City & County Information

Plano: A note from Harry LaRosiliere, Plano Mayor

Harry LaRosiliere[/caption]

Plano’s story is simply remarkable. Once a quiet farming community, Plano transformed into a city well known across the country for our people, places, progress and prosperity. Today, Plano is home to more than 271,000 residents, several Fortune 1,000 companies and more than 10,000 businesses. As the fourth largest city in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, Plano has emerged as a premier place to live well, work hard and play hard.

Plano continues to be chosen by companies large and small as a desirable place to do business. Plano remains attractive because of what I call the formula for a successful city: safety, great schools, good mobility and a sense of community. We are proud of our past and what we have become.

We’re even more excited about where we are going. Our citizens embrace the true spirit of community. And that’s what makes Plano the City of Excellence.

Plano city officials include, from left: City Manager Bruce Glasscock and council members Rick Grady, Mayor Pro Tem Lissa Smith, Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, Angela Miner, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Ben Harris, David Downs, Ron Kelley and Tom Harrison.[/caption]

City statistics

Estimated population: 273,900 Median age: 38.1 years Median annual household income: $82,944 Property tax rate: 48.86 cents per $100 of property valuation Estimated sales tax collected (fiscal year 2015-16): $76.83 million City limits: 72.8 square miles

Chamber of Commerce

1200 E. 15th St. • 972-424-7547 www.planochamber.org

New location (summer 2016): 5400 Independence Parkway

City Council

Meets the second and fourth Monday of the month with executive session beginning at 5 p.m., immediately followed by preliminary open meeting and the regular meeting at 7 p.m.

Plano Municipal Center Senator Florence Shapiro Council Chamber 1520 K Ave. • 972-941-7000 www.plano.gov

Terms and compensation Council members serve voluntarily for four-year terms and are limited to no more than two consecutive terms. Council members receive a stipend of $1,000 a month and the mayor receives a stipend of $1,400 a month.

Live coverage Meetings are streamed live and agendas and minutes are available on the city’s website, www.plano.gov.

Community Events

May

AsiaFest May 7 • 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Free The 13th annual Asian-American heritage festival features dance, fashion, martial arts and cultural booths representing various Asian countries. Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St., Plano 972-379-9351 www.asianamericanheritage.org

Night Out on 15th May 22 • 5:30 p.m.- 10 p.m. • $125-$150 The Historic Downtown Plano Association closes 15th Street so dinner can be served under the stars featuring a five-course meal and live music. Downtown Plano, 15th Street www.visitdowntownplano.com

The Texas pool[/caption]

Texas Pool Memorial Day celebration May 30 • noon-6 p.m. Free Join local residents for a special Memorial Day celebration at the Texas Pool, complete with traditional games, such as Marco Polo and Sharks and Minnows, as well as a cannon ball contest. A national moment of remembrance is scheduled for 3 p.m. Texas Pool, 901 Springbrook Drive, Plano. 972-881-8392 www.texaspool.org

June

Plano Community Band concert June 6 • 7 p.m. • Free Volunteer organization the Plano Community Band presents its first monthly concert of the summer featuring the theme, “A Night at the Movies.” Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St., Plano. 972-941-7250 www.planoband.com

Race for the Cure June 11 • 8 a.m.• $20-$50 The 25th annual 5K and 1-mile race raises awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Hewlett-Packard campus, 5400 Legacy Drive, Plano. 972-378-4808 www.komennorthtexas.org

July

All American Fourth July 4 • 9:30-10 p.m. Free Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and the entire family to help celebrate Independence Day. A fireworks show is choreographed to music that is simulcast on 97.5 KLAK. Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano. 800-817-5266 www.visitplano.com

Swim Across Texas July 4• Noon-6 p.m. $7.50, free (veterans and children age 2 and younger) Join residents for a special July Fourth celebration complete with traditional games, such as sharks and minnows. Texas Pool, 901 Springbrook Drive, Plano. 972-881-8392 www.texaspool.org

August

Friends of Plano Library Book Sale Aug. 5-7 • 6-10 p.m. (Aug. 5), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Aug. 6), 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (Aug. 7). Free Attendees browse from more than 100,000 CDs, DVDs and gently used books at this sale, which is one of the largest in the region. All proceeds help fund Plano’s five libraries. Plano Centre, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano 972-941-7194 www.friendsofplanolibrary.com

September

Plano ArtFest Sept. 17 • 9 a.m. • Free The event raises money for local charities and offers a day of food, activities, special performances and live music as well as an art walk featuring creations by local artists. Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St., Plano www.visitdowntownplano.com

Plano Balloon Festival[/caption]

Plano Balloon Festival Sept. 23-25 • 4-10 p.m. (Sept. 23), 6 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sept. 24), 6 a.m.-7 p.m. (Sept. 25) • $5 Showcasing nearly 50 hot air balloons, this Plano tradition includes a balloon glow, music, fireworks and a kids fun zone. Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano 972-867-566 www.planoballoonfest.org

October

Haunt Jaunt Oct. 15 • 5-9 p.m. • $34 (5K, individual), $28 (per person, 5K team of five or more people), $14 (per child, 1-mile fun run) This Halloween-themed race features a 5K and 1-mile fun run through Oak Point Park. Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano. 972-941-7000 www.plano.gov

Steinfest Oct. 29 • 2-10 p.m. • Free The Historic Downtown Plano Association hosts an afternoon celebrating all things German with food and entertainment. McCall Plaza, 998 E. 15th St., Plano www.visitdowntownplano.com

November

‘Neath the Wreath Nov. 10-13 • TBA • Free The Junior League of Collin County hosts its 21st annual holiday gift market featuring more than 120 merchant booths. Plano Centre, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano. 972-769-0557 www.jlcollincounty.org

Plano Christmas Market Nov. 19-20 • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Nov. 19), noon-5 p.m. (Nov. 20) • Free Local exhibitors showcase a variety of holiday gifts for purchase, including jewelry, clothing, foods, ornaments and more. Carpenter Park Recreation Center, 6701 Coit Road, Plano 972-208-8087. ww.plano.gov

Dickens in Historic Downtown Plano[/caption]

December

Dickens in Historic Downtown Plano Dec. 2 • 6-10 p.m. • Free Enjoy the festivities of the holiday season with carolers, music on multiple stages and a visit from Santa Claus. Historic Downtown Plano, E. 15th St. 972-941-7250 www.visitplano.com

Transportation

Ongoing and upcoming projects

Dallas North Tollway widening[/caption] 1. Dallas North Tollway widening Projects by the North Texas Tollway Authority are underway to widen the Dallas North Tollway from six to eight lanes from the Sam Rayburn Tollway to the President George Bush Turnpike. The project also entails the relocation of several exit and entrance ramps to better accommodate merging motorists, as well as the reconfiguration of the DNT/PGBT interchange in order to reduce congestion. The speed limit has been lowered to 60 mph through the area, and the entire project is expected to be complete sometime in 2018.

Timeline: May 2015-2018 Cost: $281 million Funding source: North Texas Tollway Authority

2. 15th Street updates The design phase is complete for a project to improve bricks and paving at the intersections at 2A.15th Street and Municipal Avenue, and 2B.14th Street and K Avenue. The project also includes spot repairs to the brick pavement along 15th Street through Historic Downtown Plano. Work is expected to begin in May.

Timeline: May-December Cost: $1.1 million Funding source: city of Plano

Dallas Parkway improvements[/caption]

3. Dallas Parkway improvements Design work is complete for a project to add dedicated northbound and southbound right-turn lanes along Dallas Parkway at 3A.Parker Road and 3B.Park Boulevard. When complete, these intersections will also feature an additional through lane to increase capacity and lower congestion. The project also includes similar intersection improvements at 3C.Alma Drive and Spring Creek Parkway.

Timeline: November 2015-June 2016 Cost: $1.4 million Funding sources: city of Plano, Collin County

McDermott Road, 15th Street additions[/caption]

4. McDermott Road, 15th Street additions Work to improve the intersections along McDermott Road at Ohio Drive and 15th Street at Plano Parkway is set to begin in May. When complete, both intersections will have dedicated eastbound and westbound left-turn lanes on McDermott Road.

Timeline: May 2016-February 2017 Cost: $1.2 million Funding sources: city of Plano, North Central Texas Council of Governments

5. US 75/President George Bush Turnpike reconfiguration project Additional lanes will be added along northbound US 75, and the existing ramp from 15th Street on the southbound side will also be relocated to the north and braided under the exit ramp to Plano Parkway to improve access between US 75 and the PGBT. The entire project is expected to be complete in late 2019, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

Timeline: February 2016-November 2019 Cost: $37 million Funding source: TxDOT

Education

2700 W. 15th St., Plano 469-752-8100 www.pisd.edu

Superintendent: Brian Binggeli Total students: 54,689 Assessment test scores online at Plano ISD Education Focus Guide.

Private Schools

Plano

1. Bethany Christian School 3300 W. Parker Road 972-596-5811 www.planochristianschool.com Grades: Pre-K-12 Enrollment: 82 Extracurricular: athletics, music Tuition: $400-$530 monthly (nine monthly payments)

2. The Children’s Workshop 1409 E. 14th St. 972-424-1932 www.cwsplano.com Grades: pre-K-5 Enrollment: 30 Extracurricular: music, science, cooking, art, gardening, Chinese language, computers Tuition: varies

3. The Einstein School 4011 W. Plano Parkway, Ste. 132 972-365-6846 www.theeinsteinschoolplano.com Grades: 5-12 Enrollment: 100 Extracurricular: golf team, indoor surfing (flowboarding) Tuition: $12,000 annually

Faith Lutheran School[/caption]

4. Faith Lutheran School 1701 E. Park Blvd. 972-423-7448 www.flsplano.org Grades: pre-K-12 Enrollment: 112 Extracurricular: field trips, music, athletics, outdoor education, scholar bowl Tuition: $3,430-$9,180 annually

5. Focus on the Future Training Center 1717 W. Plano Parkway 972-599-1400 www.focussped.com Grades: 3-12 with Autism or other developmental disorders Enrollment: not available Extracurricular: speech therapy, occupational therapy, music instruction Tuition: $17,200 annually

Fusion Academy Plano[/caption]

6. Fusion Academy Plano 2400 Dallas Parkway, Ste. 180 972-403-9018 www.fusionacademy.com Grades: 6-12 Enrollment: 35 full-time students Extracurricular: yoga clubs, jam club, gaming club, field trips, volunteer programs Tuition: $2,975-$3,450 per semester, per course

7. Great Lakes Academy 6000 Custer Road, Ste. 7 972-517-7498 www.greatlakesacademy.com Grades: 1-12 Enrollment: 110 Extracurricular: audio/visual club, athletics, drama club, strategy game club Tuition: $14,800-$18,600 annually

8. John Paul II High School 900 Coit Road 972-867-0005 www.johnpauliihs.org/johnpaul Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 780 Extracurricular: athletics, fine arts, honor societies, theater, music, various clubs and organizations Tuition: $16,750 annually

9. Legacy Preparatory Charter Academy (charter school) 601 Accent Drive 469-206-2250 www.legacypreparatory.com Grades: K-11 (grade level will be added 2017-18) Enrollment: 340 Extracurricular: arts, athletics, choir, chess Tuition: not available

10. Prestonwood Christian Academy 6801 W. Park Blvd. 972-820-5300 www.prestonwoodchristian.org Grades: pre-K-12 Enrollment: 1,600 Extracurricular: fine arts, athletics, chess club, foreign language, international student outreach, National Honor Society, Student Government Association, physics club, debate club, Student Ambassador League, Future Doctors of America Tuition: $4,500-$19,866 annually

11. Prince of Peace Catholic School 5100 W. Plano Parkway 972-380-5505 www.popschool.net Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 800+ Extracurricular: arts, athletics, robotics, chess, science club Tuition: $7,200-$9,936 annually

12. Spring Creek Academy 6000 Custer Road 972-517-6730 www.springcreekacademy.com Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 150 Extracurricular: none Tuition: $8,730-$11,004 annually

13. St. Mark’s Catholic School 1201 Alma Drive 972-578-0610 www.stmcs.net Grades: 5-12 Enrollment: 600 Extracurricular: choir, orchestra, drama, robotics, student council Tuition: $6,770-$9,365 annually

14. St. Timothy Christian School 1501 H Ave. 972-509-7822 www.staplano.org Grades: K-12 Enrollment: not available Extracurricular: adaptive PE, computers, music, art (core curriculum) Tuition: $19,800-$23,000 annually

15. Willow Bend Academy 2220 Coit Road, Ste. 500 972-599-7882 www.willowbendacademy.com Grades: 5-12 Enrollment: 120 Extracurricular: yearbook, newspaper Tuition: $10,600 annually for all grades

16. Yorktown Education 5170 Village Creek Drive 972-733-0800 www.yorktowned.com Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 200 Extracurricular: athletics, arts, gifted and talented program Tuition: $15,000 annually

Richardson

17. Canyon Creek Christian 2800 Custer Parkway 972-231-4890 www.cccatx.org Grades: daycare-12th grade Enrollment: 400 Extracurricular: athletics, fine arts, theater, band, choir, orchestra Tuition: $7,000-$12,000 annually

Carrollton

18. Carrollton Christian Academy 2205 E. Hebron Parkway 972-242-6688 www.ccasaints.org Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 350 Extracurricular: arts, athletics Tuition: $9,000-$14,000 annually

19. Prince of Peace Christian School & Early Learning Center 4004 Midway Road 972-447-0532 www.popcs.org Grades: 6 weeks old-12th grade Extracurricular: arts, athletics Enrollment: 975 Tuition: $12,000-$16,000 annually