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Community colleges could face budget cuts

Results could be enrollment caps, increased tuition, higher taxes

Proposed funding cuts to the state's community colleges in the initial '08-'09 state budget estimates could leave those higher education entities facing the same state funding level they had during the mid 1990s. Dr. Rey Garcia, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Community Colleges, said the Legislative Budget Board's base budget estimates recommend cutting public community college funding by approximately 3 percent.

Garcia says that if that recommendation holds, community colleges will likely have three options for making up the lost funding:

  • Increasing taxes, which Garcia says has become "increasingly difficult."
  • Increasing tuition, which has a "fairly negative effect" on student enrollment because it "prices people out of the market."
  • Capping enrollment, leaving community colleges serving only as many students as the state will fund.

Garcia said the trend among community college students in the last two years has been one of students taking fewer classes. As costs go up, many find those cost increases now outside the limits of their budgets. And the money students budgeted four years ago for four classes may only buy them two and one-half classes today. "We also have the phenomenon where institutions say they can only hire so many instructors to teach so many sections," said Garcia.

What exists today, according to the TACC president, is a "bimodal distribution" of students in higher education. There is steady growth in the population of traditionally-aged students, whose average age is 26 and who make up 35-45 percent of the community college student population. Due to increases in tuition rates at four-year universities, they will spend their first two years at a community college and then transfer to a four-year college or university to earn an undergraduate degree. "University tuition policies are driving these students to community colleges first."

Community college representatives are busy contacting members of the Texas Legislature voicing their opposition to the proposed budget cuts, said Garcia, and the legislative response has been positive. "Key legislators indicate to us that they understand community colleges are the front line for higher education in the state," he said, adding that most also realize that if the state does not invest more in community colleges, it could slam the door on higher education opportunities for many Texans.


Hawkins reappointed HHSC commissioner

Albert Hawkins

Albert Hawkins, executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, has been reappointed to his post by Gov. Rick Perry.

Hawkins was initially appointed commissioner of the agency in 2003, where he oversees operations of HHSC's five health and human services agencies that include some 45,000 employees and a $25 billion budget.

Hawkins previously served in a senior White House position for President George W. Bush. He also was the governor's budget director when Bush served as governor of Texas. The HHSC commissioner also previously worked in Texas state government at the Legislative Budget Board.

Hawkins earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin and his master's from UT's Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. If his appointment is approved by the Texas Senate, Hawkins' term as HHHS commissioner will expire on Feb. 1, 2009.


Lone Star

Jerry Patterson

Jerry Patterson, Texas Land Commissioner

Career highlights and education: Graduated from Texas A&M in the class of 1969, was commissioned as a Marine and volunteered for service in Vietnam. Became a Marine Aviator flying F-4 Phantoms and retired from the Marine Corps Reserve in 1993 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Served in the Texas Senate from 1993 to 1998 and authored the Texas Concealed Handgun Law, the law creating state veterans homes, a constitutional amendment allowing home equity lending and the bill that repealed the motorcycle helmet law. In 2002 he was elected Texas Land Commissioner and re-elected in 2006.

What I like best about my job is: It's hard to choose, because the Land Commissioner has so many diverse responsibilities. As a veteran, I enjoy my role as Chairman of the Veterans Land Board and the opportunity that presents to look out for my fellow veterans. Since I took office in 2003 the VLB has seen the largest growth and success since World War II. But as a history buff, I love the responsibility of safeguarding the historic maps and documents of the GLO Archives. These are documents touched by patriots, like Stephen F. Austin, William B. Travis, Jim Bowie and others. My Save Texas History! program has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to preserve these Texas treasures for future generations of Texans. But perhaps my greatest joy is earning vast amounts of money for Texas school kids. The Land Office earned a record $660 million for public education last year, and more than $9 billion since 1854. Every penny of that is non-tax revenue earned from our public lands in one way or another.

What skill have I learned in this job? : I know how to get the agency Web address - www.glo.state.tx.us - into every TV or radio sound bite. I would make Ross Perot proud!

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Be ready to innovate and have fun. At the General Land Office we work at an agency that earns far more than it spends, has over 170 years of uninterrupted history and raises the bar for innovative customer service. It's a fun place to work with a serious mission of making the most of everything God gave to Texas: land, minerals, the coast and our unique heritage.

People would be surprised to know that I: Had a bit part as an extra in the 2004 Touchstone movie "The Alamo." I portrayed Texian George Nail at the surrender of Gen. Santa Anna to Sam Houston after the Battle of San Jacinto. I can be seen on screen briefly and my only line was "Hang him! Hang him!" Look carefully; the makeup and muttonchops make it hard for me to recognize myself!

One thing I wished more people knew about my job: When introduced as "Commissioner Patterson" most people ask me what part of the county I represent. After informing them that the job of Texas Land Commissioner is a statewide elected position, I tell them that if they're from Texas … then I represent them.

Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker in state government. If you would like to suggest a “Lone Star,” please email us at editor@spartnerships.com. We’re also interested in hearing about promotions, reorganizations, awards or other news related to work inside Texas state agencies. Drop us a line!


Staples names senior staff at TDA

Three new senior staff members at the Texas Department of Agriculture were named this week by newly-elected Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. Staples hailed the trio as sharing his commitment "to ensuring Texas agriculture remains strong."

Hector Gonzales, who has more than 20 years audit experience in government, higher education and the private sector, is the new internal auditor. He comes to TDA from his audit manager position at the Texas Department of State Health Services. A certified public accountant and certified internal auditor, Gonzales also was director of internal audits for the University of Texas at Arlington and an audit supervisor for the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Bryan Black is TDA's new assistant commissioner for communications. He comes to TDA after serving as a senior associate with an Austin public relations firm. He also was an award-winning TV reporter in California, Arkansas and Montana.

Gary Walker will serve TDA as interim assistant commissioner for governmental affairs. Walker is a former member of the Texas House. He also previously managed the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District and was manager of the Sandy Land Underground Water Conservation District, where he also is a weather modification pilot. Walker is a graduate of Texas A&M University and a U.S. Navy veteran.


Texas Enterprise Fund grant awarded

Gary Fickes

A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $8.5 million for Fidelity Investments will lead to an expansion of the company's Westlake campus in Tarrant County. Gov. Rick Perry this week announced the grant, which will be used by Fidelity to expand and build a new state-of-the-art, 6,000 square foot building. The expansion is expected to add $200 million to the state's economy while creating more than 1,500 new jobs.

Fidelity Investments is one of the world's largest providers of financial services and company officials say the TEF grant was instrumental in making the decision to expand in Texas. The state has now allocated more than $332 million from the TEF. Fidelity maintains several locations across the state, including Irving, Austin, Houston and San Antonio.

"With this announced expansion and planned job growth, Fidelity will soon become one of the larger employers in the county," said Gary Fickes (pictured), Tarrant County Commissioner. Trent Petty, town manager for Westlake, called Fidelity "more than a local partner," adding that the announcement of their Westlake expansion "is welcome news to the entire region."


Austin, Del Valle, Bastrop schools study bond elections

Rapid population growth in Austin, Del Valle and Bastrop means that bond elections could be in these school districts' near futures.

Austin trustees are discussing a proposal of almost $200 million that would fund construction of one middle school and two elementary schools, renovate existing science labs and kitchens, complete construction on a performing arts center, and replace school buses and ventilation systems. The election could be held in November or May of 2008.

Bastrop is considering a $102 million bond election for May 2007. The proposal includes a new high school, stadium, performing arts center, technology upgrades, and land for future schools. According to a 2006 demographic report, the Bastrop school district could grow by 63 percent by 2016. Bastrop trustees will decide whether to call the election at their Feb. 20 meeting.

The Del Valle school district is also looking at proposals for new elementary and junior high school construction and land purchase for future schools, although no bond election is on the immediate horizon.


New House Appropriation Subcommittee Chairs named

Six new House Appropriations subcommittee chairs were announced recently and participated in the beginning of subcommittee hearings this week. Among the chairs appointed were: Rep. John Davis, Health and Human Services Subcommittee; Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, Education Subcommittee; Rep. Carl Isett, General Government Subcommittee; Speaker Pro Tempore Sylvester Turner, Criminal Justice Subcommittee; Rep. Fred Brown, Regulatory Subcommittee; and Rep. Dawnna Dukes for the Special Issues Subcommittee.

Subcommittee members include:
  • Health and Human Services: Reps. John Davis, Dan Gattis, Dawnna Dukes, Chuck Hopson, Jim Jackson, John Zerwas
  • Education: Reps. Lois Kolkhorst, Dan Branch, Fred Brown, Myra Crownover, Ruth Jones McClendon, John Otto
  • General Government: Reps. Carl Isett, Rick Noriega, Betty Brown, Norma Chavez, Myra Crownover, Linda Harper-Brown
  • Criminal Justice: Reps. Sylvester Turner, Corbin Van Arsdale, Alma Allen, Kirk England, Jim McReynolds, Debbie Riddle
  • Regulatory: Reps. Fred Brown, Jose Menendez, Drew Darby, Eddie Lucio III, Larry Taylor
  • Special Issues: Reps. Dawnna Dukes, Dan Gattis, Dan Branch, Kirk England, Carl Isett, Eddie Lucio III

Michael D. McKinney

Texas A&M to build San Antonio campus

Texas A&M University Chancellor Michael D. McKinney entered into negotiations this week with Triple L Management to select a site for the permanent campus of Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Triple L Management will donate the selected land to the city which is projected to eventually serve 25,000 students and stimulate economic growth in its region. The land was identified after the application of six primary criteria: access, size, physical characteristics, restrictions, infrastructure and image.

The release of the tuition revenue bonds by the Texas Legislature to make this new campus is contingent on the growth to 1,500 full-time students by 2010. Recently the board voted to lease additional building space from the South San Antonio Independent School District to serve as an interim location until the permanent campus is available to more than double the current classroom capacity.

The future Texas A&M University-San Antonio campus will also provide a headquarters to the Irrigation Technology Center (ITC) which will lead to the construction of a major facility on the A&M-San Antonio campus site for education, testing and applied research promoting efficient irrigation, water conservation, profitable agricultural production and quality urban landscapes.


Emergency services top Waco wish list

Virginia DuPuy

New police and fire stations are among the top items being considered for a possible May city bond election in Waco. The city also is considering renovations to its convention center and renovation and improvements to parks, libraries and the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame.

The price tag for the new construction and renovation and other projects will be in the neighborhood of $60 million. Following a recommendation by the 120-member Capital Needs Assessment Committee, city officials will decide later this month if they will call an election. Waco Mayor Virginia DuPuy said she is impressed with the list of projects that she said "are really needed."

The group's recommendations came from a starting list of projects with a combined price tag of $220 million, including $17.5 million for the renovations at the convention center, $27.4 million for the new police station and $20.1 million for the fire station.


Rivercrest names new superintendent

Rick Logan, who is currently superintendent of Harleton Independent School District, will be named superintendent of Rivercrest Independent School District when the board meets Feb. 12.

Logan, who is a graduate of Rivercrest High School, will replace Freddy Wade, the interim superintendent and athletic director. Wade intends to retire after Logan is hired, leaving a vacancy in the athletic director position.


Cities earn awards for energy, air quality efforts

Four Texas cities were recently named award winners for their achievements in energy efficiency and air quality improvement. The cities of Dallas, Galveston, Bedford and Bellaire each received awards from the State Energy Conservation Office and the Texas Energy Partnership.

The Texas Energy Partnership is a program of the State Energy Conservation Office. Each of the four cities was recognized for their overall electricity consumption reduction and either energy conservation or air quality projects they implemented.

As an example, the City of Dallas reduced its overall energy use by incorporating lighting upgrades and solar panels, and installation of new heating and air conditioning systems and automated building controls. Traffic lights were also refitted with energy-saving light emitting diodes, a geothermal heat pump was installed and old roofs were fitted with additional insulation.


Texas to receive more than $1 billion in BRAC spending

Texas is slated to receive $1.08 billion of the $8.1 billion requested for base realignment and closure spending in President George W. Bush's 2008 budget. The funds will be used to meet recommendations made by the 2005 Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission, or BRAC.

The medical center is scheduled to become one of two major military medical centers in the nation. Fort Sam Houston will be the site of all military medical training for enlisted soldiers. Lackland will become a BRAC administrative headquarters facility and Randolph will also receive an administration facility.

The U.S. 1st Armored Division is slated to move from Germany to Fort Bliss, in El Paso, under the realignment recommendations. The 2008 budget calls for the base to receive $437 million for construction projects.

Army Reserve buildings are also planned for El Paso and Houston.

The 2008 BRAC requests are 45 percent more than the $5.6 billion requested for 2007. Last week, Congress slashed that request by $3.1 billion, raising the question of whether Texas will receive its 2007 BRAC funding.

Just yesterday, U.S. Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn of Texas pushed for more money in the congressional spending bill to assist with the costs of the base changes. They asked that $3.1 billion be added to the spending bill for those purposes. Hutchison proposed cutting less than 1 percent from all other spending in the bill to make up the additional funding for BRAC. However, Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, who chairs the Appropriations Committee, said the $3.1 billion in funding sought by the two Texas senators will be addressed when the Senate takes up the $100 billion emergency spending bill.


UT to keep Naval contract

The Applied Research Laboratories at the University of Texas will keep researching mission products for Naval Sea Systems Command.

The lab has been awarded a $20.3 million contract for continued work on mines, fire control, undersea countermeasures, costal/special warfare support, acoustic reconnaissance and search, special sensors, navigation and communications. The work should be completed by March.


DHS funds could benefit state, local governments

State and local governments could benefit from part of President George W. Bush's proposed 2008 budget request for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The request includes $3.2 billion that will be available to assist state and local governments improve their emergency response systems. The grant funds also would provide assistance to firefighters.

Of the $3.2 billion, some $2.2 billion has been requested to fund grant, training and emergency exercise programs. DHS and the U.S. Department of Commerce will also coordinate a $1 billion Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grant program in coordination with its State Preparedness Grant Program.

These funds would provide assistance to state and local homeland security efforts, support other federal funding available for first responder terrorism preparedness activities and support obtaining equipment, training and other programs for first responder programs at the state and local level. The goal of the programs is to protect the public in the event of a terrorist attack or other disaster.


A&M System hires new managing director of facilities

Vergel L. Gay Jr.

The Texas A&M University System has named Vergel L. Gay Jr. (pictured) as the new managing director of facilities planning and construction. He previously served as associate vice chancellor for system facilities and university system architect for The University of North Texas System. He has also served the University of Houston System as director of facilities planning and construction.

Gay is a registered architect and interior designer. He earned a bachelor's degree in environmental design and a master's degree in architecture from Texas A&M University.

He will work closely with Chancellor Mike McKinney to provide continuity across the 17-member Texas A&M University System.


Senator protects border law enforcement funds

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, member of the Senate Budget Committee, this week reiterated his strong support for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP), which reimburses states and counties for the cost of detaining illegal immigrants arrested in connection with crimes other than immigration violations.

Under the administration's budget submitted to Congress also this week, all federal funding for SCAAP would be eliminated. Last year, the government provided $651 million under SCAAP and Texas received $26.5 million.


Sugar Land to support county mobility bond

The Sugar Land City Council has passed a resolution in support of a future Fort Bend mobility bond election with their support based on the provision that the city "receives fair and appropriate proportion" of the funding to help its residents.

The resolution was amended to add funding for city and county projects outside of the city limits such as ones "adjacent to as well as leading to and from" the city.

The mobility bond committee agreed to four of the projects that the city had listed as priorities.


El Paso schools get federal technology funds

The El Paso Independent School District will receive $7 million in funding for technology updates and $2 million for telephone and Internet bills. The money will be divided among about 50 campuses in the district and will pay for Internet access infrastructure and other technology services.

The funds come from E-rate, a Federal Communications Commission program that provides technology money to low-income schools. School administrators said the money will help the district's efforts to integrate technology into the curriculum.


Laredo names city manager finalists

The Laredo city council has named three finalists for its city manager position: Oscar Rodriguez, Michael Dyal and Carlos Villarreal. All three candidates have current or previous city management experience.

Dyal is currently city manager of Medford, Ore. Villereal, who was assistant city manager for Laredo in the 1980s, is currently an executive administrator for the Webb County Commissioners Court.

The men were chosen from a pool of 20 applicants. The finalists will be interviewed at a special meeting on Feb. 12 or 26.


Concordia reveals 30-year master plan

Concordia University officials have revealed a 30-year master plan that will feature three "districts" on nearly 400 acres in Travis County. Each district is to be centered around a plaza and connected to the other districts by a pedestrian path. The land purchase for the new campus is expected to be completed in March.

The first phase of construction is expected to be completed by summer 2008 and carries a $100 million price tag. Concordia's campus has been located in central Austin off I-35 since 1926. The growing student population, which translates to not enough classroom space, housing or parking, led officials of the university to seek a new location.


Conference for hurricane season announced

Jack Colley

For those nervous about hurricane season, the annual Texas Hurricane Conference is an opportunity to prepare for the unexpected. Meeting May 8-10 at the Galveston San Luis Conference Center, it promises a variety of speakers and presenters as well as workshops to improve one's knowledge regarding effective planning for living on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Jack Colley, Chief of the Governor's Division of Emergency Management, called it "one of the best tools we have for planning and preparing" for hurricanes, as well as a chance to "work together to ensure the safety of Texas coastal families."

For more information, click here.


San Angelo schools consider bond election

The San Angelo school board will meet Feb. 12 for further discussion and a possible vote on a bond proposal.

The $128 million bond would fund the first phase of the school district's long-range construction plan. It includes building one new high school and two elementary schools, as well as expanding an existing high school.

One issue under debate is whether one of the new elementary schools would be built on the site of the existing school or whether the district would find other land for the project.

The board has a March 12 deadline in order to go forward with a May bond election.


Senator files red-light camera bill

Sen. John Carona has filed a bill that would limit how much cities can keep from revenue generated from traffic violation fines that result from the use of red-light cameras.

The legislation provides for cities to retain up to 50 percent of the revenue to cover installation, upkeep, and all other expenses associated with the functioning of the photographic traffic signal enforcement system. However, the remainder of civil and administrative penalties would have to be sent to the State Comptroller for designated trauma facility and emergency medical services.


Two join Texas Ethics Commission

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has appointed James Graham of Dallas and Paula Mendoza of Houston to the Texas Ethics Commission.

Graham is an investment manager. Mendoza is owner of a consulting firm for small businesses.


Texas expands faith-based prisons

Parts of four state prisons will soon be converted into faith-based, rehabilitation centers. A total of 334 beds will be set aside for religious programs in the next two months and negotiations are under way to convert more than 600 beds at several other prisons.

The new faith-based program will operate at no cost to the state inside existing prisons. Housing units or dorms will segregate participants from other prisoners. Prison officials provide space, food, and security while outside contractors supply programs and staff.


ORCA helping rural areas remain vibrant, healthy

Mary Scott Nabers

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

When people talk about Texas, there is a tendency to think of Houston, Dallas, San Antonio or Austin, but, this state has a very large rural component. Many outstanding Texas leaders as well as some of the state's most precious natural resources are connected to rural Texas. It's important that we not neglect these areas because they contribute greatly to our overall economic well-being.

Approximately 2.9 million Texans live in rural communities - communities with critical needs and very few resources. Elected leaders and those who make budgetary decisions have, in the past, struggled to keep resources available to rural Texas.

Created in 2002, the Office of Rural and Community Affairs, or ORCA, was charged with providing services that rural communities could not provide for themselves. The agency's primary focus is on rural health and economic and community development. ORCA resulted from a merger of the Center for Rural Health Initiatives and the Texas Community Development Program. Some of the unique services ORCA provides include attracting doctors and retaining rural hospitals. Since 2002, ORCA has granted more than $26 million to some 570 rural communities to improve access to healthcare and to improve or construct health care facilities.

The agency also funds community infrastructure and has awarded more than $61 million in grants to provide first-time water and wastewater service to more than 70,000 Texans. ORCA currently serves more than 1,000 eligible communities and more than 375,000 low-income residents. In 2005, ORCA received $85 million from the federal grant program. These funds enhance quality of life and have a significant impact on the state's economic stability.

ORCA also helps communities identify and facilitate their own economic initiatives. The Texas Capital Fund, a program that assists with downtown revitalization and infrastructure improvements, is credited with creating more than 5,000 jobs in the last few years. ORCA also backs start-up businesses and helps communities recruit jobs.

As Texans, we take pride in the state's wide open spaces, historic communities, and natural beauty. So, our hat is off to the Office of Rural and Community Affairs. Thanks for helping to ensure that our small towns remain vibrant and healthy. With our exploding population growth, it's comforting to know there is room to grow even more in Texas.


TSU brings on consultant for president search

Texas Southern University has hired a Washington, D.C.,-based academic search firm to assist in its search for a new president.

The university has put together a committee including members of the faculty, alumni, its board, student body and community to help find an appropriate candidate.

Gov. Rick Perry last week appointed an 11-member TSU Advisory Committee to work with the Board of Regents to improve the school's finances and to develop a long-range plan for the university after former TSU President Priscilla Slade was fired last year.


City manager search

The Council is scheduled to meet in a special session this week to discuss the selection of a new Greenville city manager to replace recently retired Karen Daly.

A search firm may be sought to help find a replacement but temporarily Human Resources Director Barry Robinson has been named interim city manager. He served in the same capacity for approximately five months after Ed Thatcher gave up the position in June 2004.


Two new buildings for Palo Alto College

Palo Alto College broke ground on a new convocation center and a veterinary technology building on Feb. 6. The college received $55 million from a 2005 Alamo Community College District bond package for the buildings. Both projects should be completed by summer 2008.


Katy superintendent retires

Leonard Merrell

After serving 12 years as superintendent of the Katy Independent School District, Leonard Merrell is retiring after 39 years in education and 22 as a superintendent.

Merrell received his doctorate, master's and bachelor's degrees in education from East Texas State University, now Texas A&M at Commerce. He has continued his education at Columbia University's Teachers' College in New York and also served as an instructor at the University of Houston in Clear Lake.


Finalists named for Kennedale city manager

Bob Hart, former city manager in Georgetown, and Vicki Mikel, Lake Worth's assistant city manager and finance director, are the two finalists for the city manager post in Kennedale. Hart currently serves as president of a Florida-based nonprofit association for local governments. Although Hart has been offered the position, city officials report contract negotiations are continuing.


Perry appoints student regents

Gov. Rick Perry has appointed nine students as regents for their respective universities. They are: Texas State University System- Magdalena Manzano of Houston; Texas Tech University System- Ebtesam Attaya Islam of Lubbock; University of Houston- Christopher Sharpe of Houston; University of Texas System- Randal Matthew Camarillo of Houston; University of North Texas- Diana Schulz of Fort Worth; Texas Woman's University- Christianne Kellett of Arlington; Midwestern State University- Jason A. York of Wichita Falls; Stephen F. Austin State University- Stephanie Tracy of Dayton; and Texas A&M University System- Cassidy Ann Daniel of Canyon.


Pickelman picked to head council

John Pickelman

John Pickelman, Ph.D., chancellor of the North Harris Montgomery Community College District, has been chosen as chairman of the board for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) for 2007.

Pickelman has been chancellor of the community college district since 1991. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Albion College, a Master of Arts degree in Education (Counseling) from the University of Missouri at Kansas City and a Doctor of Philosophy degree (Educational Administration) from the University of Texas at Austin.


UH to build magnetic sensor

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a grant of $1.6 million to the University of Houston to build a powerful magnetic field sensor that is hoped to be thousands of times more sensitive than anything currently available.

The funding will be released in two installments: $100,000 for one year which requires the construction of a working sensor; and an additional $1.5 million to complete the entire system.


Abilene assistant city manager steps down

Lesli Andrews

Lesli Andrews has changed positions in the Abilene city government, moving from assistant city manager to utility systems manager. She cited the need to spend more time with her family as the reason for her decision.

In addition to the assistant city manager position, the city has vacancies for city attorney, director of aviation, fire chief, downtown manager and information coordinator.


Finalist for San Marcos superintendent named

Patty Shafer

The San Marcos school board unanimously voted to name Patty Shafer of Houston as the finalist for its superintendent position.

Shafer, who is currently deputy director of the state's largest regional education service center, will replace Sylvester Perez, who left to become the Midland school district superintendent.

Shafer has been a teacher, school counselor and principal, as well as superintendent of both the Liberty and Utopia school districts.

The school board will approve her contract on March 5 and she will start by April 1.


Community college vice chancellor to retire

Daniel Derrico

The vice chancellor of the Alamo Community College District, Daniel Derrico, is retiring to Florida at the end of the month.

Derrico came to the district as vice chancellor in 2004, then served as interim chancellor after the previous chancellor, Terence Kelly, suffered a stroke. Bruce Leslie was hired as the new chancellor this fall and Derrico stayed on to help with the transition.

District trustees are conducting a national search for two new vice chancellors, one to replace Derrico in budget and operations, and another for a new position that will oversee academic affairs. They hope to fill Derrico's position by March or April.


Grants at a Glance

SPI is pleased to present a new weekly feature."Grants at a Glance" will highlight grant opportunities for local governments and regional coalitions that are often overlooked.

Hundreds of federal and state government agencies have funds available for worthwhile initiatives in Texas. The secret is in knowing which grant funds to target and how to submit winning grant applications. SPI researchers and grant writers are available to provide assistance.

One attractive state grant program provides funding for Indoor Recreation Projects such as the construction of recreation centers, community centers, nature centers and other buildings. The program provides 50% matching grant funds to eligible entities (cities, counties, MUDs, and other local units of government) with a maximum award of $417,563.

Applications are due July 31, 2007 and awards are distributed in January 2008. SPI works with local governments and regional coalitions to secure grant funding. To discuss, please email us at grants@spartnerships.com.

Argyle considers school bond, starts superintendent search process

The Argyle school board is considering five search firms to help it find a new superintendent. The board will consider proposals from the firms at its Feb. 19 meeting.

The current superintendent, Carolyn Pierel, resigned last week.

The board has another big decision to make: whether to call a bond election in May. A citizen bond advisory committee told the board last month that a bond election needs to happen this year, due to overcrowding in the elementary and middle schools.

The board has a March 12 deadline for calling the May election.


HHSC studies Medicaid reform programs

As Texas studies Medicaid reform, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has completed research and analysis of such reform in other states. As a result, numerous research papers are now available on public-private initiatives, benefits and consumer choice and responsibility and long-term services and supports.

For more information and to view the research papers, visit the HHSC Medicaid Reform Web page.


K-6 Adopt-A-Beach art contest

Open to grades K-6 across Texas, the 11th annual Adopt-A-Beach art contest asks for submissions with the theme "Treasures of the Texas Coast." One entry will receive the grand prize in this General Land Office sponsored event. For more information and contest guidelines, visit www.texaasadoptabeach.org.


SPI seeks additional K-12 consultants in Texas

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.

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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.