KFDM photo

A registered professional engineer and veteran of more than three decades with Exxon Mobile Corp. has been named to one of the three slots on the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). Kathleen Thea Jackson of Beaumont (pictured) was appointed this week by Gov. Rick Perry to a one-year term that will begin March 18 and run through Feb. 1, 2015. Jackson replaces TWDB Board member Mary Ann Williamson, who was appointed in September of last year and recently announced her resignation from a term that would have expired in February 2019.

Williams joins board Chairman Carlos Rubinstein and Bech Bruun, who also serves on the board. The two were appointed last year when the TWDB was reorganized from a six-member, voluntary, unpaid board to a three-member, full-time paid board. Rubenstein's term will expire Feb. 1, 2017, and Bruun's term will expire Feb. 1, 2015.

Jackson is no stranger to state government and public service. She is a past member and former president of the Lower Neches Valley Authority Board of Directors. Some of her public service commitments have been as a board member of the Texas Water Conservation Association, as a member of the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and Minority Business Development Partnership and member of the Southeast Texas Workforce Development Board.

A graduate of North Carolina State University, Jackson holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and pulp and paper science and technology. She was a North Carolina Leadership Institute Fellow and recipient of the W.E. Cauldwell Fellowship for Chemical Engineering studies. She is a Texas Registered Professional Engineer and past chair of the Southeast Texas Section of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Jackson joins the TWDB at a critical time as the three-member board is heading up efforts to prioritize water-related projects in the State Water Plan that will benefit from $2 billion in funding from the state's rainy day fund.

Chief Counsel Aragon retires from HHSC after 18-year career

Stick appointed by Janek to fill chief counsel post until replacement hired

An 18-year career with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has come to a close today with the retirement of Steve Aragon (left), the agency's chief counsel. And, a new era begins with the appointment of Jack Stick (right) to Aragon's post, at least temporarily.

Aragon began his nearly two decades with HHSC in a one-man shop as the agency's general counsel. With the reorganization of health and human service agencies in Texas under one HHS umbrella in recent years and the promotion of Aragon to chief counsel, the long-time attorney for the state leaves his public service job with a staff that increased to nearly 150 spread throughout the state serving HHS agencies with more than 56,000 employees. During his tenure, Aragon helped create databases of information to ensure institutional knowledge from over the years did not leave the agency with retirees or employees who left for other jobs. He also championed ethics seminars for state employees throughout the state.

HHSC Executive Commissioner Kyle Janek this week announced he has appointed Stick to serve as chief counsel. Stick is on loan from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), where he is Deputy Inspector General in charge of the OIG's Enforcement Division. Stick is a former state and federal prosecutor, served in the private sector as general counsel to a technology company and director of public policy for an international bank. He is a former municipal judge and a former member of the Texas House of Representatives. Stick will serve as chief counsel temporarily, until a replacement is selected for Aragon.

UT System to build $102M building to consolidate operations

A new nine-story, $102 million building will soon be the home to as many as 700 employees of The University of Texas System as System officials announced plans to consolidate employees currently spread out in five separate buildings. System officials expect to release a request for proposals today, Friday, for architectural services for the project.

The modern, high-efficiency building will be built on UT System property in downtown Austin on 7th Street between Lavaca and Colorado streets. In addition to providing space for System employees, six parking levels will be included in the new multi-million-dollar facility. There will be 258,000 square feet of office space, approximately 200,000 square feet of which will be available for immediate use by the System. The remainder of the space will be available for lease, which will include retail space. The parking areas will have space for 650-700 vehicles.

With so many System employees spread out among other facilities, officials say the move to the new building will save the System more than $125 million over the next 30 years. System officials also say the move will  improve effectiveness and efficiency. "We see this as an opportunity not only to create a more modern and efficient work space and yield significant cost savings for the UT System that can be passed on to our institutions, but also as a chance to revitalize this part of downtown with added retail space that would lend itself to pedestrian traffic," said Scott Kelley (pictured), UT System executive vice chancellor for business affairs.

Raymondville moves forward with $1.2 million sports complex

Raymondville City Council members recently approved construction of a new $1.2 million sports complex with two playing fields. Willacy County officials also have agreed to set aside $250,000 to build 10 light poles along the site of the sports complex on the city's north side.The new complex is planned to include a 7,300-square-foot skate park with ramps, a 6,000-square-foot pavilion, four exercise stations and a walking and jogging trail around the perimeter of the park.

University of Houston sets aside $20M for new basketball facility

Regents for the University of Houston recently adopted a $20 million budget to pay for construction of a new practice facility for its basketball programs for men and women. Funding for the new facility designed by DLR Group and PSP and to be located next to Hofheinz Pavilion, comes from private funding, according to UH officials.

Current plans call for the 50,000-square-foot facility to have one and one-half courts for both men and women, locker rooms, team lounges, film rooms, a suite of coaching offices, nutrition center and areas for sports medicine and sports performances. Scheduled to begin construction in May, the new facility should be completed in a year to 18 months, according to the construction manager for the project, Austin Commercial.

Parkland selects Erath as interim chief financial officer

Mark E. Erath (pictured) has been chosen as the interim chief financial officer for Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. Erath most recently served as finance officer for Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania.

Before his stint at Geisinger, Erath spent 22 years with Pricewaterhouse Coopers, an international business services company, where his work included advising and auditing hospitals and health-related companies. 

A Louisiana native, Erath holds an accounting degree from Louisiana State University. He has signed a nine-month contract with Parkland.

Clint Harp leaving governor's economic develop job

Clint Harp, director of business development in Gov. Rick Perry's Office of Economic Development for the last year and a half, is leaving that position.

Harp has spent the last five years working for the governor in some capacity. He served as the governor's advance for six months from October 2008 to March 2009 and then worked in Perry's political campaign for three years. From 2009 to 2012, Harp was an executive aide to the governor and spent six months in 2012 as special advisor to the governor. Harp is a graduate of Pepperdine University.

Kappus retires as president of Hill College after decade of service

Dr. Sheryl Kappus (pictured) recently announced plans to retire in March from her position as president of Hill College.

Kappus joined Hill College in 2004. She previously spent 13 years as a researcher at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.

Kappus also was a founding faculty member at Collin County Community College, where she served as dean of Science and Health and vice president of Student Affairs.

Pflugerville ISD sets $287 million bond election

Pflugerville Independent School District board members recently scheduled a $287 million bond election to build more schools, renovate existing facilities and improve safety and security.

Experiencing an average of 400 new students a year, trustees agreed to spend almost half of the proposed $287 million bond, or about $155.5 million, to build a new $104.4 million high school, a new $28.5 million elementary school and a $22.6 million elementary school to replace an existing elementary campus.

District leaders also included a $25.8 million football stadium and $20 million to improve wireless Internet capability, network operations and new technology at each campus in the district. The bond proposal also will include $4 million to add security vestibules at the entrances of schools and upgrade electrical and sprinkler systems. Board members also are asking for $16.8 million to upgrade the mechanical, plumbing and energy systems, $16.6 million for campus and interior upgrades and $15.3 million for improvements such as repairing and replacing roofing, windows and doors.

White Oak ISD to ask voters to approve $25.2 million in bonds

White Oak Independent School District board members recently agreed to schedule a $25.2 million bond election in May.

Included in the bond proposal are plans to build a new high school, field house, fine arts building and a gymnasium as well as demolish the existing high school, said Superintendent Mike Gilbert (pictured).

District officials plan to present an artist's rendering of the proposed high school at a public hearing to help educate voters on the need for the bond. However, district officials will not present more specific floor plans for the new facility unless voters approve the bonds, Gilbert said.

Kyle looking at $1.86M to upgrade infrastructure, buy vehicles

The Kyle City Council recently began consideration on issuing $1.866 million in debt to pay for improvements to infrastructure, new software, equipment and vehicles. City officials plan to spend about $450,000 of the funding to pay for urgent repairs to water reservoirs and $150,000 for remodeling the water and wastewater system. Plans also call for buying three new sports utility vehicles for the police department, four new vehicles for public works, a new pickup truck, seven defibrillators and two laptop computers with stands for the public works department. Also planned are upgrading the radio system and buying a radar trailer for police. 

Cameron ISD asking approval of $5.6 million in bonds

The board of trustees for Cameron Independent School District recently called a $5.6 million bond election for May 10. District officials plan to renovate the football field and to add baseball fields and tennis courts if voters approve the bonds.

Henderson ISD calls for bids to build new middle school

Trustees for Henderson Independent School District recently agreed to seek bids to build a new middle school. Voters approved $27 million in bonds in May 2013, allowing the district to begin designing the new campus to house sixth, seventh and eighth grades, said Superintendent Keith Boles (pictured).

Plans call for the new school to feature wireless access throughout the facility, SMART boards, projectors, computers and four computer labs, Boles said. To be located on an existing middle school practice field on South Main Street, the new school will be connected to three existing structures, including the sixth grade wing and band hall, he added.

The deadline for submitting bids for the new middle school is March 19. District officials are sending bid documents to the project contractor, who will then seek bids from subcontractors.

Missouri City seeking $40M for mobility upgrades, fire station

City council members in Missouri City recently scheduled a $40 million bond election in May to fund $22 million in mobility upgrades and pay for other upgrades to infrastructure. City officials also plan to spend $6.5 million for drainage projects and $5.7 million on improvements to other facilities if voters approve the four proposals on the ballot. Included in the mobility upgrades are improvements to roads, sidewalks and bridges.

Gainesville sets $10 million bond election for street repairs

Major road renovations will be on the ballot in Gainesville on May 10 following approval by the city council to schedule a $10 million bond election to fund the proposed improvements. Noting a study done in 2010 indicated the city would need to spend about $205 million to complete needed improvements to streets, the water and sewer system and drainage, City Manager Barry Sullivan (pictured) said city officials have set a goal to upgrade the street system by using only available funding and issuing bonds that would not raise taxes.

The proposed $10 million bond will be used to upgrade larger projects that would be difficult to complete using only funding from the city's annual budget, Sullivan said. If voters reject the bond proposal, city officials will continue to repair streets as outlined in its five-year capital improvement plan using only funding from the annual budget, he said.

Pecos may try again on $8 million bond proposal

Despite a defeat of an $8 million bond proposal in November to pay for street improvements, the Pecos City Council recently began discussing whether to schedule another $8 million bond election in May. Funding from the bonds, if approved, will pay for upgrades to streets, city officials said. Community members are now showing more support for the proposed bonds, a council member noted.

Huntsville ISD decides against bond election in May

Huntsville Independent School District board members recently agreed to wait to schedule a bond election under discussion for this year. Voters in May 2013 rejected a proposed $65.5 million bond proposition with more than 63 percent opposed. Trustees decided the district needed to develop a better plan to attract more support before scheduling another bond election, according to the board president.

Keller ISD kicks off planning for new career, technical center

Keller Independent School District trustees recently announced plans to hire an architect to prepare cost estimates and options for a new career and technical education (CTE) center to be included in a bond election currently under study.

The new CTE center, with an estimated cost of between $20 million to $60 million, could prepare students in fields such as construction, culinary arts and computer maintenance, depending on the size of the facility and equipment needed, noted Superintendent Randy Reid (pictured). The new CTE center could be part of a bond if a bond advisory committee recommends a bond election in November, Reid said. Current plans are to select an architect in late March and pay for that service using funds remaining from a 2008 bond, he added.

Other projects being considered for the bond election include a new elementary school, renovations to existing schools and upgrades to technology and security. The district could issue as much as $140 million in bonds without a tax increase, Reid said.

Killeen eyeing renovation of community center

The Killeen City Council recently began considering a request by the parks and recreation director to hire a construction manager to oversee the design, the bid process and construction work needed to renovate the Killeen Community Center.

The community center, built in 1973, has never been renovated and is in great need of renovation, according to a spokeswoman for the city. Preliminary plans call for replacing the heating, cooling and ventilation system, installing new floors and basketball goals in the gymnasium and upgrading the roof as well as ensuring the center meets the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The city has $1.2 million remaining from a 2002 bond election to pay for renovating the community center. City officials say renovations could begin as early as this summer if commissioners approve the remodel. Work on the center should be completed in about a year after construction begins.

METRO selects longtime employee Lambert to lead agency

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) has named Tom Lambert (pictured) as its new president and CEO. Lambert has been serving as interim head of the agency since January 2013.

Lambert knows the ins and outs of the agency probably better than most, as he has been employed by METRO since 1979. During that time, he has served as police chief for the agency and then as chief administrative officer before becoming interim head of METRO.

He will take over the leadership of an agency that includes 3,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.24 billion. 

New Diana ISD calls $15M bond election for upgrades, renovations

Board members for New Diana Independent School District recently scheduled a $15 million bond election in May to pay for renovations and additions to existing facilities. District officials plan to expand an elementary school to house Pre-K through fifth grade students, renovate and expand the high school, build a new gymnasium, upgrade administrative offices and demolish vacated facilities and spaces if voters approve the bonds.

Marshall ISD to ask voters to approve $150 million in bonds

Marshall Independent School District trustees recently scheduled a $150 million bond election in May to ask voters to approve funding to build new schools and renovate Marshall High School.

If the bond proposal wins approval, district officials plan to spend about $66 million to build four new elementary schools to house kindergarten through fifth grade, $38 million for a new middle school and $30 million for renovations to the high school. A new $2 million agriculture facility, $2 million to upgrade technology, $5 million to renovate an elementary school and $5.5 million to renovate the football stadium also are included in the bond proposal.

Grady ISD asking approval for $38 million in bonds

Grady Independent School District board members recently called a $38 million bond election on May 10 to pay for building new facilities, renovations to existing facilities, housing for teachers and a new stadium. If voters approve, district officials plan to build the new facilities on the site of the current football field and demolish some older buildings to improve the flow through the school. Work on the facility improvements could begin as early as early 2015 if the bonds win approval, Superintendent Leandro Gonzales said.

Lockhart ISD to ask voters to approve $63 million in bonds

Trustees for Lockhart Independent School District recently scheduled a $63 million bond election in May. Two propositions will appear on the ballot, with one proposition asking $59.8 million to build a new elementary school, renovate Lockhart High School and upgrade other schools in the district, according to Tina Knudsen (pictured), chief financial officer for the district.

Preliminary estimates are the renovations to the high school will include demolition of some older classroom wings and building a one-story and a two-story classroom wing estimated to cost about $42.6 million. Other upgrades to the high school include a new Career and Technology Education wing, a new Performing Arts Center and upgrades to technology. The new elementary school is estimated to cost about $13 million.

The second proposition will ask for approval of $4.1 million to renovate the football stadium by improving bleachers, press boxes, concession areas and restrooms. The bond proposal, however, does not include funding for furniture, fixtures and equipment for the high school or the new elementary school, Knudsen said.

Georgetown signs development agreement for hotel, civic center

A 220-room Sheraton hotel and conference center is in the near future for the city of Georgetown after city officials finalized development agreements to build the $65 million facility. Ground is expected to be broken this fall with a completion date of the end of this year. Williamson County will contribute $11.7 million toward the project and the developers - Novak Brothers and Hines Georgetown Hotel - will spend $3 million for infrastructure improvements.

The city, the Georgetown Economic Development Corp. and the Georgetown Transportation Enhancement Corp. will pony up some $13.3 million to build a parking garage for the facility, make improvements in Rivery Park and build public utilities and infrastructure. The incentives for the developers are said to be $25 million. The Rivery Park project in the future will include retail stores, restaurants and single- and multi-family housing. The project overall will be worth $150 million. A tax increment fund created in 2007 will reimburse the city and economic development groups and the city will allocate 1 percent of city sales tax generated in the area to Williamson County.

City of Bowie looking at building new city complex

With a goal of merging city staff and increasing efficiency, City Manager Ricky Tow of Bowie recently urged city council members to move forward with construction of a new city complex. The new facility should be designed to house administrative offices in addition to providing office space for water, code enforcement, emergency management, police and courts personnel, Tow said. City employees currently are housed in several buildings, which are at capacity and force some employees to share office space, he said. Council members plan to discuss the best location for the proposed city complex at their next meeting.

Midland ISD delays $158 million bond election

Midland Independent School District trustees recently delayed a $158 million bond election backed by the superintendent to help the district meet the demands of growing enrollment.

Superintendent Ryder Warren (pictured) had recommended 29 projects including two new elementary schools, $72 million to upgrade existing campuses, $33 million for specialized school facilities and $7 million to upgrade technology throughout the district.

Waiting until November to hold the bond election, however, should mean more voter participation, more time to communicate with the public and to produce a more accurate cost estimate, Warren said. District officials expect to select an architect to provide cost estimates this spring, he said.

Port of Galveston to spend $100,000 to design cruise ship terminal

Commissioners for the Port of Galveston recently approved spending $100,000 to pay for design plans for a third terminal for cruise ships. Commissioners chose a Los Angeles-based architecture firm to develop the design plans.

Earlier this year, port officials also agreed to spend about $10 million to expand an existing cruise terminal to serve larger ships and more passengers. The expansion is occurring in the face of new competition from the Bayport Cruise terminal operated by the Port of Houston that began operation late last year.

Corsicana ISD creates bond panel to study possible bond election

Trustees for Corsicana Independent School District recently agreed to create a bond committee to study district facilities and recommend whether to ask voters to approve bonds to pay for improvements. Voters in 2012 rejected a $54 million bond proposal to fund improvements to facilities.

In addition to structural problems in several facilities, high energy costs and costly repairs needed to upgrade facilities, current schools were not built to accommodate the technology necessary to provide a first class education and must be improved to meet that goal, noted Superintendent Diane Frost (pictured).

District officials invited more than 100 local residents to serve on a bond committee with a goal of reaching out to more voters, a spokeswoman for the district said.

Bond issue of $45 million scheduled by Argyle ISD

A bond proposition for $45 million will be on the May 10 ballot following approval by trustees for Argyle Independent School District. The new facilities are needed to accommodate the additional 2,600 new students expected to enroll within the next 10 years, according to district officials.

Board members plan to build a new middle school, upgrade the high school and athletic facilities, buy new school buses and improve technology if voters approve the bonds. Current plans are to complete the new school by fall 2016 if the bond proposal passes.

Stanton ISD approves $45.9 million bond proposal for ballot

After discussing a $30 million to $37 million bond proposal, Stanton Independent School District trustees recently scheduled a $45.9 million bond proposal on May 10.

District officials plan to renovate elementary schools, the junior high and high school if voters approve the bonds. Also planned are new turf for the football and softball fields and a new track.

Dallas authorizes $737,000 for design contract for Trinity Lakes

Dallas City Council members recently authorized a $737,000 design contract for the first two small lakes of the proposed $31.5 million Trinity Lakes project. The project was approved in 1998 as part of a $246 million bond proposal.

Council members are expected to decide later this year whether to authorize the $44 million needed to build a 23-acre lake and a smaller lake.

While the original plan for Trinity Lake was to build three reservoirs, a 90-acre Urban Lake, a 56-acre Natural Lake and a 128-acre West Dallas Lake, most of the $31.5 million authorized for the project has been spent. Only about $8 million remains from the bond funds. City officials expect to begin construction on the two smaller lakes in early 2015 with a completion date of 2016.

Bowie lands $1.1 million grant to replace taxiways at airport

Bowie city officials recently won a $1.1 million grant from the aviation division of the Texas Department of Transportation.

The grant will allow airport officials to move ahead with the second phase in a project to rehabilitate the airport. Plans call for removing the existing asphalt on taxiway B in late May or early June and then apply new asphalt, said Stony Lowrence, the airport manager.

The first phase of the airport improvements included the replacement of taxiway A, upgrades to the drainage system and electrical lights, all of which are expected to be completed in April, Lowrence said.

Eanes ISD may ask for approval

of $89.5 million in bonds

Eanes Independent School District trustees recently identified $89.5 million in projects to include in a bond election planned in May.

District officials proposed spending about $53.1 million of the bond funds on new construction, including a new elementary school and child development center, adding a three-story addition to Westlake High School to connect buildings, expanding fine arts rooms at two middle schools as well as enlarging the gym and improving the pick-up and drop-off area at Eanes Elementary School.

Trustees also plan to spend about $26.9 million for maintenance projects and to upgrade technology throughout the district. Also proposed is spending $9.4 million to paint and purchase new furniture for classrooms to align with the latest learning concepts.

Early voting for the March Primary Elections in Texas ends today!

League City selects Rohr

as its new city manager

League City officials this week announced they have named Mark Rohr (pictured) as the new city manager. Rohr has more than three decades of local government experience, including most recently having been city manager in Joplin, Missouri, from 2004 to 2014.

Rohr also previously held city manager positions in Piqua, Ohio; Punta Gorda, Florida; Washington Court House, Ohio; and Newton Falls, Ohio. He replaces Mike Loftin, who served as League City's city manager from April 2012 to October 2013. John Baumgartner has been serving as acting city manager and will resume his role as deputy city manager when Rohr take over his new post.

Rohr holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Fort Worth to start over

on search for new city manager

After interviewing four finalists for city manager, the Fort Worth City Council recently agreed to begin again after deciding none of the four finalists for the job were a "perfect" fit.

The four finalists interviewed were: Joyce Wilson, the city manager of El Paso; Mark McDaniel, the city manager of Tyler; Milton Dohoney Jr., a former city manager in Cincinnati, Ohio; and Craig Malin, a city administrator in Davenport, Iowa.

While the mayor described the finalists as strong professionals, she also said none of the four finalists were a "perfect fit" for the city. City officials are looking for a city manager who is fiscally responsible, knowledgeable about pension reforms and familiar with the latest technology, the mayor said.

Slocum ISD calls $6 million

bond election for May

A new high school and competition gym would be paid for by the proceeds from a $6 million bond sale if voters in Slocum ISD approve a bond election set for May. Voters will also decide on the Long Range Facility Improvement Plan.

If approved by the voters, the bonds will be used to finance a new school building with seven standard classrooms, a computer lab, a science lab, a culinary arts lab, a physical education/gym, an administrative suite, a dining area with food storage, a teacher workshop and furniture, fixtures, equipment, security and technology needs.

Although the bond amount is $6 million, the district has a down payment amount of $2.7 million, leaving potential bond financing of $3.3 million.

Cameron ISD approves

$5.65 million bond election

Trustees for Cameron Independent School District recently scheduled a $5.65 million bond election for May. The funding will be used to pay for upgrades to athletic facilities.

If voters approve the bonds, district officials plan to build a new baseball field and improve the football stadium, tennis courts and track, district officials said.

CPS Energy taps Guevara

for second term as chairman

The board of CPS Energy in San Antonio recently voted to retain Homer Guevara, the current chairman, to serve a second term in that post. Board members also re-elected Nora Chavez to a second term as vice chair. The city-owned utility has more than 3,400 employees snf provides electricity and gas service.

Henderson selects Kelty

as new city manager

Henderson City Council members recently selected Tim Kelty (pictured) as the new city manager.

Previously serving as an assistant city manager in Red Oak since 2009, Kelty will replace former City Manager Mike Barrow, who resigned in September.

Fire Chief Rusty Chote, who has served as interim city manager during the search for a new city manager, is returning to his job at the fire station in mid-March or April, city officials said.

Ealy appears to be frontrunner for College Station superintendent

It appears that the College Station ISD is looking inward to find the person to replace Superintendent Eddie Coulson, who recently announced his retirement. According to the Bryan-College Station Eagle, CSISD posted a job description for the superintendent job that indicates only internal candidates will be considered - at least for now.

There is speculation that Clark Ealy, deputy superintendent,who has already announced he will apply for the post, is the frontrunner. Ealy, who has been employed with the district since 2000, has served as the executive director for accountability and planning, but has spent the last five years as deputy superintendent for administrative services. Ealy also is a former high school English teacher and basketball coach in Alvin and at Bishop Lynch High School, a private school. He also was an English teacher and high school assistant principal in Mesquite before moving to College Station.

Marshall taps Snyder as

its acting city manager

Marshall city commissioners recently approved a new organizational structure for city staff with Buzz Snyder appointed as acting city manager until a new city manager is selected. Snyder said he would like to hire a city planner and a police chief and then begin a search for a new city manager. Snyder also said he may retire once a new city manager is on board.

Commissioners also named Bo Ellis as the manager of community facilities in addition to his duties as Main Street Manager. His new duties include overseeing the convention center, city arena, community centers, code enforcement and an art center.

Jack Redmon won appointment as director of support services where he will manage the library, information technology, community facilities, parks and recreation, the fleet, city buildings and the golf course.

Johnson returns to Port Aransas ISD as interim superintendent

Port Aransas Independent School District trustees recently tapped Wayne Johnson (pictured) as the interim superintendent to replace Superintendent Sharon Doughty, who retired in January.

Johnson, a retired superintendent for Aransas County ISD, previously served as interim superintendent for the district prior to the hiring of Doughty.Trustees are now interviewing companies to assist in the search for a new superintendent.

Sealy ISD begins interviews

with finalists for superintendent

Trustees for Sealy Independent School District recently began interviewing finalists selected from the 36 applicants for superintendent.

The new superintendent will replace former Superintendent Scott Kana, who left that job after signing a separation agreement that called for Kana to be reassigned as a special assistant to the superintendent until his contract expires in June. Mary Hlozek, a former assistant superintendent for the Sealy district, served as interim superintendent until she retired. Dr. William Walker replaced her as interim superintendent when she retired.   

Current plans are to identify a lone finalist for the top job by March 19, district officials said.

The Colony announces staff

changes in city government

Lisa Henderson has been appointed as city secretary for the city of Plano, effective March 10. Henderson has served for the last three years as deputy city secretary for The Colony. She will report to City Manager Bruce Glasscock. Her responsibilities will include overseeing meeting agendas, coordinating the records management program and receiving and processing open records requests.

The Colony officials have also announced that Assistant City Manager Jim Parrish has been named deputy city manager. Planning Director Phyllis Jarrell has taken over as special projects director and Planning Department Community Services Manager Christina Day is the new planning director.  

McKinney City Manager

Jason Gray resigns from job

The city manager for the city of McKinney has resigned in what officials call a mutually-agreed-to separation agreement. Jason Gray (pictured) had been city manager since 2011. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

In a city press release, Gray said he was thankful for to the opportunity to have served the community. Mayor Brian Loughmiller in a statement thanked Miller for his efforts on key initiatives in the city that moved the city forward.

Manor ISD asking voters

to OK $124.9 million in bonds

Manor Independent School District trustees recently agreed to ask voters in May to approve a $124.9 million bond proposal to build two new schools and upgrade the high school. Also included in the proposition are plans to buy land to build more schools, to pay for the design of a new elementary school and the purchase of school buses.

The new facilities are needed, district officials said, as the school district will add 3,300 more students in the next five years.

Chuck Ewings selected

as new city manager in Ennis

Chuck Ewings (pictured) recently agreed to serve as city manager in Ennis.

Slated to begin his new duties in Ennis on March 17, Ewings resigned as the assistant city manager in Longview In October after signing a separation agreement. Ewings had worked in Longview for 20 years prior to his resignation.

Kilgore names engineering

firm to evaluate stadium

The R.E. St. John Stadium in the Kilgore ISD will undergo a structural evaluation. School trustees recently voted to allow Superintendent Cara Cooke to negotiate with the firm of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates to perform the evaluation. Cooke said the evaluation is being done to ensure the safety of fans who use the stadium.

The school district received proposals from six engineering firms. The trustees voted to engaged Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates because of their experience. The firm has done structural evaluations of Fenway Park in Boston and Wrigley Field in Chicago.

With a $58.8 million bond election called, Nacogdoches ISD is now preparing to issue requests for qualifications from architects.

Superintendent Fred Hayes said the district will likely take qualifications from six to 10 architects. Those will then go before a committee of board members, community members and school personnel for interviews. The committee will then decide which of the proposals will go to the board for its approval.

Marble Falls to name new

assistant city manager

Marble Falls city officials recently announced plans to hire a new assistant city manager in early March. The new assistant manager may be named as interim city manager until a new city manager is hired, according to Mayor George Russell.

Current City Manager Ralph Hendricks was severely injured in an accident in September and unable to return to his duties, the mayor said. Hiring an assistant city manager will permit the current interim city manager, Margie Cardenias, to return to duties on the budget and finances.

Council members completed interviews with six finalists for assistant city manager and explained to the them that a possibility exists to become city manager if he or she does a good job in the interim post, Russell said.

Andre Riley selected as new spokesperson for Dallas ISD

Andre Riley (pictured), formerly with Kansas City Public Schools, recently won selection as a new spokesperson for Dallas Independent School District.

Riley will assist Jon Dahlander, who recently won promotion to the post of executive director for communications for the district. Dahlander was chief spokesman for the school district for almost 15 years.

A former reporter and editor, Riley has a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

• Gloria Milian Matt of Houston, Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority;
• William F. "Will" Scott II of Nederland, Lower Neches Valley Authority Board of Directors;
• Beth Madison of Houston, University of Houston System Board of Regents;
• Caven Crosnoe of Wichita Falls, Midwestern State University Board of Regents;
• Shawn Hessing of Fort Worth, Midwestern State University Board of Regents;
• Nancy Marks of Wichita Falls, Midwestern State University Board of Regents

Wichita Falls ISD to hold $125 million bond election in May

Board members for Wichita Falls Independent School District recently scheduled a $125 million bond proposal in May to pay for a new high school, a career tech school and renovations to an existing high school.

Included in the bond proposition are plans to build a new $64 million high school for grades 10-12, a $24.2 million Career and Technical Education Center and a $10 million project to renovate Hirschi High School to serve as a second and smaller high school for the district. District officials also plan to spend about $25 million on renovations and improvements to other district facilities if the bonds are approved.

Tornillo ISD set to interview finalists for superintendent

Trustees for Tornillo Independent School District recently began reviewing applications for a new superintendent. Their goal is to select a lone finalist for the job on March 26.

District officials expect to begin interviewing candidates on March 10, according to Mike Quatrini, the interim superintendent. The new superintendent will replace former Superintendent Paul Vranish, who resigned in June 2012.