There was little fanfare this morning during the Commission meeting when commissioners passed a minute order naming Weber to lead TxDOT, and in the same minute order set his annual salary at $273,000. Commissioners offered their praise and gratitude to Bass for his service during the interim since Wilson's resignation. 

Today's Commission meeting was the second special meeting in less than a month with the executive session portion of the agenda stating that commissioners would discuss applicants and elect the executive director. At the March 17 meeting, commissioners met in executive session for six hours only to return to regular session and adjourn with no action taken. At today's meeting, Commissioners did not even go into executive session as was stated on the agenda.

After the March 17 meeting, Weber received the endorsement of Gov. Rick Perry, a friend of Weber's since the two were underclassmen together at Texas A&M University in the 1970s. A Perry spokesperson confirmed that the governor had recommended Weber for the job, calling Weber a "proven, successful leader" with experience both leading large organizations and overseeing construction projects like those at TxDOT.

Indeed, Weber has been in charge of large organizations. A retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. General, Weber was responsible for 74,000 personnel, an annual budget of $80 million and holdings and assets totaling $33 billion in his final active duty assignment as Commander, Marine Forces Command, Commanding General Fleet Marine Forces Atlantic, Commanding General Marine Bases Atlantic.

Chosen in 2008 as A&M's vice president for student affairs by then-President Elsa Murano, Weber in that job supervised four associate/assistant vice presidents and 18 departments, 900 student organizations and 40 campus-wide programs.

Before joining A&M, Weber completed a tour on the staff of the United States Naval Academy where he taught leadership and speech and administered and supervised midshipman performance and conduct programs. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M and earned his master's degree from The University of Texas at Austin's Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.

Texas Tech System Endowment surpasses $1 billion

The endowment for the Texas Tech University System recently grew to more than $1 billion for the first time in the system's history, according to Chancellor Kent Hance (pictured).

The TTU System completed its capital campaign almost a year before expected in August 2013 and raised $1.069 billion from 130,000 donors from all 50 states in the United States and 41 other countries, Hance said.

The endowment funding will be used to expand scholarships, establish endowments and build new facilities, he said. The TTU System Endowment Fund has grown by more than 80 percent in the last seven years. The endowment fund was $548 million in 2006, Hance added.

Ribbon cutting held for DPS Region 5 Headquarters in Lubbock

Sen. Robert Duncan (center with scissors) cuts the ribbon opening the new DPS Region 5 Headquarters in Lufkin. (DPS photo)

State and local officials were on hand recently for the ribbon cutting for the new Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Region 5 Headquarters in Lubbock. The facility was funded by an appropriation by the Texas Legislature, with the allocation to pay for the three-building facility that includes a new DPS Crime Lab and Driver License Office, both with state-of-the-art updates and increased square footage.

"The additional space and innovative technology at the new Lubbock Driver License Office and DPS Crime Lab will enhance our ability to deliver the quality of service Texans deserve, and to provide our area law enforcement partners with the necessary resources to fight crime and obtain justice," said DPS Director Steven McCraw.

The new complex, which serves as the area headquarters for the 71 counties of Region 5, totals approximately 105,000 square feet and accommodates 150 employees. The Crime Lab is four times larger than the original and has both drug/blood alcohol analysis and DNA testing capabilities. It also has a bay for processing vehicles and an indoor firing range. The new driver license office has four additional customer service stations and new technology for better efficiency. It also has a queuing system that allows customers to reserve a spot in line before arriving at the office.

Navarro College OK's fee to upgrade technology infrastructure

Navarro College trustees recently approved a new technology fee to help pay for about $4.5 million in upgrades to hardware and software technology during the next three years.

The new $6 per semester hour student fee is set to begin when the fall semester begins this year. Trustees also hired a consultant to develop a long-term plan for the technology upgrades funded by the new technology fees. The fee is expected to generate about $1.2 million each year and to provide consulting services and upgrades to hardware and software for the next three years.

TAMU-San Antonio signs agreement with global university

Dr. Maria Hernendez Ferrier signs a collaborative agreement also signed by Dr. Gabriel Perez Alcala (center) in Spain in the private residence of Pedro Roca de Togores (right), Duke of Bejar.

Students from San Antonio to Spain will share educational, professional and cultural programs after a collaboration agreement was signed between Texas A&M University-San Antonio and Loyola University-Andalucia. Dr. Maria Hernandez Ferrier, president of Texas A&M University-San Antonio, and Dr. Gabriel Perez Alcala, president of Loyola Andalucia, signed the document in Spain last month at the private residence of Pedro Roca de Togores, the Duke of Bejar.

Ferrier called the collaboration "an incredible international connection" for the students of the San Antonio campus. "This agreement will provide a wonderful opportunity to unite the cultural significance of South San Antonio with the South of Spain," she said. The agreement provides for the development of academic exchange programs for students and faculty, including research projects, collaborations, seminars and cultural activities.

A study abroad program is already offered to A&M-San Antonio students this summer in Seville and the south of Spain. Lectures will be conducted by University of Loyola faculty alongside professionals from Spanish multinational energy corporation Abengoa.

Parkland Hospital interim CEO appoints four new administrators

Bob Smith, outgoing interim chief executive officer of Parkland Hospital, recently appointed four new administrative officials shortly before being replaced by Dr. Fred Cerise, the new CEO and president of the Dallas hospital. Cerise was a public health official from Louisiana before beginning his new job at Parkland Hospital.

In January, Smith appointed Ron Laxton, who had been the interim chief operations officer for Parkland since mid-2012, as chief operations officer for the hospital. Laxton joined Parkland two years ago as a consultant and oversaw many changes mandated by federal regulators. Smith also appointed Kris Gaw, a former hospital administrator in Reno, Nevada, as the new chief administrative officer for hospital operations.

Smith also selected Sharon Phillips, who previously shared the duties of chief operations officer with Laxton, as the new chief of population health, where she will manage community and specialty outpatient clinics and the jail health program at Dallas County in the newly created position. Also in January, Jim Dunn, previously with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, began his new duties as the new chief talent officer for Parkland Hospital.

Johnson County approves contract for design of jail expansion

Johnson County commissioners recently began negotiations with an Austin-based architect to develop a master plan for a proposed new jail. The proposed study will cost from $150,000 to $200,000, said Kenny Burns, an architect from Austin.

The study is needed because the cost of the proposed new jail and courthouse renovations can only be determined after commissioners decide on the goal and scope of the proposed project, Burns said. The kitchen, laundry, booking, visitor, intake and release areas need to be improved, he said. The county also needs a master plan for the jail site because the current jail is boxed in, he added.

Commissioners requested the purchasing agent to prepare a contract with the architect to prepare a conceptual design for a new jail.

UTPB picks Heimmermann for provost, vice president position

Daniel Heimmermann (pictured), provost and vice president of academic affairs at Mississippi University for Women, has been chosen as the provost and vice president of The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB), effective June 9. Heimmermann will replace William Fannin, who has served in that position since 1996.

In his new charge at UTPB, Heimmermann will work closely with President David Watts and will be responsible for administration, coordination and development of academic affairs and student services. Heimmermann's selection followed a nationwide search that began in October of last year, in which he was named one of the three finalists.

Prior to his stint at Mississippi University for Women, Heimmermann served as dean of the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Brownsville. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh and a master's and Ph.D. from Marquette University.

Alvin Community College approves contract for new president

Regents for Alvin Community College recently approved a three-year contract with Christal Albrecht to serve as the new president, effective on March 27.

Most recently the president of the Jacksonville Kent Campus of Florida State College, Albrecht replaced outgoing President Rodney Albright, who served 38 years as president of the community college. Albrecht also was president at the Desert Vista campus of Pima Community College in Arizona and a vice president at Lone Star College-Cypress Fairbanks.

Lamar CISD agrees to appoint group to study 2014 bond election

Lamar Consolidated Independent School District board members recently voted to create a citizen's bond advisory committee to develop priorities for a possible 2014 bond election.

Residents interested in serving on the bond advisory committee can apply online at the school district's Web site or send a completed application to the district's administrative officers before the deadline for applications ends on April 7.

Board members plan to select 28 community members to serve along with those individuals selected by board members, student representatives and campus administrators on the proposed 65-member advisory panel. Once the bond committee decides whether to schedule a bond election in 2014 and selects projects to include in a bond election, committee members will present a recommendation to trustees. Trustees will then make the final decision on whether to hold the bond election and which projects will be included in the proposal.

Danos terminated as executive director of Alamo Area COG

The board of the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) recently terminated the contract of Executive Director Dean Danos. The board also refused a request by Deputy Executive Director Mike Quinn for a severance package consisting of nine months of salary after he was placed on administrative leave in March.

An internal investigation alleged Danos and Quinn had violated several policies and procedures while managing the agency, said Kevin Wolff, chair of the board of AACOG. Several law enforcement agencies also are representing the financial relationship between a former tenant who had never paid rent or raised the $168 million in grant funding the tenant promised to generate for the agency, he said.

Board members appointed three current employees to fill the duties of the interim executive director while they conduct a national search for a new executive director, Wolff said. The board is considering eliminating the position of deputy executive director, he added.

Katy ISD bond group begins work on bond election

A Katy Independent School District bond advisory committee recently held its first meeting to begin work on preparing for a bond election in November to meet growing enrollment needs. Voters last November defeated a $99 million bond referendum that included a science and technology center, an agriculture complex and $68 million football stadium.

District officials appointed community members, representatives from district campuses, partner institutions as well as professional and civic organizations to serve on the 200-member committee. The group will be provided information on growth projections and facility and technology needs to help develop a recommendation to give to trustees this summer.

Aransas Pass eyeing $6 million in capital improvement projects

Aransas Pass City Manager Sylvia Carrillo (pictured) recentlly recommended city council members approve $6 million in capital improvement projects, including upgrades to several parks, Conn Brown Harbor and to improve technology.

Carrillo urged allotting $1.5 million to clean up, resurface a road, a walking path and upgrade lighting at Conn Brown Harbor. She also urged installation of underground cables that would provide Internet services for city hall to allow citizens to pay utility bills online.

The city manager also recommended repairs to softball fields as well as upgrades to restrooms, dugouts and a concession stand at two parks in addition to buying new playground equipment and building new soccer fields and a skate park. Carrillo proposed using $3 million from the water and sewer fund to pay for the imrovements.

Texas Education Agency looking at mangers for Beaumont ISD

Texas Education Agency (TEA) officials recently cited financial and leadership concerns when recommending that a board of managers take over management of the Beaumont Independent School District.

The recommendation followed release of a TEA financial review alleging that the school district in the last five years has lost trust because of several incidents of fraud, waste and abuse. According to the TEA report, the district reportedly failed to improve internal controls over finances and operations despite reviews and recommendations for improvements. The commissioner of TEA is visiting Beaumont this week to meet with board members.

The president of the school board said they will comply with TEA despite being very unhappy and disappointed at the possibility of state officials assuming management of the school district.

Amarillo to buy $3.1M building; WTAMU to move some classes

Amarillo City Council members recently agreed to allow the Amarillo Economic Development Corp. to purchase the Commerce Building for $3.1 million.

EDC officials plan to work with the Amarillo Area Foundation to raise private contributions help pay for renovating the building by removing asbestos and replacing the air conditioning and heating system.

Current plans are for West Texas A&M University to move classes and other activities from its current location in Chase Tower to the renovated Commerce Building, said Neal Weaver, vice president of institutional advancement for West Texas A&M.

Public-private infrastructure project has success in Prosper

A public-private infrastructure partnership in the town of Prosper is expected to be the catalyst for a $1.2 billion residential and commercial development in the city. With the addition of a $5.1 million infrastructure project that will bring water and sewer to as many as 20,000 residents, including a billion-dollar master-planned community, Mayor Ray Smith (pictured) said the town also expects commercial development to expand north of U.S. 380 west of the Dallas North Tollway. "You will see a lot of commercial development over the next several years including retail and restaurants," Smith said.

The project was the result of a partnership among the town of Prosper, the Prosper Economic Development Corp. and major area landowners, including Terra Verde Group and Greater Texas Land Resources.

The commercial development will feature 3,500 single-family residential lots and 250 acres of mixed-use development along U.S. 380, with 550 acres of nature trails and parks and a 50-acre community park.

House Speaker appoints four water-related committees

Water issues are destined to be at the forefront of discussions during the next session of the Texas Legislature in 2015, with House Speaker Joe Straus recently naming four water-related committees. Saying water is a "top priority" for the House and critical to the Texas economy and Texan's quality of life, Straus said the committees will seek to build consensus "around smart, responsible water solutions."

Straus appointed Reps. Allan Ritter, Drew Darby and Eddie Lucio III to serve on the newly created State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) Advisory Committee, with Ritter as co-chair. The SWIFT advisory committee was appointed to oversee the Texas Water Development Board's implementation of House Bill 4. The legislations established the SWIFT account to pay for needed water supply and conservation projects throughout the state.

Straus also appointed a joint interim committee to study water desalination including Reps.Todd Hunter, Ryan Guillen, Lyle Larson, Marisa Marquez, Tim Kleinschmidt, Phil King and Terry Canales.The Edwards Aquifer Legislative Oversight Committee includes Reps. Doug Miller, Tracy King and Larson. The Environmental Flows Advisory Group will also address water issues, from review of the activities of the Edwards Aquifer Authority to studying policy implications of balancing demands on the state's water supply with the need for adequate environmental flows for riparian lands, bays and estuaries. It includes Reps. Ritter (Co-Chair), Doug Miller and Carol Alvarado.

Blinn College OK's fee increase for facilities needs

Blinn College trustees recently approved a $7-per-credit-hour increase in the general student fee, which will increase from $37 to $44 per credit hour. The additional revenue will be used to pay for expenditures on non-academic facilities, student services and institutional support. The fee increase is expected to raise an additional $2.8 million.

Trustees also voted for new housing fees to generate about $179,075 each year to allow upgrades to housing facilities on the Brenham campus.

TEA turns down request to investigate Manor ISD

Texas Education Agency (TEA) officials recently turned down a request from the school board of Manor Independent School District to investigate allegations by some residents of misconduct surrounding the recent resignation of the superintendent.

In a letter to an attorney for the school district, TEA officials said that information provided to the agency is not sufficient to conduct an adequate review of the complaint and that TEA officials are unable to determine whether it has jurisdiction over the complaint. The district can resubmit the request and include more information, according to TEA.

The Public Integrity Unit of the Travis County District Attorney's Office is investigating the sudden resignation of the most recent superintendent of the district.

West approves plan for new city park to honor blast victims

West City Council members recently approved a plan for a new city park that includes a memorial to those who died in a fertilizer plant explosion last year.

City officials plan to use $110,000 from insurance and $400,000 in federal funds to pay for the new park, estimated to cost about $1 million. The city will seek bids soon to find a contractor to build the new park, said Mayor Tommy Muska (pictured). Citizens have helped raise more than $80,000 in private contributions to help pay for the park, Muska said.

A Dallas-based landscape architect, David Baldwin, donated his services to design the city park, which includes plans for a memorial, a pavilion, segregated play areas for toddlers and children from age 5 to 12 and multipurpose courts for tennis, basketball and other activities, he said.

Brewer resigns as vice president of Centro San Antonio

Ben Brewer recently resigned as the executive vice president of Centro San Antonio, effective April 1. Brewer said he is leaving to pursue new opportunities.

An architect, Brewer previously was the executive director of the Downtown Owners Association and led in transforming that group into the Downtown Alliance, a membership and advocacy group. He also played a critical role in establishing the Downtown Public Improvement District in 1999.

Chairman Don Frost of Centro San Antonio praised Brewer for laying the foundation for many revitalization efforts in the downtown area.

North Texas Municipal Water District selects Kula as director

North Texas Municipal Water District officials recently selected former Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Kula to be the new executive director.

Kula will succeed Jim Parks when he begins his new duties on May 1. Kula is retiring on April 11 after 32 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For the last four years, Kula managed the southwest division, where he oversaw operations in seven states.

During 30 years at the water district and his term as executive director, Parks saw the district grow from serving largely rural areas to rapidly growing suburban areas with a population of 1.6 million.

Austin will be among 40 cities throughout the country to host a "Meet Your Mentor" Bizwomen Mentoring Monday event on April 7, hosted locally by the Austin Business Journal. Billed as the "first event of its kind and the beginning of an annual tradition that brings women together in a casual, fast-paced coaching atmosphere," participants will choose from 40 mentors who are among the most influential women in the community and spend five minutes with them for one-on-one coaching. The Austin event will be from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Westin, 11301 Domain Dr., 78758. Participants in all of the Business Journal markets - from Sacramento to Houston to Washington, D.C. - will see a broadcast keynote address from Lori Greiner, a "shark" on ABC's hit entrepreneurial business show, Shark Tank. She also has had her own show on QVC TV for the last 16 years. The attendees will stand in line and wait for a particular mentor or move to the next mentor available, with expectation of each attendee having the opportunity to meet up to seven mentors. Among the dozens of mentors already confirmed for the Austin event are: Chris Plonsky, Women's Athletic Director/Executive Sr. Associate Athletic Director for men's and women's athletics external services, The University of Texas at Austin; Mary Scott Nabers, president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships Inc. and co-founder of the Gemini Global Group; Elizabeth Christian, president, Elizabeth Christian & Associates Public Relations; Cindy Matula, president - Austin Region, JPMorgan Chase Bank; Debbie Bresette, president, United Way of Greater Austin; Amy Simmons, owner, Amy's Ice Creams; Lorrie Schultz, executive director, Dell; and Catherine Morse, general counsel and director of public affairs, Samsung. Registration is now open.

Austin ISD officials say search for superintendent could take year

Austin Independent School District officials could take at least a year to find a new superintendent to replace Superintendent Meria Carstarphen, who is expected to resign this month to serve as superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, said Vincent Torres, president of the board of trustees.

Torres also predicted board members would hire an outside search firm to help locate qualified candidates, but only after meetings with community members to explore the qualifications a superintendent should have, Torres said.

Once Carstarphen finalizes her contract with

the Atlanta school district on April 14 as expected, trustees most likely will name a current administrator with the district as interim superintendent to replace her until a new superintendent is hired, he added.

SPI is seeking additional outside consultants who have experience in county/city government in Texas.

Currently, there is a need for procurement consultants who are retired or former county or municipal elected officials, experts in health care, K-12 in the DFW, Houston, El Paso, Corpus Christi and South Texas/Lower Rio Grande Valley areas. If you are interested in this opportunity, contact lmatisi@spartnerships.com.

Deputy State Comptroller Martin Hubert (pictured) has been designated by State Comptroller Susan Combs as a member of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) advisory committee. Combs was authorized by law to appoint a designee to the committee. The committee will oversee $2 billion in voter-approved funds from the state rainy day fund that will be used by the Texas Water Development Board to finance projects in the state's water plan.

"With more than 20 years of state service, including serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture and a Commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Martin will utilize his unique understanding of water issues and the state's financial mechanisms to help Texas position itself for the future," said Combs.

Hubert is a graduate of Texas A&M University, St. Mary's University School of Law and the Georgetown School of Law.

Smithville taps Robert Tamble

as its interim city manager

Smithville City Council members recently appointed Robert Tamble, a former city council member, as the interim city manager.

Tamble is slated to work with City Manager Tex Middlebrook until Middlebrook begins his retirement later this month.

TWDB launches interactive

Web site based on water plan

The Texas Water Development Board has launched an interactive Web site based on the 2012 State Water Plan. Visitors to the site can find details regarding water needs in multiple planning decades at the community, state, region, county and entity level.TWDB Chair Carlos Rubinstein touted the Web site as an example of how the agency is working to ensure transparency in the work of the agency.

Many projects in the State Water Plan will be funded by the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT), a voter-approved funding transfer from the state's rainy day fund. Water users throughout the state will be able to retrieve data from the water plan and how water needs in their community change over time. The Web site, also viewable on most mobile devices, shows the severity and projected water needs over the next 50 years. In the future, the agency plans to add population and water demand projections and specific strategies for creating more water supplies.

Port Arthur to hire search firm

to help find new city manager

The Port Arthur City Council recently began interviewing representatives of executive search firms to help in finding a new city manager to replace Floyd Johnson, whose contract as city manager was terminated in January.

The search firm that assisted in recruiting Johnson is one of the companies seeking the contract and, if chosen, would reduce the fee to $8,000 because Johnson did not fulfill the search firm's two-year guarantee, according to the director of human resources.

Donna dismisses Ramirez

from city manager position

In a unanimous vote, Donna City Council members recently dismissed City Manager Oscar Ramirez. Council members, however, gave no reason for the vote to terminate Ramirez, who has been city manager since 2010.

Ramirez previously was an emergency management coordinator for the South Texas Development Council of Governments.

Council members expect to appoint a current staff member as an interim city manager and begin a search soon for a new city leader, according to one council member.

Alice kicks off interviews with

seven finalists for city manager

Alice City Council members recently began interviewing seven finalists to find a new city manager. Council members also appointed Albert Martinez to serve as the interim police chief until a new police chief is selected.

The finalists to be interviewed are Thomas James Ginter of Portland, David Adrian Vela of Abilene, Manuel De La Rosa of Georgetown, Juan G, Ortiz of Weslaco, Juan J. Cedillo of Pharr, Juan Zuniga of Mission and Jack S. Hamlett of Rosenberg, said interim City Manager Hector Hinojosa of Alice.

Mission names Rodriguez

as deputy city manager

Mission City Council members recently selected J. J. Rodriguez (pictured), currently the city manager in San Juan, as the deputy city manager.

Rodriguez, who became city manager in San Juan in April 2012, said his last day in San Juan is April 8. Once he begins his new duties in Mission, Rodriguez will oversee the sanitation department, which has recently been operated by a contractor, said City Manager Martin Garza of Mission.

San Juan city officials expect to appoint an interim city manager at their next council meeting and begin searching for a new city manager after city elections in May.

Cunningham selected as new

city manager in Overton

Charles Cunningham recently won selection as the new city manager in Overton. Cunningham will replace City Manager Joe Cantu, who is leaving that post on April 25.

State's longest tenured city

manager retires in Graham

Graham City Council members recently selected David Casteel to serve as the new city manager. Casteel, who previously served as director of public works for the city, will replace former City Manager Larry Fields, who is retiring on April 2.

Fields joined Graham as city manager in July 1979 after serving as a city manager in Panhandle and Abernathy. He is believed to be the longest-tenured city manager in the state.

Spring Hill ISD fails to agree

on new interim superintendent

Spring Hill Independent School District trustees recently failed to decide on a new interim superintendent to replace Superintendent Wes Jones after meeting in executive session. Instead, trustees selected the current director of curriculum, Penny Fleet, to oversee day-to-day operations of the school district until an interim superintendent is selected.

Jones, who began as superintendent in January 2006, agreed to a separation agreement approved by board members on March 21. His contract was to expire in May 2015 and his last day is Monday

.

Trustees tentatively plan to meet in the next week to discuss and possibly select an interim superintendent, according to an attorney representing the school district.

Greenville wins $830,000

grant to upgrade airport

Greenville city officials recently accepted an $830,000 grant from the Aviation Facilities Grant Program of the Texas Department of Transportation to pay for upgrades to Majors Field, the municipal airport.

The grant funds will be used for pavement improvements and design and construction of facilities, a spokesman for the city said. City officials expect to seek a project consultant for the airport improvements this spring.

Tornillo ISD taps Meza-Chavez as sole finalist for superintendent

Tornillo Independent School District trustees recently named Dr. Jeannie Meza-Chavez as sole finalist for superintendent.

Mesa-Chavez currently works in human resources for El Paso ISD. She was selected from a field of six finalists for the job with Tornillo ISD.

TxDOT approves $2.1 million to upgrade airport in Jasper County

Texas Department of Transportation Commissioners recently approved a $2.1 million grant from the Aviation Facilities Grant Program to fund upgrades to Bell Field in Jasper County.

The grant will be used to pay for improvements to pavement, fencing and drainage at the airport, city officials said. Jasper County officials plan to select a consultant this spring to lead the airport improvement project.

McKinney selects Browning head

of water utilities, infrastructure

McKinney City Manager Jose Madrigal recently selected Chris Browning as the new director of water utilities and infrastructure. Madrigal also appointed Paul Sparkman, previously the superintendent of streets, as the new assistant director of water utilities and infrastructure for the city.

Browning had served as president of a consulting company in Georgia and previously was the assistant director of public works in Fulton County. Sparkman has worked for the city of McKinney for 25 years, said Madrigal, who renamed the Public Works Department to more accurately portray the specific roles of that department.

Haugeberg resigns as deputy superintendent at Belton ISD

Deputy Superintendent Eric Haugeberg of Belton Independent School District recently resigned. Haugeberg joined the school district in 2002.

The resignation followed a review and evaluation of the processes of the business office requested by Superintendent Susan Kincannon, who said she concluded new leadership was needed to meet the demands of the district's fast growth.

Kincannon said she expects to appoint an interim chief financial officer soon.

Cummings to resign as superintendent at Caldwell ISD

Superintendent Janet Cummings of Caldwell Independent School District recently signed a separation agreement in which she agreed to resign on Aug. 31 in return for a cash buyout of her contract. Cummings has served as superintendent for Caldwell ISD since 2010.

Palestine wins $80,000 grant

to improve municipal airport

Palestine city officials recently learned the Texas Department of Transportation Commission approved $80,000 in funding for improvements to the Palestine Municipal Airport.

The grant will be used to pay for engineering and design work to upgrade pavement at the airport, city officials said.

Turner retiring as leader

of Coppell school district

Superintendent Jeff Turner (pictured) of Coppell Independent School District recently announced he plans to retire on Aug. 31.

Turner, who served 12 years as superintendent for the district, began his 36-year career as a teacher for Clear Creek ISD and also served as an adminisrator for Van ISD and as a superintendent for school districts in Burleson and Jacksonville.

He has a bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. from Baylor University and a master's degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Taylor approves $63,500

for airport upgrades

Taylor City Council members recently agreed to allot $63,500 in city funds needed to match a $571,000 grant awarded to pay for upgrades to the municipal airport. The Texas Department of Transportation awarded the grant from its Aviation Facilities Grant Program, city officials said.

West Lake Hills selects Ashby

Grundman as new city planner

West Lake Hills city officials recently selected Ashby Grundman as the new city planner. Previously a city planner in Pasadena, Grundman replaced Davin Fillpot.

Grundman attended San Jacinto College and earned a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University.