TYC conservator announces senior executive hirings

Two coming from out of state, one each from OAG, Governor's Office

There's been a flurry of activity this week at the Texas Youth Commission, as Conservator Richard Nedelkoff announced numerous staff appointments. Two of the high-ranking officials come from out of state while two others have served in Texas state government. Nedelkoff said his choices blend "outside and internal TYC knowledge" that he is hopeful will lead the agency out of conservatorship.

Among the new appointees are:

• Deputy Commissioner for Programs and Treatment - Dianne L. Gadow
• Deputy Commissioner for Residential and Parole Services - James D. Smith
• Deputy Commissioner for Planning and Policy - Leticia Pena Martinez
• Chief of Staff - Alfonso Royal

Gadow (left) is currently deputy director of operations for the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections, where she oversees the department's secure schools, community corrections-youth on parole, medical, mental health programs, classification and assessments, education programs and partnerships with community resources. She previously served as superintendent of the Ferris School, operated by the Delaware Department of Children, Youth and Families. She has also served in youth services programs in Colorado. She will start with the TYC by the end of the month.

Polunsky to chair Texas Public Safety Commission

Governor announces Barth, Clowe as new appointees

Allan B. Polunsky (left) of San Antonio has been named chair of the Texas Public Safety Commission by Gov. Rick Perry, who also appointed Carin Barth (middle) of Houston and Tom Clowe (right) of Waco as new members of the commission. The commission oversees the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Polunsky, who was already serving on the commission, is a former member of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, serving five of his 13 years as chair. He is also a former member of the Finance Commission of Texas. Polunsky holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from St. Mary's University.

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

This week's salute is to Tom Mason, general manager, Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA)

Career highlights and education: I have a BA degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a JD from The University of Texas School of Law. After receiving my law degree, I worked three years as an attorney with the Texas Department of Water Resources, then left to join Henry, Lowerre & Mason in a statewide environmental and administrative law practice. Two years later I took an executive management position as director of the water quality division of the Texas Water Commission. In 1987, I joined the legal department of LCRA, and became general counsel in 1999, a position I held until being selected late last year as LCRA general manager.

What I like best about my job is: The opportunity to provide a wide range of public services, from flood control, lakes and parks in the lower Colorado River basin, to generating and transmitting electricity at cost-based rates to Texans in around 60 counties, all without having tax authority or getting any appropriations from the legislature. What's more, I get to work with smart, committed staff who believe in public service and giving back to their communities.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: "Treat it as a marathon, not a sprint," and "Don't take yourself too seriously."

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Focus on the public service aspect of our agency. If you are only in it for the money, you may want to reconsider your priorities.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: taking a walk around Town Lake, if the weather permitted. If not, I might be reading a novel for my Book Group, which has been meeting monthly for over 25 years.

People would be surprised to know that I: play full-court basketball twice a week, and regularly listen to my collection of over 1,500 vinyl record albums (which, when she was much younger, my daughter referred to as "those big black CDs.")

Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: Juan Garza, former head of Austin Energy and now the general manager of Pedernales Electric Cooperative, gave me a book titled The Servant," by James Hunter. It describes the principles of "servant leadership," and notes that the true foundation of leadership is not power, but authority, which is built upon relationships, love, service and sacrifice. It also demonstrates the importance of managers putting others first and strengthening the bonds of respect, responsibility and caring with the people around you.

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.

Set clocks forward! Daylight saving time returns Sunday

Texas joins other parts of the nation in a return to daylight saving time at 2 a.m. on Sunday, when clocks will be set ahead one hour, providing an additional hour of daylight in the evening. Under law, daylight saving time is observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, with the nation returning to standard time starting Sunday, Nov. 2.

TDCJ employees enter new jobs with agency

Two employees of the Parole Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) have changed jobs.

Jay Patzke (left), formerly Region I Director of the Parole Division, has been named the division's deputy director for field operations. He began his career with TDCJ in 1978 as a correctional officer at the Clemens Unit near Brazoria. He has held a number of field and administrative positions - institutional caseworker, parole officer, parole examiner, parole analyst, parole supervisor, regional supervisor and director of the Warrants Section - since joining the Parole Division in 1979.

Patrick Ivey (right), formerly deputy director for field operations for the Parole Division, will now serve as deputy director for support operations in the Parole Division.

Other moves in TDCJ include: William Walker, from senior warden at the Sanchez State Jail to senior warden at the Lynaugh Unit/Fort Stockton Transfer Facility; and Will Churchill, from assistant warden at the Clemens Unit to senior warden at Sanchez State Jail.

Nicholson named DSHS Information Resource Manager

Thirty-year information technology expert Jake Nicholson (pictured) has been named Information Resource Manger (IRM) for the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Nicholson served as acting IRM before he was named to the position full-time on March 1. He previously was director of the IT section's Management Services Unit. Nicholson has overseen IT projects related to quality assurance, security and planning and has been responsible for the overall consolidated operations of DSHS's information technology services. He also currently serves as the DSHS Information Security Officer.

Nicholson joined what was then the Texas Department of Health IT in 2002. He holds both a bachelor's and master's degree from Texas A&M University and is a certified Project Manager Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute.

Texas Transportation Forum slated for April in Austin

Today, Friday, is the deadline for discounts on early registration for the April 20-22 Texas Transportation Forum in Austin. Those who register today can save $150 over on-site registration.

Among the guest speakers for the event are Congressman John Mica (pictured) of Florida and Texas Gov. Rick Perry, both of whom will address transportation challenges facing the state and the nation. Mica is the Republican Leader of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and will discuss how the nation can reduce congestion and streamline the construction and finance processes. For more information, click here.

Planned 'virtual fence' could be operational this year

Federal official reports that the "virtual fence" planned along the Southwest border of the United States is likely to be in use later this year. More than 600 miles of foot traffic and vehicle barriers are planned for construction, but officials admit that the project could be slowed by disputes and lawsuits with landowners along the path of the fence.

The "virtual fence" includes sensors, cameras and other surveillance equipment that will be used in conjunction with miles of traditional fencing as a way of securing the nation's borders. The surveillance equipment is designed to prevent illegal border crossings and can detect such attempted crossings and report them to a command center.

In Texas, some landowners are opposed to the fencing on or near their property. Eagle Pass Mayor Chad Foster (pictured) testified before a congressional hearing recently, alleging that property owners were not contacted for input before planning for the fences began.

Allen leaves DART for position with Austin's CapMetro

Doug Allen (pictured), who has been employed by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) since 1984, this week was tabbed to become the new executive vice president and chief development officer for Capital Metro Transit in Austin.

Allen began his career with DART as a senior rail planner, which will serve him well as CapMetro plans the opening of its first passenger rail line by the end of the fall. He has since held the positions of manager of system planning, assistant vice president of planning, vice president of planning and development and his most current position of executive vice president, program development.

Allen has more than 20 years experience in transportation planning and development. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a master's degree from the University of Iowa.

Radiation detectors to be tested at Bolivar Ferry

As part of a pilot program, radiation detection scanners will be monitoring the Galveston Ferry landing for over a week to test the equipment for its ability to detect radioactive isotopes, said Capt. Jim Bamberger of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Located in a trailer on the ferry landing, the monitoring equipment will set off an alarm if radioactive isotopes are detected. The monitoring officer then notifies a worker directing traffic, who then pulls the vehicle to a separate lane for more inspection. Officers will use hand-held monitors to search the vehicle, the driver and passengers, if needed, he added. The equipment is sensitive enough to pick out people who have had medical tests or treatments using radiation - sometimes for up to two weeks, he said. Diverting a vehicle shouldn't take more than five minutes.

Those who are carrying radioactive materials should have official paperwork and if they do will be let through, Bamberger said. If they don't have the required paperwork, then the workers follow the ferry's security plan.

National strategy aims at reducing deaths on rural roads

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a national strategy to focus resources and new technology on reducing deaths on the nation's rural roads. The Department's Rural Safety Initiative will help states and communities develop ways to eliminate the risks drivers face on rural roads and highlight available solutions and resources.

According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Margaret Peters, the new project addresses five key goals: safer drivers, better roads, smarter roads, better-trained emergency responders and improved outreach and partnerships. The Secretary said approximately $287 million in existing and new funding is available to support the effort.

Secretary Peters said that of the more than three million miles of rural roads in the country, almost 80 percent are owned and operated by local entities, which is why partnering with states and local governments is critical to the initiative.

UT-Arlington nursing school nets $1 million for program

The University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing recently received more than $1 million to provide an accelerated, hospital-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to meet the rising demand for nurses.

A three-year, $556,291 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will be added to an in-kind donation from Texas Health Resources to fund the program, said Susan M. Slupecki, a spokeswoman for UTA. Texas Health Resources, the parent company of the Presbyterian Healthcare System, Harris Methodist Hospitals in Fort Worth, and Arlington Memorial Hospital, also will help pay tuition, fees and salaries for the students, she said.

The project, called Leveraging Existing Academic Resources in Nursing, or LEARN, is designed to increase enrollment, maximize graduation rates and improve readiness by using existing faculty and hospital resources. Texas nursing school officials estimate the state's nursing schools need to increase the number of initial RN licensure graduates by 50 percent by 2010 to meet the demands of the population in 2020.

Foundation gives $500,000 to TWU for health center

The Hoblitzelle Foundation has awarded $500,000 to Texas Woman's University for its new T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences-Dallas Center. The new center will combine TWU's Parkland and Presbyterian hospital sites into a single building at the Parkland location.

"The Hoblitzelle Foundation is renowned for its long and distinguished commitment to philanthropy for the health services and education," TWU Chancellor and President Dr. Ann Stuart (pictured) said. "These funds are a valuable investment in our students and their role as future healthcare providers for the state."

Groundbreaking for the 190,000-square-foot facility is scheduled in 2009, with a planned opening in 2011. The new institute will allow TWU to increase its enrollment in programs training new nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Ennis bond could mean new early childhood center

Trustees for the Ennis Independent School District voted Wednesday to place a $48.9 million bond proposal on the May 10 ballot.

If approved by voters, the bonds will be used to build a new intermediate school for grades four through six, a new early childhood center with a capacity of 400 students and to renovate the current sixth grade building to an intermediate school. Another elementary will be expanded and technology equipment will be provided to the new intermediate school and early childhood center if the bonds are approved.

UT Health Science Center in Tyler reports staff cuts

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler laid off 60 employees in February. Campus President Dr. Kirk Calhoun (pictured) said the hospital is adjusting to the natural ebb and flow of healthcare's demands and is streamlining its efficiency.

Calhoun said the healthcare industry forces institutions to remain flexible. He said the expansion and contraction of staff is a continuous process that all hospitals must go through.

UTHSCT receives $32 million of its $120 million budget from the state, and earns the rest through managing its hospital, academic and research facilities. Calhoun said some layoffs were made based on patient volume; others because technological advances require the health center to utilize less manpower.

Attorney General Abbott unveils new Web site

The Texas Attorney General's Office has launched a new, consumer-friendly Web site to improve Texans' access to educational resources. According to Attorney General Greg Abbott (pictured), education is the first line of defense against consumer fraud.

"Well-informed consumers are more likely to make thoughtful money management decisions, carefully use credit and build a solid financial foundation for their families," Abbott said. "Whether they need guidance on buying a home or preventing identity theft, the Office of the Attorney General's recently redesigned Web site offers helpful information."

The Office of the Attorney General's interactive Web site, which can be found at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov, provides numerous resources, newsletters, consumer alerts and news releases that contain tips about a variety of consumer issues.

TCEQ grant to help UH reduce NOx emissions statewide

One success for the Cullen College of Engineering at the University of Houston has led to another. The college was recently part of a partnership that kept the city of Houston from being known as the smoggiest city in the country. Now, thanks to an $8.8 million grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Texas Diesel Testing and Research Center at UH will purchase a portable emission testing system and a heavy-duty dynamometer that will allow for testing technologies to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by more than 80 percent.

"The greater Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth areas are not in compliance with EPA guidelines for clean air," said Mike Harold (pictured), professor and chair of UH's Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and the co-principal investigator for the diesel project. "These areas must reduce ozone levels or face cuts in the amount of federal highway funding they receive. To do this requires significant reductions in NOx emissions from stationary sources, such as power plants and refineries, as well as mobile sources. Industrial complexes are the easiest place to start, but we can't meet EPA and TCEQ requirements without tackling diesels." Harold said knowledge gained will allow fleets to reduce emissions by retrofitting vehicles.

The UH center is one of only a few in the country capable of testing heavy-duty diesel vehicles. The initial grant funds extend through August of next year, but an additional $1.5 million is possible for future researching, developing and demonstrating emerging technologies.

UT-Health Science Center-Houston gets $2.6M grant

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston recently received a $2.6 million, four-year grant to help students improve reading and math skills. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Education and will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of computer-based tutoring programs.

The funds will be used to monitor kindergarten students from economically disadvantaged communities who attend school in the Houston Independent School District, said Jason Anthony, Ph.D. (pictured), professor in the Department of Pediatrics at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. The goal is to determine if educational computer games provide students with a better foundation for their education. Approximately 8,000 schools and districts nationwide use computer programs as a teaching tool.

Anthony said that computer-based tutoring programs make learning fun as they use video game-like interfaces to teach children letters, numbers, counting and how to play with sounds. Right now, educators believe that children who can master these computer games have a better chance at succeeding in their math and reading classes, he said.

How 'green' are people willing to go regarding fibers?

There's a lot of talk about going "green" these days and Gwendolyn Hustvedt (pictured), assistant professor of fashion merchandising at Texas State University-San Marcos, is about to see if consumers are willing to pay for green fashion products. Hustvedt has been awarded a $140,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. The funds will allow Hustvedt to study locally produced, certified organic, environmentally friendly or "all natural" animal fibers. The results from her study will help develop marketing plans for Southern animal fiber producers to obtain maximum benefit from additional branding of products made from locally grown, sustainable animal fiber, including wool, mohair and alpaca.

Animal fibers are now a specialty, niche product that continue to be marketed like a commodity, and consumer interest in where products are made and how they are made has drawn interest in recent years.

This project will identify economic opportunities for sustainable animal fiber producers and operators who have incorporated or are considering incorporating fiber-bearing animals in their land management system in the Southern region. Marketing opportunities for animal fiber will encourage the use of animals such as sheep, goats and camelids (llamas and alpacas) that can contribute to the health of organically or sustainably managed pasture, farming or other land systems.

USDA, DOE invest $18.4 million for biomass research

The Texas Engineering Experimental Station in College Station has received a $600,000 federal grant to provide a demonstration of commercial feasibility of anaerobic fermentation of biomass for the production of carboxylate salts and their conversion to keytones. The grant is part of an $18.4 million program with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for biomass research and development.

USDA Secretary Ed Schafer and DOE Secretary Samuel Bodman recently announced that over the next three years, the projects would specifically aim to address critical barriers to making production of biomass more efficient and cost-effective.

Grant recipients are required to raise a minimum of 20 percent matching funds for R&D projects, and 50 percent matching funds for demonstration projects. Of the $18.4 million announced, USDA will provide up to $13.2 million and DOE will provide up to $5.2 million.

Window on State Government Web site redesigned

The Texas Comptroller's Window on State Government Web site has been redesigned with streamlined navigation and organization to help users quickly locate the information they need. Window on State Government is a comprehensive source of information about taxes, state spending and the Texas economy.

"We continuously expand and update our menu of online services to help taxpayers do business with our agency quickly and conveniently," said Comptroller Susan Combs (pictured). She said after analyzing traffic on the site, gathering user feedback and studying the best trends in Web page design, the Comptroller's Web and graphic design teams redesigned and reorganized the site to make it more action-oriented, cleaner and easier to navigate.

Window on State Government, located at www.window.state.tx.us, averages about 15 million total hits a month. The most popular information includes unclaimed property, Texas tax details and forms, state purchasing information and tools to allow taxpayers to file and pay taxes online. Major recent additions to the site include "Where the Money Goes," which provides in-depth information about how the state spends taxpayer dollars.

USDA awards more than $5 million in water grants

The University of Texas at Austin was among 14 institutions receiving a portion of $5.2 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct research aimed at improving and maintaining healthy watershed habitat and water supplies. UT's share of the grant was $383,067.

Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer said the grants would fund research into the sources and work of microorganisms in water used in agricultural production, which is critical to maintaining a safe food supply.

USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service administers the awards through the National Research Initiative Water and Watershed competitive grants program. In the past five years, the program has awarded more than $23 million in grants.

UT Dallas aims to be hub for nanoelectronics consortium

Grants totaling $14 million could help the Dallas area become a commercial hub for nanotechnology and commercialization. The funding will support a major research consortium with its main labs at the University of Texas at Dallas.

UT Dallas President David E. Daniel (pictured) said the knowledge that will be transferred from the school's labs has the potential to help critical Texas industries such as medical, defense and telecoms compete in world markets.

Two of the biggest grants for the consortium are $6 million from the South Korean government and $5 million from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund to be spread over the next four years. Additional grants from the federal government and private industry bring the total to $14.4 million.

Members of Texas FUSION, which comes from Future Semiconductor Commercialization, include a group of South Korean electronics companies, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Military Tech LLC, UT-Austin, UT-Dallas, UT-Southwestern Medical Center and UT-Tyler.

Fort Worth bridge proposal prompts bond opposition

Plans to build a four-lane bridge over Fossil Creek near the Stone Glen neighborhood in Fort Worth have prompted neighborhood residents to oppose the city's $150-million bond package.

At a recent meeting at the Golf Club on Fossil Creek, several Stone Glen residents told city officials they were not notified about public meetings held to gather public comment on the bridge plan. Councilman Dan Scarth said formal letters and informal e-mails were sent to all neighborhood associations, including Stone Glen, at least three weeks prior to the first public hearing.

One resident of the Stone Glen neighborhood said she is concerned that an environment review is not necessary because federal funds will not be used and she is shocked the city would damage a greenbelt to build the bridge. Others, such as the Summerfield Neighborhood Association, support the bridge and bond package because of the need to relieve traffic congestion in the area. The bond package also includes a four-lane bridge over Loop 820, which together with the bridge over Big Fossil Creek, would make North Riverside Drive a north-south alternative to Interstate 35W between downtown Fort Worth and northern neighborhoods.

Nominees sought for Environmental Flows Committees

The state is seeking anglers, paddlers, birders, waterfowl hunters, scientists and other conservation-minded Texans as representatives to local stakeholder advisory committees charged with determining and recommending flow regimes adequate to "support a sound ecological environment" for Texas rivers, bays and estuaries.

These stakeholder committees, created by the 2007 Legislature, represents the first step in a new regulatory process intended to determine the amount and distribution of water necessary to protect freshwater inflows to bays and estuaries and related fish and wildlife habitat. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will consider the stakeholder recommendations when it issues rules to implement environmental flow protection.

Nominations are sought for the Basin and Bay Area Stakeholders Committees addressing two river/bay systems, the Trinity and San Jacinto Rivers and Galveston Bay system (as seen in the accompanying Texas Parks and Wildlife photo), and the system consisting of the Sabine and Neches Rivers and Sabine Lake Bay. Also sought are nominations for the Texas Environmental Flows Science Advisory Committee that will serve as an objective scientific body to assist the statewide Environmental Flows Advisory Group on issues relating to the science of environmental flow protection.

Nomination letters should be mailed to the Environmental Flows Advisory Group, c/o Kathleen Ramirez MC-154, TCEQ, PO Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087 or e-mailed to watsup@tceq.state.tx.us with the word "Nominations" in the subject line of the message.

Wichita Falls officials hear flood protection options

Wichita Falls city council members recently heard the results of a Flood Protection Study warning that preventing another major flood in the city will not be cheap or easy.

The study, conducted by the city's Public Works Department, placed a $23-million price tag on construction of a 30-foot spillway and 112-acre, 15-foot-deep detention pond on Beaver Creek to prevent flooding throughout the city. Teresa Rose, the engineer who directed the study, said the Beaver Creek project is the most comprehensive and expensive because it tackles flooding prior to entering Wichita Falls.

On the East Side, which was heavily damaged in the 2007 summer floods, the study also gave the option of buying all 823 businesses, residences and church properties within the 100-year floodplain at a cost of about $12.5 million or building a $5.2-million, 1.25-mile earthen levee and concrete floodwall. To protect the Tanglewood neighborhoods, the study offered the option of purchasing all property in the 100-year floodplain at a cost of $27 million and displacing 179 residents and analyzed the feasibility of building a $3.5-million diversion channel on farmland north of the river to reroute the Wichita River.

UT-Pan American named to Homeland Security project

The University of Texas-Pan American has been named a partner university by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the establishment of the Center of Excellence for Border Security and Immigration. Partner universities under the research component will share $15 million over the next six years to develop better models for understanding immigration and new technologies.

"The establishment of this center is another significant marker in UTPA's transformation to a nationally recognized learner-centered research institution," said Dr. Paul Sale (pictured), UTPA provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. "This along with other recently announced initiatives, such as the Center for Rapid Response Manufacturing, are part of our plan to bring additional intellectual and fiscal resources to the Valley."

The center, spearheaded by The University of Arizona at Tucson, will be a consortium of 12 universities, including UTPA, that will focus on the research of population dynamics, immigration administration and enforcement, operational analysis, control and communications, immigration policy, civic integration and citizenship, border risk management and international governance.

San Antonio airport gains status as port of entry

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff recently signed an order designating the San Antonio International Airport as a permanent "airport of first landing" for private aircraft.

The order will allow private aircraft from foreign countries to fly directly to the San Antonio airport rather than being required to stop in Laredo or other locations before continuing to San Antonio. The order is expected to take effect in about 30 days.

Aviation Director Mark Webb said the airport has worked 10 years to gain permanent status as an "airport of first landing," or port of entry. The order will be a boon to many business travelers who regularly fly to and from Mexico, he said, because they save time and the need to land elsewhere in the United States before landing in San Antonio.

Waco panel recommends $136 million bond election

The Facilities Committee of the Waco Independent School District recently recommended the district approve a $136 million bond election on May 10.

The committee recommended using proceeds from the bond to build a new $70 million high school, a new $13.3 million elementary school, to add science labs at Waco High School and A.J. Moore Academy and to conduct $13.4 million in renovations at nearly every school in the district.

The committee also proposed that once the new high school is open, University High School should be remodeled to become University Middle School and the current middle school campus closed. The new elementary school on the east side will consolidate students at two campuses and those buildings closed or used for other purposes, said Sheryl Davis, assistant superintendent for business and support services.

Ozuna to serve as UTPA Business Administration dean

Dr. Teofilo Ozuna (pictured) has been named dean of the College of Business Administration at The University of Texas-Pan American. Ozuna has served in numerous capacities during his time at the university, including vice provost for the Office of Graduate Studies, associate dean for COBA and as interim dean of the college for the last year.

UTPA Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Paul Sale said, "Dr. Ozuna has the vision, experience and background to lead the college at a time when UTPA is transforming itself into a learner-centered research institution."

Ozuna received a bachelor's degree in 1981, and a doctorate in 1989 from Texas A&M University.

UNT uses grant to expand teacher certification grads

The University of North Texas is launching a $2.4 million grant-funded program that will increase the number of undergraduate math, science and computer science majors obtaining teaching certification. UNT officials say their efforts will address a national shortage of teachers qualified to teach those subjects.

Teach North Texas, a collaborative effort between the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education, builds on UNT's support of secondary education in the North Texas region through a partnership with the Fort Worth Independent School District. Teach North Texas is modeled after the innovative UTeach program at The University of Texas at Austin.

UNT President Gretchen M. Bataille (pictured) said, "This powerful new partnership will allow us to do more than ever before to supply our schools with highly qualified math and science teachers."

UNT is one of 13 universities nationwide selected to receive a UTeach replication grant by the UTeach Institute and the National Math and Science Initiative. The Greater Texas Foundation contributed $1.4 million to the four-year grant, and up to $1 million will come from NMSI if UNT meets fundraising goals.

Technology, security upgrades part of Klein bond vote

Trustees for the Klein Independent School District recently authorized a May 10 bond election asking voters to approve $646.9 million for new schools, renovations and upgrades to technology and security.

The proposal includes $345 million for seven new schools, major additions to two high schools, renovations to intermediate and elementary schools, a transportation center, new buses and ongoing technology initiatives and security equipment and $256.7 million for campus renovations, including the $130 million Klein High School reconstruction project.

The $38.2 million designated for technology will pay for new equipment to handle increased enrollment and student access to technology, equipment needed to continue the district's technology baseline standard initiative and replacement of outdated technology equipment. Another $6.1 million will purchase new security cameras, replace outdated security equipment and install fire alarms in district facilities.

Fort Bend calls for vote on $74 million court complex

Fort Bend County Commissioners recently voted to call a $74 million bond election on May 10 for a new court complex designed to unite scattered courts and offices in one building.

The proposal includes $69.9 million for a three-story courthouse in Richmond and $4 million for a parking garage and other associated costs. County officials estimated the new courthouse complex could be occupied by 2011.

Program to revive Texas earth, space science teaching

The University of Texas at Austin is starting a $2.38 million program designed to train eighth through 12th grade earth science teachers who work predominantly in minority or underserved public schools in Texas.

The initiative, the Texas Earth and Space Science Revolution, or TXESS Revolution, aims to restore the state's capacity to teach earth and space science. The Texas State Board of Education decided in 1998 to remove the subject as an option for credit toward high school graduation. The board restored an earth and space science option in 2006, but by then, too few teachers around the state were qualified to teach the subject.

By 2011, the board will require all Texas public students to take four science courses in high school instead of three. Earth and space science will be taught as a capstone course, integrating material from a range of disciplines to help students make connections across subjects.

The bulk of the funding for the TXESS Revolution came through a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Tomball could be site for new sports facility

The City of Tomball is considering entering into an agreement with a private sports facility operator to build a multi-million-dollar indoor sports arena. City officials have agreed to begin a feasibility study to determine the market for such an arena, possible locations and an economic impact analysis.

The proposed facility would be a 60,000-square-foot arena with volleyball and basketball courts and indoor soccer and turf sports facilities. The projected cost is between $4 and $12 million.

The city and the facility operator would design the facility together and the city would pay to build it, with assistance from the operator during the construction phase. It would take approximately two years to complete.

Homeland Security officials unveil El Paso fence details

Homeland Security officials recently released its plans to build about 57 miles of border fencing and add other technology in the El Paso area.

Five sections of double-layer steel fencing will be built east of downtown El Paso to just east of the port of entry at Fort Hancock, said Barry Morrisey, a Washington, D.C.-based spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Another 56.7 miles of fencing is expected to be built across rural areas in El Paso and Hudspeth counties. The proposed fence structure will be a two-layer wire mesh fence that stands about 15 feet high held up by steel posts dug about five feet into the ground, extending about three feet above the steel mesh layers. It is designed to withstand 90 mph winds.

Red-light cameras: rising political issue in some cities

While several Texas cities are using red-light cameras to catch motorists running red lights, other cities are putting the brakes on their use. In Abilene, for instance, the city is moving forward with plans to install red-light cameras while another West Texas city pulled the cameras out after just a few months. Lubbock Mayor David Miller (pictured) said an increase in traffic accidents at intersections with cameras and public reaction prompted a 4-3 council vote to remove that city's red-light cameras.

Grapevine and Nederland also have halted their red-light camera programs and Odessa has decided not to go forward with plans to install cameras at several intersections. An official with the vendor providing the camera service to Lubbock said the issue became political after city officials analyzed data after three months rather than a year, as recommended.

Other cities, however, report success. Garland, the first city in Texas to use red-light cameras, reported a 27 percent decrease in violations after installing the cameras at several intersections about five years ago. Houston and Dallas have red-light cameras. And Baytown and Austin are installing or have plans for cameras even though a new state law caps the fine at $75 and requires cities to send half of the profits to a state fund for medical trauma centers. Nationwide, about 300 cities in 27 states use cameras for enforcement.

All eyes on public sector
construction opportunities
in stable Texas marketplace

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

Although residential construction across the country may be on the decline, general construction in Texas remains stable. Construction opportunities are particularly strong in state and local government marketplaces. Industry experts predict that construction spending in Texas will most likely increase by several percentage points in 2008. Most of the construction growth in Texas is related to population increases. The Lone Star State now lays claim to having the seventh highest population growth rate in the country.

A quick look at construction related to public schools is an eye opener. Last year, billions of dollars in construction-related costs were approved by school district voters in bond elections, and school districts are now hurrying to beat a March 10 deadline to present additional bond packages in the upcoming May elections. The bond funding includes bricks and mortar construction and also renovations and enhancements.

Tyler city manager plans
his retirement next year

Tyler City Manager Bob Turner (pictured) recently announced he will retire in July 2009. Turner has worked for the City of Tyler more than 20 years and has served as its city manager since 2003. Turner recommended the council name Deputy City Manager Mark McDaniel as the new city manager. The council approved unanimously, and McDaniel, who has been the deputy city manager since 2004, will become acting city manager on Jan. 1, 2009.

McDaniel has a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of North Texas and completed the Senior Executive in Local Government program at Harvard University. He previously served as city manager for the city of Woodway, assistant city manager for the city of Lake Jackson and budget director for the city of Denton.

Dallas ISD places $1.35 billion bond vote on ballot

Trustees for the Dallas Independent School District voted unanimously to place a $1.35 billion bond program on the May 10 ballot, saying the funding is necessary to upgrade the district's aging schools.

If approved, the bond package will fund 15 new schools, including eight elementary schools, four middle schools and three high schools. A total of 177 classrooms would be added to 12 existing schools and more than 200 schools would receive about $521 million in renovations.

Belcher, Myers join SPI
as senior consultants

Serving in state government for most of the past decade, Nora Belcher (right) brings a solid background in budget and policy issues and health and human services experience to her new full-time role as senior consultant with Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Belcher comes to SPI after serving nearly five years in the office of Gov. Rick Perry, first as an advisor and then the last four years as deputy director of his Office of Budget, Planning and Policy.

In her role with the governor's office, she was responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of the governor's public policy initiatives, budget recommendations and special projects relating to health and human services, insurance, natural resources, regulation and licensing. Prior to joining the governor's office, Belcher spent three years as a senior policy advisor with the State Medicaid Office of the Health and Human Services Commission. She also spent more than a year as a policy/regulatory analyst with the Center for Rural Health Initiatives and nearly two years as a health policy analyst with the Texas Medical Association.

Cis Myers (right) has also been added to the senior consulting staff at Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Myers brings a wide and varied skill set and background to the consulting staff. She currently owns her own consulting firm but previously worked as an area manager for a firm that concentrated mainly on water projects. She oversaw project delivery, business development, political strategies and administrative functions of the firm.

She also has worked for the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and over a 15-year period with LCRA was a project manager, legislative liaison, manager of a number of programs and was a budget officer and budget analyst. She also is a former deputy commissioner at the Texas Education Agency and a liaison for the State Board of Education. Myers has been an administrative assistant for a Texas lieutenant governor and both a visiting lecturer and adjunct professor for the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.

Abilene approves 10-year master parks program

The Abilene City Council recently approved a 10-year Parks, Recreation and Senior Facilities Master Plan that focuses on Johnson Park at Lake Fort Phantom Hill. Voters approved over $1 million dollars for Parks and Recreation renovations and additions at Lake Fort Phantom Hill in a 2006 bond election.

Mike Hall, director of community services, said the next step is to secure more funding through two grants he expects to be in place by January 2009. Johnson Park renovation and construction plans include boat ramps and docks, restrooms, shelters, playgrounds, RV park area and trails. A portion of park improvements will include the recreation area near the state veteran's cemetery on the west side of the lake. SeaBee Park will also benefit from renovations of its restrooms and trails.

Perryton ISD considering
$54 million bond proposal

Trustees for the Perryton Independent School District are considering placing a $54 million bond proposal on the May 10 ballot. Mike Jackson, superintendent of Perryton ISD, said the funding is needed for a new high school and elementary school building as well as for renovations to many of the district's older buildings. District officials have until March 8 to call a bond election for the May 10 election.

Abilene considering use
of red light cameras

The City of Abilene is considering installing red-light cameras at the city's most dangerous intersections. A committee studying the proposal is meeting with three vendors that install cameras, identify violators and photograph vehicles and licenses plates and is expected to make a recommendation to the council in April.

Mayor Norm Archibald (pictured) said he would like the city to decide in May on which intersections to install the cameras and to have the cameras operational by June.

Rhome bans cell phone
use in school zones

The Rhome City Council recently voted unanimously to prohibit the use of hand-held cell phones in school zones. Even though Police Chief Jennifer Ruiz reported no accidents in school zones caused by someone using a cell phone, council members said the ban is a precautionary measure. Signs will be posted in school zones to warn motorists of the cell phone ban.

Huston-Tillotson has wish list for new campus facilities

Huston-Tillotson University President Larry Earvin (pictured) has a plan to raise the profile of his university. And among those plans are a number of new buildings and facilities on the university's "wish list."

HTU would love to add to its campus a multipurpose center, a child-care center and housing for students with children. Officials would like to use some of the nearly 10 acres of property the university owns to build the new facilities. The multipurpose center would include a new gym to replace the more than 50-year-old current gym. The last new building on the campus was built in 1974.

Corsicana names new
deputy superintendent

Trustees for the Corsicana Independent School District recently named Chip Curington as deputy superintendent of the district. Curington has served as the assistant superintendent for finance and operations since 2003.

Superintendent Don Denbow said the district has benefited from Curington's financial management and should benefit from his other management skills in his new position. Curington, a native of Corsicana, also was a principal, assistant principal and teacher before taking the position of executive director of personnel in 2000.

Midwestern State students
to get additional housing

The Midwestern State University Board of Regents has approved Phase 1 of a $21-million student housing project which will include the construction of apartment-style units with approximately 290 beds on the Wichita Falls campus.

According to MSU housing officials, the increase in the number of students coming from outside Wichita County is driving the demand for new housing. The three-story facility will feature one-bedroom, two-bedroom and four-bedroom options. The units are scheduled to open in fall 2009.

Technology, security, facility upgrades part of Aledo bond

Upgrades to technology, security equipment and facilities are part of a $67 million bond election the voters in the Aledo school district will be asked to pass in a May bond vote. The bond package also would include a new ninth-grade center.

The ninth-grade center is part of the first of two propositions, according to Superintendent Don Daniel (pictured). It includes more than $59 million of the bond total and includes a new facility plus computer upgrades, security cameras, a keycard entry system and the addition of a teacher training facility. The second proposition includes $8 million of the total, to be used for campus renovations that include carpet, new paint, cafeteria equipment, playgrounds and transportation infrastructure. Additional buses also are part of the proposition.

Pampa names Pitner as interim city manager

Police Chief Trevlyn Pitner will take over as Pampa City Manager on April 1, after current City Manager John Horst retires on March 31. Following a closed session during its regular meeting last week, the Pampa City Commission named Pitner interim city manager.

S&S School Board approves $13 million bond election

The S&S Consolidated Independent District board of trustees has called a $13 million bond election to be held on May 10. During a school board meeting in January, Board President Jeff Bullard (pictured) said the additions are much needed and should have been dealt with five years ago.

Superintendent Robert Steeber said a new wing would be added to the elementary school. In addition, Steeber said $7.3 million would be used for the high school campus, including a new football field, track, concession stands, restrooms and renovations to the baseball and softball fields, as well as a theater arts classroom.

New high school, repairs
on tap for LCM bond

Trustees for the Little Cypress Mauriceville Independent School District recently authorized placing a $40 million bond proposal on the May 10 ballot to pay for a new high school and repairs to existing facilities. The district's Vision and Planning Committee also recommended that a second bond proposal concentrating on the district's elementary schools be presented to the public in 2011.

The $40 million bond proposal in May includes repairs to the Little Cypress Junior High, Mauriceville Elementary and Mauriceville Middle School and rerouting traffic around Little Cypress Intermediate and Little Cypress Elementary schools, said Sherry Combs, the district's community relations officer.

Cameron to begin search
for new city manager

The City of Cameron is looking for a new city manager after current manager Fred Stephens was relieved of his duties last week. The Cameron City Council met for 48 minutes in a closed session before emerging to announce its decision.

Mayor William C. "Bill" Meacham declined to comment on the reason behind the council's action. Meacham said the council is expected to meet today to consider a plan for replacing Stephens. The council did not make an interim appointment.

Comal County land purchase may be justice center site

Comal County commissioners this week approved a $1.5-million land purchase in downtown New Braunfels that could become the county's new justice center. County Judge Danny Scheel (pictured) said the county's goal is to have all county offices in the downtown area.

The county also is hopeful to work a deal with the city of New Braunfels for the building of a downtown parking garage. That deal would include a special taxing district to help finance it.

Hitchcock School District bond would build schools

The Hitchcock Independent School District has called a $39.98 million bond election in May. The decision was unanimous among the five board members present for last week's vote.

Superintendent Mike Bergman said the bond, if approved by voters May 10, would fund construction of a 650-student elementary school and a 550-student high school. Of the 467 elementary students, all of the district's pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students are taught in temporary classrooms.

Greenwood ISD approves calling May bond issue

Greenwood Independent School District trustees have unanimously approved a $6.9 million bond election that will finance constructing sewer lines to the city of Midland, plumbing repairs and building renovations.

Superintendent Doug Young said restroom renovations and the addition of a restroom, shower and changing area to a special needs classroom would also be paid for with the bond. The election will be held May 10, with early voting from April 28 to May 6.

Spring Hill ISD calls $42 million bond election

The Spring Hill Independent School District board of trustees has called a $41.8 million bond election that will be presented to voters May 10. Superintendent Wes Jones (pictured) said the bond package would give the district the flexibility to meet the needs of a growing student population.

The plan calls for an initial phase of $33 million and a second phase of $8.8 million. There will only be a single election for the entire amount, but trustees will retain the option of revisiting the project after the initial phase is completed.

Lufkin officials consider
upgrades to Winston Park

The City of Lufkin has several capital improvement proposals under consideration that will impact Winston Park, according to Don Hannabas, director of parks and recreation in Lufkin.

Now that that Winston Park has been cleaned up and the baseball field removed, the pool will be the next thing to be removed, Hannabas said. While there are no definite plans for new park facilities at this time, the maintenance building will be relocated and the city will consider a new Parks and Recreation Plan for the 2009 budget.

Recent Reports

• Federal Portion of the Statewide Single Audit Report for the Fiscal Year Ended Aug. 31, 2007
• "In Touch," HHSC March/April edition newsletter
• A Follow-up Audit Report on Workforce Management, Procurement, and Lotto Texas Activities at the Texas Lottery Commission
• SPI's Defense Appropriations Bill Earmarks Report
• SPI's November 2007 Bond Election Results Report

Event Links

• Texas Public Education Reform Foundation 2008 Statewide Education Summit
• Texas Association of Community Development Corporations 2008 Texas Community Development Conference
• Texas Citizen Corps Conference
• 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 - 2/29/08

Sul Ross seeking grant to fight crimes against women

Sul Ross State University has applied for a $290,908 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice with the goal of preventing, identifying and responding to violent crimes against women. The three-year STOP grant, if funded, will pay for development and implementation of services to prevent violent crimes, improve response to violent crimes against women, including sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking, said Lt. Drew Powell of the Sul Ross Department of Public Safety, the proposed project director.

The major goals of the project also include expanding professional training for law enforcement, SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) nurse examiners and campus community members emphasizing victim safety, preservation and processing of evidence and accountability; and transforming campus and cultural norms and decreasing tolerance for the violent crimes, Powell said.

General William Looney to retire from Randolph AFB

Gen. William R. Looney III (pictured) will step down as head of the Air Education and Training Command at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio. An Air Force spokesman said Looney would retire later this year and be replaced by Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, head of the service's Air University at Maxwell AFB, Ala.

Spokesman Lt. Col. Will Nichols said normal general officer retirements occur after three years time in grade, and that Looney would hit that milestone this summer.

Keene ISD OKs May bond
election for district growth

The Keene Independent School District has approved a bond election that would expand two of the district's campuses. Superintendent Kevin Sellers said the bond, which will not exceed $15 million, would provide additions to Keene Elementary School and Keene Junior High School to address growth in the district.

The bond is part of an ongoing 10-year improvement plan. The bond package on the May 10 election is just part of Phase 1 of the plan, Sellers said. If passed, Phase 2 will happen when growth necessitates it, he said. Possible future projects include athletic fields and facilities behind the high school and further expanding buildings and parking areas.

Clear Creek students soon
to take courses online

Students in the Clear Creek ISD will be able to take courses online as early as this summer, according to Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Tina Farrell (pictured). Farrell cited some of the advantage of the program as "online coursework, 24/7 access, virtual communication and Web-enhanced learning."

Students will be able to take online coursework from home or at school and teachers can access online training, staff development, etc. Some 200 teachers have already been trained in the use of the new technology. Four courses will be offered as high school curriculum this summer, and intermediate and elementary classes will come in the following years. Parents will have access to their children's grades on the program as well.

Seguin ISD bond vote will include four propositions

Trustees for the Seguin Independent School District recently approved placing a $125.2 million bond issue on the May 10 ballot. The proposal will contain four propositions:

• Proposition 1 for $84.7 million is for a new high school building. The building's current 100-800 wings would be demolished and replaced by a single building. The band hall, freshman center and two gyms would remain;
• Proposition 2 for $5.6 million for a new elementary partially funded by $9.4 million in unsold bonds approved in 2002;
• Proposition 3 for $29.9 million for districtwide renovations and upgrades, including technology upgrades, renovations to an elementary school to make it a pre-kindergarten campus and a new gym at two middle schools; and
• Proposition 4 for $4.9 million for renovations to the Maverick football stadium.

Taylor purchases 14-acre site for new high school

Trustees for the Taylor Independent School District recently purchased a 15-acre tract next to the Eastern Williamson County Higher Education Center on FM 873. The 15-acre tract, which cost the district $230,000, is one of two sites under consideration for a new high school facility.

Superintendent Bruce Scott (pictured) said the district already owned 50 acres on FM 973 and wanted it connected to the higher education center, saying the district was being prudent to buy the property when it was available. School board members have discussed calling a bond election to build a new high school, but have not yet voted to hold the bond election.

The second site under consideration is on 23 acres north of the middle school, which also would require the district to obtain additional property to accommodate athletic facilities planned for the new high school.

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of SPI weekly newsletter

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The Texas Government Insider is a free weekly e-newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government.

Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers

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.

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TPERF announces 2008 Statewide Education Summit

The state's largest one-day education conference that brings together the entire school community, policymakers and business leaders to discuss how Texas' public education system should be reformed and improved will be held Friday, April 18, at the Austin Convention center when the Texas Public Education Reform Foundation meets for its 2008 Statewide Education Summit. Among the speakers for the event are: U.S. Sen. John Cornyn; former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige; James H. Billington, Librarian of Congress; Robert Scott, Texas Commissioner of Education; and Raymund Paredes, Texas Commissioner of Higher Education. For more information, click here, and to view the summit brochure, click here. To register, click here.

TACDC planning annual conference March 10-12

The Texas Association of Community Development Corporations (TACDC) will meet in Corpus Christi on March 10-12 for its 15th annual Community Development Conference. TACDC is an independent nonprofit member organization established in 1996 to work to improve Texas low income and underserved communities. Some of the topics to be included in breakout sessions in the three-day conference are: Foreclosures and Fallout in Texas; Supportive Housing; Green Building; Funding Community Development; Preserving Affordable Multifamily Housing; Regulating Nonprofits; Funding Diversification; and CDC Leadership Transition. There will also be a community development tour and catalyst training programs. For more information and to view the agenda, click here. To register, click here.

Texas Citizen Corps Conference slated June 3-4

The fourth annual Texas Citizen Corps Conference, sponsored by the Texas Association of Regional Councils, will be June 3-4 in San Antonio at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel. The conference is open to anyone interested in the Citizen Corps program, including regional councils of governments, local, state, and federal agencies, volunteers, emergency management professionals, first responder and other interested parties. Local elected officials and management level decision-makers will also be in attendance. Sessions will include training, strategic policy discussions, briefings from leaders in the Citizen Corps programs from across the nation, networking and best practices events and an exhibit hall. To register, or for more information, click here.

TASSCC technology education conference slated April 30

The Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications (TASSCC) and the Department of Information Resources (DIR) will host the annual Technology Education Conference (TEC) on April 30 at The Commons Center on the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin. This year's conference, "Best Practice Makes Perfect - Now What?" examines best practice techniques and how they relate to information technology regarding project management, managing the mobile workforce, virtualization of information, green technology, reacting to the pandemic flu and managing the E-world of today. Sponsorships are available. For more information, contact TASSCC at info@tasscc.org or (512) 474-1827.

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 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.