Go to news and people section. Go to calendar of events section. Sign up for the Texas Government Insider.

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels resigns

Commissioners court will pick longtime official's successor

Robert Eckels

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels chose his annual State of the County speech this week to announce his resignation. "The time is right," said Eckels.

Eckels was only recently elected to his fourth term, having served as county judge since 1995. He indicated recently that he was considering offers in the private sector. Others have speculated that he is considering a run for a statewide office in 2010. A lawyer, Eckels is also a former member of the Texas House of Representatives.

Eckels will continue to serve until his replacement is appointed and qualified. The county's current commissioners will be charged with appointing someone who will serve out Eckels' term until the next General Election. The court is split - with two Republicans and two Democrats.


Rodriguez sworn in as lieutenant general in Guard

Charles Gary Rodriguez

Charles Gary Rodriguez, State Adjutant General of the Texas National Guard, was administered the oath of office as lieutenant general. He was sworn in by Gov. Rick Perry. As Adjutant General, Rodriguez commands a Guard force of more than 21,000 soldiers, airmen and civilians of the Texas military forces, including the Texas Army and Air National Guard, the State Guard and the Adjutant General's Department.

Rodriguez was promoted to lieutenant general in September, but the ceremony this week made his new rank official. Rodriguez is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering with a humanities concentration. He also received a Master of Arts degree in marketing research from Wheaton College Graduate School in Illinois, a master's degree in marketing from Keller Graduate School of Management in Illinois, and a doctorate in philanthropic leadership from the Union Institute and University in Ohio.

Rodriguez received numerous military awards and decorations. He has more than 31 years of commissioned service and served as the Texas Assistant Adjutant General for Homeland Defense in the Texas Joint Force Headquarters, stationed in Austin.


Lone Star

Roger Williams

Roger Williams, Texas Secretary of State

Career highlights and education: Graduated from Texas Christian University, played professional baseball for the Atlanta Braves organization, and coached baseball at TCU before becoming chairman of the board of Roger Williams AutoMall and Vestry Financial Corp. Trustee of TCU and the George Bush School of Government and Public Service.

What I like best about my job is: I love traveling the state and meeting all the great people that live here. Part of my job is to recruit businesses from around the world to come to Texas, and there is nothing I like more than to sell Texas. The great thing is that with a product as good as Texas it is an easy sell.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Keep it simple.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: I would tell a new hire to remember that our job is to serve our customers, the people of Texas, and they expect and deserve a high level of customer service.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: On a run somewhere or watching a baseball game.

People would be surprised to know that I: Have 60 donkeys on my ranch in Weatherford.

One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: We are a revenue-generating agency for the state. I have an agency full of dedicated employees trying to make a difference for the state.

Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a “Lone Star,” please email us at editor@spartnerships.com.


HHSC budget requests total $58 billion

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) this week presented its appropriations request for the entire HHS system to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. Requesting slightly more than $58 billion, the HHS system is likely to be appropriated more than a third of the state's budget. A little more than 60 percent of that would be federally funded.

Although nearly three-quarters of the HHS request is Medicaid-related, the sheer magnitude of its budget will create many vendor opportunities. For example, Exceptional Item 13 requests $39 million to improve telecommunications and information technology. Two other Exceptional Items deal with critical building maintenance and replacement of several dozen cars and trucks.

The eight-hour hearing also covered issues like the impact of major litigation, disasters, and the new federal minimum wage. Interested readers can replay the hearing from the house archives or can download the HHSC presentation materials from the HHSC Web site.


Rallo choice for Angelo State president

Dr. Joseph C. Rallo

Dr. Joseph C. Rallo, provost and academic vice president at Western Illinois University since 2003, will apparently become the next president of Angelo State University. Texas State University System Chancellor Charles Matthews this week recommended Rallo to the system's Board of Regents.

If approved, Rallo will become the university's fourth president, and will take over the university's reins on June 1. By law, regents must allow 21 days for public comment before formally offering the job to the lone finalist. Matthews said he is confident Rollo can "build upon the considerable strengths" of Angelo State.

In addition to his tenure at Western Illinois, Rallo also has served as director of the Colorado Institute for Technology Transfer and Implementation, was dean of the College and Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and was dean of business at Ferris State University in Michigan. He has taught at Rutgers, University of Southern Colorado, Air Force Academy and Michigan Technological University. He holds a bachelor's degree from Lafayette College, his J.D. from Western New England College, and his M.A and Ph.D. from Syracuse University.

Rallo will succeed ASU President James Hindman, who announced in 2005 that he would be stepping down this year to return to teaching.


College enrollments continue increasing

Raymund Paredes

Enrollment in Texas colleges and universities has increased more than 22 percent since 2000. Nearly 1.2 million students signed up for fall classes at the 133 junior colleges and universities across the state. Although enrollment rates are expected to continue to increase, they are doing so at a slower rate, according to statistics from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Raymund Paredes (pictured), Texas Commissioner of Higher Education, says that enrollment increases are leveling off because most middle- and upper-class students who have the resources to attend college are already attending. The challenge now is to find ways for lower-income students to access higher education. "We've picked off all the low-hanging fruit," Paredes said. "We need to figure out some academic ladders to get higher into the trees."

The University of Texas at San Antonio is among a number of universities facing another similar dilemma: how to improve access to education without overcrowding campuses. Enrollment at the university has increased 50 percent in the last six years, from 18,830 in 2000 to 28,379 last fall. In response, the university has gradually reduced its acceptance rate for new students from 99 percent to 92 percent and may raise admissions standards for next fall. UTSA President Ricardo Romo said that the university wants to remain a "champion of access," but doesn't have the resources to admit every student who wants to go to college.

In an attempt to solve the problem, the university is meeting with the Alamo Community College District to discuss transfer programs that would help students move smoothly from the community college to the university.


El Paso gets grant to deal with influx of troops

The City of El Paso has been awarded a grant of nearly $1 million as it prepares for its population to explode by thousands when new troops arrive at Fort Bliss. The $936,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense will assist with education, housing, public safety, utilities, and health and social services for the troops.

Fort Bliss is scheduled to see an increase of 20,000 troops and their family members over the next several years following the most recent round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). The influx is a result of the approval of moving thousands of American troops in Europe and Korea back to the United States. The current spending bill passed this week by the U.S. Congress allocates only $2.5 billion for BRAC work this year.

The increased funding is necessary as some 70,000 American troops prepare to move to both Ft. Bliss and other military projects are on the drawing board. Texas was earmarked for more than $740 million of the $5.6 billion in BRAC funding originally sought in 2006. U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas filed an amendment to the bill that would have restored $3.1 billion in funding to implement the recommendations of the BRAC Commission to construct facilities to support American troops and their families. "It is critical that this military funding is provided as soon as possible," said Hutchison. She said she will work to ensure the funding is part of the supplemental spending bill.


TAMU-Commerce getting new student center

Dr. Frank B. Ashley III

Ground was broken recently on a new student center for Texas AM University at Commerce. The new facility will feature a student club with a built-in sound system and more than a dozen flat-screen monitors. There will also be a giant-screen TV at one end of the building.

The $25.4 million, 92,000-square foot, state-of-the-arts Sam Rayburn Memorial Student Center has been on the university's radar screen for the past seven years. University administration deemed a new student center would be more cost effective than major renovation work on the current student center.

Frank Ashley, interim provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, said the project has mainly been a student project. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Ashley called the event a great day "not only for the students but for the university and the community."


Sales tax up; tax holiday could expand

Local sales tax collections increased nearly 13 percent from January 2006 to January 2007, according to State Comptroller Susan Combs, who recently sent out checks totaling more than $609 million in local sales tax receipts to cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts. That figure was up more than 6 percent over the same period last year.

The state collected $1.76 billion in sales tax revenue in January. Combs said the figures for January, which reflect mostly December sales indicate that holiday sales were up "but not as strong as some businesses expected."

Sales taxes could be impacted in August if two lawmakers have anything to do with it. Rep. Lon Burnam of Fort Worth and Sen. Rodney Ellis of Houston have both filed legislation to expand the state's "tax free holiday" during the late summer. Burnam's bill would add certain energy-efficient appliances and school supplies to the list of tax-free items. One of Ellis' bills would add certain school supplies to the tax-exempt list and another would extend the sales tax holiday from a single weekend to two full weeks.


Proposed higher ed special item cuts could be costly

Loss of special item funding from higher education budgets in Texas could cut more than $625 million from nearly three dozen of the state's four-year universities and university systems in the upcoming biennium. Gov. Rick Perry's 2008-09 state budget would eliminate nearly all special item funding for those entities.

Perry proposes instead to pool most of those funds and distribute them to state institutions of higher education based on their student enrollments. Only four campuses and the University of North Texas System would be spared the special item budget knife - with slightly less than $20 million dedicated to those entities.

While higher ed institutions receive state funding based on formulas related to enrollment and the types of students enrolled, hundreds of millions more are allocated each biennium for special items. Perry is hopeful that the pool of money saved from special items will allow the state to reward those institutions whose graduation rates and student test scores are exemplary. Past efforts to cut or eliminate special item funding have failed. Officials of many of the affected universities note if special item funding is cut, they will have to make up that money elsewhere in their budgets, or see tuition rates - that already are increasing after tuition rates were deregulated - continue to climb.


Bill addresses counties' unfunded mandates

A bill was filed this week in the 80th Legislature that addresses unfunded mandates often passed down to local governments by the Texas Legislature. State Rep. Wayne Smith's legislation, HJR 61, proposes a constitutional amendment that directs the legislature or a state agency to appropriate funding for any new, modified, or expanded program required of counties. "If the state mandates a program, the state should pay for it," Smith said.

Smith said the primary source of county budgets is the property tax, and without new sources of revenue, counties must either increase taxes or cut existing programs to fund mandates from the legislature. "This legislation will go far in helping county budgets," said Smith, "but more importantly, it will let Texas taxpayers know that decisions regarding local tax dollars are coming from local leaders, not the legislature."


Bond committee studies PN-G's future needs

Dr. Lani Randall

School and community leaders in the Port Neches-Groves school district are considering a bond issue to bring existing school facilities up to the district's standards for educational excellence. Although there is no official bond proposal yet, a committee has been meeting since 2003 to discuss the district's aging buildings.

The district's middle schools have drawn the most attention from the bond committee, along with the high school. The question remains as to whether the high school should be renovated in phases or rebuilt.

PN-G Superintendent Dr. Lani Randall said the next step will be to determine if the bond will be done in phases, with different time frames and construction plans for each. She noted that the high school had $20 million in renovations in the 1990s and "now we're getting cost figures for what will be done next." Once the bond committee makes a decision, the school board will decide the fate of the proposal, hopefully in time for a May election.


Tech outlines free tuition, fees program

Kent Hance

Texas Tech University System Chancellor Kent Hance this week announced a plan - the Red Raider Guarantee program - for Texas Tech University to offer free tuition and mandatory fees to new freshmen students whose families' adjusted gross incomes are not more than $40,000. The plan goes into effect during the fall 2007 semester.

The plan calls for guaranteeing 100 percent of tuition and mandatory fees for the average course load for all qualified first-time freshmen. Tech will pay these fees for eight semesters, which is the typical amount of time it takes to complete a degree. "Texas Tech is committed to providing higher education opportunities for financially disadvantaged Texans," said Hance. Eligible students who complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form before May 1, 2007, are guaranteed to receive funds. Applications received after that date will be awarded based on available funds.

The savings to a Texas Tech student enrolled in 15 hours per semester would be approximately $6,800 per year. The fees instead will be paid through a combination of federal, state and institutional funds.


Craddick makes two appointments

House Speaker Tom Craddick has appointed two new members to state organizations.

Charles N. Butts, a hospital administrator from Lamesa, is a new addition to the Executive Committee of the Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA). Butts has worked in Texas hospitals since 1967 and has served on the board of the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals.

Craddick also picked Laurie McReynolds for the Small Business Compliance Assistance Advisory Panel. McReynolds owns a dry cleaning franchise in Waco and replaces her father, Jack Godfrey Sr., on the panel. The panel's mandate is to help small businesses comply with federal water quality, solid waste and air quality laws.


Clear Creek ISD's Mossman honored

Dr. Sandra Mossman

Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Sandra Mossman is the Texas Computer Education Association's "Superintendent of the Year" for her focus on technology in education.

Mossman was honored in a ceremony in Austin recently, at which time she presented a $1,000 scholarship award to a student. With Mossman as superintendent, the Clear Creek ISD has successfully integrated technology into the classroom curriculum.

CCISD Trustee Ralph Parr called Mossman "visionary" and "an innovator." Mossman said the 35,500-student school district uses every opportunity to integrate technology into classroom instruction.


Frenship ISD to hold $128 million bond election

The Frenship ISD school board has decided to put a $128 million bond before voters in May.

The bond would provide funds to build three schools and remodel other campuses. These projects are in keeping with the district's master plan. The plan projects that, in the absence of new construction, four elementary schools and a middle school would exceed capacity within the next three years.


Hardin Simmons to get special events center

Dr. Craig Turner

A new on-campus special events center for Hardin Simmons University has been approved by the university's board of trustees. Fundraising for the $20-$25 million, 80-90,000-square foot center will begin immediately, according to HSU President Craig Turner. HSU officials hope to complete construction on the center in 2012.

The proposed events center will be the largest building on the HSU campus and the most expensive. The center will be located between the football and baseball stadiums on the campus. It is expected to have a seating capacity of 3,000-3,200, which will be large enough for university commencement services. The center will also house athletic offices, locker rooms, meeting rooms, coaches offices and a weight room for men's and women's athletic teams.

The new facility will also include the new Cowboy Club lounge on the second floor, with views of the football field and the basketball court.


UT-Permian Basin to promote new energy technology

Dr. Leslie A. Toombs

The University of Texas-Permian Basin has received a $12,500 grant from the West Texas Coalition for Innovation and Commercialization. The funds will be used to promote alternative energy commercialization in the Permian Basin.

The university has formed the Alliance for Innovative Energy Technology Commercialization to manage the project. The alliance will work to promote the commercialization of a variety of alternative energy sources, including geothermal, solar and biofuel. Its ultimate goal is the formation of an economic cluster of alternative energy sources in the region.

Leslie Toombs, director of the Jan and Ted Roden Center for Entrepreneurship, said that the alliance will also develop software that will allow potential investors to create investment scenarios and analyze economic returns. The university's Department of Industrial Technology and Small Business Development Center are part of the alliance. Other members include the Center for Energy and Economic Diversification, the Jan and Ted Roden Center for Entrepreneurship, and other energy-based organizations, both private and public


Houston to build Kingwood library, community center

The design may still be on the drawing board, but construction plans are moving forward for a new library in Kingwood. The 35,000-square foot building will break ground after July 1, 2008. When the new library is completed, the current library building, which is 12,000 square feet, will be converted to a community center. The city of Houston has budgeted $4.2 million for the library and $1.6 million for the community center.


Rockwall ISD considers bond election

Like so many school districts in the state, Rockwall is considering a May 12 bond election to stay ahead of district growth. The board is discussing splitting a proposed $317 million bond package into two propositions, which would see the district through the next seven or eight years of growth. If voters only pass the first bond, the district would have funding for an estimated four to five years. The board has until March 12 to call the election.

Proposition 1, at $157 million, would include construction or modification of elementary, middle and high schools; planning for a third high school; expanding to a full-day kindergarten program; purchasing land and buses; and improving technology and infrastructure.

Proposition 2, at $160 million, would provide for construction of two elementary schools, one high school and an aquatic center. It would also fund expansion of a stadium, more technology and infrastructure improvements, and the purchase of more buses.


Katy may hold $8.3 million bond election

The city of Katy needs street repairs, a new municipal court building, fire station renovations and city park enhancements, leading the city council to consider an $8.3 million bond election to finance these projects.

The largest item in the proposal is $3.5 million to replace with concrete the asphalt on Avenue D, the city's main thoroughfare, and move the water line that currently runs under the street.

Fire station renovations and the new municipal court building would receive $1.5 million each. Park improvements would cost $1.8 million, which includes resurfacing playing courts, replacing fences and light poles, and adding bleachers.


Houston to build citywide wireless network

Houston Mayor Bill White is moving quickly with plans to provide the largest wireless network in North America.

The mayor announced Tuesday that the city had chosen an Internet service provider for the job. He would like to see the network up and running by spring 2009.

The wireless network would cover 600 square miles of Houston, although incorporated areas within the city limits would not be included.

Monthly subscription rates would be about $22, compared to the current price tags of $45 for cable broadband and $15 to $35 for DSL. Free access would be provided in libraries and parks. The city would subsidize reduced access rates for low-income residents.

If the project moves forward, the provider would need to put equipment on building rooftops. The mayor is helping to negotiate leases with property owners.


North East ISD considers bond election

Dr. Richard A. Middleton

Four new schools and renovations and updates at existing campuses are part of a proposed $500 million bond issue currently being studied by trustees of the North East ISD in San Antonio. Superintendent Richard Middleton last year capped enrollment at one high school and one middle school, but the district's enrollment continues to grow by 1,600 students per year.

The bond issue being considered would provide for four new elementary schools, allow for upgrades of existing outdated facilities and finance additions to replace some portable classrooms. It would also allow for the air conditioning of gyms in every middle and high school and for upgrades to the athletic and fine arts facilities at 25 campuses.

The bond election might also include a new football stadium, as numerous schools share the current facility.


Handy Legislative Links

Each session it gets easier to follow the legislative action from your home or office. Most major committee hearings are now broadcasted over the Internet. Here are a few handy links:

Clear Creek considering bond election

Residents of the Clear Creek ISD could be facing a $183 million bond package in the spring after a citizen bond advisory committee made the recommendation to the board of trustees. Trustees have until today to call a May 12 election.

Included in the proposed bond is $163.7 million for a new high school, a new intermediate school and two new elementary schools. Bond money would also be used to convert two ninth-grade centers into intermediate campuses. Another $20 million would be used for roof replacement at a number of facilities throughout the district, while buses and security equipment would also be added at elementary schools. New science and math labs also would be added.


Greer named city manager at Farmers Branch

Gary Greer

Gary Greer, former city administrator for Grand Island, Nebraska, has been named the new city manager at Farmers Branch. He will begin his duties on March 19.

Prior to taking over the job in Grand Island, Greer served as city manager in Kearney, Nebraska and Manhattan, Kansas. He also worked in the private sector as vice president of a steel company. He is a graduate of Park University and earned his master's degree in public administration from the University of Kansas. He is an international city and county management association-credentialed city manager.

Greer takes over for Linda Groomer, who is retiring and ending a 35-year local government career, the last 12 years of which were spent in Farmers Branch.


UTSA starts certificate program in homeland security

The University of Texas at San Antonio will start a graduate certificate program in homeland security this month. The program, which is geared toward military personnel and professionals in security technology, is called "Security Studies: Homeland Security and Defense."

Currently, Security Studies has two core classes that are taught by a variety of visiting lecturers. Students then take classes in other departments to complete the remaining nine hours required for the certificate.

The program should take 18 months to complete and costs $12,500. It is currently a certificate program, not a graduate degree, but could expand to a master's and doctoral program in the future.


Newly formed group to oppose school vouchers

Headed up by a former Texas lieutenant governor and former Texas Commissioner of Education, a newly formed group of business and community leaders is organizing to seek additional funding for the state's public schools while opposing private school vouchers.

The "Raise Your Hand" group includes former Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff, former Texas Education Commissioner Mike Moses and Charles Butt, well-known chairman and CEO of the HEB grocery chain.

This week, the group kicked off a four-day tour across Texas to get their message out. Moses and Ratliff began the tour by visiting a school in San Antonio on the first leg of the tour, explaining how they are promoting early English language learning, lowering the ratio of teachers to students in the classroom and offering incentives to attract math, science, bilingual and special education teachers.


Baylor plans athletics, academic complexes

Dr. John M. Lilley

Baylor University will soon construct a new athletic complex and athletics and academic center. The lead gift for the complexes is the largest single gift in Baylor's history. Baylor President John M. Lilley called the announcement "an exciting day for Baylor University athletics and for the entire Baylor family."

The additions will feature a 96,300-square-foot athletics and academic center, which will include a main athletics training room, equipment room, football team locker room, coaches' locker room and weight room. It also will include administrative offices, the football office, meeting rooms and an academic center. More practice fields will also be added.


Llano to decide on bond election

The Llano school board will decide next week whether to call a May bond election. The board has outlined two bond proposals for a total of $14.3 million.

The first proposal, for $5.13 million, would include improving technology infrastructure; purchasing buses, air conditioning units and portable buildings; repairing existing buildings; and remodeling a cafeteria.

The second proposal, for $9.2 million, includes adding a wing to an elementary school and improving its kitchen and library.


ORCA announces grants to hospitals

Four rural Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) have been named to receive grants totaling more than $159,000 for investments that will improve local access to high quality healthcare. The Rural Health Technology Grants were awarded by the Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA).

ORCA officials note that the funds are used to replace aging equipment and to allow the hospitals to offer services that will not only benefit the regions they serve, but also help increase the hospitals' revenues.

Hospitals receiving the grant awards are: Bayside Community Hospital and Clinic in Anahuac - $40,000; Culberson Hospital in Van Horn - $40,000; Johns Community Hospital in Taylor - $40,000; and Mitchell County Hospital District in Colorado City - $39,465.25.


Higher ed marketplace includes private colleges

Mary Scott Nabers

By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

There is a large higher education marketplace in Texas. It is particularly attractive to both students and businesses who sell to educational institutions. However, most people, when considering the marketplace, think first of large sprawling campuses on acres of land with thousands of students - campuses such as the state's flagship universities - The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M.

But there is another group of smaller Texas colleges and universities that should not be overlooked. These are the 40 private colleges and universities throughout the state that are member institutions of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT). Not only are these smaller institutions bringing significant economic value to the state because of the thousands of students they educate each year, but they each also should be seen as a unique marketplace by those who sell goods and services to public entities.

ICUT was founded in 1965 to be the voice of private colleges and universities in Texas. Its member institutions have student populations that range from fewer than 100 to more than 14,000 students. ICUT membership includes small institutions such as Jacksonville College and Southwest Christian College, both with enrollments of approximately 300, as well as Baylor University and Southern Methodist University with student populations well over 11,000.

These 40 institutions provide a critical measure of relief to the state's higher education budget. For example, in 2006, the state spent an average of $6,888 for each full-time student enrolled in its four-year state supported colleges. Compare that to what the state awards to students through Tuition Equalization Grants when students attend ICUT colleges and universities - only $2,900. Had ICUT students enrolled in the state's larger four-year institutions, the additional costs to Texas taxpayers would have increased by $206.8 million.

Regardless of size, ICUT colleges and universities have the same needs as the state's large public institutions. With a combined enrollment of approximately 115,000, the colleges and universities house and feed students, construct educational and research buildings and add dormitories and parking lots as enrollments increase. Most also provide the latest in technology, construct and renovate existing facilities and purchase goods and services that range from computers to classroom furniture.

ICUT is living up to its "Stretching Minds, Stretching Money" mantra and is continually looking for ways to trim costs. ICUT occasionally structures vendor purchasing agreements for its member institutions, faculty, staff and students. Cost-cutting solutions and services are evaluated regularly by ICUT officials so savvy vendors should pay attention and not overlook this group.

Likewise, budget writers and analysts should pay particular attention to the significant impact of the Tuition Equalization Grants. With statewide funding demands at all time highs, taxpayers appreciate it when Texas students have an opportunity to receive educational services, often near their homes, at a lower cost in facilities that already exist. That is simply good government!


Griffin named chair of TSU Board of Regents

Belinda M. Griffin

Belinda M. Griffin, a Texas Southern University alumna, has been named chair of the TSU Board of Regents.

Griffin is also a graduate of the Human Resources Management program at the University of Colorado.

Other newly elected officers are Vice Chair Earnest Gibson, III; Second Vice Chair Bill King; and Secretary David Diaz.


Southlake approves redesign plans for park

Redesign plans for Bicentennial Park in Southlake were approved recently by the Southlake City Council. The proposal includes more than $26 million in park upgrades, including new ball fields, a water spray park, new park entrances and road system and new lighted sand volleyball courts.

The council will now begin reviewing ways to fund the project in phases. The project is the result of development efforts by the city council, city staff, park board members, Carroll ISD and the Southlake Baseball Association.


Central ISD chooses superintendent finalist

Dr. Allen Garner is the only finalist for the superintendent position for the Central Independent School District in Pollok. He will replace Vernis Rogers, who retires this year.

Garner is currently the superintendent of the Martinsville school district and has been a teacher, coach and principal. He is still discussing with the board the timeline for his transition.


Houston Community College adds to campuses

Houston Community College will break ground next week on two buildings: a learning center and a science and technology building.

The learning center, which includes computer labs, classrooms and a library, is on the college's Northeast campus. The science and technology building includes laboratories and an Energy Institute for Academic Education and will be part of the college's new Northline campus.

Funding for the projects is provided by a $151 million bond referendum passed in 2003.


Reay to head Border Sheriff's Coalition

Donald Reay, a retired U.S. Customs agent who worked as a Border Patrol and Drug Enforcement Administration agent, has been appointed executive director of the Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition.

Reay will oversee state and federal grants awarded to assist border area sheriffs in their law enforcement efforts. The coalition currently has grant funds totaling some $10 million.


DFPS looking at faith-based adoption initiative

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has announced a faith-based recruiting initiative for foster parents in Lubbock. The agency's Congregation Helping in Love and Dedication, or CHILD, will be at Lubbock's Broadway Church of Christ.

Recruiters will visit Lubbock churches and attempt to find at least two sets of people from each church who will be willing to become foster parents. A similar program has been successful in the Amarillo area.

Child Protective Services is also involved in the faith-based program. Last year, more than 2,200 children were in foster care in the Lubbock and Amarillo area.


Cy-Fair to launch bond study for school district

With rapidly increasing student populations and several district schools' student populations over their planning capacity, the Cy-Fair ISD will begin a bond study process in March. The last bond election in the district, $713 million in 2004, was approved and designed to provide facilities for 95,000 students. The district currently is less than 3,000 away from that figure and looking for more space.

A 40-member committee will study the district's needs relative to new campus needs and buses, renovation needs for instructional and support facilities and technology. If a bond issue is recommended and approved by the board of trustees, an election could be held in November.


Midland ISD sets $37 million bond election

Midland ISD trustees this week approved a $37 million bond election to be decided in a May 12 election. The bond will be in two propositions. The first would add 84 classrooms at elementary campuses, convert one elementary into a fine arts magnet school and make improvements to the Carver Center.

In the second proposition, more than $7 million in athletic facility needs for two high schools, two freshman high schools and two junior high schools will be part of the proposal. It would also provide practice facilities for soccer and softball teams, including showers, dressing rooms and restrooms.


Governor makes appointments

Governor Rick Perry this week announced the following appointments:

  • Richard L. Watson of Austin, Automobile Theft Prevention Authority;
  • Caroline Kupstas Daley of Kingwood, Governing Board of the Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired;
  • Michelle D. Goodwin of Fort Worth, Governing Board of the Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired;
  • Deborah Louder of San Angelo, Governing Board of the Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired;
  • Dr. Robert K. Peters III of Tyler, Governing Board of the Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired;
  • Emerson F. Lane Jr. of Pt. Comfort, Crime Stoppers Advisory Council;
  • Michael Kent Burns of Mineral Wells, District Attorney, Palo Pinto County;
  • Jill Druesedow of Haskell, State Board for Educator Certification;
  • Homer Trevino of Waco, State Board for Educator Certification;
  • Norman Darwin of Austin, Injured Employee Public Counsel;
  • The Honorable James H. Shoemake of Richmond, Judge, 434th Judicial District, Fort Bend County;
  • Janet R. Boone of Madisonville, On-Site Wastewater Treatment Research Council;
  • Janet Dee Meyers of Aubrey, On-Site Wastewater Treatment Research Council;
  • Christopher J. Rourk of Dallas, One Call Board;
  • Conrith Davis of Huntsville, Board of Pardons and Paroles;
  • Richard R. Rahr of Galveston, Texas Physician Assistant Board;
  • James Michael Daugherty of Irving, Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities;
  • Troy C. Alley, Jr. of Arlington, Texas Real Estate Commission;
  • Albert Betts Jr. of Austin, Commissioner of Workers' Compensation;
  • Robert W. Pearson of Round Rock, Texas Emerging Technology Committee;
  • Emily Bodden of Houston, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
  • Margaret H. Christen of Katy, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
  • Christina L. Dees of Austin, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
  • Kathy L. Grant of Houston, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
  • Sherri Adair Hammack of Austin, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
  • Marjorie (Margie) Ann Haynes of Huntsville, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
  • Drusilla M. Knight-Villarreal of Corpus Christi, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
  • Laura M. Stough of College Station, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
  • Shewanda Williams of Houston, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education.


New city manager and secretary for Brazoria

Teresa Borders, who has worked for the city of Brazoria for 16 years, was named city manager this week. She had been serving as city secretary and interim city manager since 2004.

The City Council chose Sheila Williams to fill the city secretary position. Williams had been the assistant city secretary.


Copperas Cove schools to install cameras

The Copperas Cove school board has voted to install security cameras in all district schools. The $180,000 system will be Internet-based so that administrators can monitor it from any computer.


UTEP's Natalico earns leadership award

Diana Natalicio

University of Texas at El Paso President Diana Natalicio has been named to receive the American Council on Education's (ACE) Reginald Wilson Diversity Leadership Award. The award honors individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of diversity in higher education.

ACE President David Ward said Natalicio's approach to ensuring diversity throughout UTEP has opened "the doors of collegiate access to Hispanics and first-generation students throughout Texas."

In Natalicio's nearly 20 years at UTEP, the university's enrollment has grown to nearly 20,000 students who reflect the demographics of the Paso del Norte region from which 90 percent of them come. More than 70 percent are Mexican American, and another 10 percent commute to the campus from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.


Madisonville appoints interim city manager

Ruth Smith, who has been Madisonville's director of finance for 27 years, was recently named interim city manager. Tom Ginter, the former city manager, resigned last month. The City Council is looking for a permanent replacement.


San Antonio voters facing bond election

Voters in the city of San Antonio will face a $550 million bond election in May after the city council this week agreed to put the bond proposition before the people. The bond election includes a number of proposals - $11 million for construction of two new branch libraries, $307 million for street improvements, bridges and sidewalks, $152 million for drainage projects, $80 million for parks and recreation and $800,000 for public health facility improvements. If the bond passes, the city expects to spend more than $100 million each year for five years.


Grants at a Glance

SPI is your source for locating and securing grant funding from the hundreds of federal and state government agencies seeking to make Texas a better place. Our researchers and grant writers know which grant funds to target and how to submit winning grant applications.

This week's state grant program, The Texas Capital Fund, is an economic development tool designed to provide financial resources to non-entitlement communities. Funds from this program can be utilized for public infrastructure (such as road improvements, treatment facilities, and electric lines) needed to assist a business which commits to create and/or retain permanent jobs, primarily for low and moderate income persons. Awards range from $50,000 to $750,000 but may not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total project cost.

The next due date for applications is March 13, 2007. SPI works with local governments and regional coalitions to secure grant funding. To discuss, please email us at grants@spartnerships.com.

Job Opportunities

SPI is seeking researchers and research assistants for short-term engagements involving projects in other states. The researcher should have experience in IT concepts and solutions and the assistant should be comfortable making cold calls. Time commitments and tasks will vary depending on clients’ needs. For more details on each position, please view the job description.

SPI is looking for individuals with well-established credentials who are interested in assisting its consulting teams throughout Texas. SPI has an immediate need for subject matter experts who can assist part-time in the K-12 education arena. To apply for a part-time K-12 consulting position at SPI please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put Application for K-12 Consultant in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.


Recent Reports



Event Links



Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 5 Archives · 11/7/03 - 2/9/07



Resources




TASSCC, DIR plan Technology Education Conference

The 6th annual Technology Education Conference (TEC) presented by the Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications (TASSCC) and the Texas Department of Information Resources will be March 29 at the J.J. Pickle Center in Austin.

The conference will explore innovative adaptations of technology in all areas of life and work - medicine and health, education, transportation, security, buildings and homes, and government services. Early bird, regular and on-site registration rates are available. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, and to register as a participant or sponsor, click here.


Texas Hurricane Conference set for May

The fifth annual Texas Hurricane Conference, sponsored by the Governor's Division of Emergency Management, will be held May 8-10 at the San Luis Conference Center in Galveston. Some of the topics for the conference include evacuations, sheltering, mass care, working with state and federal agencies, private sector support, health and medical issues, lessons learned from Hurricane Rita and more. To register to attend, click here. To register as an exhibitor, click here. For more information click here.


State government Internet security forum scheduled

The 7th Annual Internet Security Forum will be held Wednesday, March 28, at the J.J. "Jake" Pickle Research Campus in Austin. The Department of Information Resources is currently seeking input on topics to be addressed. For more information, click here.