diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/add-product.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/add-product.md
index 9f55a5db0..58e34627b 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/add-product.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/add-product.md
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   tracking: Add new product <PRODUCT>
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/pre-release.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/early-pre-release.md
similarity index 96%
rename from .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/pre-release.md
rename to .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/early-pre-release.md
index bb535fbcf..345ab8f83 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/pre-release.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/early-pre-release.md
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 ---
-name: Pre-Release Container Image Updates
+name: Early Pre-Release Container Image Updates
 about: This template can be used to track the container image updates leading up to the next Stackable release
 title: "chore: Update Container Images for Stackable Release XX.(X)X"
 labels: ['epic']
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ assignees: ''
 
 <!--
     DO NOT REMOVE THIS COMMENT. It is intended for people who might copy/paste from the previous release issue.
-    This was created by an issue template: https://github.com/stackabletech/issues/issues/new/choose.
+    This was created by an issue template: https://github.com/stackabletech/docker-images/issues/new/choose.
 -->
 
 <!-- Update this with the parent tracking issue for the release -->
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-java.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-java.md
index b1fbb522a..f7a7c12d4 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-java.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-java.md
@@ -6,14 +6,24 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(java-bases): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
 
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, and add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 <!-- markdownlint-disable-next-line MD028 -->
 > [!IMPORTANT]
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-stackable.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-stackable.md
index 61edd609e..0b84d395d 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-stackable.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-stackable.md
@@ -6,14 +6,24 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(stackable-base): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
 
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, and add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 ```[tasklist]
 ### Update tasks
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-ubi-rust-builders.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-ubi-rust-builders.md
index 657627453..226173607 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-ubi-rust-builders.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-ubi-rust-builders.md
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(ubi-rust-builders): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
@@ -18,8 +19,17 @@ to alert us to security vulnerabilities.
 -->
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, and add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 ```[tasklist]
 ### Update tasks
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-vector.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-vector.md
index 9899afcbf..805f2c97e 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-vector.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-base-vector.md
@@ -6,14 +6,24 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(vector): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
 
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, and add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 <!-- markdownlint-disable-next-line MD028 -->
 > [!IMPORTANT]
@@ -24,6 +34,7 @@ Part of #xxx.
 ```[tasklist]
 ### Update tasks
 - [ ] Update `versions.py` to reflect the agreed upon versions in the spreadsheet (including the removal of old versions).
+- [ ] Update all `versions.py` files which reference vector.
 - [ ] Upload new version (see `vector/upload_new_vector_version.sh`).
 - [ ] Update `versions.py` to the latest supported version of JVM (base and devel).
 - [ ] Update other dependencies if applicable (eg: inotify_tools, etc).
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-airflow.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-airflow.md
index 40ee340e7..c6e6d5296 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-airflow.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-airflow.md
@@ -6,14 +6,24 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(airflow): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
 
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 ```[tasklist]
 ### Update tasks
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-druid.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-druid.md
index ed11b4d0b..521348487 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-druid.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-druid.md
@@ -6,19 +6,31 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(druid): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
 
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, and add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 ```[tasklist]
 ### Update tasks
 - [ ] Update `versions.py` to reflect the agreed upon versions in the spreadsheet (including the removal of old versions).
 - [ ] Upload new version (see `druid/upload_new_druid_version.sh`).
+- [ ] Create a file: `druid/stackable/patches/x.y.z/.gitkeep`, add patches if applicable.
+- [ ] Delete old patch directories.
 - [ ] Update `versions.py` to the latest supported version of JVM (base and devel).
 - [ ] Update the [druid-opa-authorizer](https://github.com/stackabletech/druid-opa-authorizer/) with the new set of versions.
 - [ ] Check other operators (getting_started / kuttl) for usage of the versions. Add the PR(s) to the list below.
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-hbase-phoenix-omid.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-hbase-phoenix-omid.md
index b0b5e82ee..705c8dae9 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-hbase-phoenix-omid.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-hbase-phoenix-omid.md
@@ -6,14 +6,24 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(hbase-phoenix-omid): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
 
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, and add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 ```[tasklist]
 ### Update tasks (HBase, Phoenix)
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-hdfs.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-hdfs.md
index 637f4eff9..e08ff92a9 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-hdfs.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-hdfs.md
@@ -6,14 +6,24 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(hdfs): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
 
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, and add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 ```[tasklist]
 ### Update tasks
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-hive.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-hive.md
index 02a3314fa..3efb128e9 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-hive.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-hive.md
@@ -6,14 +6,24 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(hive): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
 
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, and add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 ```[tasklist]
 ### Update tasks
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-kafka.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-kafka.md
index 9f6281f06..e4990c033 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-kafka.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-kafka.md
@@ -6,14 +6,24 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(kafka): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
 
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, and add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 ```[tasklist]
 ### Update tasks (kafka)
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-nifi.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-nifi.md
index da52701bc..684749ba4 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-nifi.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-nifi.md
@@ -6,14 +6,24 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(nifi): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
 
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, and add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 ```[tasklist]
 ### Update tasks
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-opa.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-opa.md
index 8fd6e0ca2..d2de6b86b 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-opa.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-opa.md
@@ -6,14 +6,24 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(opa): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
 
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, and add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 ```[tasklist]
 ### Update tasks
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-spark.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-spark.md
index c0723525b..2e0aad603 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-spark.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-spark.md
@@ -6,20 +6,31 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(spark): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
 
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, and add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 ```[tasklist]
 ### Update tasks
 - [ ] Update `versions.py` to reflect the agreed upon versions in the spreadsheet (including the removal of old versions).
 - [ ] Upload new version (see `spark/upload_new_spark_version.sh`).
 - [ ] Update `versions.py` to the latest supported version of JVM (base and devel).
+- [ ] Ensure that the transitive dependencies in `versions.py` are compatible with the Spark version(s).
 - [ ] Update other dependencies if applicable (eg: python, jmx_exporter, aws_java_sdk_bundle, etc).
 - [ ] Check other operators (getting_started / kuttl) for usage of the versions. Add the PR(s) to the list below.
 - [ ] Update the version in demos. Add the PR(s) to the list below.
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-superset.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-superset.md
index a2db53339..0c84c6ebb 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-superset.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-superset.md
@@ -6,20 +6,31 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(superset): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
 
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, and add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 ```[tasklist]
 ### Update tasks
 - [ ] Update `versions.py` to reflect the agreed upon versions in the spreadsheet (including the removal of old versions).
 - [ ] Create a new constraints file (see `superset/README.md`).
 - [ ] Create a file: `superset/stackable/patches/x.y.z/.gitkeep`, add patches if applicable.
+- [ ] Delete old constraint files and patch directories.
 - [ ] Update other dependencies if applicable (eg: python, auth_lib, etc).
 - [ ] Check other operators (getting_started / kuttl) for usage of the versions. Add the PR(s) to the list below.
 - [ ] Update the version in demos. Add the PR(s) to the list below.
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-trino.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-trino.md
index dfd70081d..6dedd62a9 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-trino.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-trino.md
@@ -6,14 +6,24 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(trino): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
 
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, and add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 ```[tasklist]
 ### Update tasks (trino)
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-zookeeper.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-zookeeper.md
index 31b1a1a3f..5f72aff9f 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-zookeeper.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/update-product-zookeeper.md
@@ -6,14 +6,24 @@ about: >-
 title: >-
   chore(zookeeper): Update container images ahead of Stackable Release XX.(X)X
 labels: []
+# Currently, projects cannot be assigned via front-matter.
 projects: ['stackabletech/10']
 assignees: ''
 ---
 
 Part of #xxx.
 
+<!--
+This gives hints to the person doing the work.
+Add/Change/Remove anything that isn't applicable anymore
+-->
+- Add: `x.x.x`
+- Remove: `y.y.y`
+
 > [!TIP]
-> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label.
+> Please add the `scheduled-for/20XX-XX` label, and add to the [Stackable Engineering][1] project.
+>
+> [1]: https://github.com/orgs/stackabletech/projects/10
 
 ```[tasklist]
 ### Update tasks
diff --git a/spark-k8s/versions.py b/spark-k8s/versions.py
index 3909c49bb..5e72a99d3 100644
--- a/spark-k8s/versions.py
+++ b/spark-k8s/versions.py
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
         "aws_java_sdk_bundle": "1.12.367",  # https://mvnrepository.com/artifact/org.apache.hadoop/hadoop-aws/3.3.6
         "azure_storage": "7.0.1",  # https://mvnrepository.com/artifact/org.apache.hadoop/hadoop-azure/3.3.6
         "azure_keyvault_core": "1.0.0",  # https://mvnrepository.com/artifact/com.microsoft.azure/azure-storage/7.0.1
-        "jackson_dataformat_xml": "2.15.2",  # https://mvnrepository.com/artifact/org.apache.spark/spark-core_2.13/3.5.1
+        "jackson_dataformat_xml": "2.15.2",  # https://mvnrepository.com/artifact/org.apache.spark/spark-core_2.13/3.5.2
         "stax2_api": "4.2.1",  # https://mvnrepository.com/artifact/com.fasterxml.jackson.dataformat/jackson-dataformat-xml/2.15.2
         "woodstox_core": "6.5.1",  # https://mvnrepository.com/artifact/com.fasterxml.jackson.dataformat/jackson-dataformat-xml/2.15.2
         "vector": "0.41.1",