New council strives to keep Texas competitive

State must be able to go head-to-head with nation, world

No longer competing on just the local, state and national level, Texas and other states find themselves in competition with businesses throughout the world. Technology has made the world a much smaller place.

To ensure that Texas can boast a competitive edge, Gov. Rick Perry recently named a 29-member Governor's Competitive Council, whose goal is to develop a competitiveness plan that will ensure a bright economic outlook for the state and ensure that today's young people are able to compete with students from throughout the nation and the world.

"Through this council, the governor has brought together industry, education and private sector leaders with state agencies to provide Texas with a unique opportunity," said Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson (pictured), council chair. "The council is discussing issues affecting competitiveness in Texas in an effort to align industry needs with state resources. And by identifying these issues now and establishing recommendations for addressing them, the public and private sectors will be able to approach the 2009 legislative session with the tools necessary to affect change, and to improve the state's competitive edge in the global economy and the quality of life for all Texans."

TxDOT's $1 billion error leads to audit request

Dewhurst, Craddick seek 'comprehensive review' of agency

A $1 billion "accounting error" that led Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials to a face-down with members of the Texas Legislature earlier this month looks like it will now lead to a "comprehensive review" of the "entire financial process" of the agency.

In a letter earlier this week to State Auditor John Keel, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Tom Craddick called for an audit of TxDOT, citing "significant weakness and questionable accounting procedures" the agency is using for financial forecasting and reporting.

In a statement in response to the letter from Craddick and Dewhurst, Hope Andrade (pictured), chair of the Texas Transportation Commission, said the agency would "welcome a review of our practices" by the State Auditor. "We remain committed to working with the Legislature to achieve our state's transportation goals. The mobility challenges we face are significant, and effectively addressing these issues will require an open dialogue as we continue to work alongside our transportation partners."

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

This week's salute is to Anita Givens, deputy associate commissioner for standards and alignment for the Texas Education Agency

Career highlights and education: I previously served as the Senior Director for Instructional Materials and Educational Technology at the Texas Education Agency and was responsible for the review, adoption and distribution of electronic instructional materials as well as traditional textbooks for Texas schools. I have also led the educational technology efforts in Texas for over 16 years and provide leadership for the integration, utilization, evaluation and expansion of educational technologies through the ongoing implementation of the State Board of Education's Long-Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020. I serve on a variety of boards and committees at the state and national level. I currently am vice chair of the Board of Directors of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), and held the position of chair for three years. I also served on the Executive Oversight Committee of the Hurricane Education Leadership Project (HELP) and as an Education Advisor to the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. I received the 2002 NCTET Community Builder Award for efforts to advance the cause of educational technology nationally and was also named one of the 25 "Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers of Information Technology for 2002" by Government Technology Magazine and the Center for Digital Government. I am especially proud of the Pioneer Award by the State Educational Technology Directors Association for work as a founder of SETDA and continued national leadership to support student achievement through technology. In November 2004, I received the SETDA State Leader of the Year (SLY) award. In June 2007, I was recognized for serving on the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Board of Directors from 2002-2007 and for work with the HELP team. I taught kindergarten and 2nd grade and educational technology classes from elementary through graduate school. I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from Houston Baptist University and a Master of Science Degree in Educational Management from the University of Houston - Clear Lake.

What I like best about my job is: Working with talented individuals at the Texas Education Agency and recognizing that our work impacts over 4.5 million students in Texas public schools. The various programs in curriculum, instructional materials and educational technology provide exciting opportunities to prepare students to live and work in the 21st century.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Have a clear vision and stay focused. It is important that colleagues understand the vision and are contributors to the strategies needed to succeed. Communication and collaboration are key.

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Ask questions, contribute ideas, be creative and get to know your colleagues. We are excited to have new members on our team.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: at a craft store or busy with scrapbooking.

People would be surprised to know that I: have been skydiving and white-water rafting and would like to take a hot air balloon ride over the Grand Canyon.

Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink - a great way to contemplate the future and our role in it.

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.

Duggins to serve on Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission

Ralph H. Duggins (pictured) of Fort Worth has been appointed to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. The commission preserves and promotes Texas' natural resources and oversees sporting and recreational opportunities in the state.

Duggins is a senior partner at Cantey Hanger L.L.P. He is advisory director of J.P. Morgan Chase in Tarrant County and serves on the Texas Supreme Court Advisory Committee. He is also a director of the Lena Pope Foundation Inc. and the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show. Additionally, Duggins is past chairman of the Cook Children's Healthcare System and past member of Texas State Bar Federal Judiciary Appointments Committee.

Herring to chair Texas Water Development Board

James Herring (pictured) of Amarillo has been named presiding officer of the Texas Water Development Board. Also appointed to the board are Joe M. Crutcher of Palestine and Ed Vaughn of Boerne. The Texas Water Development Board oversees statewide water planning and administration of financial programs for water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control and conservation projects.

Herring is president and CEO of Friona Industries L.P., a cattle-feeding company. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree from Harvard Business School.

Crutcher is co-chair of East Texas National Bank and has served as an appointee to the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority since 1995. He attended the University of Houston. Vaughan is an attorney in private practice. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas and a law degree from St. Mary's University.

TSTC-Waco to open RFID training program

Radio frequency identification tags, or RFIDs, track everything from your inventory to your pets in this computer age. Now, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Waco is opening a brand new training center (left), which will train students in the use and development of systems utilizing RFIDs.

Bob Hoheisal (right) is the project manager for the RFID Program at TSTC, and he sees a big future for the emerging technology.

"The RFID industry is growing rapidly each and every year," he said. "It's growing exponentially. It's increasing every year. The more that people are buying into it, the more applications there are for it and the more it drives down the cost. And the more people are getting into it, the greater the need for people trained in its use."

Houston offers $15.5 million to secure stadium land

The City of Houston is offering more than $15.5 million to buy a five-block area of downtown to build a soccer stadium for the Houston Dynamo. However, Council members postponed finalizing the deal until next week to await completion of legal documents.

The purchase price assumes the land is worth $49 per square foot, four times the assessed value of $12.50 per square foot, according to the Harris County Appraisal District. The five blocks are owned by various corporate entities controlled by former Council member Louis Macey. To acquire a sixth block, the city has offered to trade a block nearby that it already owns.

Mayor Bill White would not rule out the possibility of using some public funds for the stadium, but added that he will negotiate for the Dynamo's owners to absorb the entire cost. The Anschutz Entertainment Group, owner of the Dynamo, has said in the past it would bear most of the costs, but would like city assistance.

Plans for Bush library at SMU detailed in court deposition

Southern Methodist University and the George W. Bush Library Foundation have reached a basic agreement on the terms for a presidential library and policy center on the campus. Foundation president Mark Langdale revealed the details in a court deposition earlier this month.

Langdale, an old friend of the president's who began work Feb. 1 after more than two years as ambassador to Costa Rica, said only minor questions of wording remain and that he hopes to sign a final agreement by the end of the month.

Langdale said he hopes to have the library open inside of five years. Preliminary design drawings could be complete by July. Langdale said the library complex will likely be built on the corner of SMU Boulevard and Central Expressway.

Three Texas cities deal with red light camera issues

Three Texas cities - Port Lavaca, McKinney and Lubbock - are having different experiences with camera systems designed to catch red light runners.

Port Lavaca officials have posted red light cameras at a number of intersections along SH 35 in the city. Officials say they will monitor to see which intersection has the highest number of violations. City staff hopes to avoid another traffic death similar to a recent incident where a vehicle that ran a red light hit and killed another driver. Port Lavaca City Manager Gary Broz (pictured) said violators will initially get a warning, but later citations will be issued.

Officials in McKinney say they are having trouble getting their red light camera program up and running. Since October 2007, only one of five intersections approved by the City Council has a red-light camera. Assistant Police Chief Rex Redden said the department's goal is to put more cameras at intersections with high accident totals. The problem is that those intersections either are operated by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) or are under construction. Redden said more cameras will be installed after talks with TxDOT are finished and the intersections are completed.

Lubbock is ending its year-old red light camera program. The City Council last week notified the company that installed the cameras to suspend the photo enforcement program, and will vote on Feb. 28 to repeal the ordinance. Statistics showed an increase in rear-end collisions at intersections where cameras were posted. However, motorists who received tickets for running red lights or other violations must still pay their fines.

Austin Superintendent Forgione to retire next year

Superintendent Pat Forgione (pictured), who has led the Austin Independent School system for almost a decade, has announced that he will retire in June 2009. His current contract runs through 2011, but Forgione said he thought it was wise to begin the transition now.

Forgione is credited with building what some experts consider a model urban school system. He will spend the next year and a half charting the district's next moves.

Four school board seats and a $343.7 million bond proposal will be on the May 10 ballot. Efforts to find Forgione's successor, a process that could take several months, will largely be on hold until after the May elections.

Harris County still studying making Astrodome into hotel

A Harris County consultant's report says a convention hotel at the Reliant Astrodome could earn up to $50 million a year after an initial four-year period. The consultant wrote that Reliant Park is transforming into one of the largest, most versatile sports, entertainment and conversion complexes in the United States.

Astrodome Redevelopment Co., which has proposed reinventing the Dome as a convention hotel, hired the consulting firm to do the study last year. The analysis was given to Harris County Commissioners as they prepare to discuss whether the county should pursue a Dome hotel plan.

County Judge Ed Emmett (pictured) has raised questions about whether Astrodome Redevelopment can secure financing for the $450 million effort to turn the Dome into a 1,300-room hotel. Emmett said he will want to learn how long Astrodome Redevelopment will need before it can obtain financing.

In a letter to the county, Astrodome Redevelopment President Scott Hanson said the group can still obtain financing, but lenders may ask that the county rebate its share of hotel occupancy taxes generated by the hotel to the developers.

West Texas A&M to offer degree programs in Amarillo

West Texas A&M University will have a significant academic presence in Amarillo next fall when it will begin offering select graduate-degree programs and a set of upper-level programs there. The center, located in downtown Amarillo, will be called the West Texas A&M University Amarillo Center.

The decision to establish the center and to offer degree programs in Amarillo stems from a recently completed study. A firm examined occupational projections, student interests and employer and community leader opinions and then identified strong potential employment demand. The areas identified as high-need are education, business, agriculture, information technology and nursing. WTAMU President J. Patrick O'Brien (pictured) said the University has had a long-standing relationship with the City of Amarillo, but community leaders and the University are eager for a more permanent, visible presence in Amarillo in which academic programs are offered.

The firm also was charged with determining the best location for the delivery of university services. Based on its findings, the university has issued a Request for Proposal for potential space to lease in the downtown area. Gary Barnes, vice president for business and finance, said the Amarillo Center will require approximately 15,500 square feet of space and include smart classrooms, a computer lab, offices, lounge and study space for students and conference and counseling rooms.

Prairie View to honor College of Nursing program

Prairie View A&M University plans a spring fundraiser gala in April as a part of the school's celebration of the 90th anniversary of its College of Nursing. The nursing program is one of the oldest and most respected in Texas, the United States and the world. The Gala will bring together PVAMU alumni, students and supporters for an evening of recognition, fun and celebration.

Proceeds from the Gala will benefit the university's "Extend the View, Shape Tomorrow Today" capital campaign. Anchored in a rich history of teaching, research and service, Prairie View A&M University's celebrated College of Nursing has educated and trained nurse and health care professionals for nearly a century. The College is housed in the Texas Medical Center and was the first program at PVAMU to offer a diploma in 1922 to enrolled students.

The event is planned for 7 p.m. on April 12 in the George Bush Grand Ballroom at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, 1001 Avenida de las Americas.

New TSU president makes staff appointments

Texas Southern University's new president made a number of major changes during his first weeks on the job. President John Rudley (pictured) announced last week that he has hired longtime Houston Community College administrator Gloria Walker for the newly created position of chief operating officer.

James Douglas, a longtime law professor and former TSU president, will be the school's chief academic officer, and new football coach Johnnie Cole will also take on the role of athletic director. Both appointments are temporary while the university conducts national searches for permanent replacements.

Rudley says he intends to streamline the administration so that no more than five people report to the president, much like the organization at other Texas schools. The new president is making recruitment calls to fill those and other positions.

UTPA, Hidalgo County team on security alert systems

University of Texas Pan American officials are developing a new security system to alert students about danger. James Loya, UTPA assistant police chief, said it is difficult to predict or prevent a mass shooting on an open campus, but that they are implementing systems to get safety information out quickly.

Loya said the university will be working with Hidalgo County on a new county text message alert system. Students, faculty and staff can sign up a pager, cell phone or e-mail address to get emergency texts.

The system is called Wireless Emergency Notification System or WENS. Hidalgo County is paying for the text message system through a grant. UTPA is also working on a siren system with loudspeakers on campus. The alert systems should be ready by fall 2008.

UT-Dallas picks Eley as VP for Enrollment Management

The University of Texas at Dallas has named Curt Eley (pictured) as Vice President of Enrollment Management. Eley brings more than 22 years of experience in higher education, much of it focused on prospect management and student retention.

Eley will serve as the primary architect of a recruitment and enrollment campaign for the university and will be charged with developing and implementing strategies and programs to ensure enrollment growth, enhancement of diversity and retention of talented students across all academic programs.

Eley will report directly to President David Daniel, and will supervise the offices of the registrar, financial aid and enrollment services. He will oversee a staff of nearly 300 full-time and part-time employees and will manage the preparation and implementation of divisional planning and budgeting activities.

Eley comes to UT Dallas from the University of Dallas, a private Catholic university in Irving, where he served as dean of enrollment management. He also has served as an assistant dean at Southern Methodist University's School of Engineering and in other roles at Texas A&M University. He received his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M and his master's degree from Southern Methodist University.

Cedar Park approves $55 million entertainment center

Cedar Park city leaders have agreed to build a $55 million entertainment center and ice rink with Hicks Sports Marketing Group. The firm is owned by Tom Hicks, who also owns the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars baseball and hockey teams.

In the deal, the city would pay about $43 million to build the $55 million entertainment center. The city will now be home to a Dallas Stars American Hockey League affiliate team.

Cedar Park officials hope the center will bring economic development to the area and add to the city's sales and property tax revenue. Economic Development Director Phil Brewer (pictured) said the center is expected to bring in at least $5.5 million in revenue from ticket sales over 25 years. The city could also make an additional $3 million in the first 10 years through its portion of sales and property taxes.

City of Austin may purchase its own wind farm

The City's of Austin's electric utility is studying the option of buying its own wind farm in West Texas to ensure permanent access to wind power. The city-owned utility, Austin Energy, currently generates 665 million KW of power each year from renewable resources. The utility plans to have 30 percent of its energy from renewables by 2020.

Michael McCluskey, deputy general manager of Austin Energy, said owning the wind turbines instead of contracting for the power would guarantee a supply of wind power into the future. It would also give the utility more control over costs. All of Austin Energy's wind power comes from long-term contracts with independent producers. The first contract is set to expire in 2011.

The Austin City Council is expected to approve $120,000 to option 20,000 acres in Pecos County and begin studying the wind generation option. Austin Energy is also planning an extensive public process to get input into future power options.

Whitehouse ISD to begin school, stadium renovations

Whitehouse Independent School District trustees recently approved approximately $2 million to upgrade the district's football stadium and $400,000 to renovate Brown Elementary School.

District officials will use proceeds from a November 2006 bond sale to pay for the school renovations that include relocating the office to the front to satisfy security issues, adding a façade and making the entrance identifiable and converting some classrooms for pre-kindergarten use.

The stadium renovation will add 2,000 seats on both sides of the stadium and the end zone, install artificial turf and enlarge and increase accessibility to the press box. The renovations will cost from $1.9 to $2 million and be paid for with cash reserves, said Superintendent Dennis Miller.

Beaumont, Port Arthur ports upset over DHS rankings

Southeast Texas leaders are fighting a Department of Homeland Security move to lower the terror threat levels for the Sabine-Neches waterway. DHS recently downgraded levels in the area from Tier 1 to Tier 2.

The lower level could cost millions of dollars in funding for the Port of Beaumont. In addition, Jefferson County officials are seeking answers from DHS over the status of the Port of Port Arthur. Commissioners are considering calling a May 10 bond election to improve port facilities but cannot determine how much to fund until they determine how much DHS funding is available.

Both ports have contacted the offices of U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas to set up a meeting with DHS officials.

Bond delays slow Galveston's plan for state funds

The Port of Galveston has been forced to find a new guarantor as it seeks $28 million in state funding for dock improvements and dredging projects. Port officials said recent disarray among major municipal bond insurers is the cause of the problem.

Galveston County has notified investors that the credit ratings of two of its debt insurers has been downgraded. Port officials have postponed asking the city council for permission to apply for what are essentially bonds administered through the Texas Industry Development loan program.

The bond insurer that the port had planned to use to insure the bonds, along with other municipal bond insurers, saw their AAA credit ratings dissolve because of financial losses related to the far-reaching subprime mortgage fiasco. The bond insurers had guaranteed billions of dollars worth of mortgage-backed securities that lost value. Port officials are now studying their options.

Four finalists named for provost at UT-Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington, which has been conducting a search for its next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, has announced four finalists for the position. The four are (from left) Donald Bobbitt, University of Arkansas; Ronald Elsenbaumer, UT-Arlington; Jeremy Haefner, University of Colorado; and Barbara Romzek, University of Kansas.

After a four-month national search, the search committee met with UT Arlington President James D. Spaniolo last week and recommended the four candidates. Each of the four candidates will be invited to participate in public forums for the university community on March 3, 5, 7 and 10 on the campus. A decision is expected by early spring.

Stanton ISD considers bond election for May 10

Stanton Independent School District trustees are discussing a $12.5 million bond issue for additions and improvements to the district. If the school board approves the proposal, Superintendent David Carr said a bond election would be called at the Feb. 25 meeting. The election would be on May 10.

The 730-student district would impose an additional 20 cents on the tax rate to pay off the bond. The current tax rate is 99 cents per $100 valuation. Carr said the payout period could be 15 years, but with new wind turbines and rising mineral values, it could take less time.

Among the items being considered are two science labs and two science rooms at the high school, a new auditorium, a new elementary wing with eight classrooms for kindergarten and first-graders, possibly a field house and concession stand and new tennis courts.

Greenwood district may seek wastewater system bonds

Greenwood Independent School District trustees are studying calling an estimated $6 to $7 million May 10 bond election to address wastewater needs. Superintendent Doug Young (pictured) said the district currently has 19 septic tanks on site, which is not in compliance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality standards. He said the district needs to run a wastewater line from its campuses to the City of Midland wastewater plant.

The district has received approvals from the Midland City Council for the line and from Midland County Commissioners to use county right-of-way to run the line. Young said the district has hired an architectural/engineering firm to assess the total cost of the project.

Greenwood trustees will meet early next week to consider calling a bond election for May 10.

Corpus Christi police ask bonds for new headquarters

Leaders with the Corpus Christi Police Department want the city to put $38 million for a new headquarters in a bond package that will go before voters in November. Chief Bryan Smith said the department faces a lack of office space and is in need of a central location.

The funds would be part of the city's 2008 capital improvement campaign. Police headquarters has been located at the old Central Power and Light Co. in downtown since 1991. Since then, the city has experienced rapid growth to the south and west, Smith said, adding that a new administration building in the city's geographic center would eliminate the need to maintain a substation.

The city is on a four-year cycle of asking voters to approve bonds for projects ranging from street repair to new libraries and fire stations. The next vote on bonds to fund new projects will be in November 2008.

Plans to reinforce levees cited in Cameron County

Despite concerns raised by environmentalists and others, Cameron County Commissions adopted a plan to reinforce existing Rio Grande levees against flooding and to meet Department of Homeland Security demands for a better barrier against undocumented immigrants.

Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos (pictured) said county officials had only two choices: do nothing and allow federal officials to decide or follow Hidalgo County's example and build an 18-foot concrete retaining wall with the hope of satisfying DHS. To pay for the reinforced levees, the county must sell bonds or issue certificates of obligation as there is no guarantee the federal government will reimburse the county, Cascos said. County staff also said DHS may still build a border fence on land acquired by eminent domain.

Federal officials are not considering the consequences to private and public property owners whose land will be on the south side of the border wall, said John Bruciak, general manager of the Brownsville Public Utilities Board. Taxpayers will have to pay for millions of dollars in facilities such as pumping and filtration stations, as well as irrigation pump houses and equipment, he said. County officials also tasked federal officials to delay the Dec. 31 deadline for completion of the wall so discussions can be held with federal agencies to work out ways to soften the impact the border wall will have on the Valley.

States eligible for intercity passenger rail grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced that for the first time ever, states will be directly eligible for federal funding to support intercity passenger rail service. The Federal Railroad Administration will administer the grant program and will begin accepting applications on March 18.

Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters said the $30 million capital grant program is designed to support state efforts to improve intercity passenger rail service and requires a 50-50 funding match like most other transportation investments. Projects that demonstrate an on-time performance standard of 80 percent or greater, reduce travel time, increase service frequency or enhance service quality for intercity rail passengers will receive favorable consideration for funding.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, upgrading existing track to permit higher maximum operating speeds, adding or lengthening passing tracks to increase rail line capacity, improving track switches and signaling systems to advance reliability and safety, and purchasing new passenger rail cars to enhance the travel experience.

Forum held on search for A&M-Kingsville president

Texas A&M University System Chancellor Dr. Michael McKinney hosted a public forum recently on the Texas A&M University-Kingsville campus to solicit input from the Kingsville community, including local elected officials, about the selection of the next president of the university.

Current president Rumaldo Juárez is resigning to assume the newly created position of associate vice president for research and graduate studies, effective June 30. Juárez has served as president since August 2002.

The chancellor was also looking for potential candidates to serve on the presidential search advisory committee. The A&M System Board of Regents will consider the advice of the committee and of the chancellor in making its selection for the next president of Texas A&M-Kingsville.

Rebuilding, renovation sought for Bryan ISD bond

Trustees for the Bryan Independent School District are considering whether to ask voters in May to approve a bond issue to pay for rebuilding and renovation of Kemp Elementary and the Carver Early Childhood Center. The Carver-Kemp project, which includes building a new school on the Kemp campus, renovating Carver Center and the Kemp gymnasium, will cost about $22 million and add about 14,500 square feet. Most Kemp buildings would be destroyed while Carver would house the district's special opportunities school for at-risk youth.

Trustees also discussed finishing upgrades to Jane Long Middle School, Sam Rayburn Middle School and Bowen Elementary School at an estimated cost of $8 million. Chief Financial Officer Amy Drozd said the district can issue up to $37.5 million in bonds without raising the debt tax rate. Trustees must decide by March 3 whether to ask voters to approve bonds to pay for the projects.

Dallas official mulls vote on convention center hotel

One Dallas City Council member thinks the city's voters should decide whether nor not to build a new Convention Center hotel. Council Member Angela Hunt (pictured) asked that question of the Council's economic development committee last week as committee members voted to proceed with purchasing a plot of downtown land on which many city leaders want a convention center hotel to be built.

Dave Cook, Dallas' chief financial officer, said a publicly subsidized convention center hotel plan probably would not have to go before voters. It is not known how much public money the construction of a convention center hotel would require. Six prospective convention center hotel developers have submitted their credentials to City Hall, but officials have not solicited formal proposals from them.

The economic development committee voted Tuesday to allow staff to proceed with issuing up to $41.3 million in certificates of obligation to purchase the 8.34-acre downtown site. The item now moves to the full council for a vote on Feb. 27.

Corpus Christi ISD delays bond election until later in year

After officials agreed that May would be too soon for a bond election, Corpus Christi Independent School District trustees agreed on a timeline to begin educating the public for a bond election in November.

CCISD Superintendent Scott Elliff (pictured) said school officials should spend the next months organizing a Citizens Advisory Committee, making a list of facility needs and conducting campus surveys. After cost estimates are available in late spring, Elliff advised that community meetings be held. A bond election could be held in November if community support is shown. The district could pay for improvements costing up to $140 million without a tax increase, he said.

CCISD trustees agreed that educating the public on the need to renovate its facilities, many of which are 50 years old, updating infrastructure, wiring and networking for 21st century technology is critical to gaining public support for improving district facilities.

Taylor ISD narrows options for new high school

Trustees for the Taylor Independent School District are considering two options for a new high school before finalizing a proposal to ask voters to approve in May. Option one of a proposed facilities plan would cost $40.1 million and calls for building a new three-grade high school with capacity for 700 students and the ability to house 1,200 students. It also calls for renovations to the current high school to include addition of 10 new classrooms and removal of portable buildings so it can house grades seven to nine.

The second would cost $46.4 million and calls for building a four-year high school with a maximum capacity of 1,200 students. It calls for renovation of the current high school that would house seventh and eighth grades. Board members will decide on a final facilities plan and whether to call for a bond election only after the public has a chance to fully comment on the proposals.

Midland County panel to review judicial system

Midland County officials have asked a five-member citizens panel to review the county's judicial system and a report by a jail consulting firm regarding overcrowding at the county jail and possible expansion of the jail.

Midland County Judge Mike Bradford said he wants the committee to be able to confirm that county officials are offering their "best policies" and that improvements have been made. That must be done, he said, before officials can ask the public to invest in a possible bond issue to address jail expansion.

After hearing recommendations from the public and the committee, county officials could call for a bond issue in November.

Dallas' green-focused Web site off to good start

The City of Dallas' new green-focused Web site drew 162,348 hits in its first month, according to city officials. GreenDallas.net launched on Jan. 9.

Assistant City Manager Jill Jordan (pictured) said it was proof that that people in Dallas are interested not only in what the city is doing to be green, but also in what they can do at home to make Dallas even greener.

Content on GreenDallas.net continues to be updated regularly. Since the launch, new pages have been added including a Community Green Events Calendar and a "New This Month" page.

Austin ISD approves $343.7 million bond election

Austin Independent School District trustees have approved a $343.7 million bond referendum in May that would build a districtwide performing arts center, science classroom renovations, technology upgrades and an early childhood center.

Last month, a Citizens Bond Advisory Committee presented school board members with a $233 million package that did not include several of the projects that made the final lists. Parents and students continued to make arguments Monday night for projects. More than 100 people attended the meeting.

Salazar is sole finalist for superintendent at Gonzales

Trustees for the Gonzales Independent School District have named Vic Salazar (pictured) as the sole finalist for superintendent. Salazar, who has worked for the district for more than 32 years, must complete six credit hours toward his superintendent certificate before he can be confirmed as superintendent.

Salazar, a former basketball coach, has served as interim superintendent since summer 2005. At that time, he accepted the job as superintendent, withdrew his acceptance and then agreed to stay on as interim superintendent until the board began a new search.

Salazar, who has also served as human resources director and curriculum director during the interim period, said he is encouraged that the board has agreed to begin the search for a new human resources director.

Edgewood board picks three finalists for superintendent

The Edgewood Independent School District board of trustees has selected three superintendent finalists, including an internal candidate some community members say the board already has decided to hire. The finalists are Deputy Superintendent Elizabeth Garza; Encarnación Garza, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio; and David Chagoya, assistant superintendent for the Windham School District, a Huntsville school system that serves inmates of prisons and state jail facilities.

Board President Ramiro Nava said each finalist seemed approachable and compassionate toward the Edgewood community. Trustees are scheduled to vote March 13 on who will replace outgoing Superintendent Richard Bocanegra.

Denton County Transportation Authority seeks $184M

The Denton County Transportation Authority has asked the Regional Transportation Council for $194 million for construction of rail stations and other projects scheduled to begin in 2010. Last month, the RTC approved $57 million toward the purchase of 12 light rail vehicles to be used in the 21-mile rail line connection between Denton and Carrollton.

The DCTA proposes five rail stations, including three in Lewisville and two in Denton. It also plans to build a facility for maintenance and operation of rail cars in Lewisville and a hike and bike trail connecting all five stations. Design of the project is expected to be completed in December 2008, with work starting in 2009.

The RTC is expected to spend $251 million, or about 80 percent, of the total cost of the $313 million RailDCTA project. The other 20 percent, or $62 million, of the cost will come from a half-cent sales tax or a possible bond sale. The RTC is expected to decide in April whether to approve the $194 million request from the DCTA, said Dee Leggett, vice president of communications and marketing for DCTA.

The ever-changing world of government requires more and more technology!

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

Perhaps the only thing that changes faster than the weather in Texas is technology!

Our world is shaped by technology. And in Texas, the technology needs of government entities are as big and diverse as the state itself, creating thousands of business opportunities for technology vendors.

Because most Texans are busy and enjoy the luxury of handling business via the Internet, government has been urged to use even more technology. The Harris County District Clerk's office, this week, let it be known that online orders for county records had surpassed 100,000. Even better, the online orders brought in more than $1.2 million to the county. Each document ordered costs $1 per page.

Jumping to another governmental sector, universities have huge technology demands. And, one of the greatest demands at the moment is for technology products that assist in making college students and teachers more secure. In the wake of the recent tragic shootings on college campuses, emergency notification technology has been a highly discussed topic. Texas campuses, like others throughout the country, are incorporating electronic emergency notification systems that employ text messaging, e-mail and automated phone calls to contact students, faculty and staff quickly in the event of an emergency. Blast e-mail or text messages can be sent in seconds.

Dallas ISD studying $1.3 billion bond proposal

Trustees for the Dallas Independent School District are studying whether to ask voters to support a $1.3 billion bond proposal recommended by the district's facility committee. The recommendation included building 15 schools, replacing others and renovating or adding to some campuses.

Board President Jack Lowe said former Mayor Ron Kirk (pictured) will lead a pro-bond campaign if the board votes for the proposed bond election on Feb. 28.

Sweeny ISD seeks bids
for facilities for program

Trustees for the Sweeney Independent School District recently authorized the district to seek bids for construction of a new Disciplinary Alternative Education Program building and renovation of the old board room for the program.

Superintendent Randy Miksch said students from the program currently are having class in a room at the junior high school and that some board members would like to update facilities so students will feel they are valuable assets to the school. High School Principal Michael Henroth said he prefers having a new building as the facility should be designed for the needs of the students.

UT System appoints Mica
to business relations post

The University of Texas System has appointed Carl Mica as director of business relations. Mica, who served 10 years as an aide to a U.S. senator, will be the system's primary liaison with business-related associations and civic organizations.

McClure latest addition to SPI consulting team

Spencer McClure (pictured) brings to SPI more than 30 years of broad executive management, governmental relations and consulting experience in the public and private sectors, including with a private multi-faceted state-level trade association, executive management positions at the state agency level, and extensive legislative experience at the local, state and national level.

He served in a number of positions with the then-Texas Department of Mental Health and Retardation, including as assistant deputy commissioner. He also did consulting work with the Texas Commissioner of Health and Human Services. His specialty in healthcare consulting is behavioral health care and health care systems.

Midway ISD trustees set
$76 million bond vote

Trustees for the Midway Independent School District recently authorized a $76 million bond election to build new schools and renovate existing facilities. The May 10 bond includes these proposed projects:

• $40 million for new elementary school and new intermediate school;
• $13.6 for renovations to schools throughout district;
• $10.8 million for stadium expansion;
• $5.7 million for new administration building and renovation of current administration building; and
• $4.9 million for a new bus maintenance facility.

McCamey ISD names Wiley as new superintendent

Donny Wiley has been named as the new superintendent of McCamey Independent School District to replace Jerry Stinson, who is retiring as the district's superintendent.

Wiley, currently a principal at McCamey High School, also served as superintendent of the Gordon ISD from 2003 to 2005 and a principal in Ozona ISD from 1997 to 2003. Wiley is expected to assume the duties of superintendent on July 1.

Border group receives EPA teaching grant funds

The Border Environment Cooperation Commission has won a $200,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to help Texas as well as three Mexican states - Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon and Coahuila - pay for environmental projects.

The grant will be used to develop programs that reduce toxic and hazardous materials, teach communities how to safely use and store these materials and how to properly dispose of hazardous wastes. The Border Environment Cooperation Commission works with the North American Development Bank in San Antonio as well as many local agencies and the private sector to preserve and protect the environment along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Brownwood names Blincoe finalist for superintendent

Trustees for the Brownwood Independent School District recently named Reece Blincoe as the sole finalist in its search for a new superintendent. Blincoe currently serves as superintendent at Stockdale Independent School District in Wilson County and prior to that was director of student services at Del Valle Independent School District.

Blincoe has bachelor's and master's degrees from Texas State University and is in the fourth year of a doctoral program at The University of Texas. Board President Michael Coppic said he expects Blincoe to begin as superintendent on April 1 as a state-mandated 21-day wait must be met before trustees can vote to hire a sole finalist for the position.

Mercedes ISD names Watson superintendent

Trustees for the Mercedes Independent School District recently chose Walter Watson as the district's new superintendent. Watson, who has served as interim superintendent since August, replaced Luis Ramos who resigned last year as superintendent in Mercedes.

North Central Texas College gets donation for building

Regents for North Central Texas College recently accepted an anonymous donation of more than $500,000 to assist with the construction of a 13,500-square-foot Career and Technology Center.

President Dr. Eddie Hadlock (pictured) said the center will feature a computer lab, welding lab, meeting and conference room, two multi-purpose industrial training areas, two general-purpose classrooms and faculty and staff offices. Hadlock also said the facility may be used in a collaborative project between Gainesville ISD to offer technical education to high school students. College officials said their goal is to provide space for the welding program in the fall of this year.

Stockdale ISD names Wehmeyer as interim

Stockdale Independent School District officials recently named Vicki Wehmeyer to serve as interim superintendent while trustees search for a new superintendent. Wehmeyer, who recently retired as the district's assistant superintendent, will replace James Blincoe, who resigned to serve as the new superintendent of the Brownwood ISD. Wehmeyer also served as interim superintendent in 2004 during the transition between Blincoe and his predecessor.

Governor's appointments

Gov. Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

• Carlos Luis Garcia of Brownsville, presiding officer, Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority
• Kenneth Ross of Houston, Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority

Amarillo's Coffman to be Sealy city manager

The Sealy City Council recently selected Christopher Coffman of Amarillo as its new city manager to replace John Maresh, who resigned in October.

Coffman, who currently is the local government services director for the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission, is scheduled to begin as city manager in Sealy on April 1. Coffman also served as city manager for the City of Borger from 2002 to 2004 and for the City of Panhandle from 1998 to 2002.

Contract awarded for Fort Sam Houston dormitories

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $140 million contract to build two dormitories at Fort Sam Houston. A Colorado-based company won the contract to build the dormitories on the Medical Education and Training Campus. About 9,000 students are expected to enroll when the complex is completed in 2011.

In addition to the two dorms, the campus also is expected to include about 1.2 million square feet of instructional and laboratory space, including a dining hall large enough to serve 2,400 people. The Corps of Engineers plans to award $2 billion in contracts for 78 major facilities to be built or renovated as part of the 2006 Base Realignment and Closure process.

Brazos ISD recommends $6.9 million for repairs

The Bond Review Committee of the Brazos Independent School District will recommend a $6.9 million bond for high school renovations to the board of trustees. Superintendent Jack Ellis said the committee determined that $6.9 million was an amount the community would accept.

The district wants to renovate the high school in order to bring its science classroom facilities up to new state curriculum standards in addition to doing other work around the campus. The board may call a bond election on May 10.

Conroe ISD authorizes $526.7 million bond vote

Trustees for Conroe Independent School District approved including a $526.7 million bond issue on the May 10 ballot to pay for new schools and safety and security upgrades on all district campuses.

The plan calls for two new junior high schools, an intermediate school, four elementary schools and the conversion of Peet Junior High into a ninth grade center for The Woodlands College Park High. Superintendent Don Stockton (pictured) said the bond issue is based on the 2008 facilities planning committee's recommendations, student growth, safety and security measures and compliancy with regulations.

San Diego to seek new
bids for city hall work

The San Diego City Council has reopened bids for construction of a new city hall at the same time it studies funding options. Last year, the city received only one bid on the $460,000 city hall project, which was rejected.

The city's architect altered some aspects of the design and requested the council seek new bids. In addition to those alterations, the architect also added an alternate plan that would include a garage area with room for two of the city's fire trucks.

Texas City prepares for round of bond sales

Texas City Independent School District officials said the first round of bond sales after last year's $122 million bond election garnered a lower-than-expected interest rate that could save taxpayers' money. The district sold $54.5 million in bonds last week at an interest rate that will save $5.8 million in interest payments over what was projected before the bond election.

The bond funds will be used by the Texas City district to pay to construct new elementary, intermediate and high schools plus districtwide renovations. Athletic and technology improvements will be included.

Baytown acquires 56
acres to develop park

Baytown has purchased a 56-acre tract of land adjacent to Walter Jenkins and J.C. Hollaway Parks to expand those facilities. The tract contains a scenic landscape with part of Cary Bayou on the property. About one-third of the property is heavily wooded.

The purchase may help leverage grant funds from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to assist in developing the land into a park. Baytown Parks and Recreation Department staff said plans for the area might include a dog park, an addition to the current skate park, a small water spray ground, more baseball fields, additional parking and walking/jogging trails.

Palestine ISD begins search for new superintendent

Trustees for the Palestine Independent School District have approved a contract with a consulting firm to conduct the search for a new superintendent to replace Superintendent Jerry Mayo (pictured), who recently announced his retirement.

Applications for the position will be accepted until March 25. The board is expected to review applications on April 3 with a goal of conducting first round interviews on April 7-9. The timeline calls for the trustees to conduct final interviews on April 15 and 16 and announce the finalist at that time. The final selection is scheduled for May 7.

Recent Reports

• HHSC 2/20/08 presentation to the Medicaid Reform Legislative Oversight Committee Meeting
• A Report on the Audit of the Employees Retirement System's Fiscal Year 2007 Financial Statements
• Practical Guide to Common Leave Types, State Auditor's Office
• House Bill 3575, Health and Human Services Eligibility System Transition Plan update
• Horizon, TxDOT fall edition newsletter
• SPI's Defense Appropriations Bill Earmarks Report
• SPI's November 2007 Bond Election Results Report

Event Links

• Congress of the New Urbanism National Conference
• DFW NIGP Lone Star Regional Purchasing Conference
• Texas State University Small Business Development Center training schedule
• Texas Distance Learning 11th Annual Conference
• TWC Texas Business Conferences
• LBJ School Professional Development Calendar
• Upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government events

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 6 Archives · 11/7/03 - 2/15/08

Rice ISD to seek bond approval for new school

The Rice Independent School District recently called for a $10 million bond election in May to pay for a new intermediate school.

While the district has begun design on the building, construction cannot begin until June 2009 even if voters approve the bonds, the district's financial advisor said. This is because the bond sale will be contingent on the district receiving state aid for facilities and existing debt during the next legislative session, he said.

Lewisville ISD to hold $776 million bond election in May

Trustees for the Lewisville Independent School District on Wednesday authorized a May 10 bond election with two propositions totaling $776 million. Proposition 1 for $697 million includes money for new schools, maintaining and renovating older ones, updating technology and purchasing land. It would also include an additional natatorium, high school stadium and career center. The second proposition for $79 million will be used to build a special events center.

The plan is expected to provide adequate facilities through 2014 and calls for nine new schools: three ninth-grade centers, a ninth-10th grade campus, two middle schools and three elementary schools. It also will fund building additions at several schools as well as the Milliken Education Center.

Port of Port Arthur seeks approval for bond election

Commissioners for the Port of Port Arthur recently approved placing an $18.8 million bond issue on the May ballot to pay for port expansion. The bond includes two propositions:

• $10 million to acquire land, improve existing property and upgrade security; and
• $8.8 million to refund the port's existing debt.

Comal ISD approves $205
million bond election

Trustees for the Comal Independent School District recently authorized a $205.8 million bond election in May to pay for new schools and expansion of existing schools. The May bond proposal will ask voters to approve construction of three new elementary schools, expanding four middle schools and renovating and expanding two high schools. The board eliminated one elementary school from the original $210 million recommendation by a citizen's bond committee after Superintendent Marc Walker (pictured) said that project could be paid for with savings from the 2005 bond program.

The proposal also includes $75 million for renovations and expansions for non-academic facilities such as the gym, theater and agriculture barn at two high schools and $48 million for additional classroom space for four middle schools to ensure that all have science labs, ESL facilities and air conditioning.

Arcola hires Brown as
new city administrator

The City of Arcola recently hired Arnold Brown of Missouri City to be its new city administrator, a position that had been unfilled for two years.

Brown previously was employed by the Texas Cooperative Extension Agency in Austin County as an assistant county extension agent. Brown, who also worked in community development for the agency, has a bachelor's and a master's degree from Prairie View A&M University.

Ore City ISD approves $8.5 million bond election

Ore City Independent School District board members on Wednesday authorized an $8.5 million bond election for May 10.

If approved by voters, the bonds will fund a new 49,000 square-foot elementary school to house pre-K through third grade students, Superintendent Lynn Heflin said. He expects the bonds to be sold in August if the bonds win approval.

Fundraiser to expand Memorial Park kicks off

Houston city officials and parks advocates have launched a $10 million fundraising campaign for a new running trail, expanded tennis facilities, a pedestrian bridge and other amenities at Memorial Park. These improvements and others are included in a master plan for the park approved by the City Council in 2004.

After protests from stakeholders, planners removed proposals to move ball fields and the tennis center out of the park to put more focus on its natural areas. Leaders of the Memorial Park Conservancy, a nonprofit group that works to protect and improve the park, said they hoped to raise the money and start work on the improvements in the next three to five years.

The campaign also would fund a new running center with showers and other amenities for runners, and a plaza in front of the tennis center. Improved lighting along trails in the park also is in the plan.

Highland Park school board seeks $75.4M bond issue

The Highland Park school board has called an election for voters to consider $75.4 million in funds to repair aging schools. The board approved putting the measure on the May 10 ballot, following an almost three-year study of district needs.

School Board President Jeffrey A. Barnes (pictured) said they have been hesitant to ask voters to take on new debt but say it is the only way to maintain the district's aging buildings. If approved, the bonds would be sold in two installments, $69.4 million in July 2008 and $6 million in July 2013.

Steps to ensure delivery of SPI weekly newsletter

Most e-mail applications today have spam filtering. The e-mail address we use to send you the Texas Government Insider newsletter is editor@spartnerships.com.

To ensure timely delivery and proper formatting of the newsletter, be sure to add editor@spartnerships.com to your safe senders list. Otherwise, the newsletter may be flagged as spam and automatically routed to your junk e-mail folder at any time.

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

The Insider is published by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), a research and consulting firm. Founded in Texas in 1994 by former government executives and public sector experts, SPI has developed a national reputation as the premier marketing partner dedicated to helping companies secure contracts in the $1.5 trillion state and local government marketplace.

To learn more about SPI services click here or contact our sales department at 512-531-3900.

6034 W. Courtyard Dr. #100
Austin, Texas 78730

Austin to host Congress of New Urbanism conference

The Congress of the New Urbanism will hold its national conference this year on April 2-6 in Austin. CNU XVI will feature Pulitzer Prize winning author Robert Caro, former mayor of San Antonio and former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros and uber planner Andres Duany. More than 200 expert speakers are scheduled for presentations, debates and seminars. Organizers note that Austin has transformed itself and the surrounding Central Texas area "into a New Urban model" and the conference will focus on how the city's progressive planning can promote sustainability and quality of life for a fast-growing city. To view the program for the conference, click here. To register online, click here.

DFW NIGP hosts Lone Star Purchasing Conference

The DFW Metroplex Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing will host the 2008 Lone Star Regional Purchasing Conference on May 5-7 at the Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center in Grapevine, Texas. This educational conference will begin on Monday, May 5, and will continue through 12 noon Wednesday, May 7. Conference attendees will receive a certificate at the end of the conference stating that they have earned 18 contact hours. For more information and to download a registration form, click here.

Texas Public Purchasing Assn. plans spring workshop

The newly formed Texas Public Purchasing Association will meet Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 26-28, for its Spring Workshop 2008. The event will be at the Thompson Conference Center at The University of Texas at Austin. Legislative objectives and initiatives are on the Tuesday agenda with project management, construction Ts and Cs, alternative procurement methods for construction and contract management the topics for Wednesday. Thursday's agenda includes a session on "Winning Public Trust through Performance Leadership." To download a registration form, click here. To register online, click here.

Texas Distance Learning Assn. conference set for March

The 11th annual Texas Distance Learning Association Conference will be held March 24-27 at Moody Gardens in Galveston. Keynote speakers for the conference, "Sail Into Distance Learning," include Alan November, who will discuss the importance of how distance learning technology is used, motivational speaker Dave Carey and Gary Stager, who will offer real-life examples of educational technology learning. In addition to these speakers, the conference also will feature exhibits, breakout sessions, hands-on sessions, meetings and focused gatherings for not only distance learning professionals, but also those new to distance learning. To register, click here. For sponsorship information, click here. To view the conference program, click here.