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