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Perry says he won't add issues to call of current special session
More than 50 universities will lose out on $2.4B for about 60 TRB projects
 It looks like it's back to square one for those supporting lawmakers taking up tuition revenue bond (TRB) legislation during the current first called session of the 83rd Texas Legislature. While Gov. Rick Perry said Thursday that he will not add any more items for consideration by lawmakers during the first called session, there was no mention of if - or when - a second special session might be called.
Sen. Judith Zaffirini (top left) filed legislation during the regular session that would have authorized $2.4 billion in TRBs. The funds would have financed 60 projects at 58 state-supported universities throughout the state. On the day the bill passed in the Senate in late April, Zaffirini pointed out it had been seven years since the Legislature passed a TRB bill. Saying the state's colleges and universities were "bursting at the seams," Zaffirini noted, "The economy is recovering, interest rates and construction costs are relatively low, and Texas university enrollments are spiraling upward. This is the perfect time to invest in these projects that would create jobs and have a dramatic economic multiplier effect on our state."
In spite of broad support in both chambers, the bill did not meet the deadline for final consideration of bills.
Perry ordered the first called session to begin the same day the 83rd Regular Session ended - on May 27. The only issue he placed on the call was legislation which ratifies and adopts redistricting plans ordered by the  federal district court used to elect members of the Texas House, Texas Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. What many thought would be a short special session took a sharp turn and meant an extended session length when the House announced it would hold hearings around the state to hear public input on the proposed maps.
The possibility then still existed, and rumors circulated, that the governor would further open the call. He did on June 10, but the only issue added was funding for transportation infrastructure projects. That put the onus on lawmakers to move forward on the redistricting issue in order to have time left in the 30-day session to take up transportation bills. There was no mention of TRBs.
That same day, nearly 70 members of the House petitioned Perry by letter to add TRB legislation to the call. Among them was Rep. Donna Howard (bottom right) of Austin. "As higher education enrollment has increased across the state, we have failed to keep up with the necessary campus infrastructure that is essential to maintaining our academic competitiveness," said Howard in a statement. "Now is the time to make these investments, to take advantage of the historically low interest rates on bonds." Howard also pointed out that there was broad agreement in both the House and Senate for adding the TRB issue to the special session call.
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State health, human services system announces appointments
Erp named to IT position with HHSC; Garza appointed to post at DADS
  Two new appointments within the Texas health and human services system were recently announced - the hiring of Shirley Erp (right) as the new chief information security officer for the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the selection of Elisa J. Garza (left) as the assistant commissioner for the Access and Intake (A&I) division of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services.
Erp comes to HHSC with nearly three decades of information security and technology experience in both the public and private sectors. She most recently was assistant chief information security officer for The University of Texas System and chief information security officer at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She has a wealth of experience in her field, including development of security program roadmaps, risk management, policy, standards, guidelines development, government certification and accreditations, regulatory compliance and project management. She will begin her new job with HHSC on June 17.
Erp holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Central Oklahoma and a master's degree in technology management from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
Garza in 2011 was named director of DADS' A&I Special Projects area, focusing on the Balancing Incentives Program, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, and Consumer Directed Services. Her more than 20 years of experience in the public sector also includes having served as associate commissioner for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Office of Eligibility Services from 2009 to 2011.
Garza also is a former director of the HHSC Children's Health Insurance and Enrollment programs, as well as a number of direct service and management positions in the Texas Works eligibility determination system.
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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
 Zachary Thompson, director, Dallas County Health and Human Services
Career highlights and education: I have worked for Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) for 17 years. Prior to becoming the director, I served as the department's deputy director for eight years. As the director, I am responsible for running the day-to-day operations of more than 15 programs and 300-plus employees who work to ensure that the residents of Dallas County remain safe and healthy. Three public health legislative bills have been passed with my active participation since my directorship began. Under my leadership, DCHHS hosted the largest Strategic National Stockpile in the United States on Aug. 9, 2005, at Reunion Arena. Our Medical Reserve Corp received national recognition for outstanding work during the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita response and recovery efforts. Also, DCHHS has been in the forefront nationally for our pandemic influenza planning and education efforts. One of our most successful public education tools has been our award-winning Public Health Preparedness Update newsletter. We use the newsletter to keep elected officials, community partners and the public informed about important public health issues. I have an Associate Degree of Arts from El Centro College in Dallas, a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) from The University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Arts from Amber University in Garland. I have served as an adjunct professor at Eastfield Community College for more than 20 years. I am the 2012 recipient of the Thomas Jefferson High School Distinguished Alumni award and a recipient of the 2012 Phi Beta Sigma, Inc., Iota Mu Sigma Chapter President's Award.
What I like best about my job is: I enjoy the day-to-day interaction with the staff of Dallas County Health and Human Services. I also like interacting with residents during responses to various public health activities including heat waves in Dallas County, back-to-school immunizations and responding to disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the tornado in Lancaster.
The best advice I've received for my current job is: Don't play politics. Do what is right for the citizens of Dallas County.
Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Always put the public health of the Dallas County residents first.
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: I have not played golf in over two years, but I would sneak out of work early to play golf.
People would be surprised to know that: even with my busy schedule, I work out at the gym at 4:30 every morning.
One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: I wish more people knew about the dedicated employees who work for Dallas County Health and Human Services. They often work 24/7 to protect the public health of Dallas County and its 2.4 million residents.
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Construction activity helps sales tax revenues increase
 | | Construction activity helped boost state sales tax revenues. |
Construction activity is increasing in Texas and is partly responsible for another uptick in state sales tax revenue in May. According to figures released this week by the State Comptroller's Office, state sales tax revenue in May was up 7.9 percent over figures for the same month last year. May sales tax receipts were $2.26 billion. The sales tax figures represent monthly sales made in April.
Cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts' June local sales tax allocations totaled $556.8 million, up 8.3 percent compared to June 2012.
Texas cities will share $365.3 million in June allocations, up 8.3 percent from June of last year. Counties also saw an 8.3 percent increase from June of last year to June of this year, and will share $37.1 million. Allocations totaling $125.2 million, up 7.4 percent over last year, will be divided among transit systems throughout the state and special purpose taxing districts will share $29.1 million for June, up 13.3 percent since last June.
The allocations may be viewed by city and by county.
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Nabers, Ellison to participate in Austin P3 water conference
"Public-Private Partnerships: A Solution for Texas Water Management," an interactive workshop on water issues, is set for Sept. 11 at the Hilton Austin Hotel. Information sessions featuring panels of experts will be held throughout the day.
Among the moderators for panels are public-private partnership expert Mary Scott Nabers, president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and co-founder of the Gemini Global Group, and Mark Ellison, special advisor on economic development at the Texas Water Development Board. Nabers, author of Collaboration Nation: How Public-Private Ventures Are Revolutionizing the Business of Government, will both address conference attendees regarding public-private partnerships and then moderate a panel on "When to Use a P3 in Texas." The panelists will discuss how to determine when a P3 is appropriate and what approaches should be taken for both regional and local projects. Ellison will moderate a panel on "Options for Financing and Funding - How the System will Work," which will focus on how to blend public and private money to finance projects. Additional panels will include experts who will discuss new developments, viability and procurement methods for a water P3 in Texas.
Registration is now open and additional information on the conference is available. The event is organized by the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships.
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Anson Green selected as adult education director for TWC
 Anson Green (pictured), recent head of the Alamo Colleges Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) initiative, has been chosen as the adult education director for the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), effective July 1. In May, Senate Bill 307 was signed into law, transferring the Adult Basic Education system from the Texas Education Agency to the TWC.
The I-BEST initiative provides college training for high-demand occupations to students in San Antonio. He also helped develop the Alamo Prep Academy model and has been active in state and national adult literacy programs. Before joining Alamo Colleges, Green provided workforce training solutions for Texas businesses as a member of the Workforce Business Services department at TWC. He led the development of state policy on workforce literacy and helped enhance the Texas adult education system.
Green has held teaching positions at St. Philip's College, San Antonio College, Northwest Vista College, Florida State University, Texas Lutheran University and the Northside ISD. He holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree from Florida State University.
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M.D. Anderson to expand into New Jersey, Delaware
 The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center recently joined with Cooper University Health Care in Camden, New Jersey, to open a $100 million cancer hospital in October. The partnership also plans to build satellite cancer treatment centers in other areas of New Jersey, the suburbs of Pennsylvania and Delaware, said Dr. Ronald DePinho (pictured), president of M.D. Anderson.
M.D. Anderson officials in 2007 created the Center for Global Oncology and in August 2012 formed the M.D. Anderson Cancer Network in efforts to broaden its reach outside of Texas. The Houston-based cancer center already is affiliated with cancer centers in Florida, Arizona and Spain. The Cooper Health Care Center treats more than 500,000 patients annually, primarily in southern areas of New Jersey and suburbs of Pennsylvania and Delaware.
In the pact with Cooper, M.D. Anderson officials agreed to provide the four-story, 103,050-square-foot, 600-bed cancer treatment facility with treatment protocols and clinical trials, DePinho said. He did not comment on whether M.D. Anderson staff will play a role in the new center's day-to-day operations, but said no physicians from M.D. Anderson will relocate to Camden.
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Williams lone finalist for UNT Health Science Center presidency
 After having served as interim president of the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) in Fort Worth since last December, Michael R. Williams, M.D. (pictured) has been named lone finalist for the presidency.
Williams previously served five years as CEO of Hill Country Memorial Hospital in Fredericksburg, where he was in private anesthesiology medical practice for 14 years. He also worked 11 years in private medical practice in Dallas. He was appointed to the UNT Board of Regents in 2011, and resigned that post when he became interim president.
Williams, a graduate of UNTHSC with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, earned his bachelor's degree from Texas Wesleyan University, a Doctor of Medicine degree from Ross University, a Master of Business Administration from Duke University and a master's degree in Health Care Management from Harvard University.
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Navasota seeking public comment on possible November bond
Navasota City Council members recently agreed to hold a series of town hall meetings to discuss capital improvement projects for a possible November bond election.
Projects to be discussed at the meetings include replacing and building sidewalks, rehabilitation of streets, upgrading parks, improving the library, establishing railroad quiet zones and completing downtown streetscapes.
The cost of establishing railroad quiet zones could run as much as $500,000 to $811,000 per intersection for the eight railroad intersections within city limits, city officials said. A preliminary plan to improve August Horst Park to include jogging and bike paths, a dog park, softball fields and a disk golf course also will be discussed at the town meetings, city officials said. Council members plan to review public comments and decide whether to schedule a bond election in November.
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Kaufman County seeking bids for privatization of county jail
 Kaufman County commissioners recently agreed to seek bids from private companies to operate the county jail facility. The goal is to save about $1 million from jail operations to spend on upgrading roads and bridges in the county, said County Judge Bruce Wood (pictured).
The county currently has contractors to provide medical and food services and the bid specification states that the new contract requires the private company to be responsible for operations, management, medical and food services at the jail. Because of existing contracts, the new contract requires the new contractor to use the current contractors providing medical and food services for one year.
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Marble Falls ISD eyeing bonds to pay for upgrading technology
Marble Falls Independent School District board members recently began discussions on whether to ask voters to approve $5.8 million to pay for upgrades to technology and to the Career and Technology Education (CTE) program the district began last fall. CTE programs include agriculture sciences, engineering, construction technology, health science technology, audio-visual technology, business and accounting.
District officials are considering projects to improve animal science facilities, upgrade the audio-visual program, build a greenhouse and create a metal fabrication program at an estimated cost of about $2.4 million for the CTE program. Upgrading technology infrastructure throughout the district to permit each secondary student to check out a laptop computer for the school year and to allow elementary students access to iPads could cost about $3.4 million, said Wade Stanford, director of financial services for the district.
Board members plan to study the costs of each project and establish a more accurate cost estimate before the August deadline to schedule a November bond election.
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Gonzales ISD scales back some projects for November bond
 Gonzales Independent School District staff members recently scaled back by almost $1 million the cost estimate of two proposed projects in an effort to lower the estimated cost of a $21.9 million bond election planned for Nov. 5.
Superintendent Kim Strozier (pictured) told trustees that a more accurate cost estimate for renovations to the high school and remodeling a former grocery store into an early-childhood center would not be available until preliminary architectural drawings are presented to the board in July and when the projects go out for bid.
District staff members were able to remove $500,000 in costs from each the proposed renovation projects to lower the preliminary cost estimate to about $20. 9 million, Strozier said.
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Katy ISD hires architect to design new stadium
Katy Independent School District trustees recently hired an architectural firm to design a second, 12,000-seat stadium for the school district. Board members agreed to pay the architects 6 percent of the final construction cost of the stadium from $7.3 million allotted for architectural fees in a $458.7 million bond election in 2010.
Trustees plan to schedule another bond election on Nov. 5 asking for approval of bonds to pay for construction of the new stadium and to expand an agricultural science center. If voters approve the bonds, construction on the second stadium is scheduled to begin in April 2014.
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Midland ISD eyeing two sites to develop housing for teachers
 Faced with a booming economy and lack of affordable housing for teachers, Midland Independent School District trustees recently reviewed two possible sites to develop temporary housing for teachers on property owned by the school district.
Providing affordable housing to teachers is critical in retaining and recruiting quality teachers, noted Superintendent Ryder Warren (pictured). Current plans are to provide 50, 16 X 64-foot manufactured homes that would rent for about $500 a month, Warren said. Once the district no longer needs the manufactured homes, the district could use a "buy-back" program to resell the homes, he said.
An engineer noted that a site next to an elementary school on Gist Ave. would provide the less expensive option because the other available site at the district transportation office on Briarwood Ave. would need water and sewer lines installed that might be used for only one to three years.
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 Overwhelmed by your job search?
Check out our Public Sector Job Board!
Dozens of public sector jobs available. New jobs added this week: senior project manager, deputy constable, research data analyst, social policy analyst and more. Click here to view jobs. Free job postings for state and local governments, nonprofits and other public sector entities. Send your posting to editor@spartnerships.com.
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Amarillo to sell $1.3 million in bonds to pay for new water line
Amarillo city commissioners recently agreed to use $1.3 million in bonds obtained through the revolving loan fund of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to pay for a new water line to serve the west side of the city.
City officials will pay only .359 percent interest on the bonds from TWDB and repay the loan in 10 years from fees from water and sewer services.
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Coryell County rejects $18.3 million federal loan for new jail
 Coryell County commissioners recently rejected an $18.3 million loan approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but agreed to begin construction on a new 162-bed county jail in 2017. County officials had hoped to win a federal grant rather than a loan, said County Judge John Firth (pictured).
The USDA loan carried a more than 4 percent interest rate and county officials argued they could pay less interest by borrowing locally and avoid federal red tape, Firth said. The federal loan also required the jail project to be completed by April 2016, he said. Commissioners agreed to select a new site for the new county jail by June 2016.
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Westwood ISD approves $1.4 million to upgrade four schools
Board members for the Westwood Independent School District recently approved $1.4 million to pay for upgrades to four schools.
Current plans call for improving roadwork and installing new gymnasium floors at an elementary school and a primary school in addition to building new entries at the high school and junior high school. District officials also plan to upgrade security at the primary school by removing and replacing the glass from some of the doors.
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Bell County approves $10.1M for capital improvement projects
Bell County commissioners recently authorized the issue of almost $10.1 million in limited tax notes to pay for capital improvement projects from 2014 to 2017.
The projects include the purchase of computer hardware, software, video equipment, office equipment, communications equipment, road and bridge equipment, expansion of county facilities and repairs to the Bell County Expo Center and other county buildings, if necessary.
County officials also plan to buy equipment, vehicles and professional services for the sheriff's department.
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Whitehouse seeking sponsors for $2.6 million sports complex
 Whitehouse City Council members recently agreed to seek sponsors and apply for a grant to help pay for a new $2.6 million sports complex.
City council members previously agreed to a $1.8 million loan to build the ballpark and sports complex, but the city now needs more funding to pay for a concession stand, restroom facility, landscaping, new lighting and drainage work, said Kevin Huckabee (pictured), assistant city manager.
City officials also applied for a Baseball Tomorrow Fund grant and are considering naming the complex for the business that agrees to help fund the new sports complex, Huckabee said. Plans call for work on the new ballpark and sports complex to begin in July and be completed in fall 2014, he said.
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Friendswood citizen group urges $23.3M bond election in November
Members of the Friendswood Bond Advisory Group recently urged city council members to schedule a $23.3 million bond election in November to pay for upgrades to streets, drainage, park and recreation facilities, the public library and for the fire department.
Advisory group members recommended asking voters to approve $7.6 million for streets and drainage, $7.2 million on parks and recreation projects, $2 million to expand the library and $6.5 million to upgrade fire department facilities. The group reviewed $73 million in projects compiled by city staff to arrive at the recommendation.
Council members took no action on the advisory group recommendation and are expected to make a decision on whether to schedule a November bond election before Aug. 26.
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Core to be assistant director of Center for Educator Effectiveness
 Texas Center for Educator Effectiveness (TCEF) officials recently selected Dr. Brandon Core (pictured) as the new assistant director of the group. Core currently is the superintendent of the Anderson-Shiro Consolidated Independent School District and plans to begin his new job in Austin at the end of June.
Core joined the Anderson-Shiro district as a principal in June 2006 and became superintendent in May 2011. Core also told district officials that Assistant Superintendent Kammi Green is willing to assist in the transition until a new superintendent is named. Green has no plans to apply for the permanent job, Core said.
At TCEF, Core will manage staff members who administer grants to help school districts improve the effectiveness of educators. Core won notice of TCEF officials when he assisted with planning for implementation of the $1 million Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) Grant. Core also will help incorporate a new teacher and principal evaluation system, an integrated data management system to assess student growth and develop a performance pay system for educators. The federal funding also pays for a professional learning specialist whose only responsibility is to support teachers and push for educational improvement at each campus. Many of those positions were eliminated because of state budget cuts, Core noted.
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Kathryn Wilemon will head Regional Transportation Council
 Arlington Mayor Pro Tem Kathryn Wilemon (pictured) has been named the new chair of the Regional Transportation Council on Thursday and will lead the North Central Texas Council of Government (NCTCOG) transportation policymaking body for the next year. She replaces former President Pete Kamp, mayor pro tem for the city of Denton.
Dallas County Commissioner Mike Cantrell was named the new vice chair and Parker County Judge Mark Riley was elected secretary.
The RTC oversees transportation planning for the 12-county Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, guiding development of road, rail and bicycle-pedestrian transportation plans and programs, allocating transportation funds and making recommendations of projects to the Texas Transportation Commission for other programs.
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Midland County names Shepperd as communication coordinator
Midland County commissioners recently approved a contract with Jane Shepperd to serve as a communication coordinator. The county judge said Shepperd will not act as a spokesperson for the county, but will assist department heads in ensuring that information is easy for taxpayers to understand.
The county judge declined to comment on whether the county will retain the services of Shepperd after the budget for next year is adopted. Shepperd previously was employed as a reporter for the local newspaper and has served as a public relations consultant.
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NASCO 2013 conferences series to be held in San Antonio
Make plans to join us in the historic Alamo City! The 2013 NASCO Conference series enters its ninth year while highlighting a North American Strategy for Competitiveness. The event will be devoted to "Energy, Automotive & Aerospace" and will bring together international leaders from the public and private sectors across North America. The conference will focus on the future of critical North American trading relationships, while commemorating the last 20 years of NAFTA. The event will feature cutting-edge discussions related to freight transport, manufacturing and logistics workforce and include negotiators of NAFTA, leading trade experts, Ambassadors, Ministers and leading business executives in trade and transportation. More general and registration information is now available. Discount fees for early registration are available prior to Aug. 1.
AACOG plans Texas Notary seminar in San Antonio on June 19
The Alamo Area Council of Governments is hosting a Texas Notary Law and Procedures seminar from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19. The seminar will be in Classroom 1-01 of the AACOG offices at 8700 Tesoro Drive, San Antonio, 78217. This notary training is provided specifically for Texas Notaries. This class is excellent for both current and prospective notaries and will provide the most up-to-date information available. State applications for new applicants and renewing notaries will be available for processing at the seminar. Some of the topics to be covered include new legislation from the 83rd Legislative session, proper record keeping, avoiding official misconduct, legal procedures and processes and notarization, administering oaths and acknowledgements and more. To register and for more information, click here.
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.
TSABAA 44th Annual Summer Conference slated in July
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.
TxDOT Tyler Small Business Briefing rescheduled
The Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Office of Civil Rights Business Development Section-Supportive Services Section Small Business Briefing planned for June 11 in Tyler, has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date. Please call 1-866-480-2518, Option 1, or visit our Web site (www.txdot.gov) more information and questions regarding the Small Business Briefings and other Office of Civil Rights Business Development Section programs.
Summer Institutes on Evidence-Based Quality Improvement slated
The 2013 Summer Institutes on Evidence-Based Quality Improvement, hosted by the Academic Center for Evidence-Based Practice (ACE), School of Nursing at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, is planned for Tuesday through Saturday, July 9-13, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Antonio. Specialty pre-conferences are set for July 10. The institute provides clinicians, educators and researchers the opportunity to share their EBP successes. The Institute is aimed at building capacity for health care providers to improve quality and safety in health care through translating evidence into practice. Event and registration information is now available or contact Kandice Hall at HallKM@uthscsa.edu.
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Texas airports will soon have numerous private-sector contracting opportunities
 By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Aviation is a key component of economic growth for communities. And in a state the size of Texas, moving people and goods by air efficiently requires a safe and high-quality network of airports. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) touts the fact that Texas ranks fourth in foreign visitor destination travel - behind only New York, California and Florida. The state also ranks fourth among all states when measuring the domestic transport of goods.
Even during the economic downturn of 2009, civil aviation accounted for 10.2 million jobs with earnings of approximately $394.4 billion. Aviation contributed $1.3 trillion in total United States economic activity. When times are good and the economy is flourishing, airports become even more important to local communities.
A study showing the economic impact of general aviation in Texas reported that in 2010, the Texas Airport System's 25 commercial airports enplaned 67.7 million passengers and more than 7.8 billion pounds of cargo landed at Texas airports. Arrivals and departures from community airports account for more than three million flight hours per year and provide aircraft facilities for everything from agricultural to commuter use.
There is no argument about the importance of Texas' network of aviation facilities. So, to address the growing needs of airport infrastructure, TxDOT routinely awards federal and state grant funding for improvement projects. The funds can be used for capital improvement projects or to establish an airport. Most grant awards require a local match, generally 10-25 percent of the total.
At recent meetings of the state's transportation commission, almost $20 million in funding was approved for projects at a dozen Texas airports. Awards included:
- Brownwood Municipal Airport - funding of $2,842,700. A federal grant will provide 90 percent of the funding, with a 10 percent local match required of the city of Brownwood.
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| Corpus Christi seeking bids for city energy efficiency project
Corpus Christi City Council members recently requested contractors to submit bids for projects included in an expanded Phase 2 of the Energy Efficiency Conservation Retrofit for Major City Facilities Project.
The success of Phase 1 of the program to upgrade city facilities with a focus on reducing operating costs and improving energy efficiency resulted in city officials expanding the program. Phase two of the program offers multiple opportunities for individuals and local companies to participate, city officials said.
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Perkins announces retirement from Dallas City Attorney post
 After nearly an eight-year stint as Dallas city attorney, Tom Perkins (pictured) has announced he will retire. Perkins has served in the city attorney's office since 1999 and has been city attorney since his appointment in 2005. During his early years in the city attorney's office, he was first assistant to then-City Attorney Madeleine Johnson. He also has been a special assistant Texas attorney general and a staff attorney for the Federal Trade Commission. Perkins also spent some time in the private sector as a private practice attorney.
Perkins holds a bachelor's degree in government from Harvard University and a law degree from the Loyola University Law School. A committee including four Dallas City Council members and the mayor will create a process for replacing Perkins.
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Midland approves construction
of new 350-space parking garage
Midland City Council members recently approved building a new 350-space, downtown parking garage as part of a new housing development on Main Street.
The agreement with developers of the housing development requires that parking spaces must be set aside for public parking. The new parking facility should be completed in early 2014, city officials said.
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El Paso city manager considering job offer from city in Florida
After initially declining an offer to become the new county manager in Lee County in Florida, El Paso City Manager Joyce Wilson has decided to reconsider and enter into contract negotiations with Lee County commissioners.
Commissioners selected Wilson from a field of about 80 candidates for the county manager post in Florida. Wilson, who has been city manager in El Paso for 10 years, told city officials she would inform them immediately if she decides to accept the job offer in Florida.
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Shryock to head ETCOG
workforce, development
David Cleveland, executive director of the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG), recently appointed Douglas Shryock as the new director of workforce and economic development. ETCOG serves as the regional planning organization for 14 counties.
In his new duties, Shryock will oversee tax-funded workforce and economic development programs for Workforce Solutions East Texas.
A retired lieutenant colonel for the U.S. Air Force, Shryock also worked in leadership roles in the banking industry and for nonprofit organizations in addition to serving as an assistant professor in higher education.
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Rio Hondo ISD names Garcia
lone finalist for superintendent
 Rio Hondo Independent School District trustees recently selected Ismael Garcia (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent.
Currently the chief financial officer for Brownsville ISD, Garcia will replace Superintendent Anneliese McMinn, who is retiring, effective June 30. Garcia will begin his new duties once his contract is finalized following a mandated 21-day waiting period.
Garcia previously served as a teacher and principal at San Benito ISD, a principal at Rio Hondo ISD, a business manager for Raymondville ISD and a program administrator for a federal grant program.
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Cross Roads ISD names Hand
as lone finalist for superintendent
Cross Roads Independent School District trustees recently named Leland Hand as the lone finalist for superintendent.
Currently serving as a high school principal for Winona ISD, Hand will replace Superintendent Clay Tompkins, who is resigning in August, if Hand's contract is finalized following the required waiting period.
Tompkins plans to remain in an advisory role at the Cross Roads school district until he retires in August 2014.
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Iola ISD hires Chad Jones
as its new superintendent
 Former West Hardin Consolidated Independent School District Chad Jones (pictured) has been chosen as the superintendent of the Iola ISD. Jones, who brings to his post 22 years as an educator, is also a former principal in the Rockdale ISD, assistant high school principal at A&M Consolidated ISD and College Station ISD principal. He is also a former head basketball coach and biology teacher.
Jones will replace Superintendent Douglas Devine, who recently retired from the Iola ISD. Jones holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Oklahoma.
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Tornillo ISD kicks off search
for new superintendent
Tornillo Independent School District officials recently selected Region 19 Educational Service Center to assist in finding a new superintendent to replace former Superintendent Paul Vranish, who resigned in June 2012.
Region 19 ESC staff members are developing an advertisement listing the qualifications that district officials and community members attending a public meeting said they want in a new superintendent, said Interim Superintendent Margaret Ruybe.
District officials have not provided a time line for the hiring process, but said the goal is to hire a new superintendent to begin work by August, said Jimmy Vasquez, director of ESC-Region 19.
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VanMatre plans to resign as superintendent of Sinton ISD
 Superintendent Steve VanMatre (pictured) of Sinton Independent School District recently said he plans to resign, effective in July.
In his 25-year career as an educator, VanMatre served as a teacher and administrator at Corpus Christi ISD and Freer ISD and as an assistant superintendent at Kingsville ISD. He also worked as a consultant at the Region 2 Education Service Center.
VanMatre holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
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Bryan ISD taps Goodman,
Webb as new directors
Bryan Independent School District officials recently tapped Crystal Goodman as the new director of human resources and administration and Brandon Webb as the new director of communications.
Goodman previously served as dean of instructional improvement at Spring ISD and as a principal in intermediate and middle schools.
Webb, who now is the associate director of marketing and communications for Blinn College in Bryan, will replace Sandy Farris when he assumes his new duties on July 8. Farris resigned on May 31 to become the executive director of the Downtown Bryan Association.
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Lee resigns his position
as city manager in Dublin
 Lannie Lee (pictured), the former police chief in Dublin who became interim city manager and then city manager, recently resigned as city manager, a post he held for only a few months.
Lee said he plans to teach law enforcement classes in Waco and spend time with his family as he retires after 42 years in public service.
Dublin city council members began a search this week to find a new city manager to replace Lee.
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Government News
Check the GOVERNMENT NEWS section of the SPI Web site for these and other press releases.
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Collin College named Presidential Award finalist
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Clarke honored for international efforts in agriculture, rural development
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DFW considered command and control center for Mexican drug cartels
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Texas A&M animal science presents alumni awards, introduces hall of fame
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Texas Government Insider Archives
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Ector County ISD's Sanchez
could be headed to Arizona
 H.T. Sanchez (pictured), who currently is serving as interim superintendent of the Ector County Independent School District, has been named lone finalist for the superintendent's job in the Tucson Unified School District in Arizona.
Sanchez, who was previously serving ECISD as chief of staff, was named interim superintendent following the retirement of former Superintendent Hector Mendez. The Tucson Unified School District is nearly twice the size of the Ector County district, with 50,000 students, 83 schools and 8,500 employees.
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Alice to seek $1.2 million
grant for new natatorium
Alice City Council members recently authorized city staff to apply for a second, $1.2 million grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to complete a natatorium on US281.
City officials used a previous EDA grant to pay for offsite infrastructure such as waterlines and roadways to the new natatorium. The second grant, if approved, will be used to pay for pad sites, parking and infrastructure upgrades at the facility, City Manager Ray De Los Santos said.
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Pawnee ISD picks Hartmann
as its new superintendent
Michelle Hartmann, former principal of an alternative high school in Floresville, has been chosen to lead the Pawnee Independent School District. In addition to the post in Floresville, Hartmann is a former principal of an elementary school in Stockdale from 1998 to 2003.
Hartmann replaces Superintendent Elaine Richardson, who is retiring. Hartmann was one of 33 applicants for the job.
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Butler agrees to remain
as interim head of El Paso ISD
 Vernon Butler (pictured), the interim superintendent at El Paso Independent School District, recently agreed to remain in that position through Oct. 31 rather than resigning on June 30 as he originally announced.
Butler won appointment as interim superintendent in September 2012 after former Superintendent Lorenzo Garcia resigned after being found guilty of a felony charge following a cheating scandal at the school district. Butler said he decided to remain as interim superintendent to help district officials find a new superintendent and with the transition once the selection is made.
Board members postponed the selection of a new superintendent in March because too few candidates applied for the job. District officials have received almost 90 applications and expect to announce soon the selection of a new superintendent.
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Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
- Rebecca Bradford of Corpus Christi, Nueces River Authority Board of Directors;
- Dane Bruun of Corpus Christi, Nueces River Authority Board of Directors;
- Lynn Haueter of Corpus Christi, Nueces River Authority Board of Directors;
- Joe McMillian of Dilley, Nueces River Authority Board of Directors;
- David Purser of Karnes City, Nueces River Authority Board of Directors;
- Dina Ramirez of Karnes City, Nueces River Authority Board of Directors;
- Emily Stroup of San Antonio, Nueces River Authority Board of Directors
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Cox retiring as special education director at Brownwood ISD
 Alice Cox (pictured), special education director at Brownwood Independent School District, recently said she plans to retire in June after spending 20 years in special education.
Joining Brownwood ISD in 2004, Cox was recognized in 2011 as special education director of the year by the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education.
District officials selected Michele Cruse to be the new special education director to replace Cox.
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Cochran resigns as Goliad
economic development head
After only three days on the job, Doug Cochran resigned as the economic development coordinator in Goliad. Cochran previously served as the parks and recreation director in Victoria.
The city secretary in Goliad said Cochran received another job offer. City officials plan to begin immediately to select a new economic development coordinator, City Secretary Pam Long said.
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Dority to resign from Paris Economic Development Corp.
Kenny Dority recently announced plans to resign from the board of directors of the Paris Economic Development Corp. (EDC). Dority said he plans to resign as soon as his replacement is selected.
Dority said he is moving outside of the city limits and will no longer be qualified to serve on the board of the EDC. He is the third EDC board member to leave this year following the death of one member and resignation of another member of the board of directors.
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Lake Worth ISD names Fitts
lone superintendent finalist
 Former Pewitt Consolidated ISD superintendent Dr. David Fitts (pictured) has been chosen as the lone finalist for superintendent for the Lake Worth ISD.
Fitts has served Pewitt CISD since 2004. He holds a doctorate in education from Texas A&M University-Commerce and earned his superintendent's certification in 2003.
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Huntington terminates contract
of Gregson as city secretary
Huntington City Council members recently voted to terminate the contract of City Secretary Betsy Gregson even though she previously had informed city officials in a letter to the former city administrator that she planned to retire on Aug. 31.
Three new council members elected in May supported the termination of Gregson, who had served as city secretary since July 1998.
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The Texas Government Insider is a free weekly e-newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government.
Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers
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