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Feds weigh in on toll road legislationConcerns raised regarding compliance with federal mandates
The Chief Counsel for the U.S. Department of Transportation, in a letter this week to Texas Department of Transportation Executive Director Michael Behrens (pictured), questioned both legal and policy provisions of some transportation-related legislation being considered by Texas legislators during the current 80th Legislature. In his letter, the Department of Transportation's James Ray raised questions on at least four transportation bills being considered by Texas lawmakers. He noted that some of the bills in question - HB 1892, HB 2772, and SB 1267 and SB 1929 - could affect the state's eligibility for receiving federal-aid highway funds. 
Because the legislation has not yet passed, Ray said the federal department could not comment specifically on the bills since the language might change in the final versions. He did say, however, that "certain facets of these proposals appear to run afoul of federal law or regulation." While praising the state for setting the bar for the rest of the country in developing new transportation facilities and infrastructure through public private partnerships (PPPs), Ray warned that TxDOT still would be responsible for complying with federal requirements related to planning, financing, construction, maintenance, etc. Ray also noted that toll roads being considered by the state also must ensure that if federal funds are used, they must also be in compliance with federal law. Other items Ray addressed include federal audits, procurement processes used for SH 121 and legislation that would "put a moratorium on state project planning on utilizing PPSs" while also creating "a complex set of laws" that would allow for expansion of PPPs by other government entities in the state. All in a day's work: Sleep technicians, game designersTSTC Emerging Technologies helps to create innovative courses
Ever heard of polysomnography? The study of slumbering subjects at sleep clinics has prompted colleges to offer licensing and degree programs designed for those pursuing careers in sleep medicine or polysomnography. This new profession was not dreamed up overnight, nor was the curriculum to train its technicians. For the past five years, Texas State Technical College Emerging Technologies has published studies designed to drive and inform new curriculum development in technology areas. TSTC Emerging Technologies identifies emerging technology trends, evaluates potential workforce implications and recommends new courses and programs for Texas' two-year colleges. 
"The goal is to ensure that colleges around the state are creating innovative courses and degree programs for new emerging occupations," said Michael A. Bettersworth, associate vice chancellor for technology advancement at the TSTC System, "and to ensure that Texas industries continue to have the skilled workforce they need to be competitive." Originally funded by Carl D. Perkins federal grants through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the program is now paid for by state funds. Not only does TSTC Emerging Technologies recommend new career and technology education curriculum, it sometimes discourages programs. Because of wildly popular TV shows like "CSI," the area of crime scene technology has piqued interest in recent years. Bettersworth said that his research actually found that pay for entry level jobs in that field is "not attractive" and there is "shallow demand" for crime scene technicians. [more] Nominations Committee approves Hawkins
By a vote of 5-2, the Senate Nominations Committee this week recommended confirmation of Albert Hawkins who was reappointed by Gov. Rick Perry as commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Hawkins was first appointed to the post in 2003. As commissioner, Hawkins oversees five health and human services agencies of the state, which include some 45,000 employees and an annual budget of $25 billion. Hawkins is a former senior White House staffer, serving as an aide to President George W. Bush and the liaison between Bush and his Cabinet. He previously served as state budget director to then-Texas Gov. Bush. The reappointment now faces approval from the full Senate. Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
This week's salute is to Brad Livingston, executive director, Texas Department of Criminal JusticeCareer highlights and education: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Master of Public Affairs (MPA) from the University of Texas at Austin. Broad range of governmental experience, to include working for the Legislative Budget Board and serving in Governor Bush's Administration in the Governor's Office of Budget and Planning. Joined the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in October 1997 as the Deputy Director of the Financial Services Division. In June 2001, appointed Chief Financial Officer and assumed broad responsibility for the agency's day-to-day business, fiscal, and administrative operations. Became Executive Director of TDCJ in July 2005, after serving as Interim Executive Director since November 1, 2004. This role oversees the operations of one of the largest governmental entities of its kind, with approximately 39,000 employees statewide. What I like best about my job is: having the opportunity to serve the thousands of dedicated professionals in our agency while leading and managing an outstanding leadership team that is focused on excellence. The best advice I've received for my current job is: that understanding the big picture and attention to detail are not mutually exclusive skill sets. An effective leader must have both. Advice you would give a new hire in your office: There is no substitute for integrity and hard work. Be willing to take on any project. Be interested in both the how and the why. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: spending time with my family or working in my yard. People would be surprised to know that I: raise Quarter Horses as a hobby. Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: River of Doubt. This book clearly shows that Theodore Roosevelt's courage and grit extended to every aspect of his life; two very desirable traits. 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. HPV issue back in governor's handsThe issue of Gov. Rick Perry's executive order that would require Texas schoolgirls to receive the human papilloma vaccine (HPV) is back on his desk - but now he faces a possible veto decision. The House and Senate this week passed legislation that would for four years block his order on making the vaccine available. The governor has 10 days from the time the bill reached his desk to decide if he will sign it or veto it. In the case of a veto, a two-thirds vote of the legislature - which many members indicate they have - would override the veto. A&M not responsible for Bonfire deathsThe 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals this week ruled that Texas A&M University officials cannot be held responsible for deaths and injuries as a result of the tragic 1999 Bonfire collapse that killed 12 people. The structure, made of thousands of logs and built annually before the Texas A&M-Texas football game, collapsed and killed 12 while injuring more than two dozen students. Victims and relatives of the deceased filed a federal suit against the university, and the court ruled that the university had not created a dangerous university-sponsored event and thus could not be held liable. A lawsuit in a state court in Brazos County is still pending. Collection agencies could help DPS collect finesTexas legislators are considering a bill that would allow the Texas Department of Public Safety to use collection agencies and set up installment payments for motorists who have not paid fines and surcharges for traffic violations for DWI, having no license or driving with a revoked license or for not having vehicle insurance. DPS officials this week noted that they have collected only about one-third of the more than $475 million in fines and surcharges owed to the state as a result of the 2004 Driver Responsibility Law. Collections are only a little over $130 million of that amount. Sen. Steve Ogden of Bryan, author of the bill, also would ask the DPS to increase penalties for not paying the surcharges. Funds allocated for trauma care, mental healthThe Travis County Healthcare District board has allocated close to $2 million to expand psychiatric and trauma care. Seton Shoal Creek will benefit from a $900,000 allocation and the Seton Family of Hospitals will be awarded $1 million. Board members have previously made funding of trauma care a priority. An additional 18 beds at Brackenridge Hospital, which Seton runs for the healthcare district, are expected to be ready by the end of next month. Shoal Creek will use some of its appropriation to add 16 beds, with the remainder of the funds to be used for care for low-income Travis County residents and for other patient care. Bill aims to close no-pass, no-play loopholesThe Texas Senate this week passed legislation that will help prevent abuse of exemptions to the state's no-pass, no-play rule. Since passage of the rule more than 20 years ago, school districts have been given wide latitude in enforcing it. The goal of the rule is to ensure that students meet an academic standard before they can participate in extracurricular activities. In recent years, school districts have been exempting certain classes from the rule, many outside the basic curriculum. The new legislation, authored by Sen. Kyle Janek of Houston, directs the Texas Education Agency to review all courses that are exempt by school districts. Only honors and advanced placement courses in core subjects would be exempt. The bill now goes to the House for debate. Krier leaving San Antonio Chamber
Joe Krier, president and CEO of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce for the last 20 years, this week announced he will be stepping down at the end of the year. In making his announcement, Krier cited a number of accomplishments of the organization during his tenure, adding, "We've helped build a stronger, more broadly based area economy that provides a better quality of life, not just for the business community, but for all who live here." As leader of the chamber, Krier oversees a staff of 36 with a $4 million budget that serves 2,700 members. Krier is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and received his law degree from The University of Texas School of Law. Prior to his affiliation with the chamber, he was a partner in the Groce, Locke and Hebdon law firm and also was part of the Grieshaber & Roberts real estate firm. Recent rains could bring end to two-year droughtState climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon this week declared the two-year Texas drought "tentatively over." Even with recent rains, he cautioned residents that areas of North Central Texas, Central Texas and Northeast Texas could quickly relapse this summer. As of Thursday, the Tarrant Regional Water District was at 96 percent capacity. Last spring it was at 80 percent. However, the North Texas Municipal Water District, which serves Frisco, Allen, Plano and Richardson, remains in Stage 3 drought conditions. The National Weather Service expects area lakes in North Texas to rise. Four Texas universities name new deansBaylor University, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas Christian University and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi all recently announced the appointment of new deans. 
Randy L. Diehl has been appointed dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin, effective June 1. He replaces Richard Lariviere, who resigned last June to become executive vice chancellor and provost of the University of Kansas. A professor of psychology, Diehl holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois and a doctorate in psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 
James A. Rennier is the new dean of the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities at West Texas A&M University, effective July 1. He is currently a professor of music and chair of the music department at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Rennier received his bachelor's and master's degrees in percussion performance. He also holds a doctoral degree in fine arts, interdisciplinary music and administration from Texas Tech University. 
Lee C. Nordt has been appointed dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Baylor University, effective immediately. Nordt, an associate professor of geology, was serving as the college's interim dean. He received his bachelor's, graduate and doctoral degrees from Texas A&M University and has been a member of the Baylor faculty since 1996. 
F. Andrew Schoolmaster III has been named dean of AddRan College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Texas Christian University, effective in mid-July. He is currently a dean and professor of geography at Eastern Kentucky University. Schoolmaster was also a professor and administrator at the University of North Texas, where he worked from 1980 to 2004. He received a bachelor's degree in history and his master's and doctoral degrees in geography from Kent State University. Costs from Tarrant County storm rise to $100 millionOn April 13, a tornado and hailstorms caused approximately $100 million in damages in North Texas, four times as much as initially estimated, the Insurance Council of Texas reported this week. Spokesman Mark Hanna reported that 20,000 homes and 30,000 vehicles were damaged. These figures make it the worst storm to hit the Dallas/Fort Worth area since a tornado struck downtown Fort Worth seven years ago. Insurance premiums are unlikely to go up as a result of the storm, Hanna said, because Tarrant County residents are already paying more due to the county being in a tornado alley and hail belt. Small businesses may face larger taxesAn additional 60,000 small businesses may be exempt from Texas' expanded business tax under House Bill 3928, authored by Rep. Jim Keffer of Eastland, House Ways and Means Committee chairman. Lawmakers voted last year to expand the business tax to help pay for cuts in local school property tax rates. Next week, the House plans to debate on a business-tax revision by ensuring it will not become an avenue for further tax cuts. The House voted 109-26 to ban amendments to the tax bill that would cut the amount available for property tax relief or general spending. The National Federation of Independent Business/Texas was hoping for some relief. The bill would apply the tax to businesses that make at least $600,000 per year, compared to the current law's $300,000. The change would exempt approximately 60,000 additional businesses from the tax, according to the State Comptroller. UTSA Provost Rosalie Ambrosino resigns
Rosalie Ambrosino, provost at the University of Texas at San Antonio, is resigning her post effective Aug. 31 because of family health matters. Although giving up the university's second-highest-ranking position, she will stay on as a professor of social work and as a researcher. UTSA President Dr. Ricardo Romo said an interim provost will be named and the university will begin a nationwide search for a replacement for Ambrosino. Ambrosino began her career with UTSA in 1999, serving as associate vice president for undergraduate studies and vice president for student affairs. She was named interim provost in 2005, and in 2006 was elevated to the position full-time. Tobacco settlement money funds healthcareAcross Texas, $82.7 million has been distributed from the Tobacco Settlement Permanent Trust Account. The 2007 distributions will help three cities, 160 counties and 133 hospital districts recover the cost of providing indigent health care in 2006. Hospital districts received the majority of the funds, including:
The distributions are based on the amount of unreimbursed indigent health care reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The tobacco settlement fund was established when Texas settled a lawsuit against tobacco companies. It is now a $2.3 billion trust fund managed by the State Comptroller and an advisory committee. Three universities receive funds for research centers
Centers at The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin this week have each been officially designated as State of Texas Education Research Centers. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Education Agency, which made the designations, have also given each institution a $650,000 grant to collect, store and analyze data on public schools and their students and teachers. The center at the University of Texas at Dallas, called the Texas Schools Project, houses more than one billion records, including data for students who attended public schools between 1990 and 2002, and state residents enrolled in colleges and universities between 1991 and 2005. This development "will provide continuing access to data from the public education system, as well as funds necessary to upgrade our computer systems, hire additional staff and expand our dissemination activities, providing an unparalleled resource for research on education," said Dr. Paul A. Jargowsky, an associate professor of political economy at UT Dallas and director of the center. The data allows researchers to determine various data on Texas' public schools, such as how graduates from a particular school district performed in college, and how they compare to graduates from a different district. Transportation officials propose toll roadNorth Central Texas transportation officials are taking matters into their own hands, proposing extending Texas 360 by approximately 10 miles, with the extension to be a toll road. The extension would be in the south Arlington area to U.S. 287 in Mansfield. The more than $275 million project, six to eight lanes, would be paid for by motorists paying a toll of approximately 14.5 cents per mile. Officials hope the project can start within the next five years, noting that relying on state funding would delay the project for up to 25 years. Motorist not wishing to take advantage of the toll road could drive on toll-free frontage roads. The North Central Texas Council of Governments, the North Texas Tollway Authority and the Regional Transportation Council have been studying the proposal, which local officials project 90,000 vehicles would use per day. One reason for the need to expand the highway, according to local officials, is the addition of two major tourist and entertainment venues in Mansfield. Retired general to oversee San Antonio's BRAC process
Robert M. Murdock, a retired Brigadier General with the U.S. Air Force, will direct the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) recommendations for San Antonio. Murdock will head the new city Office of Military Transformation. The city last year received a $1.2 million grant from the Department of Defense's Office of Economic Adjustment. BRAC commission recommendations for San Antonio include closing Brooks Air Force Base and establishing a major military medical center at Fort Sam Houston. However, funding for the BRAC plans remains a concern for local leaders. Murdock spent 32 years in the Air Force and most recently served as commander of Kelly Air Force Base, which has since been repositioned as Port San Antonio. Dallas law school bill passes SenateThe first public law school in the Dallas area could become a reality, after a bill establishing such a school as part of the University of North Texas System passed the Texas Senate this week. The bill now goes to the House for debate. If the bill passes, the new campus would be located in the old Dallas Municipal Building in downtown Dallas by 2009. The campus would become the fifth public law school in the state. The others are located at The University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University, the University of Houston and Texas Southern University. The proposed UNT College of Law would require a state investment of $6.2 million in start-up costs over the next two years. If the school were to open, it would open as a professional school of the UNT System and later become part of UNT-Dallas. Sheriffs seek federal funds for border enforcement
Texas sheriffs took their case to the Bush administration and the Texas congressional delegation this week, seeking funds to assist with costs related to fighting drug trafficking and illegal immigration. Joe Pollock (pictured), Burnet County Sheriff and president of the Sheriff's Association of Texas, said local taxing authorities don't have the money for these kinds of efforts. "The federal government does," he said. Pollock and some two dozen law enforcement officers from 26 counties in Texas, California, New Mexico and Arizona met with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and other Bush administration officials. Last year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security provided $12 million in grant funds for the four states represented at the meeting this week. Texas received $3 million of that funding. Chertoff indicated additional grant money is available from the Border Patrol to enforce immigration laws but Southwest law enforcement officers have additional expenditures being borne by local governments for which they are seeking assistance from the federal government. Workforce board requests $5 million for high-tech jobsThe West Central Texas Workforce Development Board (WCTWDB) and Abilene Christian University recently collaborated in requesting a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. According to The Texas Workforce Commission, the money would help the West Texas region become an information technology center, bringing outsourced jobs back to the United States, especially rural areas. The partners want to "transform our rural economic base from a reliance on natural resources to a focus on human capital development," said Mary Ross, the WCTWDB Board executive director. The grant request was one of only two in Texas approved by Gov. Rick Perry to be forwarded to the Department of Labor. If awarded, the grant would be used for education, including classroom and distance learning in public schools, including the Abilene Independent School District. The WCTWDB and ACU are part of the E-Transformation Alliance, or E-TA, a regional alliance aimed at developing information technology, IT and innovation for West Central Texas. Governor appoints TWU Board of Regents
P. Mike McCullough (right) and George R. Schrader, both of Dallas, were appointed this week by Gov. Rick Perry to the Texas Woman's University Board of Regents for six-year terms. McCullough is a senior partner with Thompson & Knight L.L.P. and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Texas Woman's University Foundation. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Dallas Bar Association, and is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. McCullough serves on the board of directors for the Children's Health Services of Texas, Salvation Army of Dallas-Fort Worth and Dallas Symphony Foundation. He earned his bachelor's degree from Baylor University and law degree from The University of Texas at Austin. Schrader is principal of Schrader & Cline, L.L.C. and owner of Schrader Investment Company. Previously, he served as city manager for the cities of Dallas, Mesquite and Ennis. Schrader is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and serves on the board for Life Information, Inc., Baker University, Methodist Health System and Boy Scouts of America. He earned a bachelor's degree from Baker University and master's from the University of Kansas. The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. Regional council launches disaster preparation Web siteA new Web site (at www.knowhat2do.com) aims to teach North Texans to "think, prepare and act" in case of a natural disaster by offering free DVDs and bilingual manuals to area residents. The program was developed by the North Central Texas Council of Governments and paid for with a Department of Homeland Security grant. The goal is to "provide a hazard-specific educational product to our region to address the specific situations we normally run into," said Denton County Emergency Management Coordinator Jody Gonzalez. Information on potential hazards includes such topics as severe weather, wildfires and grassfires, hazardous materials, epidemics, pandemics, terrorism, gas wells and pipelines, as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. The Web site also has tips for developing personal safety plans and dealing with pets and livestock during disasters. Readers can also learn to create an emergency supply kit for homes and vehicles. The council of governments is a voluntary association of regional governments in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The organization was established to assist local governments in the 16-county region to plan for common needs. Fort Worth to expand Business Assistance CenterThe City of Fort Worth is continuing its renovation of the former James E. Guinn School campus. Set to break ground this month, the $2 million project represents the third phase of an eight-year endeavor to transform the former campus into city offices. The city plans to convert the 9,880-square-foot elementary school into new space for the Fort Worth economic development department's business office, and its 13 partners in the Fort Worth Business Assistance Center, which assist minority, women and small businesses. The building also will house a business information center and computer lab with a resource library and free computer and Internet access. The state, the U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration and the City of Fort Worth are funding the project, which is expected to be completed in 2009. Katy ISD selects finalist for superintendent
Katy ISD school trustees recently announced Alton Frailey, who currently leads the DeSoto Independent School District, is the lone finalist for the superintendent post. Leonard Merrell, the current Katy superintendent, plans to retire June 30, after 12 years on the job. School trustees plan to offer Frailey the job next month. He worked in Spring Branch ISD for more than a decade, including a stint as an area superintendent from 1999 to 2002, and as superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools from 2002 to 2005. Frailey received a Bachelor of Science degree in education and a master's degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University. He has also served as administrative services director for the Region IV Education Service Center in Houston, and as a trustee on the Cypress-Fairbanks school board. More than 50,000 students attend Katy schools. New elementary school proposed for Jacksonville ISDMembers of Jacksonville ISD's Citizens for Schools and Community Advancement committee this week told school trustees that an additional elementary campus is needed to accommodate as many as 800 students. The committee, consisting of members both for and against previous bond elections, offered other recommendations, including the development of a defined 10-year master plan for facilities and educational requirements. School officials plan to hold meetings in coming months to work out details of a school bond proposal. TCEQ awards UT-El Paso for environmental effortsThe Texas Commission on Environmental Quality recently honored The University of Texas at El Paso's Center for Environmental Resource Management (CERM) with the state's highest environmental achievement - the Texas Environmental Excellence Award. CERM earned the award for its far-reaching achievements in environmental education and awareness for those needing it most with its Health Home Environments for the Paso del Norte (HHE) program, which educated residents on learning how to make life a little safer in unincorporated subdivisions with little or no infrastructure. The center is one of 12 winners statewide to be recognized by TCEQ for environmental projects that demonstrate excellence in resource conservation, waste reduction and pollution prevention. Researchers at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station (TAES) in El Paso were also honored with a Texas Environmental Excellence Award by TCEQ for achievements in water quality research. The institute's staff provided laboratory services for two state agencies in two large-scale pollution source tracking projects that identified whether agriculture activities, wildlife, or humans were responsible for particular bacteria found in specific watersheds. Edinburg Consolidated ISD names superintendent
Edinburg Consolidated ISD recently named Gilberto Garza, Jr. as the new superintendent for the district. He has served as the interim superintendent since last December. Garza has lived in Edinburg for more than 40 years. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees as well as his supervisory, mid-management and superintendency certificates from the University of Texas-Pan American. Before becoming the district's director of elementary education in 1997, Garza worked as an elementary school teacher and principal. The Edinburg CISD is the second largest school district in the Rio Grande Valley with a student enrollment of more than 29,000 and nearly 4,300 employees. Keller city manager resignsKeller City Manager Lyle Dresher is leaving his job June 8, after 12 years in the position. He plans to become the city administrator of Argyle, a Dallas suburb. In coming weeks, the Keller City Council will determine the process for selecting a new city manager. Keller is located in the Fort Worth area. |
Texas schools take technology to next level
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. If you've not taken a look at what is happening in classroom technology recently . . . you may be surprised. Texas is the nation's second-largest high-tech employer - second only to California. Because of this, the state's public schools and colleges are investing millions of dollars in new technology for classrooms, new training facilities and fresh initiatives aimed to prepare students for tomorrow's technology jobs. Good for Texas schools! The trend toward technology upgrades and new teaching methods is creating a wide range of opportunities for vendors and it goes far beyond just providing the technology. Besides upgrading infrastructure, hardware, software, multimedia capabilities and connectivity, many campuses will soon have new buildings, new instructors and new curriculum. And, schools are investing in staff development and training so teachers are prepared to integrate technology into their curriculums. [more] Register now for upcoming SPI vendor seminar Grants available for anti-tobacco school activitiesThe Texas Comptroller's office has made block grants available to schools with on-campus law enforcement. The grants must fund activities related to enforcement of and compliance with tobacco laws. Applications are due on May 4. The application form and more information can be found here. Northside ISD to offer wireless Internet
Northside Independent School District school trustees voted this week to make wireless Internet services available throughout the district. Northside will be the first Bexar County district to offer students and staff access to high-speed wireless Internet at all of its campuses. During the next 12 months, Northside will spend $6.7 million to install approximately 7,000 access points at campuses throughout the district. The funds will come from a 2004 bond election. Northside ISD has been recognized nationally as one of the top districts in the United States for how well it utilizes technology, said Superintendent John Folks. San Angelo joins energy conservation programThe City of San Angelo this week joined a pilot program offered to some Texas cities to help them improve energy efficiency and reduce municipal facilities' energy operating costs. San Angelo has committed to work toward identifying the municipality's least energy-efficient facilities and developing a master plan to reduce the city's energy bills. The city is also eligible to receive an incentive check from American Electric Power Texas for projects it implements by Dec. 1. West Texas A&M University appoints CIO
James D. Webb is the new acting chief information officer at West Texas A&M University, replacing Bill Pulliam, who resigned last week. Webb has served as the university's Information Security Officer since July 2006. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional and a certified Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert in Security. He started at the university in 2004 as a network systems engineer. Webb has been assistant to the CIO and director of system support services at the university since last July. He holds a bachelor's degree in computer information systems from West Texas A&M University and is currently pursuing an M.B.A. degree. Tyler ISD plans for second bond electionTyler ISD is now preparing for a bond election, possibly as soon as November, which is the same month Smith County has tentatively scheduled its bond election for a new $83 million jail. In 2004, the school district hired a consulting firm to develop a plan for making campus improvements. The 12-year plan is divided into four phases to target elementary schools, middle schools and high schools. The first phase, which addressed immediate needs of elementary schools, cost nearly $96 million. Work is slated to be finished in 2008. The coming bond election would finance the second phase of the project, according to TISD Interim Superintendent Gary Mooring. New Red Oak ISD superintendent named
The Red Oak ISD board of trustees this week named Scott Niven, current superintendent of Liberty-Eylau ISD in Texarkana, as the lone finalist to replace former superintendent Craig Stockstill who retired in November. The board has yet to announce a start date for Niven. Niven, who was selected from more than 60 applicants for the job, is an L-EISD alum and has served as the district's superintendent since 2003. He received a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and a master's degree from Texas A&M University-Texarkana. Niven, a certified public accountant, is currently an adjunct instructor in public school finance for Texas A&M-Texarkana. While at Texarkana ISD, Niven was named the 2006 Superintendent of the Year for Region 8, and he helped the district in turning around a deficit fund balance into more than $6 million. Little Elm plans for new fire stationLittle Elm Town Council recently reviewed plans for a new central fire station. The existing station and administrative building will be displaced when a major roadway in the Dallas suburb is widened. City officials do not have a final cost estimate yet, but $1.2 million will be provided by the Texas Department of Transportation to cover the value of the old building being affected by the road expansion. More than three times the size of the existing station, the new station will house two companies as well as the department's administrative offices. The 24,000-square-foot building will include the town's emergency operations center, a training room and conference room, among other features. Beaumont ISD to expand campusesBeaumont ISD school trustees agreed last week to go forward with building second gymnasiums at four district middle schools. The work will cost nearly $6 million. District officials began talking about the project last fall, but the project was stalled when it looked like a bond package including gym construction might go before voters in May. The Citizen Bond Advisory Committee requested more time to develop a proposal, and instead is now planning a November bond election. When the bond committee met most recently in March, the list of proposed projects for the November ballot was estimated at $440 million, excluding the new gyms. SFA appoints permanent VP for university affairs
Steve Westbrook this week was appointed by Stephen F. Austin State University regents to the position of vice president for university affairs, after serving the school in that capacity on an interim basis. Westbrook's responsibilities include oversight of Counseling and Career Services, Disability Services, the Health Clinic, Judicial Affairs, Student Publications and the University Police Department. He began his first job at SFA in 1981, after earning a bachelor's and a master's degree from the university. In 1989, he was named director of student activities and served as director of student affairs from 2001-2005. He was named executive director of student affairs in 2005 and interim vice president last August. Borger ISD pursues new technology planAs a result of Borger Independent School District's most recent bond election, the district is building a new elementary school, but before the start of the 2008-09 school year, new wiring, drops and fiber will need to be installed at the campus. Among other projects, district officials last week discussed changing its dial up connections. Under its updated technology plan, the technology expenditure for each BISD student is nearly $450. All campuses have a direct connection to the Internet, and each of the 350 classrooms in BISD also has a direct Internet connection. The computer/student ratio is four students for every computer. Pearland superintendent named chair of state board
Dr. Bonny Cain, Pearland ISD superintendent, has recently been elected board chair for the State Board for Educator Certification. She has been serving as acting chair since Annette Griffin's term expired. Cain began her career in education in 1977 as a second-grade teacher in Bay City. Prior to becoming Pearland ISD superintendent in 2000, Cain served as an assistant principal, principal, executive director, assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent at school districts across the state. The state certification board works primarily with organizations preparing educators for certification in Texas. The board also manages the administration of tests to assess prospective educators' knowledge and skills. UT may expand research center at MuellerThe University of Texas System is exploring the possibility of expanding its plans for an academic health research center by doubling its presence in the new Robert Mueller Municipal Airport redevelopment project. Through a long-term lease with the city, UT has already secured about 16.5 acres for its 780,000-square-foot research campus just north of the Dell Children's Medical Center at Mueller. Grants at a Glance SPI announces job opportunitiesSales trainersStrategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is actively involved in training corporate sales executives throughout the country who seek to better understand all levels of the public sector marketplace. SPI is now hiring subject matter experts and individuals with governmental backgrounds who are interested in assisting in the training. To apply, please e-mail a resume and cover letter explaining your background and qualifications to jobs@spartnerships.com and type "Training" in the subject line. Federal expertsSPI is conducting a search to find subject matter experts who have a high level understanding of the Federal Government procurement process. To apply, please e-mail a resume and cover letter explaining your background and qualifications to jobs@spartnerships.com and type "Federal" in the subject line. Research analystsSPI is seeking additional part-time research analysts with experience in Texas government. Ideally, candidates should have an understanding of procurement processes and concepts and is familiar with budgets and legislative process. Tasks will vary depending on clients' needs. Applicants may send a cover letter and resume to jobs@spartnerships.com. Please include “Researcher Analyst” in the subject line. K-12, healthcare and local government consultantsSPI 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 and in the healthcare arena in Texas. SPI also is seeking part-time consultants who have strong connections to local government in the state, particularly the Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston areas. To apply for these part-time 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 (either) K-12 Consultant, Healthcare Consultant or Local Government Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address. Recent Reports
Register now for workshop on state technology procurementStrategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is working with the Texas Department of Transportation on a HUB conference, titled "Information Technology Small Business Development Workshop." This all-day workshop, held in Austin on May 17, focuses on state technology procurement and how small businesses can participate. Speakers from SPI as well as several state agencies will be present. Presentation topics will include Developing A Technology Niche; Marketing Technology to the State; Commodity Purchasing; and TxDOT's IT Forecast. Those seeking more information or wishing to register may contact Desta Simon at 512-486-5540 or dsimon@dot.state.tx.us. Event Links
Texas Government Insider ArchivesVolume 1 - 5 Archives · 11/7/03 - 4/20/07 Resources
Steps to ensure delivery of SPI weekly newsletter Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is a research and consulting firm offering business development and public affairs services. |
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UT Austin presents 14th annual HUB Vendor FairThe University of Texas at Austin's Historically Underutilized Business and Small and Disadvantaged Business Office (HUB/SADBO) is hosting its 14th Annual Vendor Fair Wednesday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin. The Vendor Fair is an opportunity for Historically Underutilized and Small Businesses to display their products and distribute information about their companies to University procurement personnel and representatives from other state agencies and corporations. Attendance is free. For more information, contact Annette Smith at 512- 471-2850 or click here. NASCO to host transportation conferenceMore than 350 transportation, logistics and economic development specialists from Mexico, the United States and Canada are expected to meet in Fort Worth, May 30 to June 1, for The NASCO Conference 2007: Moving North America Forward. The conference will focus on trade and transportation issues and opportunities for improved cooperation and economic partnership among the three North American countries joined by Interstate 35, along the NASCO Corridor. The event is co-hosted by the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County and Texas Department of Transportation and developed in partnership with NASCO (North America' s SuperCorridor Coalition. For more information, visit www.nascocorridor.com or call Rachel Connell at 214-744-1006. |
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