|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Worth billions: Texans pass 85 percent of bond issuesStatewide growth guides more than 100 proposals across all regionsDriven by steady growth and aging facilities, 135 school districts, 12 cities, three counties and three community colleges statewide held bond elections last Saturday. Of the $8.9 billion bond propositions up for voter approval, $7.57 billion - or 85.1 percent - passed. The billions of dollars will be spent for all types of projects, ranging from technology and security upgrades to major renovations to new construction. 
"School districts are issuing bonded debt every year because of the overall growth in student population - that is the primary driver," said Tom Canby (pictured), research consultant for Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO). Texas is experiencing a growth rate of 80,000 to 90,000 new students per year - equivalent in size to the Austin or Fort Worth school district, he said. "And there is no indication that the state's population growth is going to decline. Texas is ranked second or third in the nation in terms of growth rate." "Technology infrastructure is another driver to the renovation of school campuses," Canby continued. "Older campuses are more costly to manage . . . and architects are more attuned to designs that promote student learning." 
One of the largest bond proposals passed was Aldine ISD's $365 million referendum to finance 12 new schools at all levels. The Houston area district also needs to fund security improvements and technology upgrades, renovate a number of existing structures and expand the magnet school programs. In the Dallas area, Crowley ISD's massive $416.8 million bond package lists a number of major projects, including new schools at all levels, an agricultural facility, an athletic complex, and a district career and technology center. While the City of San Antonio plans to use $550 million in bonds for infrastructure improvements, North East ISD's $498 million bond issue will fund four new elementary schools, a new stadium, numerous renovations and expansions and $52 million in technology upgrades. For a complete list of the May 12 bond election results, click here. TxDOT holds successful small business workshop
Small business representatives from throughout the state came to Austin Thursday to attend a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Information Technology Small Business Development Workshop. The morning session was comprised of three speakers from Strategic Partnerships, Inc. addressing the Texas state government marketplace, selling technology to the state, and Dos & Don'ts for winning state business. Afternoon speakers included Margaret Longest of the Texas Building and Procurement Commission, Leslie Mueller and Bernadette Davis of the Texas Department of Information Resources, and Frank Bushong of TxDOT. They discussed detailed procedures and forecasts related to selling information technology to the state. The workshop was organized by TxDOT’s Construction Division Business Opportunity Programs Office. Pictured is the Business Opportunity Programs staff from left to right: Berdell Collins; Autumn Harrison; Tamela Saldana; front, and Desta Simon. Dr. Tamela Saldana, program specialist of the Business Opportunity Programs Office, opened the conference by noting the challenges small vendors often face when trying to do business with the state. She reiterated TxDOT’s commitment to help such businesses understand the processes, not just at TxDOT, but throughout state government. Toward that end, this program for small IT vendors was one of a series of focused workshops. Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
This week's salute is to Raymund A. Paredes, Ph.D., Commissioner of Higher EducationCareer highlights and education: BA from University of Texas at Austin; MA from University of Southern California, and PhD from University of Texas at Austin. Thirty years as a professor of English and administrator at UCLA. What I like best about my job is: Working with a lot of very bright people committed to education. The best advice I've received for my current job : "Work on getting your Texas accent back." Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Remember that your first priority is the educational success of Texas college students. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: Browsing through bookstores. People would be surprised to know that I: Was once a champion handball player. Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: The Education of Henry Adams 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. Ten days left in 80th Regular SessionThe 80th session of the Texas Legislature is winding down, with sine die only 10 days away. It's been a busy session. According to the most recent figures (May 18) from the Legislative Reference Library of Texas, a total of 10,147 House and Senate bills, concurrent resolutions, joint resolutions, and simple resolutions had been filed. Of the 4,140 bills filed in the House, 233 had passed. In the Senate, 209 of the 2,050 bills filed had passed. Passed out of the House and Senate and headed to the governor's desk for his signature or veto is a bill that creates one of the toughest Jessica's Law pieces of legislation in the country - toughening punishment for child molesters. Other important legislation sent to the governor will continue the rehabilitation of the Texas Youth Commission as it seeks to dig out from under abuse and cover-up allegations. Additionally, a major transportation bill that includes a two-year moratorium on building new toll roads was expected to be headed to the governor as early as today. The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expansion bill is out of a Senate committee and headed to the Senate floor. An air quality bill is in conference committee while a bill requiring seat belts in school buses went back to the House with Senate amendments. Compromise transportation bill passesLawmakers this week hammered out a compromise toll road bill, SB 792, following the threat of both a veto of the original transportation bill sent to Gov. Rick Perry and the governor's possible calling of a special session to address transportation legislation. "This is a good compromise that allows projects important to local communities to go forward, recognizing that Texas is a fast-growing state with real congestion concerns that cannot be put on hold," said Perry after the bill passed the Senate. Perry said he expected a bill that "doesn't hinder the state's ability to build needed roads, allows Texas to continue to receive federal highway dollars and ensures that transportation decisions with a statewide impact are made at the statewide level." Among the governor's problems with the original bill was that it shifted too much responsibility for building roads and highways from the state to local governments. The compromise bill does, however, maintain the two-year moratorium on building of most private toll roads. Exempt would be the I-69 project from Corpus Christi to Brownsville and the Houston Grand Parkway. Additionally, the Texas Department of Transportation and local entities would have to approve the parameters of a toll road project. Some other components of the bill Perry threatened to veto remain in the new legislation. The House passed the bill, with 18 amendments, on Thursday, sending it back to the Senate as amended. The Senate will either concur with the House amendments or refuse to concur and force naming of a conference committee to work out differences. Lawmakers are trying to get the bill to the governor today, to avoid his threatened veto of the transportation bill still sitting on his desk. Red-light camera debate continues
At least some degree of regulation of red light cameras in nearly two dozen cities across the state may occur with the passage of SB 1119 by Sen. John Carona of Dallas. Already passed out of the Senate, the bill made its way out of the House this week and is headed to the governor. When the cameras first began to be installed by cities as a means of documenting and then levying fines against motorists who run red lights, there were questions regarding whether the cameras were being installed for safety purposes or as a way for cities to increase revenues. The Carona bill restricts a contract between a city and a camera vendor so that compensation is not based on the number of tickets issued. It also requires a study to determine if there is a safety need for a red light camera before one is installed. An amendment to the bill would require an additional study by cities to show not only if the use of cameras actually resulted in a decline in the number of accidents, but also the number of tickets issued as a result of using the cameras. Cities also would have to have approval by the legislature to use the cameras after Sept. 1, 2009. Governor signs bill affecting superintendents
Extra income earned by some school superintendents throughout the state could be curbed by passage this week of HB 189 by Rep. Scott Hochberg of Houston. The bill prohibits school district superintendents from performing personal services for companies that conduct business with their school districts. Lawmakers saw such a relationship between a superintendent and a vendor that results in financial gain for the superintendent as a possible conflict of interest or at least the appearance of a conflict. This bill stipulates that no financial benefits may be realized by a superintendent from a company that either performs or solicits business within the district. It also requires arrangements with other entities and a superintendent to be approved individually at an open school board meeting before a superintendent can enter into such an agreement. Compromise reached on TYC reorganizationA compromise apparently has been reached on a bill that would allow the governor to appoint an executive commissioner to help implement the continued reorganization of the beleaguered Texas Youth Commission (TYC). The agency has been under fire in recent weeks after allegations of abuse of residents of the facility and the reported cover-up of those allegations. The entire board is now gone from the agency and TYC is operating under a conservator. The proposed compromise would likely have a governing board in place by 2010. If the compromise language clears both chambers of the Texas Legislature and the bill is signed by Gov. Rick Perry, the governor could then immediately appoint a commissioner, who would have an appointed advisory board. Details of how that board will be appointed have not yet been ironed out. DPS to launch Silver Alert for missing seniors
The Texas Department of Public Safety has been charged with creating and administering an alert system for missing senior citizens. The Silver Alert will be similar to DPS' Amber Alert Program that requires law enforcement agencies to alert the media following confirmed child abduction and uses a network of electronic highway signs to display public announcements about the missing child. Legislation to establish the system was recently signed in law by Gov. Rick Perry. Rep. Helen Giddings of Dallas who joint authored SB 1315, said, "There is an entire population of people who will benefit from this legislation. Police officers work very hard, and I think this tool will help them do their job. Family members will have a resource to help search for their loved ones. Seniors and the mentally, physically and medically disabled individuals can take comfort in knowing there is help." Beginning in September, the program will primarily focus on elderly individuals with dementia related diseases, such as Alzheimer's or other mentally debilitating diseases, who may wander away from their residences. Valley medical school bill passes Senate
The Texas Senate has passed a bill to establish a medical school and health science center in the Rio Grande Valley. SB 420 by Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. of Brownsville would allow the University of Texas System Board of Regents to establish a free-standing UT Health Science Center in South Texas that includes a medical school and other health-related degree programs. The bill is being reviewed by the House Committee on Higher Education. According to the Department of State Health Services, the Rio Grande Valley has been designated as a medically underserved area of Texas, and Lucio hopes the new school would recruit health care providers to the area. The nearest health science center to the Valley is the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio. With an estimated cost of $28 million for startup, research and training facilities would be established at UT Brownsville, UT Pan American and at Harlingen. The medical school would serve Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy, Brooks, Jim Hogg, Kenedy and Zapata counties. "We need to press ahead with a medical school in the South Texas region, or we will further shortchange the medical needs of the area and its people," said Lucio. "It is time we get the process moving." Sorber to lead UT Office of Financial Aid
Charles A. Sorber, former president of the University of Texas at the Permian Basin and former interim president of the University of Texas at Arlington, is leaving retirement to head on an interim basis the UT Office of Student Financial Services. He will replace Lawrence W. Burt, associate vice president and director of student financial services, who was removed from office on Monday. Sorber, professor emeritus in the UT College of Engineering, earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering from Penn State University and his doctorate from UT-Austin. "I know Dr. Sorber will work closely with Juan Gonzalez, vice president for student affairs, and the staff of Student Financial Services to ensure that we continue to provide the highest quality service to our students and their families," said UT President William Powers, Jr. Bill to expand car emission cleanup program advancesIn an effort to reduce air pollution, the Texas Senate and House have approved a bill designed to get older vehicles that are less likely to meet emissions inspections off the road. A 20-year-old vehicle has about 30 times the rate of nitrogen oxide emissions as a 2007 vehicle, according to a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality report. 
SB 12 allows more Texans to qualify for state money to repair or replace older model vehicles. Four-member families with an annual income of $60,000 or less are eligible for the program if their current vehicle is at least 10 years old or flunks an emissions test. They could receive as much as $5,000 for the purchase of a new hybrid and $3,000 for a new standard car. The bill, authored by Sen. Kip Averitt of Waco, also gives to lower-income drivers vouchers for repairs and extends a program to allocate state money for the replacement of engines on heavy-duty vehicles, trains and ships. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has also recently taken steps to tighten vehicle emissions standards at the request of the U.S. Supreme Court. Amberboy to direct Task Force on Foster Care
Tina Amberboy, adjunct professor at Baylor Law School, has been named by the Texas Supreme Court as executive director of the Task Force on Foster Care. Amberboy recently was a court-appointed attorney representing children and families with cases handled by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The task force was created by the Supreme Court in 1993 and charged with overseeing and directing the Texas Court Improvement Project, which is financed by a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant. Among the successes of the initiative is the expansion of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Texas. The goal of the programs is to improve Texas courts' handling of child protection cases. Amberboy previously was a staff attorney with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (now the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) and also previously served as a contract attorney with the Lloyd, Gosselink, Fowler, Blevins & Matthews law firm in Austin. She is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin. House supports $3 billion plan for cancer cureThe Texas House has approved a plan for $3 billion in cancer research initiatives across the state during the next 10 years. If the Senate passes the proposal - funded by state-backed bonds - Texas voters will have final approval in a November election. The creation of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas would mean grants to state medical schools and teaching hospitals where research is conducted. Many details remain to be determined in how the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas would operate. If approved, an oversight committee appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and House Speaker would monitor the institute, and award up to $300 million in grants per year, starting in 2009. More than 35,000 Texans die of cancer every year, making the disease the second greatest killer in the state. Hospital infection rates may go online
A bill to make hospital-acquired infection rates public information has passed both the Texas House and Senate and is making its way to Gov. Rick Perry for him to either veto or sign into law. SB 288, by Sen. Jane Nelson of Lewisville, enables patients to go online and compare how well local hospitals manage infection control. More than a dozen other states have passed laws requiring public reporting of hospital-acquired infections. Initially, Texas hospitals would have to report infections that occur during certain types of surgery, bloodstream infections associated with central intravenous lines and infections that are common to pediatric hospitals. Even small hospitals that perform few surgeries would have infection-reporting rules. An estimated 2 million people per year - one in every 20 patients - contract an infection through a medical procedure, resulting in 90,000 deaths and a cost of $4.5 billion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Amendment to cut seniors' school property taxesTexas voters on Saturday passed a constitutional amendment extending school property tax cuts to seniors and persons with disabilities who did not receive the rate reductions initiated during last spring's special session. The legislature's tax cuts in 2006 came after the Texas Supreme Court ordered changes made to the school finance system. An estimated 1.3 million Texas homeowners who are 65 or older or living with disabilities will benefit from the amendment beginning this tax year. School property taxes for most homeowners are frozen when they turn 65. Disabled homeowners have their taxes frozen at the amount being collected when they purchase their homes. Proposition 1 - the only statewide issue on the ballot - will provide the two groups a proportional reduction to that received by other homeowners and will freeze their taxes at the reduced levels. Bill to move ASU into Tech system heads to governor
The Texas Senate this week passed legislation to move Angelo State University into the Texas Tech University System. HB 3564, by Rep. Drew Darby (pictured left) of San Angelo and Sen. Robert Duncan (pictured right) of Lubbock, is still pending final approval by Gov. Rick Perry. The first bill of Darby's legislative career, HB 3564 will transfer ASU out of the Texas State University System, but preserve the school's name and the jobs and status of students, faculty and staff at the campus. The university administration would remain intact and operate under the leadership of Tech's board of regents. ASU is a four-year institution serving approximately 6,200 students. "The San Angelo and Lubbock communities united on this issue, and I look forward to the great things ahead," said Duncan. TAKS delays graduation for 40,000 seniorsNearly 17 percent of seniors statewide - a record 40,182 students in the class of 2007 - will not receive a high school diploma this month after failing to pass the state-mandated graduation test, the Texas Education Agency said last week. Students who still need to pass one or more sections of the TAKS to graduate can retake the test this summer. The record number of failures comes as lawmakers are considering SB 1031, which proposes to phase out the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills graduation test with a series of end-of-course exams taken throughout high school. The bill, which has already passed the Senate and the House, is projected to allow more students to pass and earn their high school diplomas. This year on the TAKS, students were required to answer more questions correctly than in previous years. Students are tested in four subjects - English, math, science and social studies. Of the approximately 3 million Texas students in grades three through 11 who took TAKS exams this spring, passing rates were stable or up from last year. In the seventh grade, 70 percent of students passed all sections of the exam - up from 64 percent last year. Average scores on individual tests were down for math, science and social studies. English scores were the same as last year. West Texans plan for opportunities with FutureGen
Odessans were informed this week of opportunities triggered by FutureGen, a $1.5 billion federal demonstration project to build the world's first near-zero emissions coal-fired power plant. The next four to six weeks are crucial in the area's quest for FutureGen, according to Scott Tinker, who heads the FutureGen Texas Team and also serves as state geologist and director of the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas. Two Texas sites - one in Odessa and one in Jewett - as well as two Illinois sites are being considered by the FutureGen Alliance to host the project. The 275 megawatt plant will use various grades of coal to produce electricity and will produce hydrogen and CO2 as byproducts. Numerous jobs will come to the area if FutureGen chooses the Odessa location. Smith said approximately 1,300 people will be employed during construction of the plant. Final site selection for FutureGen will be in October with the plant expected to be in operation by 2012. Federal grant awards $19.9 million to Texas schoolsColleges and universities across Texas will receive $19.98 million in federal grant funds for tutoring, mentoring and other assistance to help low-income high school students and veterans prepare for higher education. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Education's Upward Bound program. The grants will be used for academic instruction in math, laboratory sciences, composition, literature and foreign languages as well as tutoring, counseling, mentoring and work-study programs. Upward Bound primarily benefits high school students from low-income families; high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree; and low-income, first-generation military veterans who entering postsecondary education. For a complete list of Texas recipients, click here. SMU to buy land in anticipation of Bush library
Southern Methodist University has received a green light to purchase a park that may be used to build the George W. Bush Presidential Library. University Park voters Saturday approved a ballot proposal that allows the city to sell Potomac Park to the private Dallas university, which is the lone finalist for the library site. State law requires a city to hold an election before selling a park or green space to a private entity. Brad Cheves (pictured), vice president for development and external affairs at SMU, said the opportunity to purchase the land on the east side of campus gives the school "options for the needs and for our future." University officials have said they plan to use the greenbelt property for student housing, intramural fields or the Bush library. No formal announcement on site selection for the presidential library has been made. Huge federal border contracts on horizonNearly three-quarters of a billion dollars in federal contracts could become available soon for border security projects in the Laredo and Brownsville areas. Federal officials are expected to begin reviewing bids for building walls and roads related to homeland security as early as next week. Deadline for bids on the Laredo project are due May 30. Barriers and other security measures will be installed along the 2,000-mile border. The Laredo project is expected to cost between $100 and $250 million. Other Rio Grande Valley projects could cost $250 to $500 million. Among the projects are construction, maintenance and repair of reinforced fencing, barriers to pedestrian and vehicle travel, gates, lighting, surveillance sensors and towers for border guards. Federal officials will both conduct environmental assessments and meet and consult with local officials before any construction occurs, but the bid process is the first step for the projects. UT medical centers receive $100 million donation
Two leading University of Texas medical centers will each receive $50 million from the foundation of oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens. The M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas are the recipients of the donation - the largest gift ever made to the UT System by a living donor. Before the centers can use the money, the fund must grow to $500 million within 25 years through interest and other donations. Pickens said he hopes the money will "create competition" and encourage others to donate. Both medical centers plan to name new buildings after Pickens, whose Dallas-based foundation supports educational programs, conservation initiatives and medical research. M.D. Anderson President John Mendelsohn (pictured) said the donations "carry tremendous potential to change the future of health care and research." When the money is assessable, Mendelsohn said he hopes there will be less need for cancer treatment and a greater emphasis on prevention. Drilling pumps billions into D-FW economyA recent study of 14 counties involved in Barnett Shale drilling found that gas exploration and production is contributing $5.2 billion annually to the Dallas-Ft. Worth economy and has created 55,000 permanent jobs in the area. Economist Ray Perryman of Waco conducted the study, which was commissioned by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce last year. Perryman said the projected annual impact of activity over the next 10 years will create more than $7 billion in output and 64,375 jobs in the Barnett Shale region. Fort Worth alone expects to collect nearly $750 million over the next 20 years in royalties generated by gas drilling on public property such as parks. Community college district selects chancellor
North Harris Montgomery Community College District (NHMCCD) trustees this week selected Dr. Richard G. Carpenter, president of the Community College of Southern Nevada, to succeed Chancellor Dr. John Pickelman. Carpenter was the only candidate from outside the district. Pickelman will retire this fall after a 16-year tenure as NHMCCD chancellor. Officials used a consulting firm and formed a chancellor search committee of faculty and staff to facilitate the selection process. NHMCCD has an enrollment of 45,000 students and encompasses five campuses, six satellite centers and one University Center. To accommodate increased growth at the campuses, district officials plan to propose a bond referendum within the next two years. A $250 million bond package failed in November. Ocean-generated energy emerges as next alternativeA Houston company is exploring ways to turn the ocean into an alternative energy source. Houston-based MyChoice Utilities hopes to entice the City of Galveston to enter into a 100-year contract, in which the company would supply 10 percent of the island's electricity from submerged turbines located in high-current areas. Similar to wind turbines, these submerged turbines can be positioned in free-flowing waterways, need little support structure, rotate twice the speed of the water and do not reverse directions when the current does (causing less down-time), according to research. MyChoice Utilities officials recently met with professors at Texas A&M University at Galveston, to see if the university is interested in assisting with a six- to 12-month pilot program to monitor turbine output. Sul Ross to undergo administrative changes
Sul Ross State University will operate with one less vice president among several other major organizational changes. President R. Vic Morgan (pictured) recently announced that there will not be a replacement for retiring Mickey Havens, vice president for Administrative Services. Instead, Havens' duties will be shifted to other faculty in an effort to improve efficiency and reduce costs to the Alpine university, Morgan said. Dr. David Cockrum will continue as Provost and vice president for Academic and Student Affairs. Cesario Valenzuela, vice president for Business Affairs, will serve as vice president for Finance and Operations. Jim Clouse, formerly director of Physical Plant, has been named associate vice president for Facilities Planning, Construction and Operations. Eddie Natera has been named assistant director of Physical Plant. Dr. James Clifton, dean of Student Life, will become associate vice president and dean of Student Life, supervising the University Department of Public Safety (UPDS), in addition to his current duties. Other positions that have been created include an administrative secretary in each of the areas of University Advancement and Facilities Planning, Construction, and Operation and an additional buyer in Purchasing. Houston considers using security cameras downtownThe Houston Police Department wants to install more than a dozen closed-circuit video cameras downtown and across the city, in an effort to discourage crime and deter illegal dumping in remote areas. The city currently uses red-light cameras at 50 traffic intersections. Cameras are expected to supplement the understaffed police department by monitoring street-level activity downtown, an area with many bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Officials hope the cameras will allow for quicker response when incidents do occur. The city council within two weeks will consider monitoring capabilities and an ordinance to develop public-private partnerships to pay for cameras. Superintendent proposes $5.8 million for technology
Spring Branch ISD Superintendent Duncan Klussmann this week proposed spending $5.8 million on district technology during the next few years. He reported to trustees that Spring Branch is in urgent need of a computer back-up system, estimated to cost $1.3 million. Under Klussmann's proposal, more than $4 million would go to buy laptops and docking stations for district teachers as soon as this summer. He said one of the goals of the recently completed technology plan is to provide teachers flexibility. With the use of laptops, teachers could plan lessons outside the classroom. Stackman joins A&M administrationWilliam Stackman, former dean of students at Rhodes College, has been named Director of Student Activities at Texas A&M University. Before becoming a member of the Rhodes administration, Stackman served as interim dean of students and associate dean of students at Oberlin College. He has nearly a quarter century of experience directing student activities. Previous engagements include at Tufts University, Temple University and the University of Illinois. The new TAMU administrator received his bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky, master's degrees from West Virginia University and the University of Missouri-Columbia and his Ph.D. from Boston University. Rudley named interim UH chancellor/president
John M. Rudley, vice chancellor/vice president of administration and finance at the University of Houston System, has been named Interim UH System Chancellor and Interim UH President. He will assume his duties on June 1, when current Chancellor/President Jay Gogue leaves to become president of Auburn University. Rudley has been responsible for long-range financial planning, administrative policy development, treasurer operations and facilities planning while serving as vice chancellor/vice president. He is a former senior technical advisor to the U.S. Department of Education and has been involved in administrative and finance positions in both Texas and Tennessee. Rudley earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Toledo and his master's and Ph.D. from Tennessee State University. He has indicated he will not be a candidate for Gogue's position. Two city manager spots open in north TexasTwo cities in northwest Texas are relying on interim city mangers as they search for permanent staff to fill the vacant positions. Greenville's Interim City Manager Barry Robinson said more than two dozen resumes have been submitted to replace Karen Daly, who retired from the office in February. The city, which is the county seat of Hunt County, has hired a consulting firm to assist with the search and hiring process. Texarkana city council members this week continued discussions on strategies to step up the search for a new city manager. George Shackelford resigned in late April. Charlie Bassett, the city's finance director, will continue to serve as interim city manager through June. The council has also discussed a program that uses retired city managers to assist cities on an interim basis. |
Prime time for networking
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Annual conferences and tradeshows often provide good opportunities for private sector individuals to connect with government officials. Sales executives who offer governmental solutions know all too well the importance of relationship building . . . but it is hard to build relationships if interaction is not possible. Government executives are always pressed for time and some simply will not meet with vendors. In situations like this, face-to-face interaction is impossible unless contact is made when they are out of their offices. Fortunately, there are dozens of conferences scheduled in Texas in the coming months. All promise networking opportunities. The reality is, however, that some conferences work hard to provide networking opportunities and others don't consider it to be a priority. It is always best to ask vendors and individuals who have either sponsored or attended conferences in the past for recommendations. Some of the most popular upcoming events include: The TASB/TASA Convention - co-hosted by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) - will attract more than 6,000 public school officials and there will be a tradeshow featuring exhibitors. This year's event will be Sept 28-30 in Dallas. Information Technology sales executives may want to consider the Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications (TASSCC) Conference August 5-8 in San Antonio. The two-day event will feature speakers addressing technology leadership, security issues and emerging technologies. [more]Several spaces open for local government seminar Ed Emig joins SPI as senior consultant
Ed Emig, who has expertise in the field of Information Technology, has joined the SPI team as a senior consultant. He has been extremely successful in turning proposal promises into operational successes. With more than 23 years experience in all phases of proposal development, including capture strategy development, pricing and cost justification and contract transitions/start-ups, Emig has in-depth knowledge of both state and federal government procurement process. He has created proposals for more than 30 different federal agencies and spent more than 20 years working hands-on with procurement officers. Most recently, Emig has served as the Director of Service Integration for Lockheed Martin Information Technology. In that capacity, he created and negotiated contracts for 10 NASA centers across the country. Emig graduated magna cum laude from DeSales University and has an MBA from the University of Houston Clear Lake. Fort Bend County to build $80 million jail tower
Fort Bend County officials recently broke ground for a seven-story, 1,008-bed expansion to the existing jail. The $79.7 million project was approved by voters in a bond election last May. County Judge Bob Hebert said the construction of the new jail tower will allow the county to maintain a safe facility and avoid overcrowding. The expansion is expected to be completed in 2009. New law expands commencement eligibilityNew legislation, SB 678, signed into law last week by Gov. Rick Perry allows any student who receives special education services to participate in commencement ceremonies after their fourth year of high school. The student does not have to complete the necessary graduation requirements to receive a certificate of attendance (not a diploma) and celebrate the event with classmates. Because this bill was approved by a two-thirds vote, legislation takes effect immediately and replaces any local board policies. Qualifying students will be able to participate in graduation ceremonies this month. When the student does complete all graduation requirements, he or she will receive a diploma, but will not participate in a second graduation ceremony. San Angelo plans for capital improvementsThe City of San Angelo's first-ever comprehensive capital improvement plan includes more than 60 projects estimated to cost nearly $355 million. More than $30 million will be spent on capital projects in the coming fiscal year. The city council this week voted to increase water and sewer rates to fund infrastructure improvements. Estimates for proposed projects include apron, runway and hangar improvements at the airport totaling $27 million; a $6.2 million renovation to City Hall; $1.5 million for renovations to the San Angelo Convention Center; $1.5 million in construction and improvements to recreation facilities; a $4 million community aquatics facility; a $5.5 million fire station remodel and reconstruction, and $1 million in traffic equipment replacement. Dynamo likely to build soccer stadium in HoustonThe California-based Dynamo soccer team will soon begin exclusive talks with the City of Houston to develop a 22,000-seat soccer stadium near downtown, according to Oliver Luck, president of Anschutz Entertainment Group, the team's parent company. The proposed stadium is estimated to cost $70 million. The City of Sugar Land recently withdrew a proposal for a soccer venue after citing it would not have enough time to develop the stadium by 2009, and is focusing its attention on a proposed performing arts center. San Angelo gets $4 million for airport improvementsSan Angelo Regional Airport last week received a $4 million federal grant for runway and airplane parking improvements. The grant, distributed by the Federal Aviation Administration with funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation, will allow the airport to rebuild its 60-year-old paved lot where planes taxi to hangars. The money is provided on a 90/10 matching basis - the federal government provides 90 percent of the funding for the project, if the city provides the remaining 10 percent. Construction is scheduled to begin by the end of the summer. Former governor endows $3 million to UT history centerFormer Texas governor and University of Texas alum Dolph Briscoe Jr. has recently established a $3 million endowment at the UT Center for American History, the largest gift in the center's history. The Dolph and Janey Briscoe Fund for Texas History will enable the center to acquire rare documents, books and maps for research and teaching purposes, said Director Don Carleton. The donation will also help pay for publications and programming such as lectures, conferences and symposiums to educate the public about Texas history. UT to expand nursing school
The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing has announced plans to increase enrollment and expand programs after receiving a $1.6 million donation from The Seton Family of Hospitals. Dolores Sands, dean of the School of Nursing, said the school will establish a collaborative clinical research center. To keep pace with growth in Central Texas, Seton plans to double in size within the next 15 years and will need more than 2,000 additional nurses, according to officials. Southside makes plans for new town hallThe City of Southside is considering a November election to fund the construction of a $4.5 million town hall complex as well as water and sewer line improvements totaling $2.5 million. The town hall complex would house administrative, police and fire functions. Before determining the precise amount of the ballot proposal, Southside City Council has asked consultants to develop three conceptual designs for the complex and include updated construction cost estimates. UTSA appoints interim provost
The University of Texas at San Antonio recently appointed Julius Gribou as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. Gribou will begin his duties May 24, and the university will continue to search for a permanent provost to replace Rosalie Ambrosino. After joining UTSA in 2000 as a professor, Gribou became the founding dean of the College of Architecture in 2002. Magnolia ISD proposes $7.5 million technology planMagnolia ISD school trustees this week approved an ambitious three-year technology plan to keep the district uniformly outfitted with new computers and updated equipment for classroom learning. The district has already budgeted $7.5 million for new technology as well as professional development and technical support. Currently the district has a ratio of one computer to every five students. Teachers in Magnolia, which is a Houston suburb, use online grade books. Officials are also planning to make transcripts available online. Former Frisco city manager returns
Ron Patterson, who served as city manager of the city of Frisco from 1993 to 2000, is returning in June to serve the city as one of three assistant city managers. Patterson is currently city manager of Forney, but will leave that post on June 13. Patterson will administer Frisco’s police, fire and information technology departments and assist City Manager George Purefoy with development and capital projects. Galena Park ISD to renovate campusGalena Park school trustees this week approved a $1.47 million design for renovations at Woodland Acres Middle School. The campus expansion will include a 3,000-square-foot multi-purpose area and four classrooms. The project is expected to be complete in fall 2009. District officials are also planning for the construction of a new health clinic. Aldine superintendent leaves district
Aldine ISD Superintendent Nadine Kujawa will retire at the end of this month after 42 years as an educator and administrator in the school district. Dr. Wanda Bamberg (pictured), assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, will lead the district. Last Saturday, the Houston area district passed a $365 million bond package to finance the construction of eight new schools and four early childhood/pre-kindergarten centers. The bond issue will also fund technology upgrades, renovations to existing structures and other improvements. City of Tyler names Interim Transit ManagerThe City of Tyler recently named Airport Manager Davis Dickson the interim manager of Tyler Transit System. The city's management contract with First Transit will end June 8 after a 14-year relationship. City Manager Bob Turner said the management change is to make the bus system more efficient for citizens and to offer users more options. Dickson, who has been with the city 17 years, will continue in his role as manager of Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. Arlington looks to 2008 bond electionArlington's Parks and Recreation Department this week is seeking public input on its $25 million wish list for the 2008 bond election. The city council will vote on the final list later this year. Proposals include $8 million to reconstruct the city's recreation center, and land acquisition for three new parks in Arlington. The department would also like to expand park trails, renovate the Harold Patterson Sports Complex and build the city's first skate park. Lubbock weighs options for auditoriumThe City of Lubbock is trying to decide whether to pour more money into renovations for its 50-year-old City Bank Auditorium or build a new facility. The current building - closed because of a damaged electrical system - is located on land leased from Texas Tech University. In recent years, Lubbock spent $5 million on auditorium upgrades. City officials are waiting on cost estimates for a sprinkler system, fire alarms and other repairs to the 3,000-seat auditorium before committing to new construction. In comparison, Amarillo has spent more than $11 million on major renovations to its city auditorium. Grants at a Glance SPI announces job opportunitiesFederal expertsStrategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) has immediate needs and is conducting a search to find subject matter experts with 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 San Antonio, 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
Event Links
Texas Government Insider ArchivesVolume 1 - 5 Archives · 11/7/03 - 5/11/07 Resources
Steps to ensure delivery of SPI weekly newsletter
|
 |
|
Learn dos, don'ts of dealing with local governmentStrategic Partnerships, Inc. will host a half-day seminar for vendors seeking to increase revenues with either state government, cities, counties, law enforcement organizations, COGS, health clinics, river authorities, universities, community colleges and K-12 public schools. There are a few more openings for participants to attend the June 21 workshop. To view the seminar agenda, click here. Among the presenters will be Mary Scott Nabers, former state elected official; Roy Hogan, former CFO; Mike Sheridan, former agency director; Tommy Huntress, former CIO; Mariann Morelock, director of research for SPI; Gay Erwin, vice president public affairs for SPI; Robert Stluka, former mayor, and Billy Hamilton, former Texas Deputy State Comptroller. Cost of the seminar is $125 per person. To print a registration form, click here, or for more information, e-mail rstluka@spartnerships.com. Texas B2G conference to be held at Texas StateThe Texas State Small Business Development Center, a program of the McCoy College of Business Administration at Texas State University-San Marcos and the Texas Association of Public Purchasers, will host a Central Texas Business Procurement Conference (Texas B2G) on Wednesday, May 30, at the LBJ Student Center, Texas State University-San Marcos. The conference will include an expo where attendees will be able to access multi-million dollar government and private sector markets for potential supplier and subcontracting opportunities. Additionally, training for sales in the procurement market will be presented by prominent government, corporate and business leaders. For more information, call 512-716-4800, e-mail sbdc@txstate.edu, or view the conference Web site. 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. |
|
 |
|
