What's the Buzz Around Town?

Well the good news is, we don’t have to commute by boat anymore since the heavy rainfall is gone! What a wild two days of weather here in Texas, but now that that is behind us, we can look forward to beautiful days to get out and enjoy these awesome events! Lets see what’s Buzzing…..

In todays edition: 

• Texas Teacher Pay Incentive

• Lakewood Elementary Earns National Recognition

• Bell County Splits Precincts

Teacher Pay Incentive Brings Hope and Controversy Across Texas

Kindergarten teacher JoMeka Gray from Temple ISD has seen her life change thanks to Texas’ Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), a state program offering substantial raises—up to $32,000—for educators who improve student performance. Gray now earns $20,000 more, allowing her to focus fully on her students. She’s among just 6% of Texas teachers currently benefiting from the merit-based initiative, which is designed to retain effective educators and bring talent to high-need areas.

While some, like Gray, praise the program for rewarding excellence, others remain skeptical. Critics argue it favors testing-heavy metrics, fosters competition over collaboration, and leaves out many vital educators—such as interventionists, academic trainers, and support staff—who also contribute to student success.

Rural districts, in particular, struggle with the administrative burden of managing the program. Some have opted out entirely, fearing it would create division among staff. Despite concerns, state lawmakers are pushing to expand the TIA as part of broader school funding talks this legislative session, with proposals to raise potential pay boosts to $36,000 and support more districts in joining the effort.

Though many agree performance-based raises are helpful, educators stress that it shouldn’t replace comprehensive funding solutions. Most teachers and schools are still left out of the program, and with Texas ranking 46th in per-student spending, many are calling for across-the-board increases to ensure all school staff are fairly compensated. Original article in Texas Tribune here. 

Lakewood Elementary Earns National Recognition for Positive School Culture

For the second consecutive year, Lakewood Elementary in Belton ISD has been named a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School, honoring its safe, supportive, and engaging campus environment. The award highlights schools that demonstrate strong student-centered practices and measurable improvements in school culture and achievement.

Superintendent Malinda Golden praised Lakewood’s “heart-led” leadership, while Principal Christy Chandler emphasized the staff’s commitment to ensuring every student feels “known, supported, and loved.” The recognition is based on survey data, campus visits, and student performance metrics.

Bell County Splits Precincts to Meet State Law and Prepare for Fall Elections

Bell County is splitting seven voting precincts to reduce voter counts per precinct and comply with Texas Senate Bill 924, which limits each precinct to no more than 5,000 registered voters. The change, approved in April by the Bell County Commissioners Court, will take effect July 1, increasing the total number of precincts to 72.

County officials cited rapid population growth and rising voter registration as reasons for the adjustment. Elections Administrator Desi Roberts emphasized the importance of staying compliant with state regulations, while County Judge David Blackburn noted the move ensures the county is ready for future elections.

No new voting locations will be added, but all current sites will meet ADA requirements per a previous agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. A map of the new precinct lines is available at bellcountytx.com.

P.S. Looking to advertise in the TemBel Buzz? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Events this week:

• Kids Movie Night - May 7

  • Location: Treno Pizzeria & Taproom

  • Description: Come join all the fairytale creatures at the pizzeria for Kid's Night each Wednesday. Kids get a FREE kid pizza with each adult entree purchase 5-8P.

• Comedy Open Mic Night - May 7 8:00 PM

  • Location: The Parlour Lounge

  • Description: Open mic night for comedians!

• Belton HYPE Lunch with a Leader - May 9 12:00 PM

  • Location: Belton Area Chamber of Commerce

  • Description: Belton HYPE presents Lunch with a Leader! Every other month, young professionals in our community have the unique opportunity to enjoy lunch and meaningful conversation with a local leader. This May, join us as we meet with Jordan Samfield, Senior Vice President at First Texas Bank.

• Music Bingo - May 9 6:30 PM

  • Location: Treno Pizzeria & Taproom

  • Description: Come kick it in the pizzeria with Kevin and Kyle during Music Bingo! Play from your table for FREE and win prizes while the throw down on your favorite nostalgic bangers. Games start at 6:30P.

• August: Osage County - May 9&10 7:30 PM

  • Location: Temple Civic Theater

  • Description: A vanished father. A pill-popping mother. Three sisters harboring shady little secrets. When the large Weston family unexpectedly reunites after Dad disappears, their Oklahoman family homestead explodes in a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling secrets. Mix in Violet, the drugged-up, scathingly acidic matriarch, and you’ve got a major play that unflinchingly—and uproariously—exposes the dark side of the Midwestern American family.

• Better Together Benefit - May 10 4:00-9:00 PM

  • Location: The Commonwealth Texas

  • Description: Join us for the first-ever Better Together Benefit, hosted by the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce! Enjoy live music from Jared Johnson, casual pickleball play, and great food and drinks—all while supporting local college scholarships.

• Train Day - May 10 10:00AM-3:00 PM

  • Location: Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum

  • Description: Get ready to dive into the ultimate day of railroad fun at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum! Tickets!

Live Music!

Friday, May 9

Kenny Orts and No Chance | Bo’s Barn Dance Hall | 8:00 PM

Roger Creager w/ Jacob Stelly | Schoepfs BBQ | 6:00 PM Tickets!

Saturday, May 10

Austin English | Bold Republic Brewing Co | 7:00 PM

Billy Holt | Bo’s Barn Dance Hall | 9:00 PM

To get your events added, please email us at [email protected]!