The Woodlands community enjoyed a busy week of civic results and commercial growth. Below are the key takeaways from October 30 to November 6.

State Board of Education races

Early November 4 results show a challenger taking District 4, an incumbent leading in District 7, and a razor‑thin victory for a challenger in District 8. District 6 flipped to a Democrat. All figures remain unofficial until canvassed.

Woodlands Township board election

Lisa Gilmore captured the Position 3 seat on the Woodlands Township board of directors with 43.7% of the vote. Incumbent Richard Franks did not seek re‑election. Gilmore earned 16,006 votes, beating Nick Tran (40.5%, 14,829 votes) and Priscila Young (15.8%, 5,800 votes). Results await final canvass.

Texas House District 15

Former township board chair Brad Bailey won the District 15 seat on November 3, securing 56.9% (45,484 votes). Democrat Moniqua' S. Scott received 40% (31,979 votes) and Libertarian Jessi Cowart garnered 3% (2,516 votes). The seat was previously held by Rep. Steve Toth, who ran for the U.S. House in District 2.

Five Below to open in Spring

A Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing confirms discount retailer Five Below will open a new 8,281‑square‑foot store at the Grand Parkway and Imperial Promenade Drive in Spring. Construction is slated to begin Jan. 25 and finish Oct. 11, 2027, with an estimated cost of $175,000. The retailer will offer a wide range of low‑price goods.

Rowan ear‑piercing studio to join The Woodlands Mall

Rowan, a modern ear‑piercing studio known for hypoallergenic, nickel‑free earrings, plans a new 892‑square‑foot location inside The Woodlands Mall. A licensing filing shows construction will start in February.

These developments reflect a vibrant mix of civic engagement and economic expansion in The Woodlands, underscoring the community’s commitment to strong local governance and thriving businesses.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.