Game Warden Ryan Hall has been named the 2011 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Officer of the Year. Hall has been a game warden for more than eight years and is stationed in Polk County, where he patrols Lake Livingston and the Neches and Trinity rivers. He has made 65 boating while intoxicated (BWI) arrests with an almost 100 percent conviction rate.

TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith presented the award to Hall at a recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting in Austin. He noted that Hall is used by his supervisors to train other wardens, for BWI enforcement and that he was instrumental in working with the district attorney in his county to implement a zero tolerance for BWI at Lake Livingston. Hall also developed and hosted Kid Fish events to introduce children to fishing and outdoor recreation.

Hall is now eligible to receive the Southern States Boating Law Administrators Association's Officer of the Year Award. Winning that award would nominate him for the National Association of Boating Law Administrators' Officer of the Year award that will be presented in September. 

Texas Forest Service lends expertise in Missouri tornado

The Texas Forest Service recently sent personnel to the Joplin area to assist with logistics related to the devastating Missouri tornado earlier this month.

Missouri emergency management officials requested help from the Forest Service, which is known for its expertise in incident management.
 

The agency is often asked to help with management during disasters, such as tornados and hurricane.

ERCOT officials say power supplies adequate for summer

Officials with the electric grid operator for most of Texas recently announced that adequate resources are available through the summer, a time of high electrical demand.

Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) officials have forecast a summer peak demand of 63,898 megawatts (MW) - and have surpassed that threshold by 17.5 percent, said Kent Saathoff (pictured), vice president of grid operations and system planning.

 
The reserve margins have improved due to an extra 1,000 megawatts, which come from three new gas units in Jack County (operational before winter peak), a Harris County unit that recently returned to service and a new biomass plant in Angelina County.

TxDOT to use social media during hurricane season

With more than 5,400 Twitter followers and more than 4,000 Facebook fans, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) realizes that "social media is the future of communications," said Executive Director Amadeo Saenz. As the Atlantic hurricane season opened this week, TxDOT is making advance plans - and the use of social media is among those plans.

 
Saenz said TxDOT will emphasize the use of social media as the agency prepares for storm education, evacuation and recovery. The agency will expand its social media reach even more to communicate hurricane information faster and more efficiently.
 

TxDOT's thousands of followers have been signing on since 2009. "If the last few years have taught us anything, it's that social media is an effective way to reach thousands of Texas citizens," said Saenz. The agency will use Twitter and Facebook to communicate storm preparedness conditions to social media users. During this hurricane season, each tweet will carry a specific storm-related hashtag to provide an easy way to catalog all the tweets and allow all Twitter users to find hurricane information. TxDOT Twitter feeds can be found here and TxDOT's Facebook page is located here.

Victoria College expanding campus in Gonzales

Victoria College officials recently updated the Gonzales Economic Development Corporation on the progress of the Gonzales Campus Expansion Project.
 

All construction documents are complete and college officials are seeking bids from contractors for two construction projects, said Dr. Larry Garrett (pictured), president of Victoria College. Plans call for building an 8,900-square-foot facility to accommodate trade programs such as welding, construction core skills, carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, pipefitting and millwright careers, Garrett said. The college also plans to build an 1,100-square-foot addition to the main facility to house a science lab for courses in biology, microbiology and chemistry in the future.

Five Texas community college systems to share $500K grant

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recently awarded a $500,000 grant to five Texas community college systems, which will use the money to improve graduation rates.

The systems - South Texas College in McAllen, Dallas County Community College, the Lone Star College System near Houston, El Paso Community College and Alamo Community College - together serve about 235,000 students, one-third of all community college students in the state.

The grant is part of a five-year project that will include more money awards in second and third phases.

Texas State new member of S.Texas Technology Management

South Texas Technology Management (STTM) recently announced that it will provide its intellectual property services to a new member, Texas State University-San Marcos.
 
STTM is a regional technology transfer office that helps manage and promote intellectual property developed by individuals at four universities: the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, UT San Antonio, UT Brownsville and UT-Pan American.
 
Under the new contract, STTM will support Texas State's Office for Commercialization and Industry Relations.

Romo, Cigarroa to serve on presidential commission

President Barack Obama recently appointed Ricardo Romo (right), president of The University of Texas at San Antonio, and Francisco G. Cigarroa (left), chancellor of The University of Texas System, to serve on a 16-member commission that will advise the president on how to improve education for Latinos.

"The U.S. Hispanic population is rising quickly, and it is imperative that its students are sufficiently trained to keep America's workforce vibrant," Cigarroa said. "I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners as we address issues and craft policies that benefit education in America."  

Romo, author of "East Los Angeles: History of a Barrio," oversees the operation of two academic campuses that educate more than 30,000 students. More than 60 percent of those students come from groups under-represented in higher education.
 

The President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics is made up of civic and education leaders from across the country who are charged with providing input and advice on the development, implementation and coordination of education policy and programs that impact the Hispanic community.

Fort Bend ISD to purchase land potentially for new high school

Trustees for the Fort Bend Independent School District recently authorized the purchase of 65 acres of land south of SH 290 for a new high school promised to residents in 2003.

District officials plan to use funds from a 2007 bond issue to pay for the land for the new high school. However, building the new high school may take some time as district officials said they likely will have to ask voters to approve a bond issue to pay for building a new high school. 

Located only a block from the East Campus, the hospital property is an ideal site for many uses by the college, said Del Mar President Mark Escamilla (pictured).The college, however, still needs the support of Corpus Christi Independent School District trustees to take over the former osteopathic hospital property foreclosed on by the city, county, college and school district for unpaid property taxes.
 

The 3.8-acre property has a 49,000-square-foot building that college officials expect eventually will be torn down when the approximately $300,000 funding is available, Escamilla said. Until Del Mar officials update master plans for facilities and academics, the college will build a security fence and maintain the grounds, a spokeswoman for the college said.

UT-Pan American, Teach for America win $370,000 grant

The Rio Grande Valley chapter of Teach for America (TFA-RGV) and The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) recently received a $370,000 grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

 
The grant will be used for the UTPA Community Engagement Program to assist groups to assess their local markets and how to leverage resources that directly impact many areas of the Rio Grande Valley, said Robert Nelsen (pictured), president of UTPA. The grant also will pay for 185 AmeriCorps members to teach in low-performing schools throughout the Rio Grande Valley as a way to alleviate anticipated cuts in state spending for public education, said Robert Carreon, executive director of TFA-RGV.

 
UTPA and TFA-RGV officials are awaiting final passage of the state budget containing funding for public education, but expect large reductions and funding cuts, especially for community outreach programs at UTPA, Nelsen said. The grant funds should help continue community outreach efforts at the college, he said.

UTB/TSC College of Nursing chooses Martinez as new dean

Officials with The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College recently named Nelda C. Martinez (pictured) the first dean of the College of Nursing, effective June 1.

Previously, Martinez served as associate professor at The University of Texas at El Paso, and senior fellow at the Hispanic Health Disparities Research Center.
 

Martinez has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Wright State University and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. Martinez also has a certificate in clinical investigation from the University of Iowa.

Baber joining UT Tyler's Enrollment Services staff

Officials with The University of Texas at Tyler recently named Kimberlie Baber as an enrollment services officer I, effective June 16.
 

In her new role, Baber will assist students with registration, financial aid and admissions.

Baber, currently a UT Tyler senior, has worked in the UT Tyler Office of the Registrar for nearly two years. Previously, she served as a senior coordinator and bank officer.

Rice's Quillen leaving to become president of Davidson College

Rice University administrator Carol Quillen (pictured) was recently named president of Davidson College in North Carolina, effective Aug. 1.
 

Quillen, who joined the Rice faculty in 1989 as an instructor of history, currently serves as vice president for international and interdisciplinary initiatives. In her role as vice president, Quillen is responsible for developing the university's global outreach.
 

"I leave Rice, my home for over two decades, keenly aware of how much I owe this university and how much I have learned from friends and colleagues here. From the time I arrived, I have worked with extraordinary people whose wisdom and wit made my job rewarding and fun," Quillen said.

Gorman recommended as college's new Director of Development

Kilgore College officials recently recommended Leah Pybas Gorman (pictured), associate director of marketing and student outreach, as the Director of Development and Executive Director of the KC Foundation. If the decision is OK'd by the board, Gorman will succeed David Wylie, who has held the position since 1997.
 

Gorman, who has worked at KC since 2000, has also worked for a Longview television station and a group of radio stations in Tyler, planning promotional and sales efforts.
 

Gorman attended KC, earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Oklahoma and a master's from LeTourneau University.

Four new trustees join Rice University board

Rice University board of trustees recently selected four new members and reappointed another trustee to a second term.

Board members selected James Turley of New York to serve a second term on the board.

The new trustees are: Lawrence Guffey of London, John Jaggers of Dallas, Ralph Parks of Hong Kong and Lynn Laverty of Philadelphia.

Nunn, who has served an interim role in the position since July 2009, will be the administrative leader for business affairs, budgets and payroll, contract administration, human resources, information technology, facilities management, purchasing and security.

Nunn previously worked for a grocery chain and a bank before accepting a position with the city of Lancaster and then as the director of finance and administration at Tarleton State University, now a part of the Texas A&M System. She has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Tarleton State University.

Houston ISD may adjust start of class time to save $1.2 million

In an effort to save about $1.2 million, Houston Independent School District officials recently discussed standardizing the times when schools bells throughout the district will ring to begin and end the school day.

Trustees discussed requiring all elementary schools to begin classes at 7:30 a.m. or 8:30 a.m., with middle schools in the classroom by 8:45 a.m. and high school students reporting to class at 7:45 a.m. Citing the experience of Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, trustees said the staggered schedules should reduce busing costs by about $1.2 million. High schools in Houston now open at varying times, ranging from 7:40 a.m. to 8:40 a.m.
 

Superintendent Terry Grier acknowledged the policy may be unpopular. But he added that leaving classes earlier in the day helps students with jobs after school and prevents athletes from having to practice in the dark during the spring. Trustees are expected to vote on the proposed class time policy soon.

Trustees scheduled a special meeting at an earlier time than usual because of the urgent need to find a financial administrator because a vote on the budget for the next fiscal year is scheduled in August, said Francisco "Kiko" Rendon (pictured), chairman of the board of trustees. Waiting until the next regularly scheduled meeting would delay hiring a financial administrator until July, he said.
 

The decision to hire an appraiser does not necessary signal the intention of trustees to pursue the land swap in the midst of ending its partnership with the University of Texas-Brownsville, the chairman said. College officials also are considering partnerships with other colleges such as Texas State Technical College and South Texas College, he said.

Cedar Park officials pick eight projects for possible federal funding

The Cedar Park City Council recently OK'd eight projects that will be submitted to the regional planning organization, with the intent of winning a piece of $74 million in federal funds that the group has to disperse among Central Texas entities.

 
City staff selected projects that were most likely to be funded, based on pre-set categories, Mayor Bob Lemon (pictured) said. Of the available funds, at least 35 percent are available for general projects, 15 percent for bike and pedestrian projects and up to 50 percent for multi-use "centers" projects.

Of Cedar Park's projects, which cost a combined $8.73 million, six are "centers" and two are pedestrian projects.

So far, about 550 companies have registered and 1,000 companies should be signed up by the end of June, said City International and Economic Development Department Director Rene Dominguez.

Nevertheless, some people worry the four step-registration process is overly complex and is discouraging women, minority and small business owners. So, in addition to the six staffers, the city is also offering six workshops open to the public and six more for businesses.

Faulkner announces retirement from Houston Endowment

Larry Faulkner (pictured), president of the private philanthropy Houston Endowment, recently announced that he plans to retire Oct. 1.

Faulkner, who became president of the philanthropy in 2006, previously served as president of The University of Texas at Austin. He has also served as faculty at Harvard University, the University of Illinois and UT-Austin.

Faulkner earned a bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University and a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin.

Bill approved to dissolve Bexar Metropolitan Water District

The Texas House of Representatives recently approved legislation that will permit ratepayers in the Bexar Metropolitan Water District to vote on a proposal to dissolve the utility district and merge with the San Antonio Water System. The bill also will allow the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to appoint an overseer for the Bexar Metro water district to advise staff and board members of the utility district on resolving current problems.

Supporters of the legislation tried for three sessions to win passage of the bill before gaining passage in both the House of Representatives and the Texas Senate this session. The legislation now goes to the governor, who will decide whether to veto or allow the bill to pass. The interim general manager of the Bexar Metropolitan Water District sent two letters to the governor stating that the legislation is not needed. 

In response to the legislation, Bexar Metropolitan Water District board members recently instructed the legal counsel for the utility district to initiate all appropriate legal proceedings to stop a potential vote by ratepayers to dissolve the district and merge with the San Antonio Water System (SAWS).

The utility district has made sufficient progress in the past two years to continue to operate and should not be dissolved, the board president said. The board's attorney argued that dissolving the district will take away voting rights of some ratepayers who live outside the city limits of San Antonio because the board of SAWS is appointed rather than elected. If the bill becomes law, the election could take place as early as November. 

Board members agreed to appoint a citizens committee and to hire a company to conduct a telephone survey to help trustees decide in August whether to approve a bond election in November 2010. An architect also presented trustees with recommendations for nearly $300 million in repairs and replacements that district officials divided into three priority levels, said John Brogden, assistant superintendent of administrative support.

District officials favor building new facilities rather than repairing old buildings because renovations could cost more than 50 percent the cost of a new school, the superintendent said. Plans call for building four of the new schools on the existing sites and moving students to other schools until the new building is completed, Brogden said. A new Tarver-Rendon campus will be built on Drury Cross Road and that building will be used as an intermediate school. Other projects discussed for the bond issue are building a third gym at two high schools, constructing two band halls at two intermediate schools and adding a concession stand, restrooms and ticket booth at a football field. District officials also propose spending $11.5 million for roof repairs and replacements, $10 million to replace air conditioning systems and upgrading lighting and paving at several campuses.

HISD transportation department named a top fleet in country

The Houston Independent School District's transportation department was recently named one of the top 100 fleets in the country - the only school system to earn the honor in 2011.
 

Government Fleet, the leading transportation industry magazine, each year selects the top fleets based on work progress, use of technology, a culture that values employees and quick repairs, among other performance measures.

Although the Top 100 list is not ranked, the Top 20 fleets will be honored at an annual transportation conference in mid June. 
 

"I am proud of our entire transportation team for achieving this prestigious honor and the work of our bus drivers, mechanics and all other staff for their commitment to safely transport our students to and from school everyday," said HISD's Chief Operating Officer Leo Bobadilla (pictured).

New Mission entity to promote commercial, industrial development

City of Mission leaders recently created a new nonprofit corporation, which will concentrate on commercial and industrial development within the city.

City leaders declined to comment on the future of the Mission Economic Development Authority, which City Manager Julio Cerda said is more involved with the Mission's quality of life.

The MEDC, which Mayor Norberto Salinas is trying to dissolve, is currently in litigation.

As part of its effort to hire local contractors for projects, the school district scheduled a vendor fair for June 8 with the construction manager-at-risk for the project on hand to provide bid information to local sub-contractors and suppliers interested in bidding on the project, said Superintendent Joe Wardell (pictured).

District officials also plan to hold a vendor's seminar on June 30 to provide local businesses more information on how to participate in providing more goods and services to the school district and the city of Jacksonville, the superintendent said.

The $6 million performance center, which will be built adjacent to the Bright Football Complex, will be funded exclusively from private donors and the athletic department.
The 18,000-square-foot center will be available only to football team members, who currently share a facility with 20 other university athletic teams.

Herrington retires as

city manager of Van Alstyne

City Manager Bill Herrington recently resigned as city manager of Van Alstyne, a position he held for the last five years. Herrington previously worked as an administrator for several cities and hospitals prior to joining Van Alstyne as an interim city manager in April 2006.
 

City council members selected Robert "Denny" Wheat as the interim city manager to replace Herrington until a new city manager is hired.

Jungus Jordan named chair of Regional Transportation Council

Fort Worth City Council Member Jungus Jordan (pictured) has been chosen chair of the North Central Texas Council of Government's Regional Transportation Council (RTC). He replaces outgoing Dallas City Council Member Ron Natinsky, who has served as chair since June 2010. Denton Mayor Pro Tem Pete Kamp is the new vice chair. He previously served as secretary. Arlington City Council Member Kathryn Wilemon is the new secretary. 

The RTC oversees transportation planning in the 12-county metropolitan planning area. It is charged with guiding the development of multimodal transportation plans and programs, allocating transportation funds and recommending projects to the Texas Transportation Commission for other programs. The RTC also ensures transportation services are coordinated throughout the region and that the metropolitan area complies with air quality regulations.
 
Because of transportation funding shortfalls, the RTC will use traditional and innovative funding to meet the needs of the region's population of 6.5 million.

The 5th Street Corridor Project, which will be funded through the city and a Texas Department of Transportation grant, will makeover 5th Street from Goulder to Adams with new trees, pavements, lighting and decorations.

Edcouch-Elsa selects Aleman lone finalist to lead district

The Edcouch-Elsa school board recently named Delfino Aleman Jr. (pictured), the lone finalist for district superintendent, a position that hasn't been permanently filled in two years. Aleman, who can be hired 21 days after being named finalist, has worked as associate superintendent of Mesa Public Schools in Arizona and area superintendent for the San Diego Unified School District in California.
 

Aleman, who holds a bachelor's degree from Howard Payne University and a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin, has previously served as chairman of policies, procedures and public information for the San Antonio Independent School District.

The public-private partnership projects include:

• $4.4 billion for 28 miles of Interstate Highway 35E in Denton County;
• $1.8 billion for about 9 miles of State Highway 183 in Dallas and Irving; and
• $2.5 billion toward the North Tarrant Express project, which a consortium of companies is building.

Senate Bill 1420, which the House and Senate approved over the weekend, now needs Gov. Rick Perry's signature.

Dallas ISD trustees could name interim superintendent soon 

The Dallas school board recently met and whittled down a list of interim superintendent candidates to replace Superintendent Michael Hinojosa, who was recently named the sole finalist to lead a Georgia school district. 
 

Trustees have narrowed the list from 10 to about five and could name a temporary leader within the week.  The interim superintendent will lead the district while trustees search for a permanent leader.

Fort Worth ISD trustees block efforts for interim superintendent

Five trustees for the Fort Worth Independent School District recently blocked efforts by four board members to appoint Deputy Superintendent  Walter Dansby as the interim superintendent.
 

The five trustees did not attend a special meeting requested by four board members to name a new superintendent to replace Superintendent Melody Johnson, who submitted her resignation effective on Sept. 19.
 

The president of the board said he did not attend the meeting because Johnson still has four months remaining on the job and trustees may be able to name a new superintendent by that time. An interim superintendent can be named later, the board president said.

TxDOT to finance improvements

to Highway 380 west of Denton

The Texas Department of Transportation will finance improvements to a dangerous section of U.S. Highway 380 that has been the site of several vehicle crashes in recent years.
 
Work will occur in two phases, with the first phase stretching from the Wise County line to just west of FM 156 and the second phase from FM 156 to Interstate 35.
 
The first phase is expected to begin by Thanksgiving with the second phase slated to begin in spring 2012.

Electra selects Compton as new communications coordinator

Electra City Council members recently selected Katherine Compton as the new communications coordinator for the city. Her duties include locating grants, other fundraising activities, media relations and public information, city officials said.
Compton holds a bachelor's degree from Lambuth University in Tennessee and previously worked in the family oil business.

Frisco's development bill dies at end of regular legislative session

A bill that would have helped City of Frisco officials develop a children's amusement park died in the recently ended regular session of the Texas Legislature.
 
The bill, which would have allowed Frisco to issue bonds for projects undertaken by private entities, died before it made it to a House vote.
 
The bill would have been an easy way for the city to compete with the two other states trying to attract the company, Frisco Mayor Maher Maso (pictured) said. The state could still get involved at some level to help attract the company, which has not settled on a site, Maso said.

Projects included in the proposed five-year plan include $50,000 for parking lot improvements and renovation of a building to accommodate the constable and justice of peace.

Declared as surplus property by the federal government, the 18,500-square-foot building sits on two acres of property closer to the new Rusk County Justice Center than the current police station, City Manager Mike Barrow said.
 

City officials said it could be six or seven years before the renovated building is ready to move police personnel from the current police station on US 79 into the new police station. City officials plan to pay the estimated $1 million cost for renovations using the general construction fund without asking for a tax increase, Barrow added.

The proposed contract with a consultant calls for hiring an interim city manager at a cost of $86 per hour and an additional $1,200 monthly to pay for a residence, as the city charter requires the city manager to live in the city limits of Galveston. Some council members raised concerns that Maxwell, who previously was director of planning and infrastructure, did not have sufficient experience for the city manager position. So far, city officials have received eight proposals from search firms seeking to help select potential candidates for city manager.

Birdville ISD tags Brown

as new superintendent

Birdville Independent School District board members recently selected Darrell Brown as the new superintendent.  
 

Brown, who is superintendent at Forney ISD, will replace Jay C. Thompson, who will retire on June 30 as interim superintendent. The district's associate superintendent for finance also is leaving Birdville ISD to accept a position at Lewisville ISD.

Brownsville ISD superintendent

a finalist for post in Alabama

School officials in Huntsville, Alabama, recently selected Superintendent Brett Springston of the Brownsville Independent School District as one of three finalists for superintendent. Springston recently traveled to Huntsville to meet with community members and interview with board members. Huntsville school officials are expected to make a decision on the superintendent soon.

Texarkana ISD interviews two

finalists for superintendent

Trustees for the Texarkana Independent School District recently interviewed two of three finalists for superintendent to replace James H. Russell, who is the lone finalist for president of Texarkana College. Two of the finalists interviewed are a former superintendent in California and a principal, district officials said. Russell has served as superintendent in Texarkana for four years and worked for the school district for 17 years.

Dallas County employees could face higher health care costs

Dallas County commissioners recently discussed balancing the budget - which is about $23 million short due to decreased property values and state budget cuts - by trimming employee benefits and dipping into unspent bond money.

Commissioners want to transfer $8.4 million in unspent transportation bond money and are discussing charging employees more for health insurance. Before moving forward, the county personnel department will study how to cut health care costs without burdening lower-paid employees.

Despite the proposed cuts, the budget remains as much as $8 million short of being balanced. 

• James "Mike" DeLoach of Littlefield, Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Services;
• Henry Munson of Angleton, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors;
• Cynthia Tays of Austin, chair, Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners
• Fred Koetting of The Woodlands, San Jacinto River Authority Board of Directors;
• Marisa Rummell of Spring, San Jacinto River Authority Board of Directors
   

Marble Falls ISD revives

search for new superintendent

Marble Falls Independent School District trustees recently revived efforts to select a new superintendent. A search firm representative at a special meeting provided trustees with a list of the most qualified candidates chosen from the more than 50 applicants for the position. City officials agreed on a new timeline that includes naming a finalist for the position in late June and signing a contract with the new superintendent in July, said Interim Superintendent Jim Boyle.

College Station selects Simpson as assistant city manager

The College Station City Council recently selected Frank Simpson (pictured), currently the city manager in Missouri City, as the new assistant city manager.

Simpson will replace David Neeley, who took the position of city manager in February. Scheduled to begin his new duties in College Station on July 5, Simpson attended Texas A&M and worked as a public utilities employee in College Station while in college.

Airport officials plan to use the $2 million federal grant to pay for a part of a planned 2,200-foot-long runway extension. Plans call for extending the main runway to 9,100 feet by adding 1,600 additional feet to the runway. The city will pay about $1.6 million on the runway project, with federal funding paying for 95 percent of a planned runway reconfiguration to remove the current V-shaped configuration of the airport's two runways, which are considered a safety hazard.
 

Construction on the runway project is expected to begin in the summer or fall of 2012 and be completed in about two years.

Harkless to retire as chief of human resources for Tatum ISD

Cliff Harkless, director of human resources for Tatum ISD, recently announced his retirement after 27 years with the school district.

Harkless, who was an educator for 37 years, holds a degree from The University of Texas at Arlington.