Tuition Revenue Bonds high priority for lawmakers, institutions Bipartisan support exists even though last approval by legislature was in 2006  The University of Texas System's recent announcement that it would seek authorization of $1.9 billion in Tuition Revenue Bonds (TRBs) when the state legislature meets next January was probably the first wave of what could be a tsunami of similar requests. Many other state-supported institutions are already putting together their requests for when the 84th Texas Legislature meets.
In addition to the UT System request, the University of Houston-Victoria has already announced its plans to seek $130 million in state funds to develop its campus. Texas Tech University is expected to request $17.82 million for a new academic facility at TTU Health Sciences Center's Permian Basin campus.
They've all been there before. Prior to the 83rd Legislative session, institutions of higher education sought  $3.8 billion in TRB authority for more than 77 projects, most of which were for new construction. Because no TRBs had been approved by the Legislature since 2006, higher education officials thought this was their year.
It didn't happen. Although TRB bills passed in both the House and Senate, the two chambers were unable to forge a compromise bill to pass before the regular session ended. Sen. Judith Zaffirini (bottom), who authored the TRB bill that died at the end of the regular session, was prepared to file another TRB had the governor chosen to put the issue on the "call" of any of the three subsequent special sessions. That didn't happen either.
The institutions will come knocking again in the 84th Legislature. Some lawmakers pledged at the end of the 83rd session to be ready to file again in the 84th, among them Sens. Zaffirini and Kel Seliger (top).
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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars  Casey Kennedy, director of information services, Office of Court Administration Career highlights and education: My team just wrapped up implementing a new case management system for the appellate courts statewide. We're also in the process of making statewide electronic filing of court documents mandatory. This is a monumental task that involves more than 450 elected district and county clerks all across Texas. I joined the Office of Court Administration (OCA) in 2010 as the Director of Information Services. We have a very high performing information technology shop that provides IT for the two high courts, the 14 intermediate appellate courts and several judicial branch agencies. Prior to OCA, I led the applications development group at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. I have a computer science degree from The University of Texas at Austin and am originally from Dallas.
What I like best about my job is: being able to collaborate with so many people across the Texas court system to implement technology that automates and promotes the efficient delivery of justice. The judicial branch has many opportunities for technological advancement and having people embrace that change makes it fun to work.
The best advice I've received for my current job is: Only worry about the things you have direct control over. I find that doing this allows my team to be more nimble and able to respond to about any situation that can be thrown at us.
Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Unless it's my birthday, I don't like surprises. Keep me in the loop for bad things as well as the good. Also, if something doesn't sound or look right, say something. I don't mind anyone coming to me with a problem (and a proposed solution).
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: in a hiking park (Bull Creek, St. Edwards, Barton Creek) or a biking park (Walnut Creek, Brushy Creek) spending time with my beautiful wife and wonderful boys. If I'm out for an extended time, you can find me on a beach along the Gulf Coast or Mexico.
People would be surprised to know that I: came really close to having a 737 roll into the parking lot at Mueller Airport while working there as a ramp agent in college. I guess people would be surprised that I was a ramp agent one summer in college playing with 737s.
One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: That we're part of the state's Judicial Branch. Most of my IT brothers and sisters don't realize that some of the rules we have to follow are different from the Executive Branch. Also, that we've perfected the art of collaboration. Our teams here are highly functional. We help each other out and are open and honest with each other all the time. I love being a part of a culture where no one is trying to edge me out or show me up. Everyone here shares the same vision and works towards it.
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Brannan appointed as Workers' Compensation Commissioner
 An advisor in the Governor's Office Division of Budget, Planning and Policy has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Workers' Compensation. Ryan Brannan (pictured) will replace current Commissioner Rod Bordelon, who is ending his nearly six-year career as commissioner. Brannan was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to a term that expires Feb. 1, 2015.
While serving in the Governor's Office, Brannan was involved in issues related to the insurance industry, including property and casualty insurance, workers compensation, healthcare, public health and health and life insurance.
Brannan holds a bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University, a Master of Business Administration from SMU Cox School of Business and a law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law.
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In 11th-hour compromise... Congress passes legislation to shore up Highway Trust Fund Whether the federal Highway Trust Fund would have actually gone belly-up in August is a moot point now that Congress passed an 11th hour bill Thursday night to shore up the fund once again. State and local government officials were fearful of warnings that their allocations from the federal government for transportation infrastructure projects would be reduced up to 28 percent if legislation did not pass before the August deadline. Just under the wire, Congress passed a bill that will provide $11 billion to the fund, which is expected to keep the fund solvent until next May. The bill that originated in the House is what was finally passed, although the Senate had hoped to supplement the fund only through December and force discussion of a long-term solution to the transportation funding after the November elections. The $11 billion will come from changes to pension taxation policies that would raise $6.4 billion, extending some Customs user fees by one year that would raise $3.5 billion and the remaining $1 billion would be transferred from surplus money from a fund established to pay for cleaning up pollution from leaking underground storage tanks. |
 We've launched our new Web site!!! Strategic Partnerships, Inc. this week launched its new company Web site. Check out the site to learn more about our people, our services and the latest news, commentary, trends and opportunities in government procurement and public-private partnerships. Please bookmark our site and come back often. |
Sandoval, Sandberg named to key positions within TxDMV
 A new chief hearings examiner and a new director of the Enterprise Project Management Office were recently announced by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).
Judy Sandberg (pictured) is the agency's new director of the Enterprise Project Management Office, where she works with TxDMV leadership and business owners to direct, define, develop, plan, implement and evaluate projects. Before joining TxDMV, Sanberg worked in director and manager roles in health and human services agencies in the state, where she was responsible for project management, business development, information technology and operations analysis. She holds a bachelor's degree from Texas State University and is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs Governor's Executive Development Program. She is also a certified Project Management Professional.
Named chief hearings officer in the agency's Office of Administrative Hearings is Edward Sandoval. The office is responsible for Lemon Law and warranty performance hearings. Before joining TxDMV, Sandoval spent 27 years working for what is now the Texas Workforce Commission. He began his career as a hearings officer for the then-Texas Employment Commission, moving into a supervisory position in the Appeals Department. His long career with the state was preceded by a stint in the private sector in a private law practice. Sandoval holds a bachelor's degree from Baylor University and a juris doctor degree from The University of Texas School of Law.
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Hufft chosen as new dean of TWU's College of Nursing
 A new dean of the Texas Woman's University (TWU) College of Nursing is a TWU alumna. Dr. Anita Hufft (pictured), will serve as dean of the College of Nursing for the university's Denton, Dallas and Houston campuses. She is a former dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences for Valdosta State University in Georgia.
A veteran of the United States Army, Hufft holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Maryland, Walter Reed Army Institute of Nursing. She was awarded a Master of Nursing degree from Louisiana State University and earned her Ph.D. degree in nursing from TWU.
A registered nurse, Hufft served as professor of nursing and dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences for Valdosta State University since 2004. She also has held academic appointments at Louisiana State University, Indiana University Southeast, William Carey College, Indiana University, Spalding University and Houston Baptist University.
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West Texas A&M picks Sherri Bays for financial position  Sherri A. Bays (pictured), currently vice president of business affairs at Western New Mexico University, has been selected to replace Gary Barnes as vice president for business and finance at West Texas A&M University. Barnes resigned to take the post of associate vice president for finance and controller at Texas A&M University. In her new role, Bays will be responsible for oversight of the university's budgeting, physical facilities and contract management and will supervise the Accounting and Business Office, the Buff Gold Card Office, University Bookstore, Post Office, University Police Department, Environmental Safety, Human Resources and Purchasing and Inventory Services. Bays joined WNMU in 1995 as an internal auditor/budget analyst. She left for a short stint in the private sector before returning to WNMU as director of fiscal services. She was named associate vice president of business affairs and then vice president of business affairs. She holds a bachelor's degree from New Mexico State University at Las Cruces and is a Certified Public Accountant. |
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Mok selected as vice president for UT Health Science Center  Officials of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio recently selected Jacqueline Lee Mok (pictured) as the vice president for academic, faculty and student affairs.
Currently a vice president and chief of staff to the board of trustees at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Mok begins her new duties in San Antonio on Sept. 1. She also has been a vice president at the University of Arizona and served in U.S. embassies in France, Nigeria and Sri Lanka.
Mok will replace Shawn DeVeau, who has served as interim vice president since March. Her new duties include being the primary liaison with the UT System offices, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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Paris rejects bids to replace water, sewer lines After receiving only one $7.4 million bid to replace about 10 miles of water and sewer lines, Paris city officials rejected that bid and discussed requesting bids for the project again after breaking it into smaller phases. Dividing the sewer and water line replacement into smaller phases often results in more companies submitting bids because larger projects often carry heavier costs and fewer companies want to bid for those projects, said Shawn Napier, engineering director for the city. One council member, however, disagreed and suggested combining this phase of the project with the next phase to make the project even larger. Council agreed to more discussion before making a decision on when or how to rebid the water and sewer line project |
Vasquez tapped as vice president for Texas A&M-San Antonio
 Mario A. Vazquez (pictured) recently won selection as the new associate vice president for institutional advancement at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, effective on Aug. 1.
His new duties include planning and directing all philanthropic initiatives by A&M-San Antonio. This fundraising will include foundations, private endowments, alumni gifts, corporate donations, grants and capital campaigns.
Vazquez previously served as president of the PBS television station in San Antonio and was a former manager of contract administration for an energy company,. He has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio.
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UTEP vice president gives up VP of Communications position  Chris Lopez (pictured), vice president of communications for The University of Texas at El Paso, will step down from that job. Lopez has been with the university since 2011 and in his position was charged with overseeing the university marketing and public relations strategies.
Lopez's contract runs through September, at which time he indicated to the El Paso Times that he would decide his next career move. UTEP Senior Executive Vice President Howard Daudistel will oversee communications until the position is re-evaluated. Lopez is a former Executive Editor and Vice President of News, Texas/New Mexico, for the El Paso Times. He also previously served as communications director for the Denver 2008 Democratic National Convention Host Committee and is a former managing editor/general manager of Desert Sun Newspaper and vice president of news and executive editor of the Contra Costa Newspapers. He has held positions at other newspapers. |
Lubbock panel urges $133 million bond election in May 2015 A Lubbock bond advisory committee recently urged city council to schedule a $133 million bond election in May 2015 or 2016 rather than in November, citing the time would allow voters to focus on the projects. The mayor, however, predicted that he and council members would also consider asking voters to approve bonds in November of this year as well as considering dates in May and November 2015 and 2016.
Committee members also urged council members to issue almost $67 million in certificates of deposit to build a new police station to replace its current aging police station rather than waiting for a bond election to pay for it.
Other projects expected in the bond proposal are about $66 million in upgrades to streets and roads, $40.5 million for a new dog park and for expanding and upgrading existing parks and walking trails and $2 million for a siren system to warn residents of tornadoes.
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SPI team members to participate in Desalination Summit Join Strategic Partnerships, Inc. team members in Corpus Christi on Tuesday, Aug. 5, for the Desalination Summit organized by State Rep. Todd Hunter. The event will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Town Club.
Attendees will discuss local water issues and solutions and the role desalination can play in communities seeking new water resources. Stop by our booth to visit and let us answer any questions you might have!
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Sugar Land proposed budget includes numerous priority projects  The city of Sugar Land got a look at the proposed budget for FY 2015 recently. Among the projects that will result from funding in the budget are a performing arts center, parks projects and street and drainage improvements throughout the city. City Manager Allen Bogard (pictured) presented his proposed budget that included a number of priority initiatives set by the City Council.
Other issues included in the $324.15 million budget (which would include $144.35 million for capital projects) include the 6,500-seat performing arts center that would be completed in 2016, voter-approved park initiatives that will cost $31.5 million and street and drainage projects that include street widening, reconstruction of some streets and drainage improvements in other areas. |
Corpus Christi requests proposals for new youth sports complex Corpus Christi city officials recently requested proposals to build a new youth sports complex. The facility would be south on 50 acres of land owned by the city that could be donated to the private organization that builds and operates the sports complex in a public-private partnership. The land is located near the Bay Area Fellowship on SH286.
The youth sports complex is designed to host regional state and national events for baseball, soccer and basketball and to increase tourism to the city, according to the director of the parks and recreation department for the city.
City officials expect to evaluate the proposals by the end of October and award a contract by the end of this year, said the director, who also said plans are to build the sports complex without using tax funds.
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Fort Bend ISD bond group urges $494.5 million bond election
A bond advisory group recently asked trustees for Fort Bend Independent School District to schedule a $494.5 million bond election in November to upgrade technology and security in addition to projects to meet enrollment growth.
The recommendation includes: - $364.5 million for new construction, including five new elementary schools and possibly a new career and technology campus;
- $39.4 million to upgrade technology with a wireless network and other improvements;\
- $30.1 million to improve safety and security by installing security vestibules, cameras and fencing; and,
- $15.9 million to replace buses and GPS.
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DART announces hiring of two new executives
  Two new executives have been hired by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) as it prepares to roll out new train service to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The expanded DART Orange Line will run to Terminal A at the airport beginning Aug. 18.
Nicole Fontayne (left) will serve DART as its new chief information officer. She comes to DART after spending more than a dozen years in senior positions in the city of Detroit and in Broward County in Florida. Her most recent job was in the private sector, where she was a former engagement manager with a global consulting firm based in Dallas. Fontayne holds a bachelor's degree from Roosevelt University and a Master of Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University. She has also completed executive education courses at Harvard University.
She is joined by Joseph Costello (right), who will be DART's new vice president of finance. In his new role, Costello will be in charge of the agency's budget process, financial planning, debt financing and management. He is a former executive director of the Regional Transportation Authority in Chicago, where he also served 16 years as the chief financial officer. Costello holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago.
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The Woodlands approves $600,000 for customs facility at airport
Officials of The Woodlands township recently voted to preliminarily approve $600,000 to build a U.S. Customs facility at the Lone Star Executive Airport in Conroe. The funding will not be finalized until township officials vote in August on the proposed budget for the next fiscal year.
The 3-2 vote followed a budget session in which Montgomery County officials requested The Woodlands to contribute the $600,000 in funding to the proposed $2.4 million facility to allow international flights to land at the airport. The George Bush Intercontinental Airport is also located about 17 miles away from the township.
The proposal calls for the county, the city of Conroe, Black Forest Ventures and The Woodlands to each pay one-fourth of the cost of the customs facility. The chairman of the township's board supported the proposal that also calls for the county to pay the annual operating costs of the customs facility, primarily through user fees.
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Pasadena ISD sets $175,55 million bond election in November  Pasadena Independent School District trustees recently scheduled a $175.55 million bond election on Nov. 5 to pay for new campuses, replace existing schools and renovate other facilities. If voters approve, the bonds also will be used to upgrade technology throughout the district, said Superintendent Kirk Lewis (pictured). Projects to be included in the bond proposal include building a new Dobie High School Ninth Grade Campus, adding new wings at Rayburn High School, South Houston High School for Early College High Schools and a new wing at the Career and Technical High School. Trustees also are planning to build new schols to replace an existing intermediate school and elementary school built in the 1950s and 1960s, Lewis said. |
Water District 10 reconsidering $52.5M bond election in November Clif Drummond, president of Water District 10 in Westlake Hills, recently said he is considering asking board members to delay a proposed $52.5 million bond election previously planned for November. The delay is needed to explore methods to reduce the cost to taxpayers to improve the water system. Some voters are concerned about an increase in property taxes. Drummond also proposed exempting about 100 homes from the tax increase in a subdivision in which some owners have agreed to pay about $20,000 each for upgrades to their water systems in exchange for the tax exemptions. This proposed exemption would require bond language rarely used in the past that will take time to develop, he said. |
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Houston OK's $10 million to build overpass for METRO rail project  Houston City Council members recently approved $10 million to help pay for a $43 million overpass to be used by METRO light rail trains and regular vehicles to avoid existing freight rail tracks on the east side of the city. The Harrisburg light rail line is almost completed, but has a gap of several blocks covered with freight rail tracks that require an overpass or an underground tunnel to cross, according to Tom Lambert (pictured), president of METRO.
METRO is contributing $33 million to the overpass project that will feature two light rail tracks in each direction and four lanes for vehicles in addition to walkways for pedestrians. Residents of the area had requested an underground tunnel instead, but testing revealed soil contamination that prevented digging a tunnel.
METRO officials expect to seek bids for construction of the overpass and award that bid by the end of this year. The overpass project should be completed in about three years.
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Weatherford panel provides two options for bond proposals Weatherford Citizen's Capital Advisory Committee members recently urged city council members to schedule a $36.5 million bond proposal with two seprate propositions to pay for improvements to streets, roads and the town square. The first proposition would ask voters to approve $26.5 million to pay for nine street projects, including upgrades to the downtown square which would cost about $13 million, about half of the bond issue, if approved. The second proposition asks for approval of $10 million in bonds to pay for the first phase of upgrades to West Martin Drive. Council members are expected to vote before mid-August on whether to schedule a bond election in November and the projects to be included in the proposal. |
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Check out our Public-Sector Job Board! Dozens of public-sector jobs available. New jobs added this week: Public Utility Commission - Attorney; Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board - Project Management ISS Division Resource Lead (PMO); Tx Military Department - Inventor and Store Specialist II; and more. 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. |
Plano gets first look at plan for upgrading aquatics facility
Plano City Council members recently began reviewing plans to replace the aging Jack Carter Pool using about $7.5 million in bond funds set aside for a new pool.
The best option is to relocate the proposed family aquatics center to the southern area of Jack Carter Park from its current location, which is in a flood plain, according to a consultant.
While the new location currently has existing baseball and soccer fields, the city park system offers enough baseball and soccer fields in other locations to meet the demand in both sports, the consultant said. Current plans are for city staff to wotk with the consulting firm on a final design for the aquatics center, seek bids and begin construction by fall 2015. The new facility should be completed by summer 2016, the consultant said.
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MacFarland to take over command of Fort Hood, III Corps  A new commander of Fort Hood and III Corps will take over next month. Maj. Gen. Sean B. MacFarland (pictured), commanding general of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, has been promoted to lieutenant general and will take over at Fort Bliss in Central Texas for Lt. Gen. Mark Milley. Milley has been promoted to general and will become the commanding general of the U.S. Army Forces Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Milley has been commander of II Corps and Fort Hood since late 2012. |
Pflugerville allots $110,000 for new sidewalksPflugerville City Council members recently allotted about $110,000 to build new sidewalks on two roadways. A $230,000 community development block grant is paying for the sidewalk project and for recreational programs this year, city officials said. The improvement projects should be completed by September 2015. |
Laredo snares $3.9 million grant to upgrade airport tarmac
Laredo city officials recently snared a $3.9 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to upgrade the existing tarmac at the Laredo International Airport.
Improving the tarmac, which was first built in 1943, should help the airport attract larger aircraft and enhance safety at the airport, noted City Manager Carlos Villarreal.
During this eighth phase of the airport improvement project, city officials plan to remove the existing apron asphalt and concrete sections and replace with concrete pavement, he said.
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NASW/Texas State Conference set for October in San Marcos More than 1,000 social workers are expected to for the 38th Annual National Association of Social Workers (NASW)/Texas State Conference. This year's even will be Saturday through Monday, Oct. 18-20, at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa and Conference Center in San Marcos. In addition to networking opportunities, the event will feature presentations by presentations by NASW Assurance Services, Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners, Texas Association of Social Work Deans and Directors, Texas Field Educators Consortium and Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. Early bird rates apply through Aug. 20. Up to 19 hours of Continuing Education can be earned by attending. For more information on the conference, how to exhibit or to register, visit the NASW/Texas Web site or check out the main conference page.
TEXAS DESAL 2014 event slated for Sept. 11-12 in Austin The Texas Desalination Association's conference, TEXAS DESAL 2014 - Best Practices & Emerging Technology, brings together a diverse array of topics, presenters and attendees to build understanding and opportunities for desalination in Texas. Attendees are assured lively and informative discussions among industry experts, policymakers, regulators, researchers and water planners on the leading edge of new water supplies. Confirmed special guests include Texas Water Development Board member Bech Bruun and State Reps. Todd Hunter and Lyle Larson, who will address desalination from policy, funding and legislative perspectives. For sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, contact kford@waterpr.com. Full conference details at TexasDesal.org. Earlybird registration ends July 15. For more information and to register, click here.
Desalination Summit planned for Aug. 5 in Corpus Christi Three statewide hearings regarding water desalination were held in June by the Joint Interim Committee to Study Water Desalination, co-chaired by State Rep. Todd Hunter and Sen. Craig Estes. The three hearings will lead up to an Aug. 5 Desalination Summit in Corpus Christi at the Town Club. The Corpus Christi summit is designed specifically to discuss local issues and solutions. 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 Rep. Hunter. The event is free, but registration is required. |
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| | | | Good news for rural communities!  By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Rural America has big infrastructure needs but no surplus funding to address the problems. Now, there is good news - help is on the way and rural communities should be cheering.
The recently announced U.S. Rural Infrastructure Opportunity Fund, designed to provide various types of assistance to rural communities, has an anchor investment of $10 billion. That's enough to grab the attention of public officials in small communities who have been overlooked all too often in the past.
This new fund will address both new construction and improvement of existing infrastructure. It is expected to spur public-private partnerships that will result in new water and wastewater systems, energy projects, high-speed Internet upgrades, new schools, healthcare clinics and other social infrastructure projects.
The original $10 billion investment comes from CoBank, a national cooperative bank and a member of the Farm Credit System that already provides capital for rural infrastructure in all 50 states.
It has not taken long for rural area officials to begin prioritizing projects and inquiring about funding. Most rural areas have project plans that have languished for years.
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Sunset Advisory Commission schedules meeting next week The Sunset Advisory Commission will meet next week to make decisions on the following agencies: University Interscholastic League, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Family and Protective Services, Department of State Health Services and the Department of Aging and Disability Services. The meeting will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, in the Senate Finance Committee Room of the State Capitol Extension, Room E1.036. |
Adm. William McRaven chosen to lead UT System as chancellor One of its own is returning to The University of Texas. The University of Texas System Board of Regents this week unanimously voted to name UT-Austin graduate and U.S. Navy Admiral William McRaven (pictured) as the System's lone finalist for its next chancellor. McRaven will replace Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa, who has announced that after five years as chancellor, he is returning to his first love - medicine - as a pediatric transplant surgeon at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Cigarroa was president of the UTHSCSA for eight years before becoming the System chancellor. McRaven currently heads the U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida, and is considered one of the nation's top military special operations leaders. UT System Board of Regents Chair Paul Foster called McRaven "a nationally and internationally respected leader and a true American hero." The Navy admiral, who had announced previously that he would retire in late August after a 37-year military career, will lead a System with nine academic campuses and six health campuses, including more than 215,000 students and approximately 90,000 employees. The four-star admiral comes from a military family. His father was an Air Force pilot and his grandfather was an Army doctor. McRaven earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin and his master's from the Naval Postgraduate School. |
Saleme returns to Beaumont ISD finances on part-time basis Leroy Saleme, a former director of finance for Beaumont Independent School District from 1997 until 2000, recently agreed to return on a part-time basis as a finance consultant. His duties include assisting the board of managers overseeing the district in all finance and budget issues. The board of managers for the district is advertising for candidates for a full-time chief financial officer for the school district. Saleme will oversee financial operations on a part-time basis until a new finance director is selected, district officials said. |
Region 8 Education Service Center to be headed by Fitts  Region 8 Education Service Center officials recently named David Fitts (pictured) as the new executive director. The Region 8 ESC serves 47 school districts located in 11 counties. Previously the superintendent at Lake Worth Independent School District, Pitts also was a superintendent for the Pewitt Consolidated ISD, a principal for Ore City ISD and a teacher at Winona ISD. Fitts has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University, a master's degree from The University of Texas at Tyler and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University-Commerce. |
City of Katy selects Wilkins as new finance director Katy City Council members recently selected Becky Wilkins as the new finance director, effective July 1. She replaced Byron Hebert, who resigned to be the new city administrator for Katy. Wilkins previously was county treasurer in Hill County. She has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. |
Veteran Masi will take over as CEO for Harris Health  George Masi (pictured), who has been serving as Harris Health's executive vice president and chief operating officer since 2005, has been named the agency's new president and CEO. He replaces David Lopez, whose contract was not renewed in June after nine years as head of Harris Health. Masi has been serving as interim president and CEO since early July. He joined Harris Health in 2001. Harris Health, the former Harris County Hospital District, operates two public hospitals and numerous outpatient clinics. |
The Ninth Biennial Legislative Communications Conference is set for Oct. 1. More information will be made available as we get closer to that date. |
The Woodlands to spend up to $1.8M to renovate fire station The Woodlands Township recently approved up to $1.8 million as the maximum price to renovate an existing fire station that could lead to a project to expand the station to accommodate an emergency medical unit and more firefighters. Built 27 years ago, the existing fire station was designed for a staff of only two or three personnel who were supplemented by volunteer firefighters, according to the fire chief. The facility no longer meets the needs of the growing fire department, he said. |
Coppell ISD names Waldrip as lone finalist for superintendent  Coppell Independent School District officials recently named Mike Waldrip (pictured), currently a deputy superintendent at Frisco ISD, as the lone finalist for superintendent. Joining the Frisco district in 2002, Waldrip also taught and coached for school districts in Goliad, Seminole and Victoria. Once his contract is finalized following the required waiting time, he will replace Jeff Turner, who retired to be the executive director of the Texas Association of Suburban/Mid-Urban Schools. Waldrip has a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University, a master's degree from Sul Ross State University and a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas. |
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Hillsboro appoints Milburn as municipal judge Hillsboro city officials recently appointed John Milburn as the municipal judge. Currently serving as an associate municipal judge, Milburn won selection over a field of nine candidates for the job. Milburn replaces the former municipal judge who retired in mid-July. He also has served as the justice of the peace for Precinct 2 since 1991. Milburn said last fall that he will not seek re-election and plans to retire from the county in December. |
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City of Donna to evaluate 10 applicants for city manager job The city of Donna has 10 applicants for the post of city manager after former City Manager Oscar Ramirez was terminated from that position last May. The city is expected to narrow that list to finalists for the City Council to evaluate. Interim City Manager Fernand Flores said he will stay on until a replacement is selected. The 10 applicants include: Rio Grande City former city manager Juan Zuniga, who also worked for San Juan for 12 years; Juan Guerra, chief financial officer and bridge director for Pharr and a former finance department employee for the cities of Fort Worth, Sherman and LaFeria; Joseph Campos, president of a development consulting firm and former interim city manager and engineer with the city of Edcouch; Jose "Joe" Garcia, senior vice president and regional controller for PlainsCapital Bank and former chief financial officer for a bank in Edinburg; K.M. Hubert, former city manager of Taft, Aransas Pass and Balch Springs and a management consultant for the cities of Pecan Hill and Mart; and E. Rey Garcia, former director of information technology and social media for Weslaco. |
Crawford selected as sole finalist for superintendent for Tyler ISD  Dr. Marty Lane Crawford (pictured) recently won selection as the lone finalist for superintendent for Tyler Independent School District. Crawford has served as superintendent for West ISD for six years. Previously working in various posts at school districts in Dallas, Hurst-Euless-Bedford, Highland Park and Oklahoma City, Crawford has overseen recovery of the West district since a fertilizer plant explosion in 2013 destroyed three schools, 150 homes and killed 15 people in that community. Crawford has a bachelor's degree from Baylor University, a master's degree from the University of Oklahoma and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University-Commerce. |
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McGlothlin resigns as director of curriculum for Marfa ISD
 Dr. Ross McGlothin (pictured) recently resigned as executive director of curriculum and instruction at Marfa Independent School District. A district employee since 2013, McGlothlin also has served as a principal.
Trustees are expected to appoint Mary Paul, a principal, to replace McGlothlin, who has accepted other employment.
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Altus selects Greg Buckley as interim city manager Altus City Council members recently named Assistant City Manager Greg Buckley as the interim city manager. When he assumes his new duties, Buckley will replace City Manager Elizabeth Gray, who is resigning to serve as a city manager in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Council members also agreed to hire a consultant to help the city find a new city manager. |
Brent Ringo resigns post as principal for Royse City ISD  Dr. Brent Ringo (pictured) recently resigned as a principal for Royce City Independent School District. His resignation is effective on Aug. 1. Ringo resigned to accept a new job as director of finance for Allen Independent School District. Previously an associate principal for Wylie ISD, Ringo joined the Royse City school district in July 2012. |
Turner selected as new city manager for city of Taylor
 Isaac Duane Turner (pictured), who has 30 years of municipal service to his credit, most recently as city manager of Venice, Florida, has been selected as the new city manager for the city of Taylor.
His other previous experience includes serving as a management assistant for the city of Fort Worth; interim city manager and assistant city manager for the city of Longview; city manager for the city of McKinney, city manager in Ormond Beach, Florida, and city manager of Venice, Florida.
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Sharp named leader of Abilene Development Corporation  R. Kent Sharp (pictured), former executive director of the Gainesville Economic Development Corp., has been chosen as the new chief executive officer for the agency. Sharp will replace Richard Burdine, who retired earlier this year. Sharp has also served in economic development roles in agencies in Big Spring, Stamford and Shamrock. Sharp holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University. |
Texas Government Insider Archives |
Governor's appointments Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments: - Leon Leal of Grapevine, State Board for Educator Certification;
- Ivy Pate of Beaumont, Lower Neches Valley Authority Board of Directors;
- Caleb Spurlock of Woodville, Lower Neches Valley Authority Board of Directors;
- Robin Sage of Longview. presiding officer, Protect Our Kids Commission;
- Carmen Dusek of San Angelo, Protect Our Kids Commission;
- Eric Higginbotham of Austin, Protect Our Kids Commission;
- Leticia E. Martinez of Fort Worth, Protect Our Kids Commission;
- Marian Sokol of San Antonio, Protect Our Kids Commission;
- Luanne Southern of Austin, Protect Our Kids Commission.
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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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