UT System names leader of UT-RGV medical school

University of South Florida's Francisco Fernandez will serve as inaugural dean

The chair of the College of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at the University of South Florida (USF) has been named to head The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UT-RGV) medical school. Dr. Francisco Fernandez (pictured) was announced this morning, Friday, by officials of The University of Texas System as the Valley medical school's inaugural dean.

"We are proud to welcome Dr. Francisco Fernandez back to The University of Texas family in the historic role of founding dean of the Rio Grande Valley's own medical school," said Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa, chancellor of The University of Texas System. "We look forward to the extremely important role he will play in the medical school's formative years."

Fernandez said in a telephone interview that the new School of Medicine will provide education that is state of the art in terms of the science of medicine while adding a humanistic approach to education that will be inclusive, according to a UT System press release.

Dr. Ray Greenberg, UT System's executive vice chancellor for health affairs, called Fernandez "a scientist of the first rank, an experienced clinician and a top-flight administrator." Greenberg said he is certain the new medical school dean "will attract faculty and students of the highest caliber, including many young Valley natives who wish to stay in the region to pursue their studies of medicine."

Fernandez will be introduced to the Rio Grande Valley community on Wednesday, Feb. 26, and will visit the Regional Academic Health Center and the UT Pan American and UT Brownsville campuses to meet with students, faculty, staff and community members.

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Bodisch elevated to DPS Deputy Director of Homeland Security

A 40-year veteran law enforcement official, Robert Bodisch (pictured), has been named Deputy Director of Homeland Security with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Bodisch has served as DPS chief of staff and assistant director of homeland security since 2009. Before joining DPS, he was deputy director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security.

The new deputy director began his law enforcement and criminal justice career in 1973, serving as lieutenant investigator with the Harris County District Attorney's Office. He is also a former chief investigator with the Texas Prosecutor Council and was a senior criminal investigator with the Texas Attorney General's Office. Bodisch served four years on active duty with the U. S. Marine Corps, six years in the Marine Corps and Navy Reserves and 25 years as a volunteer with the Texas State Guard. He served two tours of duty in Iraq working for the Department of Justice, International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program. He holds associate and bachelor's degrees in criminal justice from the University of Houston, and a master's degree in quality systems management.

TWDB calls first work session success; more slated across state

The first of three work sessions conducted by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has been deemed a success by board officials. The first session was held Feb. 11 in Conroe with more than 100 stakeholders from the Houston metro area attending and offering input on water issues they deem important to the state.

TWDB Chair Carlos Rubinstein said the large turnout and participation showed there is significant interest in the work the board is undertaking related to the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) and other water initiatives. "It is critical for us to hear from citizens as we move forward with implementing the SWIFT," said the board chair.

Two other meetings already have been slated - in Lubbock on Feb. 24 and in Harlingen on March 24. Board member Bech Bruun said the work sessions are intended to provide Texans with an opportunity to voice concerns and opinions.

TWDB is charged with developing rules on how the voter-approved SWIFT funding will be used and how projects in the State Water Plan that will benefit from funding will be prioritized.

Carpenter announces retirement from Lone Star College System

After seven years at the helm of the Lone Star College System (LSCS), Chancellor Dr. Richard Carpenter (pictured) has announced he will retire this summer. In making the announcement recently to employees, Carpenter called his seven-year stint "unequivocally the pinnacle of my career."

When he closes out his career with the Lone Star System, Carpenter will have posted an education career spanning four decades, 32 of which were either as president of a college or system CEO. He began with LSCS in 2007, when it was the North Harris Montgomery Community College District.

Carpenter began his administrative career in higher education as president at Somerset Community College in Kentucky. He was then recruited to college presidencies in the states of Minnesota, California and Alabama, before serving as state president and CEO of the 16-college Wisconsin Community and Technical College System, which enrolled more than 400,000 students with a $1 billion annual budget. Most recently, he had served as president of the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, and as state director for Nevada's Community Colleges. 

Texas nears four years' worth of increased sales tax revenue

Texas is nearing four years of consecutive monthly sales tax revenue increases. According to State Comptroller Susan Combs, January sales tax revenues in Texas were up 8.3 percent compared to the same month last year, representing the 46th consecutive monthly increase. Sales tax revenue for January totaled $2.3 billion.

Combs said all major sectors of the state's economy saw increases, representing a year-to-date collection of 4.6 percent more than the same period last year. As a result, cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts in the state will share $802.1 million as their share of the tax revenue, up 8.2 percent over distributions in February 2013.

Cities will share $526 million, up 8 percent over February of last year. Counties show an increase of 0.8 percent over last February and will share $49.3 million. An allocation of $179.8 million will be shared by Texas transit systems, representing a 7.2 percent increase over February 2013, and special purpose taxing districts will share $47 million, up 8.2 percent over last February. Allocations are available by city and by county.  

Tesh VP for academic affairs at TAMU Health Science Center

Vernon L. Tesh, Ph.D. (pictured), who has been serving as interim vice president for academic affairs at the Texas A&M Health Science Center since January of last year, has been named to the role permanently. He will also serve as a liaison with the Texas A&M University Office of the Dean of Faculties and Office of the Provost.

Before his promotion, Tesh was associate dean for faculty affairs and curriculum management at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. He also is a tenured professor in the Department of Microbial and Molecular Pathogenesis at the college.

Tesh holds a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Virginia and a doctorate in microbiology and immunology from Emory University in Georgia. He has also completed a post-doctoral fellowship in microbiology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Maryland. 

El Paso drafting RFP for convention hotel in downtown

El Paso city employees have been directed by the City Council to begin drafting a request for proposals (RFP) for a full-service convention hotel in the downtown area. City officials say they are prepared to offer incentives to a firm offering an acceptable proposal. Council stipulated that no proposals would be considered that do not include enough meeting rooms and other amenities so that the city can host large conventions.

The city is in need of 800 to 1,000 hotel rooms in the downtown area to attract more conventions and thus bring more money into city coffers as well as local businesses. There currently are only about 430 beds available. Although some incentive packages were previously offered for hotel development projects in the city, officials reserved some incentive offerings specifically for a downtown project.

Bain given spot on CAMPO Transportation Policy Board

Small cities will be represented on the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Transportation Policy Board by Joe Bain (pictured), after Travis County named the Lakeway City Council member to the board.

Bain's first CAMPO Transportation Policy Board meeting as a board member was last week. Bain said with the federal funding faucet drying up, it is important to "get the most bang for our buck with whatever we're building, widening or improving."

Bain will end his career as a member of the Lakeway City Council in May, when he will have reached the council's term limit deadline.

Killeen approves $30 million for water treatment plant

A $30 million water treatment plant is in the works for the city of Killeen. City officials recently approved an amendment to the city's current contract with the Bell County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 for the financing, design and construction of a plant on Stillhouse Hollow Lake.

As a result, the city will receive an additional 10 million gallons of treated water per day, enough to meet the city's water needs for approximately 20 years. The city currently is drawing down 32 million gallons per day from Belton Lake through an existing contract with the water district. Two million gallons of water will be made available to the city, which will be charged only for what it uses, while the new plant is under construction.

Motal chosen to head Association of Women in Energy

Former Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) General Manager Becky Motal (pictured) has been named president and chairman of the Association of Women in Energy (AWE), a group that offers education and career advancement programming geared toward increasing the field of women leaders in energy.

Motal was at the LCRA for 25 years, and was the entity's first female general manager in the LCRA's 77-year history. She resigned in November and was replaced by Interim General Manager Ross Phillips.

Motal will replace AWE founder Rina Hartline at AWE. Hartline served as president of the organization since it was formed in 2010. She will continue to serve as an advisor.

Robinson ISD officials discuss another possible bond vote

Robinson Independent School District trustees are discussing possibly calling what would be the third bond election in the district in three years. Once again, trustees are discussing replacing the intermediate school, which has stood for five decades. School officials cite increasing safety and electrical issues as among the reasons for the need of a new school.

The most recent attempt at passage of a bond referendum was last November, when voters said no to a $21 million bond issue. School officials now are coming back with a slimmed-down bond issue, this one at a cost of approximately $19 million. Officials are even looking at possible ways to trim the cost even more by perhaps using less expensive building materials.

The school district also failed to pass a $39 million bond election in 2011 that would have built a new junior high as well as make additions at the elementary school. The deadline for calling a November bond election is Feb. 28.

Bids over budget, San Juan puts water plant out for bids again

Recent bids on a 3.5 million-gallon-per-day, new water treatment plant for the city of San Juan all came in higher than budgeted. Thus, city officials are preparing to seek a second round of bids.

The project also includes extensive upgrades and retrofits necessary to meet the needs of a growing community. The city had budgeted $8.5 million for the project, but bids came in as much as $3 million over the estimated budget. The three bids received came in at $11.4 million, $11.9 million and $13.5 million. City officials plan to pare down some of the "extras" that pushed the price over budget. "The water plant component, which is the principal component, is still going to be done, but all the other stuff is aesthetic in nature," said City Manager J.J. Rodriguez (pictured).

City officials said most of the added expense was from plans to build a parking lot, office building, storage and extra basins near a city reservoir. Those plans are likely now on hold. The rebid is expected within the next two months. If one of the new bids is selected, construction could begin before next summer. City commissioners previously approved the issue of $2.2 million in independent bonds to build a raw water transfer line between city reservoirs. That project should close in March.

Gonzalez to begin negotiations for architect for expo center

Gonzales city officials have authorized the city manager to begin negotiations to engage Tim Gescheidle as architect for the design and construction of an exposition center at JB Wells Park. City Manager Allen Barnes (pictured) will also work with the city financial advisor to develop a financing package to fund the project, including certificates of obligation.

The facility is expected to be 30,000 to 35,000 square feet and will be a multi-use facility where events can be held with or separate from other facilities. A feasibility study showed that the expo center would pay for itself in three years.

Barnes added that when he spoke to Gescheidle recently, the architect estimated the project cost at $7.5 million to $8 million.

SAWS trustees not sold on desalination recommendation

The trustees of the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) didn't rubber-stamp the recommendation presented to them earlier this week by staff that they scrap three private-sector proposals for water pipeline projects for an expansion of the entity's desalination of brackish water with CPS Energy.

The trustees said they will seek public input on the issue before making a decision. The city is searching for water sources other than the Edwards Aquifer, which will not always be able to handle the city's needs. Already on the drawing board is construction of a desalination plant in South Bexar County. Because CPS Energy is studying the possibility of a new natural gas-fired plant in that same area, it could partner with SAWS and use some of the desalinated brackish water.

Although both options are comparable in price, the SAWS staff said risks for the private-sector proposals are greater and would not be eligible for some of the $2 billion state funds that were approved by the legislature for water development projects. SAWS plans a joint board meeting with CPS Energy in March to consider a possible partnership.

Officials in Lubbock-Cooper school district mull bond issue

The Board of Trustees of the Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District are mulling a May bond election, with a large part of the proceeds of a possible $55 million bond to be used for updates and upgrades at the high school to address space issues. The high school holds some classes in 18 portable classrooms and sports facilities are cramped.

The board held a forum earlier this week and will discuss calling a bond vote at its next regular meeting. The bond issue would likely include doubling the number of classrooms at the high school, adding a career and technology education wing and a second competition-sized gym. A new sports complex would also likely be part of the bond, including locker rooms and coaches offices and year-round space for the tennis and golf teams.

"We just have a lot of needs," said Superintendent Pat Henderson (pictured). Henderson said the growth in the district "doesn't stop." Should a bond issue be called and pass in the May 10 election, Henderson said construction could begin as early as next summer.

Officials in the Midland Independent School District moved quickly after last week reporting a possible security breech in which several thousand social security numbers and birth dates of current and former students were stolen from a laptop that belonged to the school district. This week, school officials announced they are moving forward with a financial package for the parents of children whose personal information may have been compromised.

The school will work with a private-sector firm to monitor those students' credit for a year. MISD Superintendent Ryder Warren said if there is any indication of identity theft or credit compromise, the school district wants to have a plan to help those students' parents.

Warren said in addition to hiring the private firm, the school district will examine school-owned laptops to ensure no sensitive information can be accessed. The district also plans to hire an auditor to suggest what other steps the district might take to ensure the security of student information. Warren said that so far, there has been no indication that any information has been used for unintended purposes.

First phase of Houston ISD PowerUp initiative called success

The first phase of the Houston Independent School District's PowerUp technology initiative has been dubbed a success by HISD officials. The first phase of the program led to the distribution of 18,000 laptops. The laptops went to students in eight high schools in the district and were distributed over the last three weeks.

HISD Chief Technology Officer Lenny Schad (pictured) said much of the success of this first phase was from HISD operating with the advice and best practices offered by Klein ISD, which has a one-to-one technology program similar to the HISD initiative. The first phase of the HISD initiative involved 11 schools. In phase two, 18 high schools will be added during the 2014-2015 school year and an additional 15 high schools will receive laptops in phase three in the 2015-2016 school year.

The distribution plan was spread over three weeks. During the deployment at each high school, students received their laptops and a brief introductory lesson while attending a normally scheduled class, creating fewer disruptions.

City of Fort Worth approves project list for May bond election

A project list with a combined price tag of $292 million has been approved for a May 10 bond election for voters in the city of Fort Worth. City Council members recently approved the list of proposed projects, most of which address streets, sidewalks and parks and cut spending on public art.

Council members agreed to a one-time reduction in public arts funding. That reduction and a $400,000 reduction in new playground equipment funds will make $1.4 million available for transportation grant matches and $950,000 for improvements at the McLeland Tennis Center, Rosemont Park and Victory Forest Park. The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge will get a new levee at a cost of $350,000.

Voters will vote on seven specific issues - $219.74 million for transportation and infrastructure; $31.44 million for parks and community services; $12.65 million for east side and far north libraries; $9.28 million for two new fire stations; $1.53 million for municipal court renovations; $15.08 million for facility-related expenses; and $2.35 million for a new animal care and control center and expansion to the Silcox Animal Care and Control facility.

Raymondville to use sales tax, other funds for sports complex

A new sports complex for the north side of the city of Raymondville has been approved by city officials. The city has proposed using $1.2 million in sales tax receipts and available county funds for the complex. City Manager Eleazar Garcia (pictured) said the facility will be built around two existing playing fields at North First Street and Durango Avenue.

Barring significant opposition by the public to the use of sale tax funds, the Raymondville Economic Development Corporation will fund the project. The city will furnish $250,000 to install light poles at the site.

The sports complex will include a 7,300-square-foot skate park with ramps, a 6,000-square-foot pavilion, four exercise stations and a 1,740-foot-long walking and jogging trail that will run around the park.

Zavalla studying building new water treatment system

Violations pointed out by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) have led officials in the city of Zavalla to start looking seriously at updating the city's water treatment system. City Council members recently authorized Mayor Jimmy Davis to contact an engineer regarding such a system that would be in compliance with TCEQ regulations. Officials in Zavalla have attempted over the last year to address TCEQ charges that the city's water supply has Trihalomethanes, also known as THMs. 

Tyler city officials give approval for police substation design

Designs for a new South Tyler Police Substation have been approved by the Tyler City Council. One of the main benefits of the new facility will be the amount of time saved for officers traveling from one area to another. The new facility will help the police department better manage personnel and not have to add additional personnel. Citizens are expected to benefit as well, as many will have access closer to them for police services such as records and investigations information.

Police Chief Gary Swindle said the new substation will play an important role in maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of every police officer when he or she is on duty.

The facility (as seen in the accompanying artist's rendering) will be paid for with proceeds from the city's half-cent sales tax. It will be about 17,500 square feet. With a cost of an estimated $3.1 million, officials expect the new substation to be completed by 2016.

Port of Corpus Christi announces $41 million extension

A project that extends the ship channel to a depth of 41 feet for 1.4 miles is opening this week for the Port of Corpus Christi. The La Quinta Channel project will also include an ecosystem restoration component that includes breakwater and shore protection for 45 acres of seagrass habitat and 200 acres of shallow water habitat created from the dredged material.

The $41 million costs of the project are shared between the Port and the federal government. Judy Hawley (pictured), chair of the Port of Corpus Christi Commission, said the completion of the dredging project "marks a step forward in providing the infrastructure needed to support the Port's diversification of cargo efforts."

The fifth largest port in the country relative to tonnage, Corpus Christi's port has seen a major increase in activity as a result of activity in the Eagle Ford Shale. Located on a 1,100-acre greenfield site on the north side of Corpus Christi Bay, when completed, this project will include deep water access and provide a state-of-the-art multi-purpose dock facility, a 3,600-foot channel frontage, 150 acres of container/general cargo storage yard and intermodal rail. The facility will have the capacity to handle approximately 1 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually.

Huntsville awarded grant for bridge at federal campgrounds

The city of Huntsville has garnered a grant from the Federal Lands Access Program that will lead to construction of a new bridge on Stubblefield Lake Road, 11 miles west of New Waverly. The old bridge, located near the entrance to campgrounds in the Sam Houston National Forest on Lake Conroe, has an aging wooden bridge. The bridge was built in the late 1960s or early 1970s. The grant will allow for enhancement of national forest campgrounds and roads leading to them.

The bridge project has been estimated to cost $1.3 million and the county will pay a matching amount of nearly 20 percent of the total. The old bridge will be removed and a new structure will take its place. It will be widened to two lanes with fishing platforms on both sides. There will also be a multi-use lane for hikers and bikers to connect two existing nature trails at the location. A start date for the project has not yet been determined.

Westin to head El Paso's economic, international development

The city of El Paso has named Cary Westin (pictured) as head of its Economic and International Development Department. He will lead a department whose goal is to attract, keep and expand more businesses in El Paso.

Westin previously served as vice president for business development at the Borderplex Binational Economic Alliance, an El Paso-based regional economic development organization, and at the Regional Economic Development Corp. He is also a former vice president of development with Aerospace Missions Corp.

Westin, a U.S. Army veteran of 25 years who retired as a colonel in 2009, holds a bachelor's degree from the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia, and a master's degree from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Arlington ISD calls for largest

bond election in district history

Arlington ISD officials will ask voters in the district to approve in May the largest bond election in the school district's history. School trustees this week approved calling a $663.1 million bond referendum.

The bond issue is a result of recommendations by a bond committee of spending for updates relating to arts, sports, facilities, transportation and technology. Among the projects in the proposed bond is a $46 million Career and Technical Center. Another $2.5 million is proposed for an Agricultural Science Facility. A $25 million Athletic Complex, including a natatorium and a competition gym for gymnastics and wrestling, is also part of the proposal, as is a $32 million Fine Arts Center and two dual-language/fine arts academies. Two new elementary schools also would be built.

Every elementary school in the district would get two new science labs. Renovations also would be in line for career and technical education and fine arts spaces made available at each high school. Another $60 million would be spent on multipurpose activity centers. Regarding technology, some of the bond proceeds would be used for wireless access enhancements and more technology access. Other additions and building improvements also are part of the proposal.

Belton picks Bozon as

city's new finance director

Brandon Bozon (pictured), a native of Belton and a Belton High School graduate, will return to his hometown to become the city's new finance director. Currently a senior associate at KPMG in Dallas, Bozon was one of 24 applicants for the Belton job. He will replace Finance Director Cristy Daniell, who is retiring at the end of March after a 22-year career with the city.  

Bozon holds both bachelor's and master's degrees from Texas A&M University. He is also a Certified Publlic Accountant. Bozon will begin his new charge on March 31.

West district to get $20 million 

in school replacement funds

Two schools in West that were destroyed last year as a result of a deadly fertilizer plant explosion will receive a $20 million grant to help rebuild the schools. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide the West Independent School District with funds to help build both a high school and middle school. The two structures will cost approximately $60 million. The school district's insurance will cover about $45 million of that cost, with the federal funds covering the remainder. Construction on the schools is expected to begin in April.

Frisco ISD approves $775

million bond election for May

A $775 million school bond election has been set for the Frisco Independent School District in November. The bond proceeds would pay for 14 new campuses. The state's fastest growing school district, Frisco ISD already has three new high schools and two more being built. The bond election would pay for three more. The proposal also includes new buildings and renovations and $103 million to be spread out over transportation, security, technology and other district needs.

Allen ISD picks Hindt as lone

finalist for superintendent

Lance Hindt (pictured), superintendent of the Stafford Municipal School District since 2011, has been selected by the board of trustees as the lone finalist for the superintendent spot in the Allen ISD. Hindt also is a former assistant superintendent of the Fort Bend ISD in Sugar Lane. Hindt will replace former Superintendent Ken Helvey, who retired in September after leading the school district since 2006. Assistant Superintendent Beth Nicholas has been serving as interim superintendent.

Kemp picked as lone finalist

for Aransas Pass superintendent

Aransas Pass ISD has gone internally and picked Mark Kemp, principal as its A.C. Blunt Middle School, as lone finalist for the district's superintendent slot. He will replace Dr. Royce Avery, who left to become an area superintendent for El Paso ISD. Assistant Superintendent Stetson Roane has served as interim superintendent since the fall.

Kemp has been with the district since the fall 2012 semester. He began his teaching career as a classroom teacher in Brownsville. He has since served as director of education at Vatterott College in California, high school principal at Needles, California, superintendent at Baker Valley Unified School District in Baker, California and assistant principal in Somerset ISD. He also worked for the Region 13 Education Service Center. He holds a bachelor's degree from Missouri Western State University and a master's degree from National University in California.

Sherman will serve as interim superintendent in Cleveland

Jake Sherman, who has served in the past as interim superintendent of the Diboll ISD, has been chosen by the Cleveland ISD as that district's interim superintendent. He replaces former Superintendent Kerry Cowart, who left the district's top spot. Sherman held the post in Diboll after retiring from the Corrigan-Camden ISD in 1996.

The Cleveland school district's superintendent search process is tentatively set to occur over the next four months.

Ysleta ISD picks De La Torre

as lone superintendent finalist

A familiar face could be headed back to El Paso after the Ysleta Independent School District board named Dr. Xavier De La Torre (pictured) as its lone finalist for the district's superintendent. De La Torre served as superintendent in the Socorro School District in El Paso from 2009 to 2012. He has since been serving as county superintendent in the Santa Clara, California, schools. De La Torre would replace former Ysleta Superintendent Dr. Michael Zolkoski, who retired last September. The Board of Trustees is expected to hire De La Torre during its regular meeting on March 5.

Southside ISD picks Ricardo

Vela for superintendent finalist

Ricardo Vega, who has been serving as interim superintendent of the Southside Independent School District in San Antonio since the termination in December of former Superintendent Juan Jasso, has been chosen as the lone finalist for superintendent.

Vega was the only candidate interviewed for the position. He currently does not hold the required superintendent's certification, but school officials say he is enrolled in a certificate program. Vega did, however, meet the qualifications of the district's job posting - a bachelor's degree, three years' experience with the district, 15 or more years in public education and experience with business and school finance.

Pena moves to development

group; Underwood promoted

Alton Assistant City Manager Steve Pena has been named the chief executive officer for the City of Alton Development Corporation. Pena for the last seven years has worked as general manager for the corporation.

Pena said that over the next year and a half when the city begins generating sales tax revenues, it will be able to hire staff for the development corporation. Pena's replacement as assistant city manager will be Jeff Underwood, who will also become the planning director for the city. He recently resigned from his post in the Weslaco planning department. He was planning director for San Juan for six years and was project manager for a development group.

Blaha making return as

Hidalgo ISD superintendent

Edward L. Blaha (pictured) is making a return engagement to the Hidalgo Independent School District. Blaha, who served the district for 24 years, but now heads the Kingsville ISD, was recently named lone finalist for the Hidalgo post. He will replace Interim Superintendent Martin Pena, who took over that post in July.

Blaha was employed by the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD before being hired away in 2012 by the Kingsville district. In his previous stint with Hidalgo ISD, Blaha helped implement the early college curriculum. He was promoted to superintendent in 2009.

Blaha holds bachelor's and master's degrees from The University of Texas-Pan American and a superintendent certification from Texas A&M-University Kingsville.

Fort Worth mayor names Beck

city's first transportation czar

A City of Fort Worth veteran employee for 18 years, Bryan Beck, has been named by Mayor Betsy Price as the city's first transportation czar. He will oversee major transportation projects and policies for the city.

Beck previously served as the regional transportation coordinator for the city's planning and development department. He accepted a post with the city after graduating from Texas A&M University with bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering. He has been actively involved as project director for the Southwest Parkway Project, working closely with officials in leadership posts with the Texas Department of Transportation, the North Texas Tollway Authority and the Fort Worth City Manager's Office.

Ron Whitehead retiring

as Addison city manager

After more than three decades of service to the city of Addison, City Manager Ron Whitehead (pictured) has announced his retirement, effective Feb. 28. Deputy City Manager Lea Dunn will take over his position.

Whitehead will close out a career in municipal government that spans more than 40 years. He became city manager in Addison in 1982 after chalking up 11 years in government with the city of Irving and also worked for the city of Beaumont. He holds a bachelor's degree from Lamar University and a master's degree from the University of North Texas.

Midland Spaceport gets

$2 million in grant funding

Midland International Airport's spaceport got a monetary boost recently when a $2 million grant was awarded to the Midland Spaceport Development Corp. from the state's Spaceport Trust Fund. The fund, created by the Texas Legislature, is aimed at assisting with infrastructure costs for spaceports. Marv Esterly, director of airports, said the money will be used for capital improvement projects. "Two million dollars goes a long way to bring spaceport development to the city of Midland and diversifying our economy," said John Love III, Spaceport Development Corp. president. The corporation will be eligible to re-apply for the grant next year.

Toscano to replace Patterson as East Central ISD superintendent

East Central High School Principal Rolando Toscano has been named the lone finalist for superintendent of the East Central Independent School District. Toscano, who attended East Central schools in his early years, will replace Superintendent Gary Patterson, who is retiring.

Mylett promoted to chief

of Port of Corpus Christi police

Tom Mylett (pictured), who has been serving as acting chief of police for the Port of Corpus Christi, was recently promoted to chief. Mylett joined the Port's police department at a lieutenant in2004 and was appointed assistant chief in 2008.

Mylett is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, where he recorded eight years of service. He soon joined the Corpus Christi Police Department, where he served for 23 years. During that time, he served in positions that included patrol officer, field training officer, search and recovery dive team member, CID detective, undercover and vice enforcement investigator, patrol division lieutenant and supervisor of the Vice/Narcotics night operations unit. He retired from that post in 2004.

Mylett is a graduate of Sam Houston State University's Bill Blackmore LEMIT Leadership Command College.

Marshall bond committee

puts together project list

The Marshall school district's bond committee has worked for four weeks on preparing a bond election project list and pricing. Their recommendations will be made at a Feb. 17 meeting of the school board. The board will hear the recommendation and then possibly act on calling a bond election. The deadline for calling an election in May is Feb. 28.

• Robert A. Eckels of Spring, Texas County and District Retirement System;
• Bridget McDowell of Baird, Texas County and District Retirement System;
• Bob Willis of Livingston, Texas County and District Retirement System;
• James Broaddus of Austin, Office of Small Business Assistance Advisory Task Force;
• Robert McKinley of San Antonio, Office of Small Business Assistance Advisory Task Force;
• Will Newton of Austin, Office of Small Business Assistance Advisory Task Force;
• Steven Berkowitz of Austin, chair, Texas Institute for Health Care Quality and Efficiency Board of Directors;
• Thomas Feeley of Houston, Texas Institute for Health Care Quality and Efficiency Board of Directors;
• Valerie Shurley of Georgetown, Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians;
• Brian Irons of Lubbock, Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians;
• Harvey Salinas of Corpus Christi, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Sarah Abrahams of Austin, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Terrie Breeden of Wimberley, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Katrina Daniel of Austin, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Emily Dean of Abilene, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Jenny Hinson of Cedar Park, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee
• Barbara Knighton of Spring, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Rumisha Rice of Houston, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Patricia Rosenlund of Mission, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee
• Lynn Sullivan of Fort Worth, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Laura J. Warren of Austin, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Sharon Butterworth of El Paso, Health and Human Services Council;
• Antonio Falcon of Rio Grande City, Health and Human Services Council;
• Billy Ray Stubblefield of Georgetown,  presiding judge of the Third Administrative Judicial Region;
• Maria "Carmen" Pagan of McAllen, chair, Governor's Commission for Women;
• Elisa "Lisa" Lucero of Austin, vice chair,Governor's Commission for Women;
• Larry McNamara of Dallas, Appraisal Management Companies Advisory Committee.

Krause chosen to head up

Hemisfair Conservancy efforts

Retired U.S. Air Force officer Anne Krause (pictured) hopes to use her philanthropic consulting skills and experience of having worked with nonprofits for the last 14 years in her new job as head of the Hemisfair Conservancy. Officials of the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corp. that oversees the development of the park said Krause will create and develop the conservancy, which is charged with raising funds for park improvement projects.

The Conservancy is a nonprofit separate from the redevelopment corporation and will "raise, manage, and allocate philanthropic dollars for park improvement projects," according to a press release.The foundation hopes to create open space at Hemisfair, provide programming and education and recreation opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

Beaumont ISD finance director resigns; facing possible indictment

Beaumont Independent School District Finance Director Devin McCraney has resigned. McCraney is one of two facing a 19-count indictment relating to the alleged embezzlement of $4 million in school funds. The two were terminated by the school district. However, McCraney appealed his firing and stayed on paid suspension leave. The two face a pre-trial hearing Feb. 27.