The face of Texas state government is changing. A statewide officeholder has announced she will not seek re-election, a new appointee has been named commissioner of a major state agency and another social services agency commissioner with more than three decades of public service is calling it a career and will retire.

The biggest shocker was the announcement Wednesday from Texas State Comptroller Susan Combs (top left) that she would not seek re-election when her second four-year term as a statewide officeholder is up in 2015.

Also Wednesday, Debra Wanser (bottom left), who has served as commissioner for the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Service (DARS) since June 2011, announced she would retire after spending the last 21 years in health and human services.

And as the 83rd regular session of the Texas Legislature came to a close this week, Julia Rathgeber (bottom right) was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry as the state's new Insurance Commissioner, replacing former Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman, whose was appointed by Perry between legislative sessions. Kitzman's term was so raked with controversy that her nomination was not confirmed by the Texas Senate during the recently completed session, which meant her term ended with the last gavel of the 83rd regular session.

Combs' announcement was surprising in that she had positioned herself as a possible candidate for Texas lieutenant governor in the next election. Her announcement Wednesday ruled out that possibility and apparently ended her career as an elected official. She was elected to the Texas House in 1992 and was unopposed for her second term in the House two years later. She left the House to work for then-Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and in 1998 was elected Texas' first female Agriculture Commissioner. Eight years later, Combs was elected to her first of two four-year terms as State Comptroller.

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It was a busy 140 days for the 83rd Texas Legislature, which ended its regular session on Monday. More than 6,000 bills and resolutions were filed, but fewer than 1,500 passed both chambers of the Legislature.

Bills creating a new state budget and allowing for the transfer of $2 billion to a water infrastructure fund that Texans will be asked to approve both passed. Other legislation that will affect state agencies, local governments, businesses and virtually every Texan also are headed to the governor's desk.

Here is a sampling of some legislation that will affect state agencies:

Videoconferencing: There is a growing trend in government to use videoconferencing because of the cost savings that can be captured. Videoconferencing is used for providing telemedicine service to jail inmates and also for allowing inmate participation in meetings from remote locations. HB 2414 addresses requirements for open meetings held by videoconference calls, including the requirement that citizens have access to the same means of videoconferencing so they can also be active participants from remote locations. Similarly, SB 293 outlines how open meetings are conducted by teleconference or videoconference in water districts that include three or more counties. Two-way communications must be provided so the public can see and hear the audio and video at a site open to the public. 

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Comptroller's new Web site to address local government finance

Local governments' laundry - dirty or otherwise - will be hung out for all to see, thanks to the State Comptroller's new Web resource, "Tell the Truth Texas." The Web site was created, according to Comptroller Susan Combs because, "Texans have every right to know and understand the finances of the local governments that levy taxes and issue debt in their names." The site will include what Combs calls an "unprecedented array of information" regarding debt and finance of local governments in the state.

Combs notes that her office has worked to bring greater transparency to Texas government, and failure to pass legislation addressing transparency legislation for local governments during the recent legislative session makes this new Web site even more important. She noted that statewide town hall meetings resulted in numerous comments regarding lack of available information regarding spending and debt at the local level. She called the Internet "the new town square."

The Web site is expected to include as much data as is available regarding local finance. Interested parties can sign up for email updates at www.tellthetruthtexas.org and can also submit information.

University of North Texas selects McCoy as vice president

University of North Texas (UNT) officials recently selected Thomas McCoy (pictured) as the new vice president for research and economic development.

McCoy, currently a vice president for research and technology at Montana State University, plans to begin his new duties at UNT on July 8.

As part of the UNT attempt to become a tier-one university, McCoy said he plans to expand the research portfolio to include renewable bio products and logistics systems.

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) recently approved financial assistance totaling $4,109,745. The funding includes:

• City of Brady - $700,000, including a loan of $350,000 and $350,000 in loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to finance water system improvements that include addressing issues relating to the removal of radionuclide contamination in its groundwater supply. The city will also use funds to increase the sustainability of its water supply.
• City of Dell City - $244,450 in loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to finance water system improvements that include planning and design improvements to the water plant for the future installation of a reverse osmosis treatment unit.
• City of Wortham - $1,815,295, including a loan of $280,000 and $1,535,295 in loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to finance water system improvements that include replacing old water meters and 18,500 linear feet of deteriorated water lines.
• Harris Municipal Utility District in Harris County - $1.35 million loan from the Texas Water Development Fund to finance water and wastewater system improvements that include addressing issues with its wastewater treatment plant and for improvements which are currently under construction.

Mitchell Named interim president of TTUHSC at El Paso

Texas Tech University Health Science Center (TTUHSC) President Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D. (pictured) has been named interim president of the new Texas Tech University Health Science Center at El Paso, created by legislation in the recently ended regular session of the 83rd Texas Legislature. As interim president, Mitchell will continue to carry out his administrative duties at TTUHSC, which is headquartered in Lubbock.

A committee is expected to be appointed soon to conduct a nationwide search of the new university's first president.

"This significant milestone would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of our students, faculty, staff, community members and donors in El Paso," said Texas Tech University System Chancellor Kent Hance of the new El Paso campus. "There have been many achievements realized in El Paso as a regional campus, and we are excited to build on this great momentum now as an independent university."

Trustees of the VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority in San Antonio recently began interviewing four final candidates to serve as the next president and chief executive officer of that agency. A fifth finalist for CEO withdrew his name from consideration for the post.

The four finalists for CEO include Jeffrey Arndt, a senior vice president of operations and chief operating officer for Houston METRO from 1999 to 2005. Arndt was named as interim CEO of VIA after the departure of Keith Parker last year. Arndt began his duties as deputy CEO of VIA in February 2012.

The three remaining finalists are Teresa "Terry" Garcia Crews, CEO and general manager of Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority in Cincinnati; David C. Hill, deputy director of transit management for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency; and Dave Kubicek, who served as the deputy general manager for operations of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority until he left that post in March.

ATPE announces Gary Godsey as new executive director

Gary Godsey (right) has been named the new executive director of ATPE and is welcomed by outgoing director Doug Rogers and State ATPE President Deann Lee.

Gary G. Godsey, current president and chief executive officer of the PKD Foundation, an organization committed to polycystic kidney disease research and education, in Kansas City, Missouri, has been chosen as the new executive director of the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE). Godsey has more than 30 years of experience with nonprofits and has raised more than $700 million for nonprofit organizations in health and community building. 

Godsey is no stranger to Texas, having previously served as president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas for 11 years. He is also a former president of the United Way/Capital Area of Austin.

The ATPE Board of Directors unanimously voted on Godsey to replace Doug Rogers, who will retire this summer after 24 years as the group's executive director. The ATPE House of Delegates is expected to ratify Godsey's appointment at its July meeting. He will begin the position on August 1. ATPE State President Deann Lee praised Rogers for his work with the organization and his "historic achievements and commitment to improving public education in Texas during his tenure."

San Marcos City Council members recently approved $650,000 to acquire 42 acres of land next to the municipal airport to build office space and possibly expand the airport. A federal grant provided 90 percent of the funding for the land purchase.

Texas State University currently owns the land, which houses a traffic safety center. City officials plan to use existing buildings for office space for airport administrators and begin a planning project to help determine future growth at the airport.

El Paso OK's $53 million in bonds for new baseball stadium

El Paso City Council members recently approved the issue of $53 million in bonds to pay for a new baseball stadium in the downtown area.

City leaders, however, denied a request to increase by $10 million the funding for the new ballpark. The proposal was to include $5 million in previously approved bonds for downtown streets and sidewalk projects to the stadium contract and adding a $5 million contingency for unexpected costs to the contract with the companies hired as construction manager-at-risk. City Manager Joyce Wilson opposed adding the additional $10 million in funding to the stadium contract. Street and sidewalk projects will be completed separately as planned and design and construction costs for the ballpark must remain within the original $50 million cost estimate, Wilson said.

City officials approved $10 million to pay for design and pre-construction costs for the stadium, $40 million to pay for construction, $1.8 million to pay the cost of the bond issue and $1 million for public art as required by city ordinance for some capital projects.

Fort Worth city officials recently authorized the president of the Fort Worth Convention & Visitor's Bureau and the public event director for the city to begin a search for a consultant to help decide to replace or upgrade a 45-year-old round arena at the Fort Worth Convention Center. The consultant also will perform a market analysis of the hotel needs of the city.

Expected to be completed by the end of this year, the study will follow a visioning process that began about 15 years ago and has resulted in Fort Worth collecting a record $20 million in hotel occupancy taxes this past year credited in part to the increase in convention visitors, city officials said. City officials bought the convention center from Tarrant County in 1997 and expanded the facility to feature about 252,000 square feet of exhibit space, 40,000 square feet for meeting rooms and added a 30,000-square-foot ballroom.

A 10,000-square-foot round arena opened in 1968, however, has remained largely the same except for maintenance work and is showing its age, city officials said.

Eagle Ford Shale Consortium has goals for community success

Pictured at a recent Consortium meeting are (from left): Gilbert Gonzales, UTSA Institute for Economic Development; Dr. Tom Butler, Victoria College president; Jennifer Yancey, VC vice president, College Advancement & External Affairs; Chris Ashcraft, South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable; Leodoro Martinez, Consortium chairman; Jose Ceballos, American Natural Gas Alliance; Betty Sifuentes, Middle Rio Grande Development Council; and Jose Alcala, EFS Consortium Planner.

The Eagle Ford Shale project has resulted in a $61 billion impact and has supported 116,000 jobs in a 20-county area. How the project has grown and will grow in the future was subject of a recent informational meeting of the Eagle Ford Consortium. The Consortium includes approximately 50 Crossroads-area government, community, education and health representatives. Their most recent meeting was at Victoria College earlier this month. 

"We are going through a transformative process; it's phenomenal," Consortium Chair Leodoro Martinez said of the oil and gas project in South Texas. "Our communities are going to change forever." To facilitate those changes and ensure they are positive, the Consortium seeks to keep lines of communication open between the communities involved and the oil and gas industry. It also coordinates workforce and education efforts to improve employment of dislocated and underemployed workers.

Victoria College is one of nearly a dozen colleges and universities in South Texas working with the Consortium to address workforce needs and economies in the region. "This is an amazing group of citizens committed to the success, prosperity and sustainability of the South Texas Region," said Jennifer Yancey, Victoria College vice president of College Advancement & External Affairs. Victoria College has partnered with the other colleges, workforce boards and industry to ensure the educational and training needs within the Eagle Ford Shale and other industries in the area. Other Consortium committees address such issues as Education & Workforce, Community Investment, Infrastructure & Natural Resources, Community & Economic Development and Industry. More information is available on the Consortium's Web site.

Sanger hires engineer to evaluate wastewater plant

Sanger City Council members recently agreed to spend $53,449 to pay an engineering company to evaluate the wastewater plant to improve its efficiency.

City officials estimate the cost of upgrading the sewer system at about $2.6 million, with $1.3 million to be used to repair inflow and infiltration concerns and the remaining $1.3 million to extend sewer lines along Interstate 35. Current plans are for the city to issue about $4 million in certificates of obligation to pay for the wastewater upgrades, said City Manager Mike Brice.

With a goal to increase plant capacity at a minimal cost, plans call for the company to develop a capital improvement plan, decide whether the current plant should be replaced and create a plan to implement the project, Brice said. The city may issue the bonds for the wastewater projects as early as this summer, he added.

Longview approves master plan for $5.1 million arboretum

Longview City Council members recently approved a master plan for the proposed $5.1 million Longview Arboretum and Nature Center on a 26-acre site near the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center.

To be completed in three phases, the master plan includes an ecological assessment of the site, educational and interpretive goals, a master site plan, a feasibility assessment, restoration principles and an estimate for the cost of developing a wooded area surrounding the convention and activity center. Features include an arboretum on a hilltop, learning areas to permit physical interaction with environmental features, formal gardens and paths and trails to connect with the city's existing trail system.

Alice seeking $1 million grant for multi-use complex

Alice City Council members recently authorized the city manager to finalize an agreement with a consultant to assist the city to apply for a $1 million grant to complete a multi-use complex. The city is seeking a second grant from the Economic Development Administration Public Works and Economic Development Facilities Program to complete the project, the city manager said.

Council members also approved a $200,000 cash contribution from the city for the multi-use complex that needs additional funding to complete because of the increase in the cost of materials, city officials said. The city previously received a $1.2 million grant from the Economic Development Administration for the multi-use complex.

Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo recently selected Stephen Deaton, a commander in the APD violent crimes division, to serve as an assistant police chief, effective today.

Deaton, who joined the department in 1990, will serve along with five other assistant chiefs who comprise the police chief's executive team. Assistant chiefs currently serving on the executive team are Troy Gay, Patrick Okletree, Patti Robinson and Raul Munguia. Deaton, who has worked with the bomb squad, also has managed police patrols in South Austin.

Former Assistant Chief David Carter, a 30-year veteran of the department who was second in command to Acevedo, resigned as the assistant police chief and as chief of staff to become the police chief for The University of Texas at Austin. Acevedo said he has not yet chosen an assistant chief to replace Carter.

Ryerson resigns as pension director for city of Fort Worth

Executive Director Ruth Ryerson of the Fort Worth Employees' Retirement Fund recently resigned to accept the post as executive director of the Wyoming Retirement System.

The Fort Worth pension fund has about 10,000 active, retired and term-vested members, while the statewide retirement fund in Wyoming includes all public employees in that state and has about 65,000 active members and 25,000-35,000 non-active vested members, noted Ryerson. She plans to remain with the Fort Worth retirement fund until July.

CCC Fair, HUBZone, Matchmaking event set June 20

The San Antonio SCORE Chapter and the U.S. Small Business Administration are hosting a Capital, Contracting and Counseling (CCC) Fair, HUBZone and Matchmaking Event on Thursday, June 20, at the Hipolito F. Garcia Federal Building, a historical building located next to the Alamo.  Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the event will kick off with a special welcome and segment on the HUBZone Program at 8:30 a.m. Doors to the Fair and Matchmaking open to the public at 9:30 a.m. and will run until 12:30 p.m.  The event is designed to reach out to small business men and women who need guidance and access to SBA's many services and programs. Those attending will have the opportunity to visit with prime contractors seeking subs, lenders seeking borrowers, surety bond agents, federal procurement specialists and business advisors in one of the three designated  "C" venues - Capital, Contracting Opportunities and Counseling Resources. The event is free. Register by email to daniel.delrossi@sba.gov no later than June 11.

TASSCC 2013 Annual Conference dates set for Aug. 11-14

"TASSCC Lucky 13 - Betting on It" is the theme for the Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications (TASSCC) annual conference. Registration is now open, with reduced rates for early bird registration ending July 17. The event is slated for Aug. 11-14 at the Westin La Cantera Resort in San Antonio. A variety of speakers will provide those attending with innovative tools and insight to help them address pressing technology challenges. Keynote speakers include Mark Milliron, chancellor, WGU Texas, professional triathlete and speaker Patricia Walsh and Ken Weitzel, director, Executive Education, the Corporate Executive Board. Among the topics to be discussed are data management and analytics, application and modernization, leadership and human capital and managing enterprise services. CPE credits are also available for those attending. More information, including the agenda, is available for those seeking to attend.

Texas Rural Challenge event planned June 18-19 in San Marcos

The UTSA Institute for Economic Development's Rural Business Program will host the 4th annual Texas Rural Challenge conference on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 18 and 19, at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos. The conference will focus on the challenges facing rural Texans. The goal of this event is to spur small business and economic growth in rural communities across Texas by providing leaders with practical and proven approaches to rural development. There will be sessions on business and economic development, community development and rural statewide issues. Keynote speaker for the Tuesday luncheon is Candace Klein, Founder and CEO BG Ventures, SoMoLend. She will be followed by an afternoon keynote by Dr. Vaughn Grisham, professor emeritus, University of Mississippi, director, George McLean Institute for Community Development. Wednesday's morning keynote will be delivered by Javier Moren, assistant director, Corporate and Product Communications, Toyota Motors North America Inc. and Texas Secretary of State John Steen will be the afternoon keynote speaker. This is a statewide conference hosted by the Governor's Office, Texas Economic Development Council, Texas Department of Agriculture, USDA-Rural Development, Texas Association of Regional Councils and the UTSA Institute for Economic Development-Rural Business Program. Registration is now open and the agenda is available for viewing. 

SBIR/STTR Summit, Conference slated for June 12 in Austin

The annual Administrator of the Year award will be presented at the Texas State Agency Business Administrators' Association (TSABAA) 44th Annual Summer Conference, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, July 25 and 26, at the Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol.  The award presentation is one of a number of highlights of the annual gathering. Among the topics for the event are "Cybersecurity," "Controlling IT Costs" and "Fostering the Privacy Perimeter." An employee benefits panel including officials with the Employees Retirement System of Texas and the Texas Public Employees Association is also scheduled. There will also be a session involving a legislative update. Approximately 12 hours of CPE credit can be earned during the conference. Registration forms and the agenda are now available.  

2013 Clean Fleet Technologies Conference date announced

The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) and Houston-Galveston Clean Cities/Clean Vehicles Program will host the Clean Fleet Technologies Conference on Wednesday, June 5, at Constellation Field in Sugar Land. This annual event will highlight opportunities for fleets and drivers to adopt clean alternative transportation fuels and advanced vehicle technologies. Speakers, exhibitors and vehicle displays will highlight the latest technologies, infrastructure and funding for cleaner on- and off-road vehicles and fleets. The 2013 Clean Fleet Technologies Conference keynote speaker is Dan Frakes, Manager of Advanced Technology and Vehicle Fuels Policy at General Motors. The afternoon breakout sessions will highlight local entities that are adopting alternative fuel vehicles and constructing new alternative refueling stations. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available. Contact Allison Carr at (832) 681-2583 or cleancities@h-gac.com for more information. More information is available and online registration is open now.    

In this morning's news...

Whatever happened to TxDOT's technology privatization?

The Austin Business Journal is reporting that after soliciting bids for a huge technology contract that would have privatized the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) technology department, agency officials are now having second thoughts. The proposed contract, on which a request for proposals was issued, was anticipated to garner a $700 million contract for some lucky private sector firm. ABJ reports that in spite of more than 60 individuals representing 40 companies registering for a February pre-bid conference, TxDOT officials are now "undecided" about whether it will move forward with the privatization effort.

Proposed rule would have TxDOT share financial risk on projects

The Texas Tribune this morning reports that the Texas Transportation Commission has voted to consider amendments to its rules that would allow the agency to share financial risk with private firms in a new kind of public-private partnership. The proposed rule would allow TxDOT to go so far as to reimburse some of the costs of a project from the state highway fund if necessary to ensure a private-sector firm's profit on a project. The Tribune quotes TxDOT officials as saying the new rule would allow the agency to forge ahead with critically needed projects with a rule that would "reimburse the private entity's financing costs and to pay a reasonable return on investment" as sort of an incentive, which is not currently allowed.

Lawmakers hope special session to include Tuition Revenue Bonds

Although legislation that would have allowed the use of Tuition Revenue Bonds (TRBs) died with Monday's end of the 83rd Texas Legislature, the Dallas Morning News reports that two lawmakers - Sens. Kel Seliger and Judith Zaffirini - stand ready to refile a different TRB bill should Gov. Rick Perry open the call of the First Called Session to subjects other than redistricting. Seliger has already filed a new bill in anticipation of TRBs being added to the call, according to the Dallas newspaper, and Zaffirini stands ready to file as well. But, her approach is one of reducing the total amounts sought in the original bill by a certain percentage.

Garcia named as director of economic development in Edinburg

Gus Garcia Jr. (pictured), previously the mayor pro tem and a council member in Edinburg, recently resigned from city council to accept a post as the executive director of the Edinburg Economic Development Corp.

Garcia also will resign as director of business development and sales at Valley Baptist Health System when he begins his new duties on June 3.

City officials now plan to hold a special election to fill the four-year term on the council held by Garcia after winning the council seat in an election in May.

Irving city manager likely

moving on to another job

After Irving City Council members in April approved an exit contract for City Manager Tommy Gonzalez effective in October, Pasco County officials in Florida recently named Gonzalez as the finalist for county administrator.

Gonzalez said he is currently negotiating with Pasco County officials on salary and also interviewing with a Dallas-based private company for a new position. His decision will depend on the outcome of negotiations and the interview, Gonzalez said.

Pam Seipp retiring frpm post as superintendent of D'Hanis ISD

After spending 35 years as an educator, Superintendent Pam Seipp (pictured) of D'Hanis Independent School District recently announced she plans to resign in January to return to her family ranch near Fredericksburg.

Seipp joined the Medina County school district in 2005 and her contract was set to expire in 2016. Trustees agreed to grant her request to resign and plan to meet in early June to discuss strategies to find a new superintendent.

Oberlton resigns as chief

of staff at Dallas ISD

Jerome Oberlton (pictured), chief of staff for Dallas Independent School District, recently resigned from that post after disclosing he expects to be indicted for actions while working for a school district in Atlanta, Georgia.

Saying he was stunned by the admission by Oberlton, Superintendent Mike Miles of Dallas ISD said he has requested board members to authorize an audit of work performed by Oberlton, who joined the school district in January of this year.

Oberlton worked for Baltimore City Public Schools when selected by Miles as his chief of staff. His possible indictment is not related to a recent cheating scandal at the Atlanta school district, Oberlton said.

Vargas tapped as new superintendent at Goliad ISD

Trustees for Goliad Independent School District recently selected Emilio Vargas as the lone finalist for superintendent. Vargas, who currently is the principal of Goliad High School, will replace Superintendent Christy Paulsgrove, who resigned in April, as soon as the required waiting period is completed.

Pearland taps Wilson

as new public works director

Pearland City Council members recently appointed Eric Wilson (pictured) as the new public works director for the city, effective on June 3.

Previously an assistant city manager in Galveston, Wilson also was the public utilities superintendent in Alvin and the assistant chief operator in Bellaire. In his new job, Wilson will oversee 100 employees and a $21.6 million annual operating budget for the seven department divisions under his management.

Wilson has a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and certifications in wastewater and water from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Royse CISD looking at funding

for new instructional technologist

Royse City Consolidated Independent School District officials recently began discussing funding to hire an instructional technologist by the next school year.

Superintendent Kevin Worth urged trustees to use $80,000 currently allotted for one-time security needs to pay for the instructional technologist. The technologist will act as a coordinator to ensure the district fulfills its strategic plan to help students reach academic potential by encouraging teachers to use teaching and learning processes that include integration of technology.

Worth said he plans to use reserve funds or savings from current budgeted items to pay for security cameras, a lockdown system, an additional entry system and keyless entries at some campuses.

San Benito ISD places 

Limon on paid suspension

San Benito Independent School District trustees recently voted to place Superintendent Antonio Limon (pictured) on a paid suspension while a Cameron County District Attorney's Office conducts an investigation.

Trustees also appointed Alfonso Abregon, a former superintendent at Robstown ISD, to serve as interim superintendent until the investigation is completed.

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

• New DPS airplane named in honor of fallen Texas Ranger

• TPWD approves $5.7 million in recreational trail grants

• Lamar alumni, friends will mark campus with brick campaign

• DPS spotlights national, state child protection efforts

Baumgartner resigns as assistant city manager in League City

John Baumgartner (pictured) recently resigned as the assistant city manager - Public Works in League City, effective on June 14.

Baumgartner joined League City in August 2012 to oversee engineering, streets, storm water protection, traffic management, wastewater, water production, building inspections, maintenance and the city's fleet of vehicles.

Previously the director of engineering and transportation for Allen, Baumgartner said he is considering employment in the Metroplex area.

Premont ISD taps Salinas

as new superintendent

Trustees for Premont Independent School District recently selected Dr. Ignacio Salinas (pictured) as the new superintendent.

Previously a superintendent at San Diego ISD, Salinas signed a two-year contract that begins on July 17 and expires on July 16, 2015.

Salinas will replace former Superintendent Ernest Singleton, who is retiring as superintendent. Singleton, however, will remain as the district's liaison in a newly created partnership with Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Singleton also urged trustees to ask voters to approve $7.5 million in bonds to perform badly needed repairs and upgrades to district facilities.

Eagle Pass selects two finalists

for city manager opening

After identifying and reviewing qualifications of eight applicants for city manager, Eagle Pass City Council members recently scheduled interviews on June 18 with two finalists for the top post. The new city manager will replace former City Manager Daniel Valenzuela, who resigned in October to serve as city manager in San Angelo.

Council members selected Gloria Barrientos, currently serving as interim city manager for the city, and Jesus Sanchez, a former superintendent for the Eagle Pass school district, as the two finalists for the job.

• Brett Cornwell of College Station, Product Development and Small Business Incubator Board;
• Patrick Lane of Fort Worth, Product Development and Small Business Incubator Board;
• David Margrave of San Antonio, Product Development and Small Business Incubator Board;
• David L. Miller of Abernathy, Product Development and Small Business Incubator Board;
• Robb Catalano of Fort Worth, Advisory Committee to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments;
• Martin "Ringo" Deleon of Corpus Christi, Advisory Committee to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments;
• Kathy C. Flanagan of Houston, Advisory Committee to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments;
• Trent Marshall of Burleson, Advisory Committee to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments;
• Daphne Brookins of Forest Hill, OneStar National Service Commission;
• Aranda "Randi" Cooper of Nacogdoches, OneStar National Service Commission;
• Mary M. Keller of Harker Heights, OneStar National Service Commission;
• Cynthia B. Nunn of Dallas, OneStar National Service Commission;
• Charles "Chuck" Wall of Austin, OneStar National Service Commission;
• Michael Williams of Arlington, OneStar National Service Commission;
• Timothy Martel Brown of Dallas, Texas State Board of Social Workers Examiners;
• Mark Talbot of McAllen, Texas State Board of Social Workers Examiners.

Nacogdoches ISD's Neal

retires from administrative post

Longtime educator G.W. Neal (pictured) has retired from his post as assistant superintendent of elementary instruction with the Nacogdoches Independent School District.

His retirement ends a 41-year career with NISD. Neal began his public education career in 1972 after graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University. He initially served as a substitute teacher at NISD's Fredonia Elementary, where he eventually became principal.

Neal also previously served NISD as assistant superintendent for human resources.

Robinson resigns as curriculum director at Commerce ISD

Julia Robinson, currently director of curriculum at Commerce Independent School District, recently resigned from that post after 18 years with the school district.

Robinson accepted a post as the new director of curriculum at Royse City ISD effective in July.

Burton tapped as associate superintendent by Nacogdoches

Nacogdoches Independent School District board members recently selected Grey Burton (pictured) as the associate superintendent of administrative services.

When Burton assumes his new duties in July, he will manage human resources, food services and plant services at the Nacogdoches school district.

Burton currently serves as superintendent at Martinsville ISD.

Gregson resigning as city

secretary in Huntington

City Secretary Betsy Gregson of Huntington recently resigned from that post. Gregson sent council members a letter dated on May 20 announcing her plans to retire.