Courthouse preservation program giving historic buildings new life Texas Historical Commission awards $5 million in emergency grant funds  | The Wilson County Courthouse is one of 18 Texas courthouses to be awarded grant funds from the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program's most recent round of funding. (THC photo) |
Ageless, timeless works of art. Architectural wonders. Guardians of centuries of Texas history. They are Texas courthouses - many among the most historic and majestic in the nation, some over a century old. But today, many of the state's more than 230 historic courthouses (over 50 years old) are in a state of disrepair due to insufficient funding for building care and maintenance. The Texas Legislature established the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program in 1998, after Texas courthouses were listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of America's Most Endangered Historic Places. Funding has been appropriated during every legislative session since and administered by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). But, with money tight in recent years, neither the state nor the counties in which these historic buildings are located have been able to provide enough funds to meet building care and maintenance costs.  The THC recently announced Round VIII grant funding from the courthouse preservation program. Twenty-four applications requesting a combined more than $18 million were received. The THC was able to award matching grants totaling a little over $5 million to 18 Texas counties to help preserve their historic courthouses.
The program assists as many communities as possible, according to THC Architecture Division Director Sharon Fleming (pictured). "Counties receiving grants this round are in imminent danger of experiencing a catastrophic event, such as a fire, electrical hazard or structural mishap that could cause injury or further endanger the building to the point where it is unusable," said Fleming. The communities approved for funding in Round VIII of the program are: Callahan, Dickens, Dimmit, Houston, Hunt, Jefferson, Karnes, Lamar, Lee, Limestone, Lipscomb, Lynn, Polk, Rains, San Saba, Upshur, Wilson and the city of Hidalgo. The awards are all emergency grants totaling $5,906,955. That includes the most recent legislative appropriation of $4.2 million and funds that were held in reserve from the previous grant cycle. The grants range from $14,870 to $450,000 and cover issues from small remedial repairs to replacing electrical systems and reinforcing foundations. [more] |
Tolling on Interstate highways? Proposed transportation bill would leave issue up to states to decide  A controversial provision of the Obama Administration's proposed transportation bill is going to hit a nerve with Texas motorists already smarting from unleaded gasoline prices at the pump that are averaging $3.48 per gallon and with truckers moving essential goods across the state. That provision would allow states to institute tolls on existing toll-free roads such as Interstate highways. It could also have an impact on what has become a growing interest in public-private partnerships as a means of financing infrastructure projects. Because the federal Highway Trust Fund is in danger of running out of money by August, many states and local communities have put much-needed infrastructure projects on hold because of the uncertainty of federal funding. The President's GROW AMERICA transportation bill submitted to Congress this week seeks a four-year, $302-billion surface transportation reauthorization instead of the ongoing nine-time stop-gap measure of short-term extensions approved by Congress.   Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx (bottom rightt) said the proposal would give states more options regarding collecting tolls. "It's a state decision under our proposal, and not a federal decision," said Foxx during a conference call this week. Foxx said tolling interstate roadways is "increasingly becoming something that states are interested in, and we'll consider finding ways to help when that's an option that states want to consider." Before a toll could be levied on an interstate, the proposal would have to be approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Todd Spencer (bottom left), vice president of the Owner-Operated Independent Drivers Association, said tolling interstate highways will lead to "negative consequences" for both highway users and taxpayers and that it would create a "patchwork" of state-controlled toll roads. "Our interstate highways are the foundation of trucking and our nation's interconnected modern economy," said Spencer. [more] |
Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars  Tim Jennings, chief information officer, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Career highlights and education: I've worked with computers since the mid-80s.
I began working for TxDOT in 1990 as a developer. In the intervening years, I have served in project management, quality assurance and program management areas. Have also served in positions where I was responsible for enterprise application development and support and IT strategic planning before becoming TxDOT's chief information officer. I received a BS in computer science from Angelo State University.
What I like best about my job is: I enjoy constantly learning about the work TxDOT performs. TxDOT is such a large organization with many responsibilities. The variety of business functions that support our mission makes for a challenging and enjoyable environment.
The best advice I've received for my current job is: I have received advice from several mentors. The three that come to mind most readily are treat others fairly, always do your best and remember that success is a journey, not a destination.
Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Other than the items listed above, be ready to engage in a fast-paced environment, be flexible and always strive to provide good customer service.
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: enjoying the Hill Country, exploring old cemeteries or enjoying a good book.
People would be surprised to know that I: am learning to play the guitar.
One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: TxDOT is a diverse organization with many responsibilities. We support multiple modes of transportation and are constantly adjusting to meet the changing needs of our customers. |
Bailey named sole finalist for presidency of UT-Rio Grande Valley Former Texas Tech president to return to Texas after leaving U of Alabama
 Former Texas Tech and University of Alabama President Guy Bailey (pictured) is likely headed back to Texas and back to being a university president. The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently named Bailey the lone finalist for founding president of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). While his most recent charge was as president of the University of Alabama, Bailey has also previously served as chancellor of the University of Missouri-Kansas City and provost of The University of Texas at San Antonio. He has also held positions at Emory University, Texas A&M University and Oklahoma State University and served as dean of liberal arts at the University of Nevada at Reno. Bailey holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Alabama and a doctorate from the University of Tennessee. "I view this role as the single most exciting educational opportunity in America today," Bailey said. "I look forward to working with everyone as we launch the nation's first major public university of the 21st century." As founding president, Bailey will see his first class of students at UTRGV in fall 2015. The university will also establish a medical school in 2016. The new university is combing the assets of UT Brownsville, UT Pan American and the Regional Academic Health Center (RAHC). "UTRGV is the fulfillment of the creation of a new model of excellence with the aim of transforming the quality of life, health and economic prosperity in South Texas and beyond," said UT System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa. "This new university is poised to be a major academic and economic asset not only to the Rio Grande Valley, but all of Texas. UTRGV will uphold a mission of global excellence that will transform South Texas into an epicenter for research, world-class education and health care." |
Miller chosen deputy executive director-administration for THC  A veteran of nearly 30 years of service to the state of Texas was recently named deputy executive director of administration at the Texas Historical Commission (THC). Alvin Miller (pictured), who began his public service career in 1985 as a tax compliance auditor for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and advanced during his six years there to director of revenue accounting, took over the new charge in April. His experience over the years has included leading business services, regulatory compliance, financial services, information technology, human resources and customer service operations within state agencies and commissions.
In 1992, Miller joined the staff of the Texas Attorney General's Office (OAG) as chief fiscal officer and director of applications development. After nearly eight years at the OAG, Miller was in 1999 named chief financial officer for the Texas Commission for the Blind. Leaving the commission in 2004, Miller spent more than nine years as chief operating officer at the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. He stayed at that post until last month when he was named to his current position with THC. Miller is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Governmental Financial Manager and a Project Management Professional. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. |
Walker selected as new CISO for Texas Education Agency  A veteran of 16 years in the private sector and nine in the public sector, Frosty Walker (pictured) was recently named chief information security officer (CISO) for the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Walker comes to TEA after spending nearly nine years as CISO at the Office of the Texas Secretary of State.
Before he entered state government, Walker spent 16 years in the private sector as information security manager for AT&T. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University. As CISO at TEA, Walker will coordinate with other TEA staff to administer the agency's information security program that includes establishing, maintaining and enhancing information security policies. He also will be responsible for establishing and instituting procedures and practices necessary to ensure the security of information resources assets against unauthorized or accidental modification, destruction or disclosure. |
DPS reminds voters election identification certificates available Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officials recently reminded potential voters that Election Identification Certificates (EIC) are available at all driver license offices. The EIC is designed for those in need of proper identification required to vote in Texas and are issued free to qualifying applicants and valid for six years. Persons who currently already have one of the following - a Texas driver license that has expired no longer than 60 days before voting begins, a Texas personal identification card, a United States passport, a Texas concealed handgun license, a U.S. Military identification with photo, a U.S. Citizenship Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization - are not eligible for the Election Identification Certificates. Texans who need an EIC must visit a driver license office in person and complete an application. The receipt for the EIC will include a photo and can be used to vote until the permanent EIC is delivered through the mail, DPS officials said. Once citizens reach 70 years of age or older, the EIC has no expiration date. |
Texas State Technical College taps Garcia as interim president  Texas State Technical College (TSTC) officials recently selected Stella Garcia (pictured) to serve as interim president of the Harlingen campus of TSTC. Serving currently as vice president for institutional effectiveness and research for TSTC, Garcia will replace Cesar Maldonado, who has been selected as the lone finalist for chancellor of Houston Community College. TSTC officials expect to hire a new president of the Harlingen campus in four to six months, according to Chancellor Mike Reeser. |
Texas A&M approves contract to manage Easterwood Airport Texas A&M University officials recently approved a contract with Astin Limited to manage and improve Easterwood Airport, which is owned by the university. As part of the 10-year contract, the College Station-based company agreed to invest $7 million in improvements and renovations to the general aviation terminal and hangars in addition to adding a multi-purpose hangar, according to Mark Hussey, interim president of the university. The agreement to privatize the airport is expected to result in more efficient service to travelers who use the facility, Hussey said. The company also agreed to provide ground crew services, airport security, the sale of fuel, accommodations for users of the airport and ramp services. |
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Del Mar College eyeing bond election to pay for new campus  As enrollment at Del Mar College continues to grow, trustees are working to develop a bond proposal to pay for a new campus on the south side of the city and for upgrades to existing facilities, Dr. Mark Escamilla (pictured) said in an interview with KRIS 6 News in Corpus Christi. Del Mar officials already purchased 95 acres near Rodd Field Road and Yorktown Blvd. for the new campus in the southern area of the city, Escamilla said. Employers in the area are increasingly seeking a skilled workforce, he noted. Board members plan to discuss projects to include in a bond election at their next meeting and hope to schedule a bond election as early as November, he said. |
Toyota gets $40M in Texas Enterprise Funds, Prudential $1.5M The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) recently awarded $40 million to Toyota Motor North American to help convince the company to relocate its headquarters from California to Plano. Another $1.5 million was awarded to Prudential Financial Inc. In return for the $40 TEF funds, Toyota officials agreed to invest $300 million to employ nearly 4,000 people once the headquarters facility is completed. The company currently operates a $2.3 billion manufacturing plant in San Antonio that provides 2,900 jobs at the plant and an additional 6,000 jobs with local suppliers to the plant that manufactures Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks. Prudential has agreed to create 300 jobs at a new facility in El Paso, with a focus on hiring veterans and their family members. Prudential is partnering with HGS USA on the El Paso facility, which will provide information technology support and contact center and back office services. Prudential assists individual and institutional customers through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. |
Cantrell resigning as VP of information technology at TAMU Pierce Cantrell (pictured), vice president and associate provost for information technology at Texas A&M University-College Station, recently said he is resigning from that job to return to research and teaching. He had served 16 years in that position.  On June 15, Cantrell plans to return as a tenured professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering, according to Provost Karan Watson. He is credited with improving access and capability to information technology infrastructure to assist students, faculty and staff at the university. Cantrell also helped secure numerous grants, including $6.6 million from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program and established instructional technology services in 2001 to help faculty use more technology in the classroom. |
TxDOT to repay motorists for toll road billing errors Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials recently agreed to reimburse nearly $100,000 mistakenly billed toll costs to vehicle owners over a two-year period. The billing errors were revealed after an Austin television station, KVUE, obtained and analyzed TxDOT records. The billing errors involved the waiving of reactivation fees and the reimbursement of incorrect mailing charges, said Doug Woodall, the toll director for TxDOT. The agency returned almost $4,000 in overcharges to motorists in 2011 and more than $90,000 in 2012 due to the billing errors, Woodall said. TxDOT officials expect fewer billing errors to occur in the future, citing a $100 million contract with a private company to manage tolls beginning this summer, he added. |
A&M picks Alabama law professor to head its law school  A University of Alabama law professor has been chosen as the dean of the Texas A&M University School of Law. Andrew Morriss (pictured) will take over leading the Fort Worth-located law school on July 1. Morriss will replace Interim Dean Aric Short, who has been at the helm of the law school since last summer when it was purchased from Texas Wesleyan University. He holds a bachelor's degree from Princeton University, a master's from The University of Texas at Austin, a law degree from The University of Texas School of Law and a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Texas A&M's Board of Regents yesterday also approved $5 million from the Available University Fund to the law school. The university will provide up to $20 million over the next five years to match dollar-for-dollar private funds raised. |
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Zamora retires as president of Mountain View College  After being placed on paid leave in February, Felix Zamora (pictured), president of Mountain View College, recently informed officials of the Dallas County Community College District that he was retiring, effective May 1. Trustees declined to comment on the reason for placing Zamora on leave. He has served as president of Mountain View College since 2004. Zamora, who has worked 35 years in college administration, said he is considering other professional opportunities. |
Bastrop approves up to $10M for capital improvement projects Bastrop County commissioners recently gave tentative approval to issue up to $10 million in certificates of obligation to pay for capital improvement projects. Current plans call for using the $10 million to pay for renovations to several county facilities and to buy road equipment, machinery and vehicles. The funding also will be used to purchase land near the courthouse to build a parking lot. Commissioners expect to vote for final approval before the end of May once the required period for public notice on issuing the debt has expired. |
Jefferson County approves pact to develop retail space at airport  Jefferson County officials recently approved an agreement with an Arizona-based developer in a public-private partnership to develop 450,000 square feet of retail space on county property in front of the Jack Brooks Regional Airport. The developer worked with the Nederland Economic Development Corporation on the project to help attract shoppers and airline passengers to the area. Accelerated Development of Phoenix agreed to pay $50,000 for the right to build on the county property that includes about 3,000 feet of frontage to the airport, said County Judge Jeff Branick (pictured). Additionally, any revenue to the county from leases in the retail development will be used to pay for operating expenses at the airport, he added. The developer has not yet disclosed any tenants for the new retail space, but is expected to provide more information once the final contract is signed, Branick said. |
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Jacksonville ISD seeking bids to build two new schools Trustees for Jacksonville Independent School District recently requested contractors to submit bids to build a new elementary school and a new intermediate school. The deadline for submitting bids is May 16. Board members expect to select the winning bids in June, Superintendent Joe Wardell said. District officials also plan to hold two meetings for local subcontractors who wish to learn more information about the two construction projects, Wardell said. |
Austin Community College eyeing bond election in November  Austin Community College (ACC) officials are studying the feasibility of asking voters to approve bonds in November to pay for a new campus in Leander and for other capital projects, according to Victor Villarreal (pictured), vice chairman of the board of trustees. Trustees have discussed bond amounts ranging from $400 million to $500 million, Villarreal said, and expect to reach a consensus on the amount of funding to seek and the projects to include on the ballot by mid-June. Villarreal has worked to establish an ACC campus in Leander for about nine years. The community college spent $12 million in 2010 to buy 100 acres of land in Leander, which joined the ACC district in 1985. Preliminary estimates are that a new campus in Leander would cost about $70 million, Villarreal said. |
Gwen Moffeit resigns as Henderson County Clerk County Clerk Gwen Moffeit of Henderson County recently resigned, effective at the end of May. Moffeit did not seek re-election in the primary election and decided against completing her term that would have expired at the end of this year. Commissioners accepted her resignation and granted early retirement to Moffeit. Margaret Wright, who won the Republican primary election, is expected to be sworn-in as the new county clerk on June 2. |
Quanah ISD wins $2 million to build shelters at two schools The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently awarded nearly $2 million in grant funds to Quanah Independent School District to help pay for storm shelters at two schools. District officials plan to build a safe room that also can be used as a gymnasium at an elementary school and another safe room at the high school that will be used as a cafeteria. Both shelters will be open to all residents during severe weather, district officials said. The district will pay 25 percent of the cost of the storm shelters. Current plans call for the safe rooms to be built of concrete, able to withstand winds up to 220 miles an hour and measure 90 feet in diameter. Construction is expected to begin in June and the safe rooms open next spring, district officials said. |
Shenandoah delays award of bids for $1.9 million park project After receiving bids city officials considered too high, Shenandoah City Council members recently voted to delay the award of bids for a proposed $1.9 million parks improvement project. While nine bids were submitted, Mayor Wes Stephens (pictured) said city staff need more time to review the bids that are well over the projected budget for the project. Stephens also noted that $5 billion to $7 billion in construction is occurring in the Houston metropolitan area and city officials may delay awarding bids for the park improvements until construction costs go down again. Council previously delayed the park projects after initially receiving no bids for the project. |
Odessa looks for site for downtown hotel, convention center  Odessa city officials recently expanded their search for a site to build a new downtown hotel and convention center by using a public-private partnership to help pay for the project. Finding a full city block to house the convention center and hotel is the biggest challenge, according to Mayor David Turner (pictured). Although the council approved the purchase of 14,000 square feet of land on North Texas Avenue, that site is next to the historic Ector Theatre, which is a landmark the city is working to preserve. The mayor also urged council members to think about other incentives the city could offer a developer to build the hotel. City Manager Richard Morton declined to confirm if city officials planned to use this site near the theatre for a possible convention center. Morton agreed, however, that it made sense for the city to own the entire city block. |
City reviewing proposal to pipe water to Lake Brownwood Brownwood city officials recently began a review of a proposal by the Brown County Water Improvement District to pipe wastewater to Lake Brownwood. Water district officials said the pipeline could be built from the wastewater treatment plant to the lake at a cost ranging from $5 million to $7 million by using a combination of new line, existing irrigation and easements already owned by the water district. The cost estimate, however, does not include the cost of labor to install the pipeline. |
 Need a job? Got a job opening? Check out our Public-Sector Job Board! Dozens of public-sector jobs available. New jobs added this week: Public Utility Commission has openings for a financial analyst and an administrative assistant; Texas Military Dept. has opening for Accountant II; more county jobs. Click here to view jobs. Free job postings for state and local governments, nonprofits and other public-sector entities. Send your posting to editor@spartnerships.com. |
Whitesboro takes initial steps to build $1 million equine arena Whitesboro City Council members recently agreed to take the first steps in building a new $1 million equine arena by seeking legal and financial counsel and meeting with local landowners. Supporters of the arena expect it will be used primarily for horse shows and events, but also can be used for concerts, craft shows and other events, said Carla Peacock, president of the Dallas-Fort Worth Appaloosa Horse Club. The closest facilities for horse shows are now located in Fort Worth or in Ardmore or Oklahoma City, and a new arena in Grayson County would keep attract more visitors to the area, Peacock said. City officials have not set a date to begin construction and are still developing plans for the proposed arena. |
San Antonio-Bexar County MPO gets new name  The former San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has officially changed its name. The group is now the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Officials say the name change was approved as a result of the MPO Study Area expansion that now includes all of Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties and parts of Kendall County. The new name change has also precipitated the MPO's change in its Web site address and e-mail addresses for employees. The new Web address is www.alamoareampo.org. Regarding e-mail addresses, all MPO-related e-mails have been changed, effective this week, from @sametroplan.org to @alamoareampo.org. |
Cherokee County officials to seek grant to improve airport Cherokee County commissioners recently agreed to apply for a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation to help pay for improvements to the county airport. The county needs to renovate taxiways and runways that have not been improved in about 12 years, the county judge said. If the grant is approved, the county will be required to pay 10 percent of the cost of the project. County officials hope to begin work on the airport improvements this summer, the county judge said. |
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Fate gets first look at plans for new $6 million city hallFate City Council members recently got their first look at architectural plans for a new $6 million, 2,100-square-foot city hall complex. Current plans are for the new facility to feature a 1,200-square-foot Council chamber and 5,000 square feet of administrative space with the municipal court and development services occupying about a third of the facility. The plans also include a large lobby that can be used as a community space and a large public plaza in front of the building. City officials expect to seek bids in June or July for the new city hall complex and to open the facility in September 2015. |
Bastrop taps Unger as director of information technology  Bastrop County commissioners recently tapped Kevin Unger (pictured) as the county's new director of information technology. For the last six years, the county used contractors for technology services. Selected from a field of four finalists, Unger previously worked in information technology for the cities of Bastrop and Manor and for Denton County. Unger has an associate's degree from Brookhaven Community College and attended the University of North Texas. |
Williamson County to seek design for upgrades to animal shelter Williamson County commissioners recently agreed to begin a search to find an architectural and engineering company to create plans to expand and renovate the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in Georgetown. Since the shelter began operation in 2007, the number of animals at the shelter has grown by 44 percent and the facility is overcrowded most of the time, said Cheryl Schneider, director of animal services for the county. A cost estimate for the upgrade and expansion of the animal shelter will be available once the design is complete, she said. |
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H-GAC announces 2014 Clean Fleet Technologies Conference The 2014 Clean Fleet Technologies Conference (CFTC) is set for Tuesday, June 10, at Sugar Land's Constellation Field, home of the Sugar Land Skeeters, at 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land 77498. The event will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on that date. CFTC is a day-long conference highlighting alternative fuels, clean vehicle technologies and vehicle efficiency improvements. Speakers, exhibitors and vehicle displays will highlight the latest technologies and funding for cleaner on- and off-road fleets. This year's keynote address will be provided by John L. Nau III, president and chief executive officer of Silver Eagle Distributors. The early registration deadline is May 13. More information is available here. TSABAA's 45th Annual Summer Conference set in San Marcos The 45th Annual Texas State Agency Business Administrators' Association (TSABAA) Summer Conference will be held June 5-6 at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in San Marcos. The agenda is now available and registration is open. A late registration fee will be charged for those who register after May 15. The keynote address on Thursday will be given by John O'Brien, former head of the Legislative Budget Board. There will also be presentations on public works, state demographics, the budget process and effective leadership. The second day of the conference will address issues that include security and data center services and funding water in Texas. A panel of journalists will address "hot topics." Vendor opportunities are also available. E-Learning Symposium scheduled for May 14-15 in Austin The E-Learning Symposium, an interactive conference hosted by the E-Learning Council and the Department of Information Resources (DIR), is designed to help professionals and key decision-makers learn how to execute E-Learning programs within their organizations. This year's event is set for May 14 and 15 at OMNI Southpark Hotel, 4140 Governor's Row, Austin, 78744. Industry experts from Texas and beyond will be on hand to share their knowledge regarding E-Learning topics, processes and technology. This event is especially important for professionals who manage and design Web-based education programs in health care, government, higher education, energy and corporate settings. In addition to a variety of speakers, a panel discussion is also planned on "Training the Mobile Workforce." The panel will discuss how training strategy and tactics need to evolve to accommodate the movement "away from the desk." Registration is now open and the program is available for viewing. |
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| | | | Enforcing ethics, discipline in Texas public schools  By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Texans take education very seriously. And, in Texas, officials move quickly when a school district gets in trouble. Two high-profile incidents in Texas remind us how significant corrective action can be when there are problems in a school district. One incident was tied to alleged embezzlement and the other involved a testing scandal. Both school districts got a swift and powerful slap by Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams. He has ordered suspension of the school boards and appointment of a board of managers in each district. This is the most serious step the Texas Education Agency (TEA) can take before ordering a school district closed and annexed into a neighboring district. In addition to ordering appointment of boards of managers, the Commissioner indicated two new superintendents will be appointed and the accreditation status at both schools has been lowered. Accreditation is based on factors such as student achievement, financial accountability and regulatory compliance. The El Paso ISD was where a widespread cheating scandal was uncovered. Because some school officials inflated state and federal accountability scores, the school superintendent was sentenced to three and one-half years in prison and a board of managers was appointed to oversee the school. |
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Four finalists named for El Paso city manager position Four finalists have been named for the open city manager spot for the city of El Paso. They include two individuals from El Paso - David Almonte and Carmen Arrieta-Candelaria - and two from Fort Worth - Fernando Costa and Tommy Gonzalez. Almonte is the current deputy city manager in El Paso and has also served the city as assistant director and then director of the Office of Management & Budget and budget management analyst. He holds an MBA and a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at El Paso. Arietta-Candelaria is the city's chief financial officer and has previously served as chief of staff for the El Paso County judge. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from New Mexico State University and is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Government Finance Manger. Costa is assistant city manager in Fort Worth and has also served the city as director of planning and development and director of planning. He holds three master's degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Gonzalez currently works in the private sector as general manager of North Texas Division and vice president for the Sterling Construction Company, Inc. in Fort Worth. He previously was city manager for the cities of Irving and Harlingen and assistant city manager in Dallas. He earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern New Mexico University and a Master's of Public Administration from Texas Tech University. |
Lori Brooks selected as city auditor in Arlington  Lori Brooks (pictured) recently won selection as the city auditor in Arlington. She will succeed Patrice Randle, who resigned to accept a job as auditor for the city of Fort Worth. A certified public accountant with 16 years experience in government accounting, Brooks previously was the audit manager in Richmond, Virginia, director of internal audit for Sarasota County in Florida and an auditor for Pinal County in Arizona. She also worked for several private accounting firms. Brooks has a bachelor's degree from Tarleton State University and is a certified internal auditor and has certification in Risk Management Assurance. |
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Snook ISD to select finalists in search for new superintendent Snook Independent School District officials soon plan to begin narrowing down applicants seeking to be the new superintendent. So far, 30 candidates have applied for the job and the deadline for receiving applications is today (Friday). The new superintendent will replace Superintendent Larry Williams, who is retiring this summer after eight years in that post. Trustees also launched an online survey to assist them in selecting the best candidate for superintendent. The survey on the district's Web site asks community members to provide their ideas on the qualities they want in a new superintendent and their thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of the school district, the board president said. |
Stafford school district picks Bostic as superintendent finalist  Stafford Municipal School District board members recently picked Robert Bostic (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent. An assistant superintendent for Denton ISD since 2009, Bostic also held administrative positions for school districts in Carrollton, Farmers Branch and Richardson. Bostic replaces former Superintendent Lance Hindt, who resigned in February to become the superintendent for Allen ISD. Trustees expect to give final approval to Bostic's contract on May 7 after the required waiting period expires. |
Save the date! The Ninth Biennial Legislative Communications Conference is set for Oct. 1. More information will be made available as we get closer to that date. |
Menzies to lead planning and development in League City Paul Menzies recently won selection as director of planning and development in League City. When he assumes his new duties in mid-May, Menzies will replace Tony Allender, who resigned in February, and Wes Morrison, the interim planning director who resigned in April. Menzies most recently was director of public services/parks and recreation and director of planning and development in Harlingen and a planner/director of development for Kerrville. |
Hardman chosen as Houston ISD's Chief High School Officer  With more than 20 years of public education and administrative assistance, Shonda Huery Hardman (pictured) should have no trouble adapting to her new role as Chief High School Officer for the Houston Independent School District. A former assistant superintendent of HISD's Futures Academy, Hardman will in her new charge oversee 47 campuses that have a combined student population of 51,000. Hardman began her public education career as a teacher in Washington, D.C. She has since served as a principal, assistant principal, instructional coach and teacher in the Houston ISD. She is also a former academic superintendent in Boston and was chief of schools in the Chicago Public Schools. Hardman holds a master's degree from Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C. and a master's and doctorate from Harvard University. |
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Alice selects Ginter and Harris as finalists for city manager Alice city officials recently selected two finalists for city manager for a second round of interviews with council members. Council members tapped Tom Ginter, previously a city manager in Aransas Pass and Beeville, and David Harris, a former assistant city manager in Schertz, as the two finalists to interview. The new city manager will replace Ray De Los Santos, Jr., who was terminated from that post by council members in November of 2013. |
Strategic Partnerships seeking additional outside consultants 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. |
Parker selected as director of secondary education for NISD  Linda Parker (pictured), a high school principal, recently won selection as the director of secondary education for Northwest Independent School District. During her 28 years in public education as a teacher and administrator, Parker also worked at Boyd ISD and O'Donnell ISD before joining the Northwest district in 2001. Parker has a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University, a master's degree from Texas Woman's University and a Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University. |
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Paris ISD picks Preston as director of secondary education  Paris Independent School District trustees recently picked Gary Preston (pictured) as the director of secondary education. Currently a high school principal for the Paris school district, Preston will replace Suzanne Patty, who is retiring at the end of this school year. Preston began his career in education in 1993 as a middle school science teacher in Paris. He has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University-College Station and a master's degree from Texas A&M- Commerce. Trustees also selected Denise Kornegay as the new director of federal programs to replace Deann Lee, who resigned to join Millsap ISD, and Angela Chadwick as the new director of career and technical education. |
Spring ISD to review candidates for superintendent position Trustees for Spring Independent School District this week plan to begin narrowing down a list of candidates for superintendent after receiving a list of about 30 applicants from a search firm. The new superintendent will replace former Superintendent Ralph Draper, who retired in January. District officials plan to select six applicants to interview before naming a finalist for superintendent in June. |
Plainview ISD selects Carter as new technology coordinator Plainview Independent School District board members recently selected two new administrators. Trustees tapped Alissa Carter as the new coordinator of instructional technology and Jeff De La Garza as the student support services coordinator. Carter currently is a principal and has eight years experience as the on-site technology specialist. Beginning this fall, Carter will provide curriculum and instructional support in the newly created Advanced Academic Services and Instructional Technology Department when the fall semester begins. De La Garza has been a teacher for 13 years and an assistant principal for six years. He also begins his new duties as support services coordinator this fall. |
Cartwright tapped as chief financial officer for Allen ISD  Greg Cartwright (pictured) recently won selection as the new chief financial officer for Allen Independent School District. He will replace Mark Tarpley, who resigned in August to join a private company. Now the chief financial officer for Frenship ISD, Cartwright also has worked in the oil and gas industry and in finance for a large department store chain. Cartwright has a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University and is a certified public accountant. He is slated to begin his new duties in Allen on May 20. |
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Bandera chooses Schultz as city administrator Bandera City Council members recently chose Lamar Schultz as the city administrator. He was selected from a field of 20 applicants. Once Schultz begins his new duties, city officials expect to advertise the opening for a new city secretary to replace Linda Boshek, who resigned in March. Council members want the new city administrator to assist in selecting a city secretary, a council member said. Martha Shoemaker is serving as the interim city secretary until a new city secretary is hired. Shoemaker said she is not applying for the position. |
Northwest ISD names two to new director positions  Northwest Independent School District officials recently named Stephanie Espinoza (top) as the director of curriculum and staff development. Trustees and also appointed Jennifer Alexander (bottom) as the director of student services.  Espinoza is now an elementary principal and has worked for the Northwest district since 2007. She also has held posts with school districts in Crowley and Fort Worth. She has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Texas Christian University and a Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University. An assistant director of special education since 2010, Alexander has also worked as a teacher and special education supervisor for the district. She also was a teacher at the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw school district. Alexander has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of North Texas and a Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University. |
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Weaver selected as lone finalist for city attorney in Lubbock  Lubbock City Council members recently selected Chad Weaver (pictured) as the lone finalist for city attorney. Serving as the assistant city attorney for Lubbock since 2007, Weaver previously was an assistant city attorney and an associate municipal court judge while employed by a private law firm in Midland. Weaver has a bachelor's degree from Baylor University and a law degree from the Baylor University School of Law. |
Texas Government Insider Archives |
Governor's appointments Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments: - Elizabeth "Christy" Jack of Fort Worth chair of the Office of Violent Sex Offender Management Governing Board;
- Katie McClure of Kingwood to the Governing Board of the Office of Violent Sex Offender Management.
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Jones to be new assistant superintendent for Palestine ISD Tammy Jones recently won selection as assistant superintendent for instructional services for Palestine Independent School District. Jones, who currently is a high school principal for the school district, will begin her new duties on Sept. 1. She also served as a principal at an elementary school and an intermediate school during her 23 years in public education. |
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