DIR picks Engle as chief information security officer

Brian Engle (pictured), former chief information security officer for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, has been named chief information security officer for the Texas Department of Information Resources.

Engle held the post of director of information security for Temple-Inland for four years before his appointment at HHSC in 2011. He is a veteran IT expert with more than 20 years information technology leadership experience.

Engle has also held information security roles in the private sector as manager of information security assurance for a major financial institution and as senior information security analyst for Silicon Laboratories. He is a Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) and is a Certified Information Security Systems Professional (CISSP). Engle holds a bachelor's degree in management/computer information systems.

Douglas Wilson reappointed as HHSC inspector general

Douglas Wilson of Pflugerville has been reappointed by the governor as inspector general of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2014. The inspector general works to prevent, detect and investigate fraud, abuse and waste in state health and human services programs. Wilson has held his current post since March 2011 and was previously deputy inspector general for operations. He is also a former deputy director of the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

Wilson is a Certified Public Accountant, certified inspector general and holds a bachelor's degree from Texas State University.

Hurt takes on public information director duties for TDCJ

After a nearly 20-year career with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) as public affairs officer, John Hurt (pictured) is settling in at his new post as director of public information with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). In his new position, Hurt works with state, national and international news media.

Hurt's public service career began with TxDOT in 1993, when he was named public information officer (PIO) in the Beaumont District. He became PIO in the Austin District in 1995, holding that job until October of last year when he accepted his current job at TDCJ. Hurt also spent nearly 20 years in the private sector in broadcast news at stations throughout the state. His final private sector job before joining TxDOT was as a freelance producer for NBC News. He was one of the Texas journalists selected to attend a 1981 Foreign Policy Briefing at the White House during the Reagan administration.

Hurt holds a bachelor's degree from Hardin-Simmons University and a certificate in public relations from The University of Texas at Austin. He also has extensive training in incident management and attended the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Advanced Public Information Officer Course at the National Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Bacarisse, Villa appointed to Dept. of Information Resources

Charles Bacarisse (left), vice president for advancement at Houston Baptist University, and Cynthia Villa (right), vice president for business affairs at The University of Texas at El Paso, have been appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Texas Department of Information Resources. Their appointments are subject to Senate approval. Bacarisse was reappointed and will continue to serve as board chair.

Bacarisse, from Houston, is a former Harris County district clerk. He holds two bachelor's degrees from Southern Methodist University.

Villa, from El Paso, is a certified public accountant and vice president for business affairs at The University of Texas at El Paso. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from The University of Texas at El Paso, and is a graduate of the Western Association of College and University Business Officers Business Management Institute.

Tenaris, a global manufacturer of steel pipe products used for drilling in the energy industry, has been awarded $6 million from the state's Texas Enterprise Fund. The company will build a new steel pipe manufacturing facility in Matagorda County, creating 600 jobs and $1.3 billion in capital investment.

The 1 million-square-foot Matagorda County facility will include a state-of-the-art seamless pipe mill, heat treatment and premium threading facilities. Once complete, the mill is expected to produce 600,000 tons of pipe per year.

Matagorda County Judge Nate McDonald called the company "principled and well-managed" in welcoming the business to the county.

Southwestern University picks Edward Burger as next president

Southwestern University in Georgetown has named Edward Burger (pictured) as its next president. Burger, a math professor from Williams College, will replace President Jack Schrum, who announced last year that he would retire by July 1 of this year.

The New York State native is a summa cum laude graduate of Connecticut College and holds a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin. While at Williams College, he has held several leadership roles as well as being a member of the faculty.

Burger is one of the first individuals to make instructional mathematics videos accessible through CD-ROMs and the Internet. In 2010, Burger received the Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching from Baylor University, one of the most prestigious teaching awards in the world. He subsequently spent a year at Baylor serving as the Robert Foster Cherry Professor for Great Teaching, with Baylor inviting him to stay an additional year and serve as vice provost for strategic educational initiatives.

Tarleton selects Brown for student engagement position

Darrell Brown (pictured), former senior vice president of business development at a Stephenville financial institution, has been named executive director of student engagement in the Division of Student Life at Tarleton State University. His new job will make him responsible for planning, coordinating, developing and executing university policies, procedures and practices relating to student engagement programs.

Before entering the financial field, Brown Prior was executive director of the Star Council on Substance Abuse. He also served in a number of roles within the Tarleton State University Police Department and as a resident director in Residential Living and Learning.
 

Brown holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Tarleton, as well as a master's in teaching in government and public administration.

Navarro College selects three finalists for president

The Navarro College Board of Trustees recently announced three finalists for president to replace Dr. Richard Sanchez, who is retiring in August.

Scheduled to meet with faculty, staff and community members at three forums this week, the three finalists are:

• Dr. Barbara Kavalier, president of San Jose City College who has a bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University, a master's degre from Amberton University and a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin;
• Dr. Ron Liss, vice president for learning at San Fe Community College in New Mexico; and
• Dr. Rex Peeples, a vice president of instruction at Midland College who has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Dallas, a master's degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin.

Midland College stops work on dining hall renovation

Midland College officials recently postponed plans for a $1.88 million to $2.94 million plan to expand and renovate Jack E. Brown Dining Hall.

President Steve Thomas (pictured) said the dining hall project would be placed on hold because no funding is available to pay the additional $1.5 million in project costs in the bids submitted for the construction job. The shortage of workers in the Permian Basin and busy sub-contractors prompted the higher bids, college officials said.

Architects are studying less expensive methods to complete the dining hall project, including the possibility of having the timeline be less restrictive. The goal is to reduce the cost of the dining hall upgrade by at least $1 million. However, the dining hall project could be delayed until the summer of 2014, a spokesperson for the project architect said.

Levelland ISD approves $39.47 million bond election in May

Trustees for the Levelland Independent School District recently agreed to ask voters to approve $39.47 million in bonds on May 11 to pay for upgrades to all 13 district facilities.

The majority of the upgrades are to improve security systems and fire alarms at each campus, said Interim Superintendent Kelly Baggett. District officials also plan to spend about $1 million to remove asbestos found in many district buildings and to renovate restrooms to meet the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, he said.

Other projects include building new high school science laboratories, installing new heating and air conditioning systems to help reduce energy use, repairing exterior brick, painting, repairing the roof at the high school and installing new flooring and ceilings.

Fuentes-Martin settling in as UTPA dean of students

Dr. Maria "Mari" Fuentes-Martin (pictured) is settling into her new post as associate vice president and Dean of Students at The University of Texas-Pan American. She has been on the job since Jan. 14. Fuentes-Martin is a former associate vice president and Dean of Students at The University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) and Texas Southmost College, a post she held since 2004. From 2000 to 2004, she was UTB's Dean of Students and also held teaching and administrative posts at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christ and the University of Notre Dame.

Fuentes-Martin holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of Notre Dame. She earned her Doctorate of Education from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. 

Austin approves $1.2 million to upgrade downtown park

Austin city officials recently set aside $1.2 million to upgrade Republic Square, a two-acre downtown park that now plays host to a weekly farmer's market and a summer movie series. Most of the improvements are funded by development fees paid by the federal government for construction of a new federal courthouse located just west of the park.

First used as a gathering place for the Mexican-American community in 1879, the two-acre park site also was used as an industrial area and a parking lot before being set aside as an urban park in 1970. Preliminary plans are to include a large central space that is open and flexible enough for holding a variety of events, a promenade, plaza, a food service area and restrooms. The park is close to the new civil courthouse planned by Travis County and a 24-story luxury apartment and hotel complex.

City officials paid $150,000 to a design firm to develop the plan, which will be reviewed by park board members on Feb. 26 and, if approved, sent to city council for a vote. Parks department officials set a goal of beginning construction on the upgrades in fall 2014. A local foundation also provided funding to remove earthen berms built to block noise, but also proved unwelcoming to some visitors.

ACC groundbreaking at Highland Mall slated in March

Shown is an artist's rendering of an exterior walkway after renovations at the Highland Mall, which will become an Austin Community College campus.

Things are about to get moving at Highland Mall, as Austin Community College is preparing to break ground on the first renovations there. Phase I, which will kick off on March 27, includes transforming the former J.C. Penney store on the northwest corner of the mall into an open design area that will feature natural light and settings aimed at facilitating learning.

The new area will accommodate approximately 6,200 students in its 200,000 square feet that includes instructional space, a library, student union and faculty offices. It will also be home to the math emporium, which will seat some 600 students and computers.

The new campus is being designed to help ACC students move through developmental education, offering a new way for instructors and students to work because of the new tools and facilities. Long-range plans include a modern educational space with related programs and a center for community and business partnerships that allow students to earn wages while they are learning. The mall still holds many shops and restaurants that remain open to customers.

El Paso border group taps Pablos as new chief executive officer

Officials of the newly organized Bi-National Economic Alliance recently named Rolando Pablos as the new chief executive of the group created by the merger of the El Paso Regional Economic Development Corp. and the Paso del Norte group. The new alliance plans to focus on economic growth and expansion, including policy issues that affect prosperity in the region.

Pablos, who plans to resign from the Texas Public Utility Commission, also previously served as chairman of the Texas Racing Commission. Pablos also was a senior advisor to a law firm that provides public policy and business services and as a legal officer for a technology company specializing in smart-card technology.

He has a ster's degree from the Conrad Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston, a master's degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio and a law degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio.

Public procurement has meticulously defined rules, procedures...

Governor appoints members of boards of regents

A number of members of boards of regents at state-supported institutions of higher education were appointed recently by Gov. Rick Perry. They include:

University of Texas System: Ernest Aliseda of McAllen, managing attorney of Loya Insurance Group and municipal judge for the City of McAllen; Jeff Hildebrand of Houston, chairman and CEO of Hilcorp Energy Company; and Paul Foster of El Paso, executive chairman of Western Refining Company and current chair of the UT Regents,

Texas State University System: Charlie Amato of San Antonio, co-founder and chairman of SWBC; Vernon Reaser III of Bellaire, president of Texas Teachers Alternative Certification and Texas Educators Association Inc.; and William "Bill" Scott of Nederland, chairman and CEO of Trans-Global Solutions Inc.

Stephen F. Austin State University: David Alders of Nacogdoches, president of Carrizo Creek Corp. and manager of Caddo Farms LLC and Dagwood Timber LP; John R. "Bob" Garrett of Tyler, president and CEO of the Fair Oil Co. of Texas and Fair Management Co.; and Barry Nelson of Dallas, president of Interra Partners LLC.

Texas Tech University System: John D. Esparza of Austin, president and CEO of the Texas Motor Transportation Association; L. Frederick "Rick" Francis of El Paso, executive chairman of WestStar Bank and Francis Properties; and Tim Lancaster of Abilene, president and CEO of Hendrick Health System.

Lamar University's Simmons to be feted prior to retirement

Jimmy and Susan Simmons

Lamar University President Jimmy Simmons and his wife will be feted with a "Standing Ovation" celebration on March 2 as Simmons prepares to retire after more than 44 years with the university, the last 14 as president.

Lamar is preparing to celebrate its 90th anniversary this year and Simmons and his wife Susan are credited with bring a new era and new attitude to the university.

"A Standing Ovation for Jimmy and Susan Simmons" will begin with the Lady Cardinals' basketball game at 4 p.m. and continue with the Cardinals' game at 6 p.m., special presentations during halftime of the men's game and a reception on the arena floor afterward that will give guests an opportunity to personally thank the couple.

Simmons has built a reputation as a band director, musician, educator and mentor, while his wife is an established community leader as a real estate agent, teacher and business owner.

"This is a celebration of the success of Jimmy Simmons' presidency and also an appreciation for the 44 years he's given to Lamar, with Susan being a very essential part of that," said Camille Mouton, vice president for university advancement.

National Instruments is the recipient of $4.4 million from the Texas Enterprise Fund to help expand its research and development capacity in Austin, creating 1,000 jobs and $80 million in capital investment. The state's agreement is contingent upon finalization of a local incentive package.

National Instruments designs and manufactures electronic measurement hardware and software, with operations throughout the United States, Canada and 45 other countries. This facility will expand the company's research and development activities and will require the hiring of additional engineers and technology specialists. The project will include developing a 300,000-square-foot facility located adjacent to the company's current site in north Austin.

Armacost named as director of sustainability at Lamar University

Lamar University officials recently named Jim Armacost (pictured) as the director of the newly created office of sustainability. The goal of the new office is to ensure the university is operating as efficiently and environmentally friendly as possible, said Steve Doblin, vice president of academic affairs and provost.

Armacost currently is an assistant professor of biology at Lamar University, where has been employed since 2007. He holds a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University, a master's degree from Mississippi State University and a Ph.D. from Illinois State University.

Among his goals are to institute campus-wide recycling, create a Web site to help students and faculty gain a greater knowledge about the benefits of sustainability and develop a curriculum for an interdisciplinary sustainability minor program including course work in science, engineering, economic, politics and the social sciences, Armacost said.

Longview eyeing developer in conference center, hotel project

Longview city officials recently began exploring the use of a public-private partnership in recent negotiations with a developer to build a proposed hotel and conference center.

Assistant City Manager Chuck Ewings said the council members authorized him to negotiate with a developer who would agree to pay for building a hotel while the city funds the conference center project, which will be located on property in the Interstate 20 corridor. The goal is to build a hotel and conference facility that will accommodate a banquet for 1,000 persons, seven conference rooms and a full-service bar and restaurant, Ewings said.

The negotiations include research on the possible cost and scope of the hotel and conference center project and how the city will pay for it, he added. Options for funding include a bond election, hotel occupancy tax revenue and building the project in a reinvestment zone to gain access for repayment, Ewings said.

Corpus Christi eyeing desalination project to ensure water supply

Confronted with the possibility of running out of potable water by 2017, Corpus Christi city officials recently began discussing the possibility of building one or two desalination plants on Corpus Christi Bay to ensure an adequate water supply.

City officials are meeting with two companies to discuss building desalination plants near the ship channel and bay to provide water to industrial customers planning to relocate to the city, Water Director Gus Gonzalez (pictured) said. A representative of one of the companies, who has met with state officials to seek state funding for a proposed water plan to be paid for by the state's rainy day fund, is optimistic that funding will be available.

Water Department officials also plan to return to council in May with a new, more restrictive drought management plan, including a ban on all outdoor watering during daylight hours and banning all irrigation except a handheld hose, Gonzalez said. With lake levels showing about 38 percent capacity, city officials plan to build a new pipeline to bring in enough water to equal about a quarter of the yearly water use in Corpus Christi, he said.

Corsicana ISD approve $54 million bond election in May

Corsicana Independent School District trustees recently scheduled a $54 million bond election in May to ask voters to approve funding for a new middle school, upgrades of the high school auditorium and technology upgrades.

Board members also will ask voters to vote for funding to provide a secured entryway at each campus and create a media center at each campus. Still under study are whether to spend $1.3 million to upgrade the administration headquarters or to sell the facility and build or buy a new building to consolidate district administrators who are now located in four facilities.

Superintendent at San Marcos ISD urges $80 million bond proposals

Superintendent Mark Eads (pictured) of San Marcos Independent School District recently urged board members to schedule a bond election with two propositions totaling $80 million on May 11.

Eads proposed asking voters to approve $59 million to build a new prekindergarten facility, student activity complex and renovations to two middle schools and three elementary schools. He also proposed a second bond proposition for $18.5 million to fund a new football stadium and possibly $4.3 million to pay for a new aquatic training center.

The superintendent also asked trustees to use $3.3 million from the district's fund balance to pay for upgrades in technology and $3.5 million from the fund balance for improvements at the central office. A citizens committee had recommended calling for a bond election in May with a single $80 million proposition, but Eads said he supports separating the issues because of public comments on the need for a new football stadium when the high school football team now plays games at the Texas State University football stadium.

Bushland ISD to ask voters to approve $8.5 million bond proposal

Bushland Independent School District board members recently voted to schedule an $8.5 million bond election in May.

District officials also plan to organize a technology committee to study options for upgrading technology throughout the district if voters approve the bonds, said Superintendent Don Wood. Current plans are to spend about $3.5 million on technology upgrades and the committee will study the pros and cons of using smart boards and projectors and equipping all students with tablet or laptop computers.

Board members also plan to spend about $783,000 to buy nine buses, $1 million to upgrade curbs and gutters, $100,000 for an agriculture barn, $590,000 to improve security and $200,000 to build a new playground at an elementary school if the bond issue passes.

We offer free job postings for state and local governments, nonprofts and other public sector entities. Among this week's county jobs: Deputy constable, part-time library assistant, female drill instructor. Send your posting to editor@spartnerships.com. Click here to see this week's jobs.

Cleburne ISD leaves on table vote on $10 million bond election

Trustees for Cleburne Independent School District recently discussed, but failed to vote, on a $10 million bond election to pay for $1.24 million in security and a district-wide emergency communications system.

District officials also plan upgrades to technology and energy systems along with improvements to fine arts and athletic facilities if the bonds win approval. Trustees have a March 1 deadline to authorize a bond election on May 11 and are scheduled to meet again on Feb. 27.

Lubbock eyes new fire stations, emergency operations center

In a recent workshop, Lubbock City Council members discussed placing the replacement of two fire stations and an upgrade of the emergency operations center at the top of list of capital upgrades to include in a possible bond election currently under study.

Fire Stations 2 and 11 would cost more to renovate than replace because of deferred maintenance, said Mayor Glen Robertson (pictured), who supports demolishing Station 1 and rebuilding a new fire station on the former site of the Health Department. The emergency operations center, located in the basement of the police department, is very cramped, making it difficult for emergency responders to effectively handle a big emergency such as a tornado, the mayor added.

Council members also discussed creating a new police headquarters and upgrades to four municipal swimming pools and public libraries. City staff reported the estimated cost of renovating city facilities in the worst condition would be about $9 million. Staff members plan to provide council with a cost estimate for all renovation projects at a later meeting. The mayor said city officials did not seem to reach a consensus for a bond election.

Forsan ISD to unveil cost estimate for possible May bond election

Trustees for the Forsan Independent School District are expected to unveil on Feb. 25 the cost estimate for capital projects to be included in a possible May bond election.

Board members have discussed asking approval of bonds to replace an elementary school, expand the bus barn, improve security and upgrade electrical and plumbing systems at the junior high and high school. These projects are estimated to cost between $20 million and $25 million, Superintendent Randy Johnson (pictured) said.

Other capital projects under consideration include road upgrades at the new elementary campus to ease traffic flow, new science labs for the junior high school and an upgrade of the communications system, Johnson said.

TEA approves request to consolidate Novice, Coleman ISDs

Texas Education Agency (TEA) officials recently approved a waiver request from Novice Independent School District and Coleman ISD to consolidate on March 1.

Because Novice ISD closed down the district in July, students from that district already are attending schools at Coleman ISD, Jim Ned ISD and Panther Creek ISD, which allowed the consolidation to occur four months earlier than usually allowed under current law.

Superintendent Dale Freeman of Novice ISD said trustees agreed to return a $574,000 payment for 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 enrollment to TEA using the district's fund balance and tax revenue collected this year.

Destination Bayfront releases model for park in Corpus Christi

Officials of Destination Bayfront recently introduced a funding model calling for raising about $84 million to build, maintain and operate a park along the Corpus Christi bay front. The proposed funding model would require around $69 million in public funding and $15 million in private endowment funds to maintain and operate the park.

Phase one of the proposed waterfront park includes a promenade along the sea wall, a zocolo, play area, large lawn area and part of a pier as well as a event space, eight shops, beach cafe, two restroom buildings and 14 shade canopies at Sherrill Park. Phase two of the project, estimated to cost about $15.7 million, would complete the pier, build six new retail shops, a shade canopy on the lawn and construct a new parking plaza.

Corpus Christi city officials are expected to vote this week whether to support the proposal by Destination Bayfront. City council members are expected to decide later whether to ask voters to approve $41 million in bonds in November to pay for the park along Corpus Christi Bay. An adviser in economic development estimated the proposed park could generate as much as $150 million annually in income.

Van Vleck approves sale of advertising on its Web site

As public school districts struggle financially because of lower property tax revenues and declining state funding, many are looking for innovative ways to uncover new revenue streams. Many school districts are allowing the sale of advertising on their buses. The Van Vleck school district recently approved allowing sale of advertising on its Web site.

That's not new. Numerous larger school districts in the state sell ads on their Web sites. But some smaller schools are turning to private sector firms to help because the small schools don't have the human resources to handle that job. Van Vleck does not have to deal with the sales and collects 35 percent of the ad revenue. Officials also say it allows local businesses an opportunity to advertise.
 

Eagle Ford Consortium plans second annual conference in March

"Shaping a Sustainable Pathway" is the theme for the Second Annual Conference of the Eagle Ford Consortium. The event is planned for Thursday and Friday, March 7-8, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, 600 E. Market, in San Antonio. Keynote speaker is Clarence Cazalot, CEO of Marathon Oil Co. Key topics for the event include South Texas Energy Triangle, Global Outlook and Markets, Community and Workforce Development, How to Do Business with Industry, Managing Road Safety Through Collaboration and Best Practices. Registration is now open. More information is available on the Consortium Web site or at info@eaglefordconsortium.org.

TxDOT to host Small Business Briefings across Texas

Join educational leaders from across Texas for Leadership Fusion 2013 - Learning in the 21st Century, Leading in Tomorrow's World. Each year, Leadership Fusion focuses on topics that are relevant to current educational trends. This year, the summit explores how emerging technology is motivating and engaging students, how brain-based research can impact higher learning and how the universal principles of exemplary school leadership can accelerate student success. Participants will gain best practices and innovative strategies to help them excel as educational leaders. Featured speakers include: Eric Jensen, a leading authority on the science and applications of brain research in education; Alan November, international leader in educational technology; and Lonnie Moore, leadership development expert and author of The High-Trust Classroom. Visit www.leadershipfusion.net to learn more or e-mail solutions@esc4.net.

Austin ISD to debate calling

$889 million bond vote in May

Austin Independent School District trustees recently agreed to schedule a special board meeting this weekend to discuss the size and scope of a proposed $889 million bond election in May. A citizens bond advisory committee recommended the bond election to upgrade district facilities. Board members expect to vote on the bond proposition at their regular meeting on Feb. 25.

Nabers addresses future of P3s

in 'McCombs Today' interview

Public-private partnerships are catching on throughout the country. "This area is probably the hottest new business trend that we will see in the next two decades, and here's the reason - it will spur economic activity more than anything else." That's what Strategic Partnerships, Inc. President and CEO Mary Scott Nabers says in a recent interview with McCombs Today, an online publication of the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. Read the complete interview and see what Nabers thinks the future holds for public-private partnerships involving government entities from cities and counties to college campuses.

McCamey superintendent

Donny Wiley resigns

McCamey Independent School District Superintendent Donny Wiley (pictured) has announced his resignation. His contract did not end until June 2014. Both Wiley and his wife Donna, who is technology director for the school district, will be leaving.

Wiley will leave McCamey after a 32-year career in education. He has been a superintendent of the Gordon ISD and is a former math teacher and coach at numerous school districts in Texas. He was a McCamey ISD high school principal before being promoted to superintendent in 2008.

SPI launches blog addressing

P3s, contracting news, trends

Strategic Partnerships, Inc. is launching its blog - Strategic Partnering with State and Local Government. The blog will serve as a venue for sharing and discussing public sector contracting news, trends, public-private partnerships (P3s) and other innovative solutions for transforming government. The group includes business development, government affairs and marketing professionals as well as government contracting experts interested in discussing the state and local government marketplace.

Among the topics to be discussed are discussions on strategic approaches to selling to government, opportunity identification and P3 and other government contracting news and trends.

Join our  blog! Check us out and see what we've got to say and tell us what you think!

Sweetwater police plan

for new police station

The Sweetwater police chief recently laid out preliminary architectural plans for a new police station.

After meeting with police and examining the current police station, architects reduced the size of the new jail to about 14,000 square feet, the police chief said. Features in the new jail include an area to host classes for outside agencies, a juvenile detention area, an interview room and processing area. Plans also call for the new police station to have a locker and shower area, uninterrupted power supply and an emergency generator. City Commission members took no action on the proposed police station.

New Braunfels approves

$86 million bond election

New Braunfels City Council members recently approved four ballot propositions to include in a bond election on May 11. The four propositions are to upgrade streets, drainage and parks and pay for the Central Texas Technology Center.

Harry Savio named newest member of SPI consulting team

A veteran in local government after having served as a city budget director and city manager, Harry Savio is the newest member of the Strategic Partnerships, Inc. consulting team.

Savio combines public sector experience with years of work in the private sector, making him a valuable member of team. Savio has been involved in municipal budgeting and strategic planning and has a proven success record. His work in the private sector has honed his skills in project management, regulatory advocacy, legislative initiatives and media relations.

Savio also has experience in the private sector and has worked closely with officials in federal agencies and in Texas state government agencies.

Tomball ISD approves

$160 million bond election

Tomball Independent School District trustees recently agreed to schedule a $160 million bond election on May 11 to build new facilities, renovate existing campuses, upgrade technology and buy new school buses.

If voters approve the bonds, district officials plan to spend $109.9 million to build four new schools, $29.8 million to renovate existing facilities and $28.7 million for technology, transportation and capital improvements.

Former Congressman Gonzalez hired by San Antonio's VIA

Former U.S. Congressman Charlie Gonzalez (pictured) will be returning to his hometown of San Antonio as chief of public engagement at VIA Metropolitan Transit. Gonzalez served seven terms in Congress, following in the footsteps of his late father Henry B. Gonzalez, who served, in the same congressional seat for 37 years. He will now take over the newly created post with VIA and will be in charge of the agency's marketing, government affairs, media relations and community outreach. Gonzalez also will be responsible for seeking federal and state revenue sources to fund VIA projects.

Gonzalez holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and his Juris Doctor degree from St. Mary's University. He was one of 19 applicants for the VIA job.

Eddy County to look for cuts in proposed sheriff's office project

Facing project estimates that are $1.3 million over the budgeted $8.7 million for new facilities for the sheriff's department, Eddy County commissioners were advised by the project architect to take a second look at the plans and see where costs can be cut. The commission now is studying where cuts can be made before the project goes out to bid

Among the reductions that the architect suggested were a reduction in the amount of covered parking at the facility and decreasing the area at the facility that needs to be fenced. Sheriff Scott London was instructed to sit down with the architect and determine where cost-cutting could be done.

Round Rock selects Wiseman

as new director of planning

Round Rock city officials recently tapped Brad Wiseman (pictured) as the new director of planning and community development.

A five-year employee of the City of Round Rock, Wiseman previously served as the manager of development services and as interim director of planning since Dec. 7.

City Manager Steve Norwood said that Wiseman has the experience and knowledge to serve the community well. He replaced Peter Wysocki, the former director of planning who resigned to accept a similar job in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Tow offered city manager

position by Bowie City Council

Ricky Tow, city manager in Cameron, has been named the lone finalist for the city manager post in Bowie. City officials this week extended a job offer to Tow, who would be required to move to Bowie within 90 days of signing an employment agreement.

Tow would replace current City Manager James Cantwell, who has announced he will retire in May.

Johnson County taps Moore as emergency management head

Johnson County commissioners recently selected Jamie Moore as the new emergency management coordinator. Moore replaces Jack Snow, who resigned to accept a post with the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

Moore previously served as fire marshal and in emergency management in Denton County, as an emergency management coordinator in Wichita Falls and in Douglas County, Colorado. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas.

Reeves resigns as facilities coordinator for Denton ISD

Rod Reeves (pictured) recently resigned as facilities and planning coordinator for the Denton Independent School District.

A certified architect who was employed six years at the Denton school district, he began his new duties in early February as director of facilities and construction for Little Elm ISD.

Reeves also worked for a private architure firm and as a teacher for three years. He has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Texas Tech University. 

Gabaldon to retire as superintendent of Clint ISD

Superintendent Edward Gabaldon (pictured) recently announced he plans to retire from the Clint Independent School District at the end of this school year.

Gabaldon previously was employed as chief of staff for former Superintendent Lorenzo Garcia of El Paso, who is now in federal prison for his role in a cheating scandal at that district.

Of the nine school districts in El Paso County, four of the districts are searching for new superintendents.

High-capacity transit plan

for Central Texas released

A group of regional transportation agencies recently released a high-capacity transit plan for Central Texas. The group also is seeking public comment on their recommendation for the Project Connect transportation plan.

City of Austin, Capital Metro, Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and the Lone Star Railroad District representatives worked together to develop the plan that includes rail, commuter rail, urban rail, rapid transit and express lanes. The group set a final meeting on Feb. 26 to gather more public input on the regional transit plan. Interested parties also can participate in an ongoing online discussion of the proposed plan for high-apacity transit and find details of the Project Connect plan at ConnectCentralTexas.com.

Check the GOVERNMENT NEWS section of the SPI Web site for these and other press releases.

• New DPS Web page highlights unsolved murders

• Regents approve updated SHSU Master Plan

• TABC: Minor stings coming to a town near you

• UTEP names new Centennial Museum director

• Historian, veteran to serve on Vietnam Education Center committee.

Iowa Park CISD taps Moody as

sole finalist for superintendent

Iowa Park Consolidated Independent School District board members recently tapped Steve Moody (pictured) as the sole finalist for superintendent. Previously an assistant superintendent, Moody will replace Jerry Baird, who retired as superintendent last year.

Moody previously served as a teacher and coach at Electra ISD and as principal at the Iowa Park school district before becoming an assistant superintendent in 2007. He has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Midwestern State University and received his superintendent's certification from Tarleton State University.

Jefferson County taps Rupp as director of Jack Brooks Airport

Jefferson County commissioners recently selected Alex Rupp as the director of the Jack Brooks Regional Airport. Rupp, an airport employee since 2006, served as interim director of the airport in August 2011 to replace the previous director who retired and in July 2012 won the appointment again when the airport director retired.

Currently Rupp is working with several organizations to develop 100 acres of property surrounding the airport to provide space for more facilities such as restaurants or hotels to generate more revenue for the regional airport.

Cochran resigns from Victoria Parks and Recreation post

Doug Cochran (pictured), Victoria Parks and Recreation director since 1989, has announced his resignation.

In his position, Cochran pushed for development in the community, including the first successful park-related bond election in three decades that led to construction of the Youth Sports Complex and the city's skate park.

Cochran's official last day is April 30 and assistant directors Kevin Stewart and Andrea Blomberg will continue in their positions in the department. City officials say they hope to start advertising in March to fill the position.

Lamesa ISD taps Ramos as sole finalist for superintendent

Lamesa Independent School District trustees recently tapped John Ramos (pictured), a principal at Lamesa High School, as the sole finalist for superintendent. Ramos will replace former Superintendent Scott Davis, who resigned in June to serve as superintendent at Rusk ISD.

Ramos previously served as director of human resources for Lubbock ISD and joined the Lamesa district as a principal in the summer of 2012.

Interim Superintendent Chris Riggins will return as assistant superintendent once Ramos becomes superintendent 21 days after being named as the sole finalist for the post.

Hammock to retire as special education director at Canutillo

Janine Hammock, the director of special education at Canutillo Independent School District, recently announced she is retiring from that district.

The announcement followed an audit that uncovered an attempt to improve the district's federal accountability rating that identified the position, but did not specifically name Hammock. The former superintendent, Damon Murphy, resigned in December following the audit that alleged he requested Hammock to create options for reducing the number of special education students in middle school during the 2010-2011 school year.

Van Ormy moving forward

with new city hall, fire station

Van Ormy City Council members recentlly approved $250,000 for a new municipal building to serve as a city hall and community center. City officials also plan to build a new $950,000 fire station on a 13-acre tract of land on Quarterhorse Road, Mayor Art Martinez de Vara said.

Plans call for leaving 10 acres of the land for a park for the southwest Bexar County community, the mayor added. City council now meets at the Catholic church and the mayor conducts city business at his law office.

Levelland ISD names Baggett

sole finalist for superintendent

Levelland Independent School District trustees recently selected Kelly Baggett, a 35-year employee of the district, as sole finalist for superintendent. An assistant superintendent prior to being named as interim superintendent in July, Baggett replaces former Superintendent Mark Holcomb, who retired in 2012.