 payment plan of impact fees for an $877,000 water and sewer connection to the development, which is an action contrary to city ordinance and previous precedent.

In January Magnolia Ridge developers requested a lot frontage variance from the Magnolia Planning Commission (MPC). After lengthy discussion and some chastisement, commission members approved the variance saying, “Don’t come back.”

At the Magnolia City Council meeting the same day council members, led by Mayor Jimmy Thornton, also chastised the group for a lack of protocol in requesting the variance for lot sizes, but approved the variance contingent upon gaining approval from the Magnolia Ridge Local Government Corp. (MRLGC) echoing the MPC’s orders to not return with more requests for variances.

Since that time, the preliminary plat has been filed and reviewed by City Engineer Craig Kankel. As a result, developers returned on April 10 to request several additional variances at meetings for both the MRLGC board and the Magnolia City Council.

Magnolia-Tex Acquisitions (Mag-Tex), the Magnolia Ridge developer, included $500,000 in the original financing package to cross 3,200 feet of private property, and must expend $377,000 additional dollars to cross 1,500 feet of public property, said David Burdick, the project manager.

“Those are costs the city should be paying,” said Burdick. In the initial stages of project negotiation years ago, the city was not in a position to finance the infrastructure, he explained. Mag-Tex is willing to absorb the additional costs of infrastructure improvements. However, Burdick added, financing for the project is fixed and requesting a million-dollar increase from the bank to cover impact fees is not an option.

To offset the infrastructure development costs, Mag-Tex requested a payment plan that provides for builders to pay the impact fees at an estimated takedown rate of 40 lots per quarter for the first 248 lots. The development is planned for an additional 1,000 homes that are yet to be financed.

In addition, developers requested two variances on the construction of Magnolia Ridge Parkway, a four-lane, raised median, winding road providing access to each of the developments 11 sections, with two four-way stops and a roundabout. The variance calls for a 200-foot radius for the circle as opposed to a 2,000-foot radius, and an 800- versus 2,000-foot road curve radius, in accordance with the city’s ordinances.

After reviewing the construction plans, Kankel said the variances would slow down traffic, the stop signs would increase safety, and the changes did not pose any significant hazard to the roadway value.

The city council set precedence for not granting similar variance requests last year when Bruce Friedman, developer for Carriage Crossing, located at Acres Road and Buddy Riley Blvd., was denied a variance request for $90,000 in impact fees on that project, also to be paid at permitting.

“For Carriage Crossing, we were very emphatic about impact fees,” said Councilman Dave Sutherland, who voted against all three variances and requested council members “to follow the ordinance we passed to have all the fees paid up front.”

Councilman Chris Neal argued that the Carriage Crossing development was smaller and that developers were unwilling at the time to provide the city a lien on the land.

However, according to Friedman, “They (the city) never asked for one. When I went before city council and during the discussion they stated, after advising with the city attorney, that the ordinance does not allow for a variance.”

Though it was Neal who made the April 10 motion, that action contradicts his position relative to Carriage Crossing’s 2006 request.

“If we give it to one, we have to give it to everyone,” he said at the time.

Friedman’s variance request was never resolved on the financial merits of the project, it was resolved based upon the ordinance not allowing for variances, he said. “That closed any further discussion with council in terms of whether I can get one.”

Neal made the April 10 motion to approve the deferment of collection fees and establish a payment plan (for Magnolia Ridge impact fees, whereby the contracted builders would pay the fees at the point of permit), providing for all due diligence.

The motion included a contingency for execution of a contract written and approved by the city attorney protecting the city from any financial liability, a letter of credit to insure payment of the fees, and an appraisal and title search for securing a second lien and any other due diligence that may be required by staff from the developer.

Despite Sutherland’s vote, approval for all three was granted.

“I am not opposed to any of these changes, I just think if we have a process, we should follow it,” said Sutherland.

Tomball cyclist to join thousands in race to cure MS

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

Tomball resident Becky Ratcliff will join more than 12,000 cyclists when she takes part in the 23rd Annual BP MS 150 April 21 and 22.

Tomball resident Becky Ratcliff will participate in the BP MS 150, scheduled for April 21 and 22.

The annual ride is a 180-mile, two-day bike tour from Houston to Austin that benefits multiple sclerosis research and services.

This year’s event marks the fourth race, which Ratcliff has participated in. She first took part in an MS ride in 2005, a year after she was stopped in traffic by the thousands of bike riders on their way to Austin.

“Everyone was just smiling and looked so happy,” she said. “The cheering seemed to make them ride better.”

Ratcliff was so moved by the scene, she promptly called a friend and told her they should take part in the next year’s ride.

“After she finished laughing at me, we went down to Bike Barn and got new bikes,” Ratcliff said.

She then began arduously training for her first race, the 2005 BP MS 150, completing 20 miles with her friends.

“We were so excited,” Ratcliff said. “Then we really started getting serious about riding after that point.”

She also got serious about raising money for the cause.

Ratcliff’s cousin, Brenda, suffers from multiple sclerosis and Ratcliff uses her cousin’s ailment as inspiration.

Each rider in the BP MS 150 works to raise money to donate to MS research. Ratcliff is among the most productive contributors, raising in excess of $13,000 so far. Her target this year is $6,000. That puts her in an elite class of money raisers.

Ratcliff is a member of the 300 Club, a group of cyclists made up of the top 300 fundraisers. This year, she is No. 109 on the list.

“That’s something I’m very proud of,” she said.

This year’s tour begins in two locations, at Tully Stadium in Houston and at Rhodes Stadium in Katy. Cyclists follow scenic routes into Bellville for lunch on the first day, with an overnight stop in La Grange. Breakpoints are stationed every 10-12 miles.

The tour resumes the following day and continues through Bastrop on the way to the finish line in Austin.

Ratcliff’s family and friends will join hundreds of spectators awaiting the arrival of her and thousands of other cyclists.

“It still brings tears to my eyes,” she said. “Going across the finish line is something you will never, ever forget. It’s just an absolutely out of this world feeling. This will be my fourth one and I promise you I will cry when I cross the finish line.”

The BP MS 150 is the largest such tour in North America and is the largest non-profit sporting event in Texas.

Last year alone, the event raised more than $11.4 million.

“Just to know you’re a part of something that big is pretty incredible,” Ratcliff said.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, approximately 400,000 Americans suffer from MS, with about 200 people being diagnosed each week.

To donate to Ratcliff, or for more information about the BP MS 150, visit www.ms150.org.

Annual Magnolia Depot Day set for April 21

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The 14th Annual Depot Day is just around the corner on April 21, so prepare to celebrate in this daylong fundraising event. The celebration is sponsored by the Magnolia Historical Society and benefits the Magnolia Depot and Museum complex.

“The money we raise is for the upkeep of the depot and to add to the beauty of the surrounding area - as well as add to the museum,” said Secretary Celeste Graves.

Graves has been a primary influence for many years in the development of The Depot Museum complex and is the author of “Magnolia Memories” and “View from the Doghouse.”

Enjoy barbecue, sausage on a stick and nachos, along with plenty of refreshments. Vendor booths for food, crafts and specialty items will be on site throughout the day with events kicking off at 10 a.m. and closing at 5 p.m.

Throughout the establishment of the town of Magnolia, the depot has been at the center of town activities, said Graves. The International and Great Northern Railroad established the train station in 1901. Local cotton, sweet potatoes and other produce, cattle, and lumber from five sawmills were shipped to market through the train depot.

Business boomed in Magnolia with two general stores, a barbershop, telephone company, saloon, garage, and cotton gin. In 1916 Magnolia boasted a baseball team coached by Frank Sanders.

“They traveled by train in order to play teams as far away as Houston and Navasota,” she said.

The citizens enjoyed the ease of travel provided by the railway with excursions to Houston becoming only a day trip. When Missouri Pacific discontinued passenger trains in 1963, the depot closed and the building was sold to Randolph Anderson for use as a hay barn on his dairy farm, according to Graves’ research.

In 1993 the City of Magnolia Beautification and Historical Committee purchased the building to be restored. By then, City Hall had been built on the original Depot site, but the building was set within 100 yards of its original location.

Many citizens and community members contributed to the restoration and development of the depot as it is today. Annual fundraising efforts to support the maintenance of and additions to The Depot Museum continue to be a primary focus for the Historical Society.

For more information on Depot Day or to acquire a vendor application, call 281-356-1488 or 281-356-8514 or click www.depotday.org.

To deter an audit and fines, the Magnolia Police Department recently established a detective position within the department to address a backlog of more than 600 cases, identified by the Montgomery County District Attorney and TCLOSE. To that end, Magnolia Police Chief Ron Cunningham promoted Officer Milton Horton to the detective position at the April 10 meeting of the Magnolia City Council. Horton has more than 24 years of experience with other law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, Lt. Mike Smith was promoted to Captain and Sgt. Bo Crabtree was promoted to Lieutenant. The new titles represent more aptly the current duties of the officers, who will maintain their current salary levels, said Cunningham. Pictured, (left to right) Cunningham, Smith, Horton and Crabtree.
Photo by Cari Herr

Tomball High School baseball player killed in wreck

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

A Tomball High School student was killed in a car accident April 7 when the vehicle he was riding in crashed into a roadside ditch.

James “Jimmy” White, 17, a junior at Tomball High School, was a passenger in the Chevy Malibu driven by Alex De La Cruz. The wreck occurred at about 7 a.m.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, De La Cruz was traveling at a high rate of speed westbound on Edenwood. De La Cruz “failed to maintain a single lane of traffic and departed the roadway,” according to a police report.

The car then crashed into a roadside ditch, became airborne and slammed onto the roadway of Metzler Creek, coming to rest on the north side of the road.

According to the report, the driver, front seat passenger and back seat passenger were not wearing their seatbelts. De La Cruz was driving the vehicle under the influence of illegal drugs, the department said. However, it was unclear exactly what De La Cruz was under the influence of, Sgt. Parker of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said.

De La Cruz suffered multiple injuries and was listed in serious condition at Memorial Hermann Hospital. Troy Tipton, a passenger in the car, was listed in good condition.

Both White and Tipton were students at Tomball High School.

White was a pitcher on the Tomball Cougars varsity baseball team. His last game was April 3 when he pitched the Cougars to an 8-7 win over district rival Klein Oak.

Jimmy White

According to district spokesperson Staci Stanfield, the Sunday following the April 7 accident, grief counselors visited with members of each of the school’s baseball teams and parents.

The players decided to play their regular schedule for the remainder of the season, Stanfield said.

“He was a good student,” Stanfield said. “He was a very active member of the baseball program. It’s an unfortunate loss and we send our prayers to the family and friends.”

Council, mayoral candidates discuss zoning, city development at forum

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

City of Tomball council and mayoral candidates offered their comments on several key city issues at an April 9 open forum sponsored by the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce. Position 3 candidates Bill Webb, Derek Townsend and H.G. “Hap” Harrington joined mayoral candidates Diane Holland and Gretchen Fagan at a Tomball College conference room. They discussed issues ranging from downtown revitalization projects and city zoning issues to the city’s possible purchase of Hooks Airport.

All candidates agreed that the city needs to work towards revitalizing downtown and that the historic district was key in maintaining the city’s identity.

Pictured (from left to right), Derek Townsend, Diane Holland, Bill Webb, Gretchen Fagan and H.G. “Hap” Harrington at an April 9 candidates forum.

However, some disagreed about how to go about such a project.

Webb noted that it would be difficult for many of the buildings in downtown, some of which are 80 years old, to meet current building codes.

“They should be overlooked, in my opinion,” Webb said.

Harrington disagreed, citing the importance of the codes and proposed matching grants for storeowners who may wish to re-build their storefronts.

Townsend suggested visiting cities such as Post, Kerrville and Ennis, communities that have revitalized their downtowns to some degrees of success.

“We need to go and see what other cities are doing,” he said.

“Downtown cannot survive without immediate attention,” Holland added. “We cannot forget it. Let’s save it and do what we can to make it viable.”

Fagan admitted the city improperly handled the reconstruction of the downtown sidewalks.

“We’ve been inconsistent,” she said. “The sidewalks should have been completed years ago. But we ran into problems we didn’t expense for.”

All of the candidates also agreed that the city does not need any more multi-family developments, such as apartments.

“We don’t need any more multi-family developments,” Fagan said.

Her opponent, Holland, said she believes the city “should control the proliferation of apartments.”

Townsend said an influx of such projects puts a strain on the city’s schools, fire and police services and the city’s water and sewer services.

“Why do we want multi-family developments?” he said. “We need to keep single family dwellings.”

The candidates also agreed to varying degrees that the city needs to institute some sort of zoning.

Webb said he would like to see a comprehensive study by the city’s zoning committee.

“Zoning will play a pivotal part,” he said. “It’s way too late (to implement zoning) in some parts of Tomball.”

Holland stated that the zoning issue would be her top priority, if she were elected.

“I wish Tomball were zoned,” she said. “We’ve got to have a comprehensive zoning plan.”

Both Fagan and Harrington said zoning was key to protecting homeowners and developers in the city.

The city’s potential purchase of Hooks Airport was generally agreed upon to be an important step, but some were more leery of the acquisition.

While Harrington fully endorsed the purchase, calling it “a bargain for the city,” Webb and Townsend were a bit more skeptical.

“The city does not have any legal documentation saying it can even purchase the airport,” Webb said.

Fagan said she was in favor of the airport purchase “as long as it does not adversely affect residents.”

She also said she would make sure the purchase of the airport does not raise city taxes.

Holland reserved more substantial judgment.

“We have to have all the facts in on the airport before we make a decision,” she said. “I’m concerned the people of Tomball aren’t getting the full story.”

Perhaps the most striking comment came from Townsend, a write-in candidate, who stated that, if elected, he would make an effort to make Tomball an official English-only speaking city.

He also said he wants workers at the city’s day labor site to wear laminated green cards around their necks, in hopes to deter illegal workers.

“We’ve got to start here or we’re going to be part of Mexico,” Townsend said in his closing remarks.

Early voting begins April 30, with Election Day set for May 12. Visit www.harrisvotes.org for more information.

MISD board recognizes science fair winners

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

On March 22-24, Magnolia Independent School District teachers (MISD) took seven students to the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston.

Pictured, (left to right) Magnolia ISD Board of Trustees President Glenn Addison, Whitney Briscoe, Brian Stutzman, Bryce Reynolds, David Ireland and MISD Director of Science Laurel Frank.
Photo by Cari Herr

The students represented the district at the Houston Fair with the following projects: “When the Ants Go Marching Home,” by Whitney Briscoe (MHS), “One Load at a Time,” by Miranda Gonzales, Derek Haynes and Kendall Hoffman (MHS), “Maglev: Air Power of Magnet Power,” by David Ireland (MHS), “Winging It,” by Bryce Reynolds (MJH), who also received best of show in the Junior High division at the MISD district science fair, and “Airfoil Shape Affects Lift,” by Brian Stutzman (MWHS), who received best of show in the High School division at the MISD district science fair.

Briscoe received the Urban Structural Entomology Award and Stutzman received an Engineering Award from the American Society of Indian Engineers.

“We are so proud of all of these students and their accomplishments. We would like to express a special thank you to the teachers and parents who provided support and encouragement,” said Laurel Frank, MISD director of science.

Water rate reduction, garbage contracts resolved

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Within a year of enduring a massive water rate review and increase, residents in and outside the city limits of Magnolia are getting what they were promised, a water rate reduction.

At the April 10 Magnolia City Council meeting, City Manager Roger Carlisle offered a four-month review of rates, operations, and maintenance of water services for residential customers in and outside the city limits.

He recommended a rate reduction, which council members unanimously and gladly approved for residential water rates.

The council approved the reduction of rates as follows: base residential rate for customers inside the city limits from $27 to $21 monthly for the first 1,000 gallons; the base residential rate for customers outside the city limits from $50 to $40 monthly for the first 1,000 gallons; and put the commercial garbage pickup out for bid to one hauler.

Additionally, five residential garbage accounts with McDaniel Sanitation Service that involve the use of commercial containers were resolved, one of which is for Councilman Dave Sutherland and his wife, Judy Darrington. The issue of payment for services on the commercial containers and how to resolve charges relative to McDaniel’s contract with the city has been a topic of discussion at several meetings throughout the year.

Carlisle said that McDaniel’s should receive residential charges from all five accounts in question of $17 for senior citizens and $19 for all others, while Sutherland maintains that the five customers hold commercial contracts and should not have been billed the additional residential charge by the city.

McDaniel has deducted the amount the city charges from the total bill he will send to those customers, said Carlisle. The company will bill the rest of the charges for the larger containers directly to the account holders.

The March 20 Planning Commission minutes reflect a confirmation from Jeff McDaniel that the Sutherland and Darrington account was paid by Carlisle at a cost of $171 for the first quarter of 2007 to bring their charges up to date.

At the March 20 meeting Carlisle discussed water rates at length, saying 33 percent of the utility customers were paying their bills on time and 92 percent of the senior citizens were paying their utility bills on time. He objected to this customer base (senior citizens) carrying the load for the remainder of the users, calling on Magnolia’s city service users to step up to the plate and do their part in a timely fashion.

Crash for a cause: White Dove demolition derby date set

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

It’s that time of year again, so rev up the engines and head for the Chad Treichel Memorial Arena April 28 on FM 1488 in Fields Store Community for the semi-annual White Dove of Hope Demolition Derby.

Event coordinators are encouraging the community to “come early and stay late and buy a raffle ticket.” Admission is $8 for age 13 and older, $6 for age 6 to 12 years with free admission for children age 5 and under.

The semi-annual White Dove of Hope Demolition Derby will take place on April 28.
Photo by Cari Herr

The regular derby is at 6 p.m. with a $150 entry fee with $500 in added prize money. A winner-takes-all powder puff derby with a $100 entry fee follows that event. Registration for both is due by April 25.

A ready-to-ride derby car will be auctioned at 3 p.m. the day of the event. High bidder wins the car, helmet, and paid entry fees to the derby.

New to the event this year is a Derby DIVA Contest. The Queen and Court coronation includes several categories: age 5 to 8 for Little Miss, age 9 to 11 for Duchess, age 12 to 14 for Princess and the Queen coronation for ages 15 to 18 years. The number of Demolition Derby raffle tickets sold determines the winners.

Tickets for the grand prize raffle are on sale from derby officials and DIVA contestants from now until the end of derby night for a Honda 250EX four-wheeler, as well as several other prizes.

The Lone Star Barbecue Society is sanctioning a cook-off competition with categories for brisket, chicken, ribs and an open category. Save $5 and register for $70 before April 25. For more cook-off information, call 281-541-3042.

The White Dove of Hope is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping those in need. Log on to www.whitedoveofhope.org for all event entry packets. Call 936-372-0834 for more information or to become a partner member.

On April 10, Spring Nursery and Landscape hosted a Business After Hours event, sponsored by the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce. Pictured above, Stephen Garceau (right), owner of Spring Nursery and Landscape visits with Clay Bohannon (left).
Submitted Photo

Tomball ISD outlines new requirements for graduation

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

The Tomball Independent School District is adjusting its graduation requirements for freshmen students entering Tomball High School for the 2007-08 school year. During the April 10 meeting of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Randy Reedy, director of math and science for the district, presented the new requirements for graduation. Students who will be entering ninth grade next year now must enroll in courses they would need to complete the district’s recommended or advanced graduation program. The minimum graduation program is only available to students once it has been agreed upon by the parent, student and high school official.

Minimum Graduation Program

The State Board of Education has mandated that entering freshmen for the 2007-08 school year must complete at least 22 credits. However, the district has raised that bar to 25 credits. The district will now require students to enroll in three additional science classes and is taking away the requirement for one academic elective. That course will now be made up in the new science requirements. Students will also be required to take a full additional credit for elective courses, raising that total to 6.5 credits.

Recommended Graduation Program

The district is requiring students who enroll in the recommended program to complete 25 credits, including English I-IV, and four credits of math, which includes Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, plus an additional state board-approved math course. The four years of math do not have to be taken at the high school and the fourth math class does not have to be one in which Algebra II is a pre-requisite. Students must also complete 3.5 credits of social studies courses, including World and U.S. History, Geography and Government, two credits of a language other than English, and 3.5 credits for elective courses. Other credits must include economics (.5 credits), physical education (1.5 credits), health (.5 credit), speech (.5 credit), technology application (one credit), and fine arts (one credit).

Distinguished Achievement Program

The distinguished achievement program will require the fourth math credit to be a course for which Algebra II is a pre-requisite. Among the four science courses a student must take are biology, chemistry, physics and an additional science course. Students must also take three credits of a foreign language and only 2.5 credits of an elective. In order to graduate in the distinguished achievement program, students must also complete any combination of four of an original research project, achieve a score of 3 or better on the AP exam, achieve a PSAT score that qualifies a student as a commended scholar or higher, complete college academic courses with a grade of 3.0 or higher.

For more information about the new Tomball ISD graduation requirements, visit www.tomballisd.net.