TWDB seeks public comment on State Revolving Fund plans

Before the expected Aug. 15 adoption of the draft Fiscal Year 2014 State Revolving Fund (SRF) Intended Use Plans (IUP), the Texas Water Development Board will host a time for public review and comment. Both the drafts of the FY 2014 Clean Water SRF IUP and the FY 2014 Drinking Water SRF IUP are available online and public review and comment will end at 5 p.m. on Monday, July 22.

Those interested in commenting on the plans can attend a public hearing on Thursday, July 18, at 2 p.m. in Room 170 of the Stephen F. Austin Building, 1700 N. Congress in Austin; submit written comments on the online comment page; email comments to iupcomments@twdb.texas.gov ; or submit comments in writing to Stacy L. Barna, director, Program and Policy Development, Texas Water Development Board, PO Box 13231, Austin, TX 78711.

Interested parties are not required to attend the hearing or to submit written comments, but TWDB discourages requests for a revised rating based on project information not previously submitted. Once all comments are addressed and the IUPs are approved, letters inviting application submissions will be mailed to eligible entities beginning the week of Aug. 19.

State sales tax revenues continue to climb over last year's figures

Sales tax revenue in Texas for June was up 9.1 percent from June of last year and totaled $2.17 billion. State Comptroller Susan Combs said business sectors such as manufacturing and construction helped push those figures up over last year's receipts, as did a still strong showing by the oil and gas industry and by the restaurant industry in the consumer sector.

Cities in Texas will share a July sales tax allocation of $377.4 million, up 7.7 percent over July 2012. Counties saw their revenues up as well, with the comptroller paying out a total of $38.6 million, up 8.3 percent over July of last year. Tax revenues for transit systems were up 8.9 percent over last year, with the systems sharing $132.4 million in tax revenues. And special purpose districts will share $578.3 million, after an increase of 10.2 percent over last year. The total allocations are available by city and by county.

Chevron awarded $12M in Texas Enterprise Fund money

Chevron is the recipient of a $12 million investment from the Texas Enterprise Fund, and will use the money to expand its Houston facilities. The company expects to create more than 1,750 jobs and to make a multi-million-dollar capital investment.

Chevron, a global oil and gas company, plans to build a new 1.7-million-square-foot office tower in the downtown Houston area as part of the expansion. The new facility will house professional, technical and administrative personnel as a result of the company's growth in Houston in support of its global operations.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker said the city is excited about the Chevron expansion. She said the company's expansion "will broaden its local presence...boosting the local economy with hundreds of new jobs while also fostering synergy and collaboration with their existing business units and other Houston businesses."

UT System regents OK goals for new university, medical school

Regents for The University of Texas System recently approved the guiding principles and goals for a new university and medical school to be created in the Rio Grande Valley. The new university could be the second-largest Hispanic-serving institution in the United States, UT System officials said.

Plans call for the new university to combine resources of UT-Pan American and UT-Brownsville and to be eligible to participate in the Permanent University Fund, unlike the two existing UT institutions in the Rio Grande Valley. Goals adopted include fully using next-generation technology and customized learning to increase affordability and maximize success, promote access to postsecondary education to a diverse student body and promote arts and humanities programs to produce state, national and world leaders who are bicultural and bilingual.

The next step for UT System officials is to select a president and a name for the new university and medical school to be located in South Texas.

Ford to lead Central Texas College; other new titles announced

Ralph Ford (pictured), former vice president of Union Community College in New Jersey, has been selected as the new campus president. He replaces President John Hunt, who left to return to full-time teaching. In his new post, Ford will manage operations in Texas as well as the college's online programs in the fall.

Ford will work under Chancellor Thomas Klincar and will have oversight of Central Texas College's central and service area campus operations, online distance learning operations and the American Preparatory Institute, the college's online high school.

In addition to the naming of a new president, the college also announced that Jim Yeonopolus, former deputy chancellor of international and Navy campus operations, is the new president of continental and international operations, with oversight of the college's Europe, Pacific Far East, Navy and Continental and Fort Hood campuses. Al Erdman, the college's former deputy chancellor of resource management, is now deputy chancellor of finance and administration. He will be responsible for the school's information technology services, human resources, risk management, facilities management, business services and contracts. He also serves as the college's comptroller. Former Deputy Chancellor Education Programs and Support Services Dana Watson, has now earned the title of deputy chancellor of academic and student services and will oversee library services, institutional effectiveness program, instructional program support services, student services and student success and persistence.

State agency donates land to Sam Houston State University

Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials recently donated 78 acres of land to Sam Houston State University (SHSU) for a research park that would include the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas and Correctional Management Institute of Texas programs. The governor recently signed legislation to permit the state agency to donate the land across from the City Service Center to SHSU for use as a research park, according to Al Hooten (pictured), vice president of finance and operations at the university.

Moving these research programs and others from the main campus should free up more space for other academic programs, Hooten said.

Barbee appointed as executive director of LBJ Foundation

Amy Barbee (pictured) recently accepted the post of executive director of the LBJ Foundation. A former executive director of the Texas Cultural Trust, Barbee replaces Mary Hermann, who retired from the LBJ Foundation in June.

As the executive director, Barbee will oversee fundraising activities, develop strategic plans and manage diverse programs. Barbee also serves on the board of Texans for the Arts, the advisory committee for the Mexic-Arte Museum and previously served on the board of directors for the Paramount Theatre and Zachary Scott Theatre.

Barbee holds a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University.

Officials of The University of Texas System recently selected Dr. Raymond Greenberg (pictured) as the executive vice chancellor for health affairs.

When Greenberg assumes his new post in September, he will replace Dr. Ken Shine, who retired earlier this year. Greenberg is expected to play a central role in developing education and research efforts at the new Dell Medical School that is expected to begin enrolling students in 2016.

Greenberg previously served as president of the Medical University of South Carolina and as founding dean of the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.

Austin Community College group urges new campus in Leander

A bond advisory committee recently urged Austin Community College (ACC) board members to create a new campus in Leander on land ACC officials purchased in 2010 next to the Capital Metro Rail Station. ACC officials are considering calling a bond election in November.

ACC currently has campuses in eight locations with an enrollment of about 45,000 and approximately 4,500 faculty and staff members. ACC officials also are opening a new campus in Elgin later this year.

Victoria College leads in statewide college marketing organization

A new statewide college marketing organization, with Victoria College taking the lead, has been formed with the support of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Texas Association of Community College Marketers (TACCM) was formed as a consortium of community college marketing professionals. Darin Kazmir (pictured), director of marketing and communications for Victoria College, is the group's vice president.

Kazmir and marketing professionals from seven other colleges held their first-ever "Telling and Selling Texas Community and Technical Colleges" summer conference last month. Kazmir said the new organization allows members to "network, share ideas, and learn from one another as we all work to tell the Texas community and technical college story." He noted that many of the best jobs in Texas do not require bachelor's degrees, but instead degrees, certificates and training offered by community colleges.

More than 100 professionals from 40 Texas colleges attended the first summer conference to hear marketing, public relations and career and technical education experts from throughout the state address issues professionals deal with in the community college setting.

Sugar Land close to finalizing nearly $50 million bond proposition

A Sugar Land citizen's group recently urged city council members to ask voters to approve a nearly $50 million bond proposal to pay for new parks, hiking trails, a large event site and a sports park. The four projects in the recommendation are:

• $13.38 million proposal to develop phase 2 of Brazos River Park by adding kayak launches, a pedestrian bridge and shelters;
• $9.2 million project to build hike and bike trails with bridges throughout the city;
• $16.8 million for a sports complex with tennis courts, basketball courts, gaga court, spray ground and multipurpose pavilion; and,
• $4.7 million to buy a 50-acre site to stage large events outside.

Officials also added an additional $4.6 million to cover the cost of the bond issuance and escalation costs to bring the total for the bond proposal recommended by the bond committee to $49,997,371. Council members expect to vote on accepting the bond recommendation on July 16.

Suiter administered oath as new DETCOG president

Angelina County Judge Wes Suiter (right) is administered the oath of office as president of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments by Judge Robert Inselmann, Jr.

Angelina County Judge West Suiter recently took the oath of office as president of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG). The oath was administered by Angelina County Court-at-Law Judge Robert Inselmann, Jr. at the organization's recent board meeting in Nacogdoches. 

Suiter is a former second vice president of DETCOG and chaired its Disaster Recovery Committee. He is also active in state and national COG activities, serving as first vice president of the Texas Association of Regional Councils and as regional representative of the National Association of Regional Councils. 

DETCOG is a voluntary association of counties, cities, independent school districts, river authorities, soil and water conservation districts, hospital districts and sustaining private industry members in a 12-county region of Deep East Texas.

The region covers an area of 9,790 square miles and has a population of more than 378,000.  Local governments, DETCOG and the Economic Development District combine their resources to help improve the quality of life for their citizens.

Denton ISD eyeing $329 million bond election

Denton Independent School District trustees recently began considering a recommendation by a citizen's bond committee to ask voters to approve $329 million in bonds in a November election to expand and upgrade facilities.

Committee members urged trustees to build a fourth high school in the eastern area of the district at a cost of about $150 million and a new $23.1 million elementary school to be open by the 2015-2016 school year. The citizen's group also urged spending more than $11 million to renovate 17 schools and $1.6 million to upgrade the heating, ventilation and air conditioning at Guyer High School.

Board members expect to vote in late July or early August whether to schedule a bond election on Nov. 5 and which proposals to include on the ballot.

Frisco approves $20 million bond issue for fire stations and roads

Frisco City Council members recently agreed to issue $20 million in bonds to pay for a new $8 million fire station, improve existing stations and buy new equipment in addition to $12 million to pay for road projects and sidewalk improvements throughout the city.

Voters approved the bonds to pay for road and sidewalk projects in 2006.

Seguin approves $4.5 million community park plan

Seguin City Council members recently approved a proposed $4.5 million community park master plan for a new 47-acre park. Mayor Don Keil (pictured) said city staff members plan to begin work on developing the bond issues that may be placed on the ballot on Nov. 5.

Council members are considering scheduling a $5 million bond election in November to pay for developing the new park and adding restroom facilities at two existing parks. The plan for the new park includes a lighted skate park, an off-road bicycle trail and lighted basketball court along with a splash pad rather than a new indoor swimming pool originally included in the proposed park master plan.

City officials also are looking at using bonds to pay for construction of a new library at an estimated cost of about $14.6 million.

Friendswood moving forward on $23.3M November bond election

Friendswood City Council members recently accepted recommendations of a citizens bond committee and instructed city staff to begin drafting ballot language for a $23.3 million bond election in November.

Council members approved four propositions for the November ballot. The four proposals are $7.6 million to upgrade streets and drainage, $7.2 million for parks and recreation, $2 million for library improvements and $6.5 million to upgrade fire department facilities. The projects and purchase of the bonds are planned in phases if voters approve the four propositions, city officials said.

Commerce to get new $4 million outpatient facility

Hunt Regional Healthcare is planning to build a $4 million outpatient facility in Commerce. Officials say they expect to begin construction next summer, with a completion date expected in spring 2015. The current Commerce hospital would not facilitate the new facility and the company is planning to build in a more visible area of the city.

Although a tax election to support to cost of the project is a possibility, officials note a set rate would have to be negotiated prior to calling a bond election. John Heatherly (pictured), assistant administrator at Hunt Regional Healthcare, said the new emergency room would benefit the city and the Hunt Regional Medical Center because it would allow more people to come to the Commerce location.

Sherman eyeing options for municipal airport uses

With the airport earning only enough revenue to cover current costs, Sherman city officials recently began exploring options for using the Sherman Municipal Airport facilities for other purposes if the airport closes.

City officials have discussed converting the airport into a large athletic facility. Preliminary plans include using the airport to create multipurpose game fields, practice areas, a skate park, an indoor recreation center, walking trails, green space, restrooms and maintenance facilities.

To fully explore options, the city hired an engineering firm to provide a cost estimate for scheduled airport repairs of about $402,000 in 2015 for repairs to the runway and taxiway, noted Public Works Director Don Keene. Other cost estimates for scheduled repairs are $172,000 in 2016 for apron repairs, $30,000 in 2017 to upgrade the hangar access taxiway and $364,000 in 2019 to improve lighting. Council members expect to make a decision about the future of the municipal airport in 2014, city officials said.

Three Rivers approves design plans for new $14 million school

Three Rivers Independent School District trustees recently approved design plans for a new 60,541-square-foot, $14 million elementary school. The cost estimates includes the cost of technology, a playground and furniture for the new school, according to the architect hired to prepare the design plan.

Plans call for state-of-the-art classrooms designed to provide a safe environment and effective learning environment for students, the architect told board members. District officials should be able to publish a request for bids for the new elementary school in about 90 days when bid documents are complete. The new school should be open in 2014, he said.

Navarro County to ask bond approval for courthouse restoration

On the advice of a bond attorney, Navarro County commissioners recently decided to ask voters to approve bonds to pay for restoring the county courthouse rather than issuing certificates of obligation as originally planned.

The Texas Historical Commission awarded a $4.4 million grant in addition to a $500,000 planning grant to Navarro County to help pay for the courthouse restoration now estimated to cost about $10.8 million. That estimate could change as final details are decided, the county judge said.

Commissioners plan to vote in August on whether to schedule the bond election.

Abilene ISD appoints panel to study master facilities plan

Abilene Independent School District trustees recently appointed a 16-member committee to study and then recommend a proposed master facilities plan to board members.

Comprised of community representatives, parents and students, committee members elected Dr. Jeff Arrington to chair the advisory panel. Plans call for the committee to present their recommendations regarding any proposed facility upgrades by late summer or early fall, to assist trustees in deciding whether to call a bond election to pay for facility upgrades.

Texas teachers among finalists for presidential award

Eight Texas teachers are among the finalists for the 2013 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The award recognizes teachers in grades 7-12 and is the highest recognition in the nation for math and science teachers. It is administered for the White House by the National Science Foundation.

The Texas finalists in secondary mathematics include: Jessica Caviness, geometry teacher at Coppell High School in the Coppell ISD; Amy Ferguson, algebra II teacher and Instructional Dean of Mathematics at Winston Churchill High School in the North East ISD; Penny Smeltzer, Advanced Placement Statistics teacher at Westwood High School in the Round Rock ISD; and Ruth Westbrook, English as a Second Language mathematics teacher at McMath Middle School in the Denton ISD.

Texas finalists in secondary science include: Jim M. Manley, science teacher at Coyle Middle School in the Garland ISD; Michalle McCallister, science teacher at the Robert G. Cole Middle and High School in the Fort Sam Houston ISD; Mark Misage, Advanced Placement physics teacher at Westlake High School in the Eanes ISD; and Kim Wootton, anatomy and physiology, Advanced Placement biology and forensic science teacher at New Tech High@Coppell in the Coppell ISD.

National award winners will be announced during the summer of 2014. Winners receive $10,000, a citation signed by the President of the United States and a paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend recognition events and professional development opportunities.

Kilgore College eyeing expansion of campus in Longview

Dean Julie Fowler of the Longview campus of Kilgore College recently supported expanding the downtown camps to provide for more industrial training courses such as plumbing and welding.

Fowler is exploring the use of a vacant home owned by the college located on High and South streets, just south of the campus, to house the proposed industrial training programs. She also presented her suggestion to use the house in June to the Longview Historic Preservation Commission that oversees the neighborhood under ordinances covering the South Main Street District.

Expansion plans for the campus in Longview are included in discussions as he prepares a proposed instructional master plan for Kilgore College, said Gerald Stanglin, vice president of instruction.

Marble Falls group urges new $2 million aquatic center, soccer field

Marble Falls Parks and Recreation commissioners recently urged city council members to consider building a new $2 million aquatic center, adding a new adult soccer field and upgrading two existing soccer fields at a cost of about $1 million.

A new aquatic center is needed to supplement the city's existing pool on Buena Vista street that is becoming more crowded, said Dave Rhodes, chair of the parks and recreation commission.

City Manager Ralph Hendricks noted the proposed aquatic center and soccer field upgrades could be added to the city's list of capital improvement projects, but no voter-approved bond money is available at this time for the aquatic center or soccer projects.

Texas Network of Youth Services plans Aug. 13-16 conference

Want to learn about innovative strategies for serving vulnerable youth, their families and their communities? Register today for theTexas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) conference taking place Aug. 13-16 in San Antonio! Our theme this year celebrates our history and our future: "Celebrating Our Roots and Blossoms: Planting the Seeds for the Next 30 Years." The conference offers training, information and skill building for youth workers; young people; clinicians/therapists; managers, leaders and administrators; board members and other volunteers; public agency and social services personnel; youth leaders; and community advocates. Click here for more information or to register.

Public-private partnerships water conference set in Austin Sept. 11

"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." Registration is now open and the agenda is available. The event is organized by the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships.

2013 NASW/Texas State Conference set in Austin over Labor Day

Registration is now open for the 37th Annual State Conference of the National Association of Social Workers - Texas Chapter. Up to 19 hours of CE are available for social workers in Texas and bordering states, as well as for Texas LMFTs and LPCs. The NASW/Texas State Conference is the largest social work conference in the Southwest and is attended by over 1000 social workers each year. Exhibit and sponsorship opportunities available - Social Workers are Decision Makers! Visit www.naswtx.org or call 512-474-1454 for more information.

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.

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.

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. 

Sean Donohue selected as new D/FW chief executive officer

Sean Donohue (pictured), a 25-year veteran of the airline business, has been chosen as the new chief executive officer of the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. Donohue has spent the last three years working for Virgin Airlines. He will succeed CEO Jeff Fegan, who is retiring, in October.

At Virgin, Donohue has been responsible for the day-to-day operations of the airline carrier. He also previously held numerous executive posts with United Airlines, responsible for its United Express operations and customer relations.

Donohue was among 14 applicants for the post from which four finalists were chosen. Among the applicants were D/FW's CFO Chris Poinsatte and Executive Vice President of Revenue Management Ken Buchanan.

Tuition revenue bond bill out of committee but not yet on 'call'

Call it the "just in case" bill. The House Appropriations Committee Thursday approved HB 5, a bill that would allow for $2.7 billion in tuition revenue bonds for higher education construction and renovation projects.

The bill, by Rep. Dan Branch, will not be set for the House floor calendar unless the governor adds the issue to the "call" of the second special session.

The bill provides for millions of dollars to state-supported higher education institutions for a variety of projects on numerous campuses.

El Paso transportation

group proposes new toll road

Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority officials recently proposed building two new toll lanes on Loop 376 to ease traffic congestion.

The two new toll lanes would run north and south and connect to the $80 million toll lane project currently under construction on the Cesar Chavez Border Highway portion of the loop, said Raymond Telles, executive director of the regional mobility authority. The toll lanes of the border highway portion of the toll road run east to west and should be completed in December, he said.

Because the planning process for the second proposed toll road is still in the preliminary stages, the estimated length and cost of the new north and south toll road is not yet known, Telles said. The current planning phase should be completed in about a year and includes a public meeting on July 18 to provide residents more information and to hear public comment on the proposed toll lanes, he said. Once the design phase is completed, regional mobility authority officials plan to begin seeking bids for design and construction of the proposed toll lanes, which will take another two years to complete.

McDaniel resigns as deputy superintendent at Tyler ISD

Cecil McDaniel (pictured), deputy superintendent for the Tyler Independent School District, recently resigned, effective July 26.

McDaniel, who joined Tyler ISD in 2007, accepted a post as the chief administrative officer for Keller ISD.

Tyler ISD officials plan to begin a search in early July to find a new deputy superintendent.

Montgomery County transit group supports study for two toll roads

Montgomery County Toll Road Authority members recently agreed to move forward with a $500,000 feasibility study of two proposed toll roads to connect southern areas of the county to SH105.

The study for the proposed road east of I-45 should be completed in about three years, while the road proposed for the west county route could be completed in November.

Dallas interim city manager announces executive changes

With the departure of long-time Dallas City Manager Mary Suhm, Interim City Manager A.C. Gonzalez is already making changes. Charles Cato, first assistant police chief for the city, will become an interim city manager, overseeing Code Compliance, the Dallas Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management. Cato has been with the Dallas PD for 24 years. Assistant Police Chief Cynthia S. Villareal will take over Cato's job with the police department.

Additionally, Gonzalez has named Theresa O'Donnell to another interim assistant city manager slot. O'Donnell has directed the city's development services for the last 10 years. Her post with development services will be assumed on an interim basis by David Cossum, O'Donnell's longtime assistant director.

Gonzalez has also made changes that require the city's municipal courts to report to Assistant City Manager Joey Zapata and the Convention Services department will report to Assistant City Manager Forest Turner. Ryan Evans will remain first assistant city manager on an interim basis.

Gonzalez has indicated he will seek the city manager position on a full-time, permanent basis. The search for the new city manager is currently under way and officials say the search could take months.

Waco ISD creates new position to oversee all construction projects

Trustees for Waco Independent School District recently approved the creation of a new position to oversee construction projects throughout the school district. Previously, the district hired project managers for construction projects on a temporary basis.

Cliff Brown, who previously managed construction projects at Le Vega ISD and Midway ISD, has overseen construction projects at the Waco school district for four months. Brown will be responsible for ensuring that construction projects stay on schedule, providing oversight for repair and improvement projects and facilitating communication between district officials and contractors.

District officials began discussions on creating a full-time construction manager when criticism arose over the methods district officials used to evaluate bids and choose contractors, Superintendent Bonny Cain said.

Ector County ISD selects Garcia as new assistant superintendent

Ector County Independent School District trustees recently selected Roy Garcia (pictured) as assistant superintendent for secondary operations. He currently is principal at Permian High School.

A 21-year veteran at the school district, Garcia has served as a coach, a teacher, an assistant principal, a junior high school and high school principal for the Ector County school district.

Garcia will supervise all junior high school and high school campuses for the Ector County district when he begins his new duties.

Irving ISD names Cabrera

as its interim superintendent

Debbie Cabrera, associate superintendent of business services in the Irving ISD, has been chosen to serve as interim superintendent, replacing former Superintendent Dana Bedden, who recently resigned. Cabrera has been with the Irving ISD since 1997.

The district expects later this month to begin interviewing for a long-term interim superintendent and plans to hire a search firm to help identify possible candidates for the full-time superintendent position.

Dublin selects Wooldridge

as interim city manager

Dublin City Council members recently appointed Nancy Wooldridge as the interim city manager. She began her new duties on July 8 and replaced former City Manager Lannie Lee, a former police chief who resigned after serving as city manager for about two months.

Wooldridge previously served as the secretary/treasurer and as executive director for the Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

Perez to step down as superintendent at Buna ISD

Superintendent Robin Perez recently told trustees at Buna Independent School District that he plans to step down to accept a post as an assistant superintendent at Humble ISD.

Perez, who served as superintendent for three years at the Buna school district, plans to leave that post before the new school year begins, district officials said.

Cameron interviews four

candidates for city manager

Cameron City Council members concluded interviews today, Friday, with four final candidates for city manager. The interviews that began on July 8 were held in closed sessions.

Until a new city manager is hired, Interim City Manager Lambert Little will continue in that post. Little replaced former City Manager Ricky Tow, who resigned.

Bridges declines superintendent

job with Rockdale school district

Vicki Bridges recently declined to accept the job as superintendent of Rockdale Independent School District. Rockdale district officials named Bridges as the lone finalist for superintendent in June.

Bridges is the chief secondary school officer at Grand Prairie ISD.

Small Business Administration

taps Burton as deputy director

Officials of the U.S. Small Business Administration recently selected Angela Burton (pictured) as the deputy director of the Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office that serves 14 counties in south Texas.

Previously the chief executive officer of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, Burton plans to work from the SBA office in Harlingen.

Burton previously worked for the Business Development Center at The University of Texas-Pan American and served a tour of duty in the Middle East in the U.S. Army.

Navasota backs away from November bond election

At the urging of City Manager Brad Stafford, Navasota City Council members recently agreed to postpone a bond election previously planned for November until more research and preparation is completed.

Possible bond projects included discussed include upgrading and replacing sidewalks, developing parks, street repairs and maintenance, improvements to the library and completion of the downtown streetscape.

Council members agreed to wait until staff completes research and preparation on the bond proposal before setting a timeline to call a bond election.

San Angelo appoints Bunnell

as its new finance director

San Angelo City Council members recently appointed Tina Bunnell, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), as the city's new finance director to oversee the city's $134 million city budget and five divisions in the Finance Department.

Before joining the city on July 1, Bunnell was a senior accountant for an accounting firm, where she performed audits of local governments. She also served as an accountant for the U.S. Army. Bunnell holds a bachelor's degree from Lamar University and is licensed as a CPA in three states.

Clint ISD taps Martinez as

sole finalist for superintendent

Clint Independent School District trustees recently selected Juan Martinez (pictured) as the sole finalist for superintendent. Plans call for Martinez to begin his new duties in September.

Currently the chief human resources officer for Socorro ISD, Martinez previously served as a principal and director of personnel at the Clint school district.

Martinez holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from The University of Texas at El Paso and earned his superintendent certification from Angelo State University.

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

• Roadcheck 2013 inspects 9,200 commercial vehicles, promotes roadway safety

• TxDOT takes top national, statewide awards

• One-of-a-kind Spanish Fire School draws international firefighters to Texas

• Texas Game Warden's efforts didn't go unnoticed July 4th

Vega resigns as principal

of Odessa tech high school

Dr. Adrian Vega, the principal of New Tech Odessa High School, recently resigned to accept a post as deputy superintendent in Tucson, Arizona, where he will join Dr. H.T. Sanchez, the former interim superintendent at Ector County Independent School District who now leads public schools in Tucson.

A former administrator at Tyler ISD, Vega joined Hector County ISD in 2011 and played a critical role in opening the new tech high school that focuses on project-based learning, according to the president of the board of Ector County ISD.

Ector County ISD officials expect to begin a search within the district soon to find a new principal.

Port Arthur ISD taps Porterie

as new interim superintendent

Port Arthur Independent School District trustees recently selected Mark Porterie (pictured) as the new interim superintendent. He previously served as deputy superintendent in the Port Arthur district and also worked as a teacher, principal and superintendent.

Porterie replaces former Superintendent Johnny Brown, who agreed to a separation package to buy out his contract that was set to expire in 2014.

With 20 years in public education, Porterie has a bachelor's degree from Lamar University, a master's degree from Prairie View A&M University and an Ed.D. from NOVA Southwestern University in Florida.

Burkburnett taps Nolen

as new interim city manager

Burkburnett City Council members recently tapped Chester Nolen as the new interim city manager.

Currently employed by the search firm selected by Burkburnett city officials to assist in finding a new city manager, Nolen previously was a city manager in Hereford and Cleburne.

Nolen replaces former City Manager Tim James, who resigned to accept a job as director of public works in Mesquite.

Greenwood ISD selects Elliott

as interim superintendent

Greenwood Independent School District trustees recently appointed Ariel Elliott as the new interim superintendent. Elliott currently serves as principal of Greenwood High School.

Board members have not said when they plan to begin a search to find a new superintendent.

Krum ISD picks Shipley as

new assistant superintendent

Krum Independent School District trustees recently picked Nancy Shipley (pictured) as the new assistant superintendent. She will replace Cody Carroll, who was promoted to superintendent in April.

Shipley previously served as director of federal programs and curriculum and as a teacher for the school district. Her new duties include overseeing personnel, coordinating staff development, continuing to serve as the federal programs coordinator and overseeing special programs.

She holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University, a master's degree from Lamar University and obtained her superintendent certification through the Region XI Education Service Center.

Bowling resigns post as city engineer for city of Galveston

Justin Bowling recently resigned as the city engineer in Galveston, effective at the end of July. Bowling joined the city in 2008 and oversaw the clearing of debris and other recovery efforts following Hurricane Ike.

Wells resigns his position

as superintendent at Edna ISD

After 14 years as superintendent of Edna Independent School District, Bob Wells (pictured) recently said he plans to resign from that post by June 2014 at the request of school board members.

Board members cited a difference in vision for asking Wells to resign. Wells, who said he was surprised by the board's action, said he is working with trustees to finalize the date he will step down as superintendent.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD selects Jackson as technology officer

Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District trustees recently selected Frankie Jackson as the chief technology officer.

Currently the chief technology officer at the Goose Creek Independent School District, Jackson also has worked as a software engineer for an aerospace company and vice president of a technology company.

Jackson holds an associates degree from Lee College in addition to a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Overton ISD selects DuBose as lone finalist for superintendent

Trustees for Overton Independent School District recently selected Stephen DuBose (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent.

Currently a high school principal for the district, DuBose will replace former Superintendent Alan Umholtz, who stepped down to become superintendent of Yorktown ISD. DuBose, a nine-year district employee, also was the athletic director four years.