Zeigler says he will retire as president of San Antonio College

Longtime President Dr. Robert E. Zeigler (pictured) has announced he will retire from his current position, effective next summer. Zeigler has served as president of San Antonio College, part of Alamo Colleges, since 2002. Zeigler is a former student, alumnus, professor, administrator and finally president of the college.

In 1959, after serving in the U.S. Navy, Zeigler began taking classes at San Antonio College. He earned an associate's degree in liberal arts and then began classes at Sam Houston State University, earning a bachelor's and master's degree. Zeigler was awarded his Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. He returned to San Antonio College in 1971 to teach history. He served in a variety of administrative positions beginning in 1987, including being executive vice president from 1997 to 2002 and then becoming president in 2002.

In 2012, Zeigler began SAC's first-ever capital campaign to raise funds for the new Scobee Planetarium & Challenger Center. Also that year, Zeigler oversaw the district's first public-private partnership initiative, which led to the development of the Tobin Lofts at San Antonio College. 

Lassiter honored with naming of Early College High School

Dr. Wright Lassiter (center) is honored by having his name attached to the Early College High School at El Centro College.

Part of Dr. Wright Lassiter Jr.'s legacy when he leaves the chancellorship of the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) in February will be very visible. More than 20 years ago, he helped establish a middle college on the downtown campus of El Centro College, working with the Dallas Independent School District. The middle college was designed to allow high-risk students to earn both their high school diploma and college credit that would transfer to one of DCCCD's institutions.

Some were skeptical at the time, but the success of the endeavor has grown over the years and now will bear Lassiter's name - the Wright L. Lassiter Jr. Early College High School at El Centro College. A special naming ceremony was held at the end of the fall 2013 semester. The name honors the man who served as president of El Centro when it was created.

The school's principal, Eric Markinson, said during the naming ceremony, "The faculty and students respect him. Dr. Lassiter's authority comes from humanity, humility and groundedness." Students who spoke throughout the event presented Lassiter with a Wright L. Lassiter Jr. Early College High School T-shirt, a lanyard and his own ID.  The DCCCD Foundation will administer the new Wright L. Lassiter Jr. Early College High School Scholarship, which was announced at the conclusion of the event. 

Dugas named acting vice chancellor, dean of agriculture

Dr. Bill Dugas (pictured), associate vice chancellor and associate dean of agriculture and life sciences since 2009, has been chosen to serve as acting vice chancellor for agriculture and life sciences and acting dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for the Texas A&M University System. He will serve in that capacity while Dr. Mark Hussey, who previously held those roles, serves as interim president of Texas A&M. Hussey will return to his previous role when a new president is selected for Texas A&M.

Dugas will oversee the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. He will be responsible for the academics, personnel, budgets and facilities of the college. Dugas has served as interim director, deputy director and associate director for AgriLife Research in College Station since 2005. He is also a former professor and resident director at AgriLife's Blackland Research and Extension Center in Temple.

Dugas holds a bachelor's degree from California State University-Chico, a master's from the University of Illinois and a doctorate from Utah State University.

Three candidates confirmed for job as Parkland Hospital CEO      

Three candidates are being considered for the chief executive officer position at Parkland Hospital. The Parkland Health and Hospital System's Board of Managers will be trying to select the head of the hospital from this trio of applicants:

• Dr. Frederick P. Cerise - associate clinical professor of Medicine at Louisiana State University;
• David S. Lopez - president and CEO of the Harris County Hospital District in Houston; and
• Dr. Marlon L. Priest - executive vice president, chief medical officer and market lead for Senior Services at the Bon Secours Health System in Maryland.

Although the board is considering these three candidates, others could be added to the mix. "The Board recognizes that it must find and recruit a high-caliber leader with a successful track record," said Parkland Board Chair Debbie Branson. "At the same time, we understand that we need to complete the search as quickly as possible, and we are working diligently toward that end."

Funding being sought for new federal courthouse in San Antonio

Officials in San Antonio are urging Congress to provide funding for a planned federal courthouse in downtown San Antonio that has been stalled for a couple of years. The current courthouse not only is running out of space, but it also faces numerous security problems. The new courthouse, to be located on Nueva Street where the former San Antonio Police Department headquarters was previously located, will carry a price tag of $100 million to $110 million.

Rep. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio said the current facility was not designed to be a federal courthouse, and thus does not meet the needs of such a facility. He is one the members of the Texas congressional delegation asking the House Appropriations Committee to allocate funding for the facility from its $3 billion Federal Buildings Fund. Others signing a letter to the committee seeking the funding are members of Congress whose federal construction projects in their districts also have stalled. The include Reps. Lamar Smith, John Conyers, Lloyd Doggett, Albio Sires, Pete Gallego, Henry Cuellar, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ed Perlmutter, Pedro R. Pierluisi, Jim Cooper and Robert C. "Bobby" Scott.

Almost four years ago, the city and federal governments agreed to a land swap, with the city being given ownership of the John H. Wood Federal Courthouse and Spears Training Center at the HemisFair Park area. In return, the federal government was given rights to the old police headquarters site. The design for the courthouse is completed (see accompanying artist's rendering), said U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez of San Antonio, liaison judge to the federal government's General Service Administration regarding the courthouse project. He praised the "support of the entire congressional delegation" in its efforts to move the project forward.

El Paso chosen for pilot program to renovate 6,100 housing units

The Housing Authority of the City of El Paso recently won selection to participate in the Rental Assistance Demonstration pilot program in a $500 million program to renovate and repair public housing in that city.

Current plans are to repair some housing units and to rebuild other units to replace some that are too deteriorated to repair. Plans call for removing asbestos in some facilities and repairing structural cracks in foundations and ceilings. These units are now occupied by 19,000 low-income residents.

Housing authority officials plan to begin the renovation of the 6,100 public housing units in 2015. The renovations should be completed by 2019, according to a spokeswoman for the housing authority.

Two proposed A&M parking garage projects again under review

Two proposed parking garages for the Texas A&M campus that were taken off the table are back up for discussion. A&M officials say administrators now back the proposal to build the garages at Kyle Field and at a West Campus location to serve dorms there. The proposal originally was scuttled when it was revealed that the addition of up to four garages would increase parking permit fees by about 20 percent for students, faculty and staff. The new plans do not seek that large an increase in permit prices.

The Council for Built Environment (CBE), which authorizes university construction, has made a formal request for the parking facilities. The original plan was to build four garages at the same time, which would have caused the parking permit increase. The garage near Kyle Field essentially will be paid for through increased game day parking fees, through the university athletics department and through fees for events and activities near the garage.

Once reviewed and voted on by the CBE, Interim President Mark Hussey will study the proposal and make his recommendation to the A&M System Board of Regents, but the plans will likely not go before the regents until their May meeting.

El Campo unveils latest natural gas refueling station

A new natural gas refueling station, the first and only compressed natural gas fueling station between Corpus Christi and Houston, was unveiled recently in El Campo, with Texas Railroad Commissioner David Porter on hand.

"I am thrilled to see more CNG fueling infrastructure being developed around the state, especially in this crucial area along U.S. 59 and in such close proximity to the Eagle Ford Shale, which is producing an abundance of natural gas," Porter said.

The station is a partnership between Apache Corporation and United Agriculture Cooperative (UnitedAg) and will not only supply fuel for natural gas vehicles operated by Apache, UnitedAg, Pioneer Well Services and Central Freight, but also for the general public.

Northside ISD superintendent proposes $648 million bond election

Superintendent Brian Woods (pictured) of Northside Independent School District in San Antonio recently requested board members to schedule a $648.3 million bond election in May to pay for six new schools and upgrade existing facilities.

A majority of the proposed bonds proceeds, 55 percent, would be allotted to repairing existing schools, more than half of which are more than 20 years old, Woods said. If voters approve, bond proceeds also would be used to build six new schools, including a new high school in the southwestern area of the district. Other projects recommended for the bond proposal include the addition of bullet-resistant security lobbies at 30 elementary schools, 129 new school buses, upgrading air conditioning at all middle and high school locker rooms and improving cafeterias, libraries, laboratories and fine arts facilities.

Trustees plan to discuss proposal on Jan. 28 to decide whether to call a bond election on May 10 and select which projects to include on the proposition.

Ector County ISD donates land for affordable housing complex

Trustees for the Ector County Independent School District recently agreed to donate 2.5 acres of land to the city of Odessa to build a new 68-unit affordable housing complex.

A private development company, based in Indiana and with offices in Austin, plans to build a three-story apartment complex in which residents who meet certain requirements would pay a fixed rent based on their annual income for the apartments. The agreement does not require the developer to set aside any of the housing for school district employees.

Current plans are to begin construction this summer and complete the housing complex in 2015. City officials also agreed to return the land to the school district if the city does not use the property to build affordable housing.

Brazos County approve $5.9 million for courthouse renovations

Brazos County commissioners recently approved $5.9 million to pay for phase four of a courthouse renovation project.

The plan is to add three new district courts on the top floor of the courthouse with each of the courtrooms featuring larger jury rooms with restrooms, a reception and waiting area, larger office space and restrooms for employees. The renovated area also will include a common area and more space for attorneys. Attorneys often must use courthouse hallways to consult with clients and conduct business.

County officials expect construction on the fourth phase of the courthouse renovation project that began in 2009 to begin in early spring and complete the renovation project in about 15 months.

Smithville moves ahead with $2.2M upgrade of wastewater plant

Smithville City Council members recently approved a contract with an engineering firm for design services for a new $2.2 million wastewater plant.

Once the design work is complete, city officials will seek proposals for construction work for the wastewater plant, said City Manager Tex Middlebrook (pictured). Current plans are to install about 5,000 feet of eight-inch pipe along the south side of SH71 from the Colorado River heading west to a lift station near the river. The project is expected to encourage new development in that area, he said.

City officials are using a grant to pay for about $1.1 million of the $2.2 million construction project, with the city picking up the remaining costs, Middlebrook said.

Longview approves $1.2 in bonds for assisted living facility

The Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corporation, created by the Longview City Council, recently approved a resolution allowing an assisted living facility to issue up to $1.2 million more in revenue bonds to allow construction on the facility to be completed.

The finance corporation, formed in 2012 at the request of the developer, previously issued $10.3 million in bonds to develop the nearly 52,000-square-foot assisted living facility. The city is not obligated to repay the bonds to pay for the 52 units for assisted living and 22 memory-care apartments, city officials said.

State law now allows finance corporations created by cities to issue bonds for health care facilities, charter schools, private schools, museums and galleries, performing arts and educational associations. 

Three Dallas city manager hopefuls being interviewed today

The three finalists for the top job at the city of Dallas are being interviewed today by Dallas City Council members.

The three are all vying for the city manager post with the city. The finalists include current Dallas Interim City Manager A.C. Gonzalez, Oakland City Administrator Deanna Santana and former Raleigh, North Carolina, county manager David Cooke.

The council will divide into five three-member groups and interview each candidate. Council members will meet in executive session following the interviews to discuss the finalists and how to proceed. The council hopes to make a decision on the new city manager before February.

Frisco school district looking at $758 million bond proposal

Bond committee members for Frisco Independent School District recently urged board members to ask voters to approve $758 million in bonds to pay for 14 new schools.

To accommodate the expected enrollment of 66,000 students in 2020, the 27-member panel recommended building eight new elementary schools, three middle schools and three new high schools. Committee members also pointed to expanding some facilities and renovating other facilities resulting in spending 85.6 percent, or $648.7 million, of the bond funding to build, renovate or maintain schools and other district facilities.

Mays Foundation donates $1.25M to Tobin Center in San Antonio

The Mays Family Foundation recently donated $1.25 million toward construction of the $203 million Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio.

L. Lowry Mays, a retired executive who owned radio and billboard companies, and his wife, Peggy, created the foundation and attended the announcement of the contribution which was held at the performing arts center.

While the city of San Antonio and Bexar County are funding the majority of the cost of the ongoing construction project, supporters of the new performing arts center agreed to raise $54 million in private donations.

Superintendent Terry Grier (pictured) of Houston Independent School District recently won selection as one of the four finalists competing for National Superintendent of the Year to be awarded by the American Association of School Administrators. Grier joined Houston ISD in September 2009.

Superintendents from Florida, Georgia and Maryland were also named as finalists for the program that has honored leaders in school administration for 27 years.

To be announced in February at the National Conference on Education, the winning superintendent will receive a $10,0000 college scholarship to be presented in the superintendent's name to a student in the high school from which the superintendent graduated or the school now serving the same area.

Officials in Stanton ISD eyeing up to $36 million bond election

Stanton Independent School District trustees recently discussed whether to ask voters to approve bonds ranging from $32 million to $36 million to build a new school and expand two others.

Board members plan to build a new school and expand the junior high school and elementary school with proceeds from the bonds if voters approve. Trustees, however, took no action on scheduling a bond election.

Corpus Christi eyeing partner to build new youth sports complex

Corpus Christi city officials recently began discussion on creating a public-private partnership to build a new youth sports complex on 50 acres of land owned by the city.

City officials are looking at the possibility of donating the land to a private developer who would then agree to build an indoor and outdoor sports complex. The complex would include soccer and baseball fields and basketball courts, according to Michael Morris (pictured), director of parks and recreation for the city.

With the city currently bringing in more than $7 million in revenue each year for the two major statewide sports tournaments in the city, building a bigger and better sports complex would allow the city to host even more sports tournaments. Additional tourneys would attract even more than the 8,000 athletes who attend tournaments now hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department, Morris said. Several private companies have expressed interest in partnering with the city to build a new facility, he added.

Lamar County seeking grant to repair leaks at courthouse

Lamar County commissioners recently agreed to seek a grant from the Texas Historical Commission to pay 50 percent of the cost to repair leaks at the county courthouse.

Commissioners also approved $12,500 to pay an architect to assess the leak problems, identify needed repairs and to help prepare and file a grant application to pay half of the cost of the repairs. The grant application is due on Feb. 13 and is awarded for urgent or critical courthouse repair projects, the county judge said.

Bastrop County seeking bids for new emergency medical service

Bastrop County commissioners recently approved a request by Mike Fisher, emergency management coordinator, to request proposals from emergency medical services providers. The proposals will be for a provisional contract to offer EMS services in that county for one year, with a review after operating for nine months.

For the last five years, county officials operated emergency medical services in Bastrop, Smithville and Elgin under a contract with Guardian Emergency Medical Services. Each of the cities agreed to pay $350,000 annually to the current provider as part of that contract. In the 44-page request for proposals drafted by representatives from the county and the three cities, county officials urged companies to submit proposals to operate the service without the additional subsidy from the three cities, Fisher said.

When scoring the proposals, county officials will score higher the proposals not asking for a subsidy, but said proposals submitted that include subsidies from the cities will still be considered.

Willacy County Navigation District seeking new port director

Following the resignation of Shane Cameron (pictured) as port director, Willacy County Navigation District  board members recently began a search for his replacement.

Cameron, who resigned on Jan. 2, had served as port director since March 2011.

Deadline for applying for the port director job is Jan. 31, said Thomas Rains, chairman of the board of the navigation district.

Corpus Christi port taps Harrison as harbor master, Olivo director

Port of Corpus Christi officials recently tapped Ray Harrison, previously the assistant harbor master, as the new harbor master. Port commissioners also appointed Nelda Olivo, previously manager of government affairs, as the new director of public affairs.

Harrison joined the Port of Corpus Christi in 1978 as a vessel traffic controller, won promotion in 1993 as the traffic control chief and rose to assistant harbor master in 2010.

Before joining the port in 1993, Olivo worked for the city of Corpus Christi as a grants coordinator. She also is active in the American Association of Port Authorities, the Texas Ports Association, the Government Affairs Committee of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce and the Coastal Bend Council of Governments. She has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio.

Paris allots $250,000 to pay for clean-up following storm

Paris City Council members recently approved $250,000 to pay contractors to assist in cleaning up debris left from a recent storm.

City Manager John Godwin said that the city needs additional crews and equipment to assist in debris removal until city officials receive notification from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on how much federal funding, if any, the city will receive.

City officials also are allowing local contractors to drop off brush at a site at the sports complex until Feb. 1, Godwin said.

Hinojosa retiring as chief of U.S. Border Patrol in Rio Grande Valley

Rosendo Hinojosa (pictured) recently retired as the chief of the Rio Grande Valley Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol.

Since 2011, Hinojosa has led more than 3,000 border patrol agents employed in the sector measuring more than 34,000 square miles. He previously served as deputy chief in the Laredo sector of the agency charged with protecting border areas.

He began his career as a field agent for the Border Patrol in San Diego, California, served in Vermont and later as an assistant chief in the U.S. Border Patrol headquarters in Washington, D.C.

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Andrews approves $5 million to upgrade water treatment plant

Andrews City Council members recently approved a $5 million project to treat high levels of arsenic and fluoride now found in the city water supply. While previously providing water within state-mandated levels of fluoride and arsenic, those chemical levels have increased and the water from the treatment plant fails to meet state regulations for these chemicals.

Randolph resigns as director of parks and recreation in McKinney

Lemuel Randolph (pictured) recently resigned as director of parks and recreation in McKinney to take a new job as director of parks in Arlington.

Serving as parks director in McKinney since 2007, Randolph led in developing a skate park, developing 12 neighborhood parks and acquiring more than 550 acres for future parks for the city. He is scheduled to begin his new duties in Arlington on Feb. 3.

Following a presentation by Toni Davenport, city librarian, city council members in Universal City have begun discussing whether to replace the current 50-year-old library, part of which is located in a facility that once served as the kitchen for the fire department.

Noting the library had to be closed for a month last year because of environmental concerns that needed to be addressed, Davenport also said the library has rotting wood around the exterior, ceiling tiles damaged by water leaks and termite damage.

Davenport also urged council members to consider asking voters to approve bonds to pay for building a new library facility near the city hall. The city is paying off a bond soon and could issue new bonds to pay for a new library without raising the tax rate, she said.

DETCOG to hold first meeting

of 2014 in San Augustine Jan. 23

The Deep East Texas Council of Governments Board of Directors will hold its first meeting of the new year on Thursday, Jan. 23. The meeting will be in the County Historical Theater at 110 E. Columbia Street in San Augustine. A luncheon will be served at noon and the board meeting will follow.

Welcoming members and guests to San Augustine County will be County Judge Samye Johnson, San Augustine Mayor Leroy Hughes; San Augustine County Commissioners Tommy Hunter, Edward Wilson, Joey Holloway and Rodney Ainsworth and San Augustine County Minority Representative Musetta Hosey.

DETCOG President Wes Suiter, Angelina County Judge, has invited interested parties to attend. For more information, contact the DETCOG office in Jasper at 409-384-5704, Ext. 5254.

Hubbard ISD selects Musick

as new superintendent

Trustees for Hubbard Independent School District recently selected Stuart Musick (pictured) as the new superintendent. He replaces Randy O'Brien, who resigned in August to serve as deputy superintendent for Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District.

A 23-year veteran in education, Musick began his career as a science teacher and coach before spending 17 years as a superintendent. He has worked at school districts in Greenville, New Caney, Jefferson, Marshall and Nacogdoches. Musick also was a coach at Stephen F. Austin State University and East Texas Baptist University.

Musick holds a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, a master's degree from Sam Houston State University and is expected to complete the Ph.D. program at Lamar University later this year. He earned his superintendent's certification in 2010.

Williamson County creates new post in emergency management

Williamson County commissioners recently selected Michael Turek as the new deputy emergency management coordinator.

In the newly created position, Turek will be second in command to the county's emergency management coordinator, Jarred Thomas, according to John Sneed, director of emergency services for the county.

Turek has served in law enforcement since 1994, when he began as a police officer in Lago Vista. He joined the Williamson County Sheriff's Office in 1997, where he has been a field training officer, control lieutenant and served with the emergency management team on a public safety project.

Pearland selects three finalists

for city manager position

Pearland City Council members recently narrowed the field of 48 applicants for city manager to three finalists for the job. The new city manager will replace Bill Eisen, who is retiring from the job he has held for 12 years.

The three finalists are Brandon Wade, city manager of Pflugerville; Mark Watson, currently the city manager in Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and Clay Pearson, city manager in Novi, Michigan.

City officials plan to interview the three finalists during the weekend of Jan. 24 and announce their choice for the new city manager in February, according to Interim City Manager Jon Branson.

Ralph Draper retiring as superintendent of Spring ISD

Superintendent Ralph Draper (pictured) of Spring Independent School District recently retired from the job he has held since 2005.  

Becoming a full-time educator in 1986 after serving in a Christian ministry since 1981, Draper earned an associate degree from Southwestern Christian College, a bachelor's degree from David Lipscomb University in Tennessee.

Draper also holds a master's degree and Ph.D. from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Weslaco EDC's Alicia Aguilar resigns from organization

Weslaco Economic Development Corporation's Business Retention and Marketing Director Alicia Aguilar (pictured) has resigned after three years with the corporation. Aguilar, who was appointed interim director in June, was demoted to her previous position several months later. In her letter of resignation, Aguilar said she was also withdrawing her name from consideration for executive director of the corporation.

Gilbert resigns as director

of Paris development corporation

Steve Gilbert, director of the Paris Economic Development Corporation, recently announced he is resigning to accept new employment with a consulting company working with other communities on economic development projects.

After serving four years as the executive director of the Paris EDC, Gilbert begins his new job on Jan. 29.

El Paso taps Westin as director

of development efforts

El Paso city officials recently tapped Cary Westin (pictured) as the new director of economic and international development for the city. Westin, who will report directly to the office of city manager, will replace Marty Howell, the previous economic development director, when he begins his new duties on Jan. 27.

Most recently a vice president for business development for the Borderplex Alliance and Regional Economic Development Corporation, Westin led efforts to attract to the region new industries in the defense and clean technology sectors to the region. He also was a vice president for Aerospace Missions Corporation and supported research and development projects such as the development of miniaturized sensors and imaging for small, unmanned aerial platforms. Most recently he was the director of the air defense artillery test directorate at Fort Bliss in El Paso.

Westin has a bachelor's degree from the Virginia Military Institute and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in Virginia. He also served in combat and peacekeeping operations in Iraq, Albania, Kosovo and Honduras.

Bandera officials seeking

new city administrator

Bandera City Council members recently agreed to renew a search for a city administrator and seek applications from interested candidates for the post.

Following the departure of former City Administrator Gene Foerster in October 2011, council members appointed Mike Cardenas, who had served as public works director since 1995, to also take over the duties as temporary city administrator until a permanent city administrator was hired. While 40 candidates, including Cardenas, applied for the job, council members failed to select a permanent city administrator and Cardenas continued performing the duties of both jobs.

Cardenas, however, recently requested to be appointed as the permanent city administrator after serving two years in the temporary post. Following the vote to seek applications for a permanent city administrator, council members advised Cardenas to apply again for the permanent post.

Harper ISD appoints Stevenson

as its new superintendent

Harper Independent School District trustees recently appointed Chris Stevenson (pictured) as the new superintendent.

Stevenson replaced former Superintendent Pari Whitten, who resigned to become superintendent at Sinton ISD.

Previously serving as a middle school and high school principal for the school district, Stevenson joined the Harper school district in January 2000.

Espinoza selected as new superintendent for Socorro ISD

Dr. Joe Espinoza (pictured) recently won selection as the lone finalist for superintendent for Socorro Independent School District. He will replace former Superintendent Xavier De La Torre once his contract is approved following the required 21-day waiting period.

Currently the school improvement officer for Houston ISD, Espinoza previously served as a teacher, counselor and principal during his 16 years in public education.

Espinoza has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from The University of Texas- Pan American and a Ph.D. from Sam Houston State University.

Tom Adams retiring as city

manager in Pilot Point

City Manager Tom Adams of Pilot Point recently announced plans to retire on May 31 after four years in that post. Adams had submitted a letter of resignation almost a year ago, but agreed to delay his retirement until he oversaw the completion of several city projects.

In his 31 years in city government, Adams also served as a city manager or assistant city manager in Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, Odessa, Seminole and Sundown.

Adams has a master's degree from Brigham Young University.

Superintendent for Port Aransas

ISD to retire in January 2015

Superintendent Sharon Doughty (pictured) recently told trustees for the Port Aransas Independent School District that she plans to retire, effective Jan. 16, 2015.

Doughty, who has worked in public education for 30 years, served more than five years as superintendent for the Port Aransas school district. Board members agreed to begin the search for a new superintendent immediately.

She has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University at College Station, a master's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.

Stanford selected as director of communications for Comal ISD

Steve Stanford (pictured), previously director of media and community relations for Katy Independent School District, recently won selection as the new executive director for communications and governmental relations for Comal ISD.

Stanford has worked for the Katy district since 2009 and is scheduled to begin his new duties at Comal ISD on Jan. 23.

Comal ISD officials were attracted to Stanford because of his experience with the fast-growing Katy school district, which had 44,000 students in 2004 and now has 67,000 students, said Superintendent Andrew Kim.

The Comal district is expected to increase from 19,600 students now enrolled to 32,000 students in 10 years, Kim said.

Corpus Christi names Roxann

Cotroneo as new city attorney

City Manager Ron Olson of Corpus Christi recently named Roxann Pais Cotroneo as the new city attorney.

If confirmed by city council members, Cotroneo plans to begin work on Feb. 3. She previously was a city attorney in Harlingen and an assistant city attorney in Dallas.

• James "Jim" Jeffers of Nacogdoches, Texas Municipal Retirement System Board of Directors;
• George W. Brown III of Beaumont, Jefferson and Orange County Board of Pilot Commissioners;
• Bradley "Brad" Rutledge of Orange, Jefferson and Orange County Board of Pilot Commissioners;
• James Scott of Beaumont, Jefferson and Orange County Board of Pilot Commissioners;
• Ismael "Mel" Capelo of Pasadena, School District Mentoring Program Advisory Committee;
• Delinda Neal of Humble, School District Mentoring Program Advisory Committee;
• Kathy Schreiber-Clark of Houston,School District Mentoring Program Advisory Committee;
• Andrew "Taylor" Allen of Dallas, Texas Emergency Services Retirement System.

Smith selected as chief

financial officer for Katy ISD

Christopher J. Smith, previously the business manager for Katy Independent School District, recently won selection as the chief financial officer for that school district.

In his new position, Smith will oversee banking, accounting, audits, payroll, finance and tax collections for the district. He previously worked for a bank and as an assistant superintendent for Bay City ISD.

Smith has a bachelor's degree from Austin College in Sherman and a master's degree from Texas A&M University - Commerce.

Big Spring ISD selects

Wigington as superintendent

Trustees for Big Spring Independent School District recently selected Chris Wigington (pictured) as the new superintendent.

Serving as the interim superintendent since August 2013, Wigington has worked as a teacher and administrator in public education for 24 years, including stints at school districts in Tahoka, Snyder, Merkel and Sweetwater. He joined the Big Spring district as a specialist in secondary curriculum four years ago.