Plano Independent School District (ISD) has approved an agreement that will direct a portion of tax revenue—money that would otherwise be sent to the state through Texas’s recapture program—toward a proposed multi‑purpose arena for the Dallas Stars at The Shops at Willow Bend, according to NBCDFW.

The agreement was approved by the Plano school board over the summer and was finalized by the Plano City Council on Monday night. Under the deal, Plano ISD will also be able to host its senior high‑school graduation ceremonies and other events at the city‑owned arena, a change from the current use of the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.

Plano Mayor John Muns, a former school‑district trustee, said the ability to hold graduations in the city is “a big deal” for families, adding, “That’s a big deal to me is to be able to see seniors get their diploma … right here.”

City officials presented a preliminary traffic‑impact report at the Monday council meeting, outlining how game‑day and event traffic could affect nearby neighborhoods. Details on the cost of traffic improvements and other infrastructure remain under negotiation, with a full report expected by the end of October.

Residents will vote on Proposition A, which would allow venue taxes to help fund the arena as part of the broader $3 billion Willow Bend redevelopment project. Early voting for the November 3 election begins Monday, according to NBCDFW. Opposition groups, including Stop the Stars Arena PAC, have voiced concerns about the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone and the overall economic benefit of publicly subsidized sports venues, urging voters to reject the proposition.

What’s next: Early voting opens Monday for the November 3 election, when Dallas‑area voters will decide on Proposition A. The final traffic‑impact report is slated for release by the end of October, and city officials say they will continue to negotiate the allocation of costs for infrastructure improvements tied to the arena project.

Sources: nbcdfw.com