Texas prepares for opening of 2014 hurricane season Sunday Officials predicting 13 storms, three to six hurricanes, two possibly major  After an unusually long and harsh winter and recent flood episodes that caused not only loss of property, but also loss of lives, the last thing Texans want to hear about is the threat of another possible natural disaster. But, Sunday marks the official opening of hurricane season and that's not something Texans take lightly.
Residents of the Lone Star State are hoping this year will be a repeat of the 2013 season. Last year's Atlantic hurricane season was among the quietest in history. Predictions were that there would be 13-20 tropical storms to develop in the Atlantic, seven to 11 of which would become hurricanes and three to six of which were expected to reach major storm classification. When the season ended, there had been only two minor hurricanes. However, as most emergency personnel will tell you, it only takes ONE of the big ones to cause death and destruction. Just ask residents of the Northeast about Super Storm Sandy in 2012. That area is still  picking up the pieces from the storm - which combined a hurricane and a winter storm - that caused more than $50 billion in damages. For that reason, Texas emergency management officials are warning the state's residents who might be affected both along the coastline and inland not to get complacent after last year's ho-hum hurricane season. "One of the best defenses against the destructive - and potentially deadly - power of a hurricane or tropical storm is early and adequate preparation," said Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw (pictured). "Although residents living along the Texas coast are the most vulnerable, storms can disrupt and endanger the lives of residents throughout the state." This year, only eight to 13 tropical storms are being projected, with three to six possibly becoming hurricanes. No more than two of those are expected to be major storms. That might be described as a "below average" season. Since 1981, an average season has produced a dozen named storms. Of those, six became hurricanes and three were described as major storms, with winds of 111 miles per hour or higher. [more] |
Texas Bar Foundation grant to fund design of new project Judicial Civics, Education Center will be repository for legal, judiciary history  Spearheaded by a $50,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation, the design phase of a Judicial Civics and Education Center to be located in the Tom C. Clark Building in the Capitol Complex in Austin will soon get under way. Touted as a "learning destination" that will offer visitors legal history and information regarding the importance of an independent judiciary, the center will feature interactive displays and exhibits that afford visitors the opportunity to learn more about the judiciary. Nathan Hecht (left), Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, said the center will be a "game changer" for the state's judiciary. "It will tell the fascinating judicial history of Texas through compelling stories like the important work of women attorneys during World War II or by displaying the many historical legal artifacts that have never been permanently exhibited," said Hecht.  The Texas Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, 14 Courts of Appeals, The Office of Court Administration and the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society all collaborated together to create the vision for the center. In addition to historical and interactive exhibits, it will also have a small conference space for lectures and forums. "This all started out as a concept for merely a museum, but quickly blossomed into a much larger and more vibrant initiative," said Doug Alexander (right), president of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society. "The Bar Foundation grant has provided us the launch we need, and the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society is thrilled to be a part of the partnership that will now leverage that grant to bring the Center to life." The Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $15 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation's largest charitably-funded bar foundation. |
Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars  Lee Leffingwell, mayor, City of Austin Career highlights and education: I attended public schools in Austin and then enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin. I earned a mechanical engineering degree from UT. I remain a devoted Longhorn and am glad that the university continues to be an institution our football team can be proud of. I have only had three employers during my lifetime - the United States Navy, Delta Air Lines and the City of Austin. In the Navy, I was an officer and pilot, serving in the Vietnam War. Following my service, I became a pilot with Delta Air Lines and flew with them for more than 31 years. After retiring from Delta, I began my work with the City of Austin. In 1999, I was appointed to the Environmental Board and subsequently elected chair. I then won election to the Austin City Council in 2005. I served as a councilmember until I was elected mayor in 2009. Austinites re-elected me mayor in 2012, and my terms end at the end of this year. Of all these positions, I'd say I most enjoyed being a pilot, but the job I'd say I'm the most proud of is serving as the mayor of my hometown.
What I like best about my job is: The ability to serve the city in which I was born and grew up. Over the five years I've served as mayor, I have seen Austin grow from the 14th to 11th largest city in the U.S. I like having the opportunity to work on various projects that improve Austin. It's my goal to leave Austin and Austinites in a better position than when I took office. I'm also proud to represent such a unique and wonderful city and show it off to out-of-towners that visit from all areas of the nation and world. The best advice I've received for my current job is: I have received a lot of advice over the years. However, two specific pieces of advice have always stuck with me - don't worry about anything and don't interfere with anyone's business. Great pieces of advice; it's just a shame I've never been able to abide by either. Hopefully one day... Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Let me know if you think I am doing something wrong. I can't always be right, and it's important to know when I'm not on the right track because it provides an opportunity to learn and grow. I also advise new hires to always be polite to constituents and truly listen to what they say. I work for the people of Austin, and am adamant about treating Austinites with the respect they deserve. Not only does it reflect well on our office, but politeness and friendliness are a part of Austin's unique quality of life and I want it preserved. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: on my way to either a golf course or a comfortable couch.
People would be surprised to know that I: am an avid history buff and enjoy learning about both the American Civil War and World War II. Also, people might be surprised to know that I like shopping at Costco. One thing I wish more people knew about my city: Although I try to know about or play a role in all Austin-centric issues, I'm not afforded the power many think I am to resolve or deal with every issue that confronts our city. Due to state and federal law, I and other city officials face limitations to our autonomy. When I believe a certain recommendation or ordinance would help Austinites, I am sometimes fettered by restrictions placed upon the city government. Many issues fall under the purview of either the state or federal government, and the city has no ability to intervene or generate its own policy. Similarly, as mayor, my authority is limited in many ways by the Austin City Charter.
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Sul Ross narrows presidential search to three candidates Interim President Thurman among candidates recommended to chancellor  Sul Ross State University Interim President Dr. Quint C. Thurman (top left) is among the three finalists to become the 12th president of the university. Thurman was one of nearly 40 candidates for the job following a national search. The other two finalists are Dr. William L. Kibler (bottom right), vice president for Student Affairs at Mississippi State University, and Dr. H. Neil Matkin (bottom left), executive vice president of the Louisiana College and Technical College System. The three were recommended to Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall as finalists for the job.   Thurman joined Sul Ross in 2012 as provost and vice president for academic affairs. He has served as interim president since last year. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Oklahoma and a doctorate from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Matkin, in addition to his post in Louisiana, has held faculty and administrative positions in Texas, Virginia and Illinois. He holds a bachelor's degree from Ambassador College in California, master's degrees from Golden Gate University in Los Angeles and the University of Dallas and a doctorate from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Kibler, in addition to his current position at Mississippi State, has held faculty and administrative jobs at institutions of higher education in Texas and Florida. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Florida and a doctorate from Texas A&M University. |
Mobility programs share $60M in state, federal grants Rural and urban mobility programs throughout the state will share nearly $60 million in federal and state funds that will be used to enhance rural and urban mobility programs. The transit agencies supported by these programs reported more than 34 million trips in 2013, a 4.7 percent increase over the previous year. The programs are intended to serve seniors, persons with disabilities and others who depend on transit to get to work or school, to health care facilities, shopping and other necessary destinations. Some grant recipients are cities, Community Action agencies, Councils of Government and emergency support and MHMR centers, to name a few. The funds will "support these services that enhance independence and quality of life for individuals who may otherwise be unable to travel," said TxDOT Executive Director Joe Weber. Weber said statistics show there is an increasing demand for these types of mobility services. Among the dozens of grant recipients were entities such as the city of Abilene, the Border Area Nutrition Council in Laredo, the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry and Support Center and the Bluebonnet Trails Community MHMR Center in Austin. The funding is also expected to impact traffic congestion, as some who own motor vehicles will opt to commute by public transportation. The funds can also provide park-and-ride commuter services, vanpools and other transportation options for those commuters. |
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Reynard named sole finalist for Lamar-Port Arthur president Will replace Sam Monroe, who is retiring after 49 years with the college  Lamar State College-Port Arthur will have a new president, after Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall named Dr. Betty Reynard (pictured) as sole finalist for the presidency. Reynard currently serves as vice president for academic affairs at Lamar Institute of Technology. She will succeed Dr. Sam Monroe, who is retiring in August after 49 years of service to the college, 40 of those years as chief executive officer. Reynard began her career at Lamar University in 1979 as a faculty member. She later was named program director and assistant to the vice president of academic affairs at Lamar Institute of Technology. In 2007, Reynard was promoted to vice president for academic affairs. In that position, she has overseen LIT's academic and technical program planning and review, curriculum development, academic standards, workforce training programs and policies. Reynard holds an associate of applied science degree, a bachelor's degree in secondary education and a master's degree in educational administration from Lamar University and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Houston. Following a state-mandated, 21-day waiting period before she can enter into a contract and approval by the Texas State University System Board of Regents, Reynard will assume the position of president on Sept. 1. |
TWDB awards $600,000 in grants for ag water conservation Three special districts are sharing approximately $600,000 in agricultural water conservation grants awarded by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). The grants are intended to support implementation of irrigation conservation water management strategies in the state and regional water plans. Grant recipients include: - El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 - $200,000 for agricultural irrigation system improvements to the Riverside Canal. The district will use the funds to line the canal with fiber-reinforced concrete to reduce water loss.
- North Plains Groundwater Conservation District (Dallam, Hansford, Lipscomb, Ochiltree, Sherman, Hartley, Hutchinson, and Moore Counties) - about $197,300 to assist in continuing the support of agricultural field demonstration projects.
- Santa Cruz Irrigation District No. 15 (Hidalgo County) - $200,000 for agricultural irrigation system improvements, including lining a canal with fiber-reinforced concrete to reduce water loss.
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UT System announces Garcia to head Institute of Americas  The University of Texas System wasn't about to let the leadership skills and higher education achievements of a seasoned university administrator slip out of its hands when University of Texas at Brownsville President Juliet Garcia (pictured) announced she would not seek the presidency of the new University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. When she leaves UT Brownsville in August, Garcia will have served as president of the institution for 22 years. She readily admits that "providing educational opportunity for people of South Texas has been my life's work." That work will continue now that the UT System has chosen her as the executive director for The University of Texas Institute of the Americas. Previously chosen by Time magazine as one of the top 10 college presidents in the nation and named this year by Fortune magazine as one of the top 50 world leaders, Garcia will lead the institute that will focus on developing the next generation of leadership, rooted in the value of a democratic society and will provide a non-partisan venue for convening discussions of critical issues of global significance, according to UT System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa. The chancellor said the institute will be similar to the Aspen Institute and other scholarly institutes whose goals are to "engage in a dialogue of ideas and search for solutions in education, societal and policy issues." After Garcia leaves UT Brownsville, she will begin planning and development of the institute. "The UT Institute of the Americas is unlike anything that currently exists," said Garcia, "and I am so eager to get to work developing our nation's next great leadership institute." UT System officials say the institute will play a key role in building a strong bi-national presence that will foster important relationships and conversations on critical issues facing the nation and the world. |
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SORM executive director plans retirement at end of June  A 26-year public service career will come to a close at the end of June with the retirement of Jonathan Bow (pictured), executive director of the State Office of Risk Management (SORM). Bow has spent the last 10 years of his more than two decades in state government as executive director of SORM. He joined SORM in 1998 as general counsel and served in that capacity until he was named executive director in May 2004. Prior to joining SORM, Bow worked in the private practice of law as an attorney in Lubbock. He began his state career as an assistant attorney general with the Office of the Attorney General, and was eventually named Presiding Administrative Law Judge in the Child Support Division. Bow earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Sul Ross State University and his law degree from the Texas Tech University School of Law. The SORM Board of Directors will conduct the process to choose Mr. Bow's successor, considering both internal and external candidates. |
Hill College narrows list of finalists for president's job The next president of Hill College will come from a slate of six finalists named recently following a search that generated more than 40 candidates for a committee of college and community representatives to vet. The new president will replace Dr. Sheryl Kappus, who is retiring from the post. Dr. Pam Boehm is the only finalist from Hill College. She began her career at Hill College as a professor and was later named dean of students and vice president of student services. She currently coordinates the Behavioral Science Department. The remaining five finalists include: - Dr. Mark Smith, vice president of Educational Services at Temple College;
- Dr. Jerry King, vice president of Instruction at Trinity Valley Community College;
- Dr. Johnny Moore, former president at Philander Smith College in Arkansas;
- Dr. Lydia Tena, campus dean at Northwest Campus of El Paso Community College; and
- Dr. Michael Dreith, president at John A. Logan Community College in Illinois.
Public forums with the candidates will likely be conducted the first week of June. Regents will interview the candidates at that time. |
Angelo State names finalists for VP for finance/administration   Two finalists, one of them an internal candidate, have been named for vice president for finance and administration at Angelo State University. Angie Wright (left), who currently holds the position on an interim basis, is one finalist while Lee Ann DeRita (right), internal auditor with the University of Rhode Island, is the other. The person named to the post will be the university's chief financial officer and report to the president. The successful candidate will replace Michael Reid, who resigned from the post in March 2013 to take a similar position at the University of Montana in Missoula. Wright has been an employee of ASU for 23 years, having served as assistant vice president for finance and administration and associate vice president for finance and administration during that time. She also has been director of budget and payroll services and budget director. She holds a bachelor's degree from Angelo State. DeRita has served on the University of Rhode Island's management team and as the business manager for the College of Engineering. As internal auditor, she conducts performance, operational and internal control audits and risk assessments and investigates fraud and misappropriation of assets. DeRita holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Bryant College in Rhode Island and a graduate studies certificate in human resources from the University of Rhode Island. |
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Central Texas water authorities to work together on issues Directors of the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) recently approved a pact with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) to share resources and expertise in finding new sources of potable water. Directors of the GBRA are slated to vote on the memorandum of understanding in June. While no specific water supply projects are on the agenda, officials of both river authorities said the partnership is an effort to examine potential projects that could extend beyond each of their respective watersheds. The five-year agreement calls for the two river authorities to work together to create long-term regional and trans-boundary planning processes and identify initiatives to address water needs in areas of mutual concern. Either agency can cancel the agreement with a 30-day notice. The agreement also calls for developing criteria for projects to pursue together and cooperation when addressing legislative and regulatory processes to help achieve mutual goals. |
Marshall ISD exploring another bond election in November  Marshall Independent School District officials recently agreed to re-examine district facilities to prioritize necessities before scheduling another bond election in November. Voters earlier this month defeated a $150 million bond proposal to build four new elementary schools, a new junior high school and agricultural facility and renovate the high school. Superintendent Marc Smith (pictured), however, urged trustees to re-examine bond projects and figure out how to win support from the community by focusing on the biggest needs before scheduling another bond election. Trustees agreed to focus only on the most critical projects to include in a possible bond election before deciding whether to schedule another bond election in November. Board members also agreed to work with voters who opposed the May bond proposal in an effort to determine how to win more support for issuing bonds from community members. |
Overton to explore upgrade to city's computer system Overton City Council members recently authorized City Manager Charles Cunningham to find a contractor to evaluate the current state of the city's computer system and develop an estimate for the cost of updating or replacing that system. Cunningham agreed to collect recommendations and cost estimate to provide council members information before a vote to replace or update the computer system. |
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Lubbock group recommends police station, municipal court A Lubbock Citizen's Advisory Committee recently urged city council members to issue from $40 million to $60 million in certificates of obligation to pay for replacing the police station and municipal court now located in Municipal Square. Safety issues and workplace conditions at the current police station and municipal court need immediate action, noted Jay Leeson, chairman of the municipal facilities and public safety subcommittee. Using certificates of obligation to pay for facility upgrades would allow city officials to address safety issues before an election can be held, Leeson said. City officials are considering a bond election in November, but members of the bond advisory committee instead could recommend a bond election in May 2015. At least once council member supported using certificates of obligation to pay for upgrading the police station and municipal courts because of safety issues. |
Arlington ISD to seek architects for bond-approved projects The first phase of the Arlington ISD school bond projects will begin soon, as the district is currently seeking architects for some of the $663 million in bond projects. Officials will be bundling 111 projects into 43 bid packages. Design of the first phase of projects is expected to begin in July, which includes two new schools, six new multipurpose activity centers and upgrades that will lead to a new career and technical center. This will kick off the district's five-year construction plan. Other major projects that will be part of another phase of construction include new athletic complexes, a fine arts center and elementary school and transportation upgrades.
The district will soon post design and construction schedules on its Web site. |
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Wiesepape keeps Blinn police chief job in family Craig Wiesepape will soon be following in his father's footsteps. The younger Wiesepape, who has been with the Blinn College Police Department for nine years, will assume the duties of chief of the college's police department on June 1. It will make the second generation of Wiesepapes to lead the department, as the elder Wiesepape, James, was police chief 20 years ago. The elder Wiesepape worked for the department from 1968 to 1994. His son Craig began his law enforcement career in 1988 as a reserve officer for the Navasota Police Department. He was later named a full-time officer and moved up in rank to sergeant and then lieutenant. He joined the Blinn police force in 2005 as an investigator and was later promoted to captain. He became interim chief last January. |
Holston leaves Fort Worth housing agency, replacement named After 23 years at the Fort Worth Housing Authority, President and CEO Barbara Holston has announced her retirement, effective in June. She will be replaced by Naomi Byrne (pictured), chief operating officer of the Pittsburg Housing Authority. Byrne will step into her new position on June 2.
Byrne has more than 15 years of experience as a senior executive officer in the housing industry and with nonprofits. Prior to her position in Pittsburgh, she served as the executive director of the Texarkana Housing Authority and the Georgetown Housing Authority. Byrne holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and a master's degree from Texas A&M-Texarkana. In recognition of her service, the Barbara Holston Education Fund has been established in Holston's honor. It will provide financial assistance for persons in FWHA housing programs to help them pursue academic and vocational training. |
Denton panel prioritizes November bond election projects A Citizens Bond Advisory Committee in Denton recently ranked projects for a proposed $100 million bond election in November to pay for road improvements, public safety facilities and other projects. Committee members recommended the ballot include four proposition with the first asking for $61.7 to upgrade streets; the second seeking $16.6 million for public safety improvements; the third position would ask for $11.4 million for parks and recreation; and the fourth proposition would seek $8.5 million for drainage and flood projects. The 51-member committee appointed by city council members reviewed $303 million in capital improvement projects submitted by city staff that makes up the $100 million bond proposal. The council is slated to take up the recommendations on June 3. |
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Educators get extension for responding to TELL survey The deadline for responding to the Teaching, Empowering, Leading and Learning (TELL) Texas Survey has been extended until June 6. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is conducting the survey to gather information from teachers and other educators regarding the teaching and learning environments at their respective schools. TEA officials said that since the survey began in April, 77,000 educators representing 985 school districts have responded. The information in the surveys, which is confidential, will be used by the districts for improvement planning. Questions on the survey cover a range of teaching conditions such as instructional practices and support, time, school and teacher leadership, facilities and resources, community engagement, professional development, managing student conduct and new teacher support. |
AACOG selects Kevin Wolff to serve as interim director  The board of directors of the Alamo Area Council of Governments recently selected the chairman of its board, Kevin Wolff (pictured) as the interim executive director until a new director is hired. Wolff, a commissioner for Bexar County, replaced a former executive director who was terminated from that job in February. Wolff is authorized to oversee three interim co-executive directors as well as direct and supervise activities and personnel of AACOG, which represents13 counties. Two former AACOG executives, Dean Danos and Mike Quinn, left their posts after an ongoing investigation into their alleged relationship with a former AACOG tenant. Now serving as interim-co-executive directors for AACOG are Jeri Rainey, Joe Ramos and Timothy Trevino. |
El Paso revises ordinance to hire local businesses El Paso city officials recently agreed to revise and strengthen an ordinance crafted to increase the number of city contracts awarded to local businesses. The three-year-old ordinance was revised to require that the local business be headquarters in El Paso and not just do business in the city to be considered as a local business. That would be a stipulation for local businesses seeking contracts with the city, noted Bruce Collins, director of purchasing and strategic sourcing. The revision clarifies and strengthens the city's commitment to promote local businesses and could provide some incentive for businesses to move to or expand their businesses to the city, Collins said. |
 Hunting for a job? Got a job opening? Check out our Public-Sector Job Board! Dozens of public-sector jobs available. New jobs added this week: Texas Military Dept. - System Analyst III; AACOG - Accountant; PUC - Managing Attorney; Tx Military Dept - Camp Swift Security Officer. 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. |
New Braunfels OKs master plan for new $1 million park New Braunfels City Council members recently approved the first phase of a two-part master plan for a new $1-million, 16-acre park located next to an elementary school on land donated by the school district. Voters in May approved bonds to pay for the new park. The first phase calls for building a serpentine, mounted bike track, a pit for ga-ga belt, a zip line, trails and a tree house to be used as an outdoor classroom. The plan also includes open space for flying kites or playing catch, a drinking fountain, restrooms, a playground with shade structures and a lighted parking lot with 36 spaces. Council members are expected to approve the design contract for the first phase of the park project on June 9. |
Costa confirmed to Fifth Circuit of U.S. Court of Appeals  Federal Judge Gregg Costa (pictured) of Victoria recently won confirmation to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans. Nominated to his current post in Victoria in September 2011 and confirmed in May 2012, Costa was nominated by President Barack Obama to the Fifth Circuit in November 2013. Costa will continue to hear cases in Victoria as a judge for the civil docket of the Victoria federal court. Costa, who also was a federal prosecutor in Houston, has a law degree from The University of Texas. |
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Johnson County approves $128,000 to study jail facilities  Johnson County commissioners recently authorized spending $128,500 to study the feasibility of upgrading the Johnson County Corrections Center. More information is needed by commissioners to make a decision on the future of the correctional facility, said County Judge Roger Harmon (pictured). Sheriff Bob Alford said the facility could be renovated and expanded to add more beds, a larger kitchen, improve the area for the intake and release of prisoners and a larger medical area. A new jail could cost as much as $20 million, Alford said. The contract calls for the study to include information on the county's court system, history of case loads and data from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards and from LaSalle Southwest Corrections, which operates the correctional facility. The study also will pinpoint deficiencies at the jail facility and suggest solutions, Harmon said. |
Austin ISD selects firm to help find new superintendent Trustees for Austin Independent School District recently agreed to hire a search firm based in Iowa, Ray and Associates, Inc., to assist in finding a new superintendent. The new superintendent will replace Dr. Meria Carstarphen, who resigned to lead the Atlanta school district. The contract calls for the search firm to conduct a regional, statewide and national search for a superintendent. The company also agreed to help develop a timeline, screen applicants and select semifinalists for the job, said Nicole Conley, chief financial officer for the district. The contract is estimated to cost the district about $42,000, which does not include the cost of advertising and travel expenses for applicants brought in for interviews, Conley said. |
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Desalination Summit planned for Aug. 5 in Corpus Christi Designed specifically to discuss local issues and solutions, a Desalination Summit has been slated for Aug. 5 in Corpus Christi at the Corpus Christi Town Club. The half-day event will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is organized by the local task force on water in Corpus Christi and State Rep. Todd Hunter. Registration is required. 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. Registration is now open. More information is available. 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. |
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| | | | Texas needs transportation funding!  By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
The winds of change are raging in Texas...and it's because of population growth. Construction is booming and traffic congestion is reaching new heights in metropolitan areas. Citizen services are stretched to the breaking point and government is experiencing upheavals unlike anything experienced in the past. Changes will occur even more quickly if predictions are correct. Demographers say Texas is poised to double in population - to 55 million - over the next four decades.
Some believe the state's greatest hurdle in the coming years will be finding ways to fund its critical transportation needs. Texas is an extremely large state - long and wide - and its system of roads is expansive. The federal funding spigot for roads, highways and public transportation projects has slowed to a drip and Texas legislators have been reluctant to allocate adequate funding. The federal government's current two-year transportation bill will expire Sept. 30. If Congress does not provide additional transportation revenue, federal funding for highway and transit improvements in Texas could decrease by $3.4 billion beginning October 1. Additionally, the federal Highway Trust Fund highway account is expected to drop to below $1 billion this summer, which means there will be delays in federal reimbursements for roads, highways and bridges. Many states, including Texas, will most likely eliminate many transportation projects because they won't be able to fund the projects on their own. The following statistics are startling. According to a credible, national transportation research group called TRIP: - Eight percent of Texas' major roads fall into the "poor condition" category and that costs motorists $5.7 billion annually for vehicle repairs and operating costs - or $373 per motorist;
- Nineteen percent of bridges in Texas are classified as structurally deficient or functionally obsolete;
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Nacogdoches economic group taps Windham as president  Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO) officials recently selected Nancy Windham (pictured) as the new president of that organization. She was selected from a field of 31 applicants and four finalists to replace Judy McDonald, who is retiring for a second time. A vice president for the Frisco Economic Development Corporation since 2008, Windham also was a director for two private companies, the Southern Economic Development Council and the Texas Industrial Development Council. She also worked for the Texas Department of Commerce, the East Texas Chamber of Commerce and several financial institutions and a hotel in Nacogdoches. Windham is one of seven honorary life members of the Texas Economic Development Council, a fellow in the Industrial Asset Management Council and a lifetime member of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce. |
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Ysleta ISD selects associate superintendents, principal  Ysleta Independent School District officials recently appointed two new area associate superintendents and an elementary school principal. Rebecca O'Neill (top), currently an assistant superintendent at Socorro ISD, will begin her new duties in June overseeing the Hanks/Parkland learning communities for the Ysleta school district. Previously a teacher and a principal for  school districts in El Paso and Ysleta, O'Neill has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree fromThe University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Catherine Kennedy (middle), who is now a middle school principal, is set to begin her new duties on June 16 as an area associate superintendent for Del Valle and Ysleta learning communities and oversee the district's 11 middle schools. She has a bachelor's degree, master's degree and a Ph.D. from UTEP. Kennedy also was a teacher and principal for the Ysleta district.  Beth Ann Harbison (bottom), currently an assistant principal at Socorro ISD, plans to begin her new duties as an elementary school principal for the Ysleta district on June 2. Harbison previously was a teacher, a special education project manager for the Region 19 Education Service Center and founded a tutoring company. She has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree from UTEP. |
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. |
Joshua hires search firm to help find new city manager Joshua City Council members recently selected a search firm to assist in finding a new city manager. Current City Manager Paulette Harman is resigning from that post, effective July 11. Hartman, who became city manager in January 2007, is leaving to become an assistant city manager in North Richland Hills. She is the seventh city manager in Joshua since the position was created in 1995. |
Jacksonville ISD approves Joe Wardell retirement  Trustees for Jacksonville Independent School District recently accepted a notice from Superintendent Joe Wardell (pictured) that he plans to retire in March 2015. Board members also agreed to hire a search firm to assist in finding a new superintendent to replace Wardell. After leading the district for six years, Wardell said he wanted to give his notice in plenty of time to provide board members time to set up the process and select a new superintendent. |
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Milano school district to work on master improvement plan After a facilities committee identified three areas of improvement that would benefit the district, the Milano school district is readying to draft a master improvement plan. Among the projects are improvements to the Milano Junior High, which is currently housed in a portable building. More classrooms are sought for the Milano Elementary campus and a new agriculture mechanics shop is in the works. Once the plan is established, school officials will decide how to bring projects online, either by completing projects a little at a time with existing funds or by finding some alternative financing methods, which could include a bond vote. |
San Benito reinstates Antonio Limon as superintendent  Antonio Limon (pictured) recently agreed to return as superintendent of the San Benito school district after being suspended from that post last May. Limon also agreed to accept another administrative position with the district and most likely retire in two years. Led by the board president, trustees suspended Limon in May 2013, hired a law firm to investigate Limon citing concerns for student safety and fiscal matters. The former board president, however, lost her bid for re-election in May and new board members voted to reinstate Limon in a 5-2 vote. Limon agreed to serve as superintendent until a new superintendent is hired. |
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Donna ISD looking internally for next new superintendent Donna Independent School District trustees recently agreed to accept applications only from candidates already employed by the school district to consider serving as the new superintendent. The deadline for applications to be filed is June 2. The new superintendent will replace Superintendent Roberto Loredo, who is on medical leave. Rene Rayna, who has served as interim superintendent since October, said he intends to apply for the permanent post. Board members expect as many as four or five current administrators will apply for the job, the board president said. If the deadline passes without the district receiving enough applications to make a selection, trustees can extend the deadline and seek more applications, she said. |
Hudson announces departure from La Marque ISD position  Joanie Hudson (pictured), La Marque ISD assistant superintendent for school improvement, has announced she is leaving her position. Hudson began her education administrative career in 1990 as principal in the Alvarado ISD, a post she held for more than nine years. She also is a former executive director in the Cedar Hill ISD and was assistant director of federal programs in the Garland ISD. She served six years as a learning coach in the Education Service Center Region 13. Hudson earned a bachelor's degree from Texas Woman's University and her master's from the University of North Texas. She holds a doctorate from the University of Phoenix. Hudson earned her superintendent certification from Angelo State University and her mid-management certification from The University of Texas at Tyler. |
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Problems continue in Beaumont ISD as 300 job cuts looming The latest bad news for the Beaumont ISD came in the form last week of a letter from BISD Superintendent Timothy Chargois announcing that 75 at-will and 225 contract positions in the district are likely to be eliminated. This action comes on the heels of the State Education Commissioner ordering a board of managers and a new superintendent to take over for the current elected school board and Chargois. That action is currently under appeal. Facing a financial emergency, the cuts would help the district reduce its budget by $25 million, said the superintendent. Employees who would be affected would be contacted by June 12. Chargois said it is "impossible" to balance the school district budget without making the cuts. If the cuts are not made, he said, the district will not be able to support existing academic programs or make salary commitments. The superintendent also said additional cost-saving measures are also likely to be put in place, including reducing or eliminating programs and revising insurance obligations. |
McAllen votes to hire Rodriguez as its full-time city manager  The McAllen Public Utility manager, Roy Rodriguez (pictured), who has been serving as interim city manager since April, has been chosen by the City Council to take on the city manager job full-time. Before taking the Public Utility's top job, Rodriguez spent nearly four years as Harlingen's city manager. He was appointed interim city manager on April 1, following the retirement of former City Manager Mike Perez. Rodriguez earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Texas A&I University and a master's degree in public administration from The University of Texas-Pan American. |
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Manor board reinstates Brackmeyer as superintendent  Here one day and gone the next. And then back. That's been the path of Manor Superintendent Kevin Brackmeyer (pictured) since January. The Manor leader resigned in January after an alleged rift with some board members. After his resignation, which neither the board nor Brackmeyer could talk about, the community took it on itself to unseat the school board members who voted for the separation. And they did so at the polls.
That brought on another rally, this time to have Brackmeyer reinstated as superintendent. Earlier this week, the board reinstated him as superintendent. Brackmeyer was promoted to interim superintendent in 2012 when the previous superintendent left to take another job. He served a year before his resignation. |
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Bradley retirement ends nearly 30 years with city  Pat Bradley (pictured) has recorded a career with the city of Ferris that began in December 1986, when she was hired as a relief dispatcher for the city's police department. She will end a career with the city that spanned nearly three decades when she steps down from her job as city secretary. After taking on her part-time job with the city 28 years ago, Bradley eventually earned her certification as a police officer and worked as a reserve officer for nearly five years. She later participated in EMT training and earned her EMT certification. After four years in public safety, she began her new job as a water clerk in Public Works. Other jobs she's held for the city include in tax collections and building permits. In 2005, she was appointed city secretary. She retires from that position today, Friday. |
Anderson retiring from job with Stephenville ISD Dr. Joyce Anderson, director of guidance and assessment for the Stephenville Independent School District, is retiring this year, after spending 23 years with the district. After earning a scholarship to a junior college, Anderson later earned her bachelor's degree. She followed that by earning a master's degree in English and a Ph.D. in educational administration. |
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Kingsville ISD restarting search to replace superintendent Kingsville Independent School District trustees recently began discussion on restarting their search to replace Superintendent Edward Blaha, who resigned to become the new superintendent for Hidalgo ISD. The discussion became necessary after Rebecca Robinson, the lone finalist selected for the new job, notified board members on May 13 that she was withdrawing from consideration due to a family emergency. Trustees this week are slated to explore whether to begin a new search or select another candidate from those who originally applied for the job, the board president said. Trustees also will discuss choices for an interim superintendent to lead the district until a new superintendent is hired. |
Texas Government Insider Archives |
Dion Miller resigns as city manager for city of Cleveland  Cleveland City Manager Dion Miller (pictured) recently said he is resigning, effective June 9. Miller joined the city in February 2012 and has worked without a contract since that time. City officials plan to accept his resignation and discuss the appointment of an interim city manager at a called meeting on June 2. |
Governor's appointments Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments: - Tammy Camp of Shallowater, State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology;
- Shannon K. McClendon of Dripping Springs, State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology;
- Leila Salmons of Bellaire, State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology;
- Phillip Lee Wilson of Dallas, State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology;
- Jesse Barba of McAllen, Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board;
- Luis De La Garza of Laredo, Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board;
- Laurie Fontana of Houston, Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board;
- Brian Padden of Austin, Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board .
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Cuero selects Kennedy as director of development group Cuero city officials recently selected Patrick J. Kennedy as the executive director of the newly created Cuero Economic Development Corp. Kennedy, who retired as the economic and community development coordinator in Yoakum, began his new duties in Cuero on May 12. |
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. |
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The Texas Government Insider is a free weekly e-newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government. Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers
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