Rethinking the education process
Attending classes via the Internet comes as no surprise for today's generation college students. After all, they grew up with the Internet, are connected via e-mail and instant messaging and are accustomed to finding virtually everything on the Web. Thus Texas colleges, universities and community colleges are taking advantage of those same technologies to offer distance learning programs to meet student needs.
Angelo State University has a unique distance learning nursing program that grew out of the nationwide nursing shortage, according to Doug Fox, director of technology at ASU. Because many nursing students who have earned associate degrees have gone directly into the workforce, finding time to attend on-campus classes to earn their R.N. degrees is virtually impossible. But with the ASU distance learning project, attaining that advanced degree via online classes becomes a possibility.
Fox said other courses are also available online, providing students with more flexibility for "attending" class "anytime-anywhere," which offers non-traditional students more higher education opportunities. Upper level courses tend to lend themselves better for online courses because those students generally are more disciplined and better prepared, said Fox, but there are an increasing number of certificate and continuing education courses being offered for non-traditional students. "But not every course lends itself to being online."
While many Texas community colleges have "their own internal distance learning programs," according to Dr. Rey Garcia, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Community Colleges, many community college students are enrolled in the host-provider model "Virtual College of Texas." Campuses can choose from some 1,200 virtual courses made available by other institutions and make them part of their curriculum. Since the beginning of the program, said Garcia, 27,000 community college students have participated in Texas, with 6,700 enrolled in 2006.
Fox notes that providing distance learning is not necessarily a money-maker, as time must be spent on course development, there is an investment in faculty training, in technology infrastructure, support mechanisms and on updating courses. However, it also provides a way to grow the student body without having to grow campus facilities and related expenses. The biggest plus from distance learning on college campuses, he said, is that it has made colleges rethink their processes for educating students and has allowed them access to the non-traditional student market. "Students expect it and react positively to it," he said.
Legislative agency panel announced
The sponsors of the 5th Biennial Pre-session Legislative Conference have announced another outstanding panel for the October 10th Conference. The heads of the Legislative Budget Board, Legislative Council, State Auditor's Office, and Sunset Commission will comprise an afternoon panel discussing the roles and responsibilities of their agencies and responding to audience questions. This announcement follows three prior announcements in what is shaping up as a "must attend" event for agency executives.
 John Keel has been the State Auditor since December 2004. As such, he directs a professional staff of 200 in primarily financial/compliance audits, economy/efficiency audits, effectiveness audits, and classification projects. Prior to becoming the State Auditor, he headed the LBB for a decade. A certified public accountant, Keel began working in state government in 1973 as an accountant for the Texas Water Quality Board. He served as deputy state comptroller, budget director in the Office of the Attorney General, and special assistant for budget and special projects to Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock before taking the helm at the LBB.
 Joey Longley is the director of the Sunset Advisory Commission, guiding the staff that reviews state agencies subject to abolishment by the Texas Legislature through the sunset process. He has worked in state government for almost 27 years and became the Sunset director in 1995. As director, he is responsible for day-to-day operations of the staff, planning the course of agency reviews, producing reports, and interacting with the legislature. Before becoming director, he worked on or led reviews that spanned most of the functions of state government.
 John O'Brien is deputy director of the Legislative Budget Board and has been in charge of that agency since John Keel's retirement in 2004. He is responsible for day-to-day management of the agency and oversight of many of the agency's functions, including preparation of budget and policy recommendations, analysis of fiscal impact of proposed legislation, and production of agency publications. He joined the LBB in 1989 after spending seven years with the City of Austin in various positions related to housing, community development, program analysis, planning, finance, and budget.
 Milton Rister has been Executive Director of the Texas Legislative Council since February. As executive director, he is responsible for day-to-day management of the 386-person agency as well as strategic and progressive thinking in order to aid all members of the legislature. Rister has more than 20 years of research and management experience in both the private and public sectors. His public sector experience includes serving as Chief of Staff to Sen. Jane Nelson and Director of Research for Lt. Governor David Dewhurst.
The conference is sponsored jointly by SPI and UT's LBJ School of Public Affairs and will be held at UT's J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin. For further information, contact lriley@spartnerships.com.
State approves $1.3 billion private roadway investment
The remaining 40 miles of State Highway 130 will be built with private sector funds under an agreement reached Thursday by the Texas Transportation Commission. The agreement is among a number of public-private partnerships in which the state is participating aimed at building roadways sooner and faster. Calling the agreement a "preview of future transportation financing in Texas," Texas Department of Transportation Executive Director Michael Behrens said these kinds of relationships will help the state achieve its transportation goals, reduce traffic congestion, make roadways safer and improve air quality.
The agreement calls for Cintra Zachry to put up the financing necessary to complete the toll road from Austin to Seguin. Millions of dollars for right-of-way costs also will be paid by the company so that Caldwell, Guadalupe and Travis counties will not have to shoulder that financial burden. The state also negotiated a $25 million up-front concession payment, which will be used for other projects in the Austin-San Antonio region.
The state also will share in the toll revenues over the next 50 years - estimated at $1.6 billion - and the highway will continue to be state-owned. Once environmental clearance is obtained, right-of-way acquisition and construction can begin. SH 130 will be a 90-mile toll road extending from I-35 north of Georgetown to I-10 in Seguin. The roadway, expected to be finished in 2012, will provide an alternate route to I-35 between Austin and San Antonio.
States to face moving more poor from welfare to work
New requirements likely to be issued next week by the federal government will require states to move more of their poor from welfare to work. Current figures show that some 4.4 million Americans are welfare recipients. The anticipated rules are expected to hasten the pace at which welfare recipients are removed from welfare rolls.
The new rules are expected to set a uniform definition for permissible work activities and will require the states to verify and document hours worked by welfare recipients. They will require that 50 percent of adults on welfare must be either working or training for work when the new fiscal year begins in October. States that do not comply could lose up to 5 percent of their federal welfare grant in the first year, with two percentage points added each subsequent year of non-compliance, up to as much as 21 percent. The new law also reauthorizes welfare programs through September 2010. States receive part of a basic federal grant each year that totals $16.5 billion.
Perry awards $2.5 million TEF grant
Sino Swearingen Aircraft Corp. will locate a new manufacturing facility in the San Antonio area, thanks to a $2.5 million Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant announced this week by Gov. Rick Perry. The facility is expected to create more than 850 new, high-paying jobs over the next 10 years. "Combined with the company's capital investment, this project represents a significant influx of new dollars to the local economy," said Perry.
The company builds SJ30 business jets and will expand its current site at the San Antonio International Airport and construct a new 220,000-square-foot manufacturing and assembly plant that will produce 100 aircraft per year.
Sadberry to head Texas Lottery
Anthony J. Sadberry, a former member of the Texas Lottery Commission who has served as acting executive director of the Texas Lottery since January, this week took over the position full-time. Saying Sadberry has an "intimate knowledge" of the workings of the commission, Chairman C. Tom Clowe Jr. said the new executive director has provided "serious and steady guidance" during his term as acting director.
Sadberry was appointed to the commission in 1993, served as chairman in 1994 and 1995 and resigned in 2000 after serving seven years. He takes over at a time when overall sales are up but while Texas Lotto sales have dipped 30 percent.
Dallas straw vote adds to city's bond program
In a non-binding straw vote this week, Dallas City Council members voted to add more than $70 million in new projects to its 2006 bond election expected to go to voters in November. An official vote on the proposal will be in August.
The proposed additions include projects such as streets, libraries, parks, sidewalk repairs, street resurfacing, drainage projects, rec center maintenance and parking garages. Officials noted that the new additions to the city's bond program would push the bond value to $1.35 billion, a significant increase over the city manager's proposed $1.28 billion package.
Bush tabs El Paso's Archuleta for post
Ed Archuleta of El Paso has been tabbed by President George W. Bush to serve as a member of the president's National Infrastructure Advisory Council. Archuleta is general manager of El Paso Water Utilities.
Archuleta will be one of three members of the Council that is charged with advising the president regarding security and protection of the country's critical infrastructure and information systems. As general manager of the water utilities in El Paso, he is responsible for water, wastewater and reclaimed water service to the El Paso metropolitan area.
Tennant to head Alamo City chamber
The Alamo City Chamber of Commerce has a new executive director, but he's no stranger to San Antonio. The chamber named Melvin Tennant, a former head of the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau, as its new director. Prior to coming to San Antonio, Tennant headed the Charlotte, North Carolina, Convention and Business Center. Doug Heath, the Alamo City Chamber chairman, said Tennant is "the sharpest executive director the Alamo Chamber has ever had." Tennant's 25 years in the tourism industry include stints in Houston, Corpus Christi and Irving.
GP to tie local ITS into proposed regional system
Quicker access to traffic information across North Texas and curbing of highway congestion are the goals of the city of Grand Prairie as it ties its local Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) into what is expected to eventually become a regional system.
The ITS links traffic signals and cameras in the city to a computerized traffic management system. The information is used to adjust signal timing during emergencies and events that create high volume traffic, which can prevent traffic gridlock.
When a regional system comes online, data can be exchanged between cities and state agencies. Such a system will be of particular importance in events such as mass evacuations or other emergencies affecting traffic flow. Although cities already can report such problems to the Texas Department of Transportation for display on their Web site, a regional approach will give them immediate access to the information because they are tied together. Grand Prairie will spend the next year upgrading its traffic management center so it can tie into the previously linked Dallas and Tarrant counties' ITS. Other cities expected to join the regional ITS are Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Richardson and Arlington.
City of Brenham considering bond election
The City of Brenham is considering an upcoming bond election, after recent workshops revealed a myriad of projects the city would like to have done while bond markets are still favorable. Among the projects on the city's wish list: a new police station, a fire department substation, new fire engines and a water storage tower in West Brenham. City officials estimate the price tag for the projects to be $11.4 million.
Texas military funding added to bill
Texas Congressman Lamar Smith this week ensured that more than $5 million in federal funding for Texas military projects was included in the U.S. Department of Defense Appropriations bill that passed the U.S. House. "This funding allows the military to develop the best equipment and medical care that technology has to offer," said Smith.
Included in the bill, which will have to be reconciled with the U.S. Senate's version bill before it is sent to the president, includes $1 million for a research partnership between the University of Texas and Brooke Army Center; $2.5 million for a research and development project led by an Austin firm; $1.5 million for a program conducted by the Texas Research Institute to help make Navy ships blast resistant; and $3 million for a nationwide search program headed up by a research institute in San Antonio.
Mesquite seeking TCEQ recycling grant
The City of Mesquite is seeking ways to extend the life of its landfills, and is hopeful to grab nearly $125,000 in grants from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to finance education, research and training initiatives. The bulk of the funding sought - $95,000 - would be for research to measure the current participation level in recycling efforts among Mesquite residents and to educate them about the advantages of recycling.
The grants are administered through the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The city currently has a one-day pickup for recyclables, with a nearly 25 percent participation rate. Part of the grant funding would come from TCEQ for its YardWise educational programs aimed at showing citizens how to manage yard care while preserving the environment. Another portion of the grant funds would be used for bilingual instruction on how to participate in the city's recycling program.
SFA to begin search for new president
An interim president and a presidential search committee are expected to be named at the July 12 and 13 meeting of the Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents.
The presidential search comes on the heels of the announced resignation last month of Dr. Tito Guerrero, who has served as SFA's president for the past five years. No definite date has been set for Dr. Guerrero's departure.
Houston makes another pitch for 2016 Olympics
Houston officials joined their counterparts from Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and San Francisco in San Diego recently to market their respective cities as the host for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) heard 15-minute pitches from each of the cities. It was the second meeting with USOC officials for each of the city representatives.
Although the bid for the Olympics will not be released until next spring and the host city will not be picked until 2009, U.S. officials are trying to decide which city would be the host if the Americans bid on the Games. Houstonians representing their city were Mayor Bill White, Houston Astros owner Drayton McLane and businessman George DeMontrond.
Marshall hears pitch for fixed route transit system
A fixed route transit system was pitched recently to the Marshall city commission by officials of the East Texas Council of Governments. The city already has a demand-responsive system that makes nearly 1,000 trips per month just within Marshall. Roxanne McKinley of ETCOG, which doubles as a rural transit system for its 14-county region, said costs for a feasibility study for a fixed route system would be approximately $25,000. The city would have to pay for 20 percent of the study. A fixed route system would mean regular routes run at regular times. A fixed route would be in addition to the current system that includes routes between Marshall and Carthage and Marshall and Longview.
Jacksonville ISD studying possible bond vote
One of three possible bond election options could go before Jacksonville ISD voters in November, with the price tags on the options ranging from $11.5-$35 million. Board members began discussions on the bond possibilities this week, less than a year after a $62.5 million bond package failed. The $11.5 million bond would allow building one new elementary school, a $25 million bond approval would net two new elementary schools and approval of a $35 million bond would allow for three new elementary schools.
Three rural tourism workshops planned
Giddings, Athens and Marathon will be playing host to two-day workshops on rural tourism this summer. The events are part of the 2006 Texas Yes! Bootstrap Marketing Workshop Series III sponsored by the Texas Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism.
The workshops are designed to “empower rural communities” by providing them with “the latest information on innovative approaches and proven strategies” related to tourism, according to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs. Both veterans in the tourism industry as well as novices are urged to attend. The Texas Yes! Initiative is a membership-based program for rural communities, businesses and organizations that promote business development, job growth and tourism in rural Texas. For registration information, click here.
The first of four workshops was held in May in Kemah. The Giddings workshop is planned for July 31- Aug. 1 while the Athens workshop is Aug. 2-3. Marathon’s workshop event will be Aug. 23-24.
Proctor-Cleveland named to airport council
Abilene Regional Airport Business Development Manager Chris Proctor-Cleveland will serve on the Airports Council International-North America's national committee for marketing and communications. Proctor-Cleveland, the only small regional airport representative named to the ACI-NA steering group, will assist in educating fellow marketing and air service development officials with marketing, branding, media relations, customer service and aviation education at airports throughout North America.
College Station creates TIF zone
Looking for creative ways to finance a proposed hotel and convention center in College Station, city officials have given their approval for the creation of a tax increment finance (TIF) zone in the city's Northgate entertainment district. The 141-acre TIF zone will use a portion of the property taxes collected in that area as a funding stream to pay back the approximately $25 million in debt that will be issued on the proposed project.
The estimated appraised value of the zone area is currently $70 million, but city officials expect that value to climb to $150 million once construction begins there. Members of the TIF board include a homebuilder, a developer, an attorney, several property owners and Brazos County Commissioner Kenny Mallard.
Smith County forms new jail panel
It was "out with the old and in with the new" in Smith County's ongoing efforts to pass a jail bond referendum. The county this week disbanded the committee that was formed after the May defeat of two jail proposals. County commissioners have now formed a new and smaller committee. One of the committee's first tasks will be to decide if a bond election should be held in November or in May 2007. The committee's first meeting is set for Wednesday, July 5.
Corporation plans new hospital for El Paso
A new 44-bed hospital for the acute and chronically ill is being planned in El Paso. El Paso physician Dr. Robert Moreno, a former Fort Worth hospital chain executive and an El Paso apartment management company have formed a corporation whose goal is to open the $15-$20 million health care facility by 2007. The group is currently seeking doctors to become financial partners in creating the facility.
The proposed Vista Del Valle Hospital would feature doctors' office space and an imaging center, with additional plans that include a medical office complex. The proposed hospital, which would cater to long-term care patients, also is planning a 12-bed intensive and critical care unit.
Thompson elected president of NARC
Polk County Judge John Thompson has taken over the reins of the presidency of the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), following his election at the group's recent 40th annual conference. NARC is a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit membership organization and public interest group that assists in building regional communities through regional collaboration.
Thompson is a past president of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) and serves on their board of directors. He has also served as President of the Texas Association of Regional Councils. As president of NARC, Thompson will work closely with new Executive Director Cameron Moore on issues such as economic, rural, community and workforce development, transportation, the environment, homeland security and emergency preparedness.
Rogers appointed president of Kendall County EDC
The Board of Directors of the Kendall County Economic Development Corporation appointed Dan Rogers President and CEO, effective June 1. Rogers has been in the public relations and economic development field for 39 years, most recently as Director of Economic Development for the City of San Marcos.
Rogers was in charge of state, county and city affairs at Motorola for a number of years and worked for passage of several bills in the Texas Legislature and ordinances in several communities. A consulting firm he founded after leaving Motorola was involved in site selection processes, public relations and crisis management. He is a guest lecturer at the Hobby School of Public Affairs at Texas State University.
The Kendall County EDC, located in Boerne, is a public/private partnership to promote the economic development of the Kendall County area.
UTSA names new Vice Provost for IT
John McGowan has been named Associate Vice Provost for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer for the University of Texas at San Antonio. He replaces Jeffrey Noyes, who has retired. McGowan currently serves in a similar position at Florida International University in Miami. McGowan will report to UTSA on July 17, and will be responsible for strategic planning and support for network infrastructure and services.
Public can have say on new Texas Tech chancellor
Texas Tech University has launched a Web site that allows the public to nominate the system's next chancellor while a national search is under way. Tech regent and search committee chair Frank Miller said the system welcomes the public's input "because we want a large pool of candidates to ensure that we find the best possible individual to lead the Texas Tech system." The new chancellor will replace Dr. David Smith, who resigned in January.
Midland seeks new superintendent
The Midland ISD has hired a consultant to assist with its search for a new superintendent to replace Robert Nicks, who will retire at the end of November. The district will look for qualified prospects internally before looking for outside candidates. Plans are to narrow the list of candidates first to seven and then pare that down number to three finalists.
Ransom likely next UNT-HSC president
Dr. Scott Ransom has risen to the top as the lone finalist named by the University of North Texas Board of Regents to be the next president of the university's Health Science Center.
If confirmed, Ransom will replace Dr. Ronald Blanck, who announced his retirement in October, effective when UNT officials find his replacement.
Ransom currently serves as director of the program for health care improvement and leadership development at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he also doubles as a professor of obstetrics, gynecology, health management and policy. He is also the director of women's health and gynecology at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center. Prior to his association with the University of Michigan, Ransom was vice president of a seven-hospital system in the Detroit area. He is past president of the American College of Physician Executives and was heralded by UNT Chancellor Lee Jackson as "an energetic and experienced health care leader," who Jackson said has the talents to continue the rapid development of the Health Science Center.
Brownsville superintendent resigns
Brownsville ISD Superintendent Michael Zolkoski offered his resignation to the school board this week, effective July 31. Hector Gonzales, assistant superintendent for operations, will take over as interim superintendent on July 10. Zolkoski is leaving Brownsville to become the new superintendent in Tulsa.
El Paso mobility authority approved
El Paso's application to create the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority was approved by the Texas Transportation Commission Thursday, but not before the commission charged the entity with its first project. The commission approved the application with the caveat that the first proposed project will not be considered by the state until the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization reverses its opposition to the regional mobility authority.
ASU presidential search committee named
A 14-member panel, chaired by Regent John E. Dudley, has been named to perform a search for a new president at Angelo State University. The group will be looking for a replacement for ASU President James Hindman, who announced in August that he would resign two years later to teach full-time at the university. The committee includes ASU students, faculty and community members.
Retailers donate to TEXAS Grant program
The TEXAS Grant program, which provides free college tuition to more than 115,000 students, will benefit from a second donation of $250,000 from the Texas Retailers Education Foundation. Raymund A. Paredes, Texas Commissioner of Higher Education, said that although the state has made a major contribution to the program, the demand exceeds the resources. "The private sector can help close this financial aid gap," he said.
The TRA foundation and its members created the Texas Retailers Community Partnerships Committee that partnered with the College for All Texans Foundation to support TEXAS Grants. Funding goes directly to graduating seniors from four-year colleges and universities and second-year students at community, state and technical colleges. The retail industry in Texas employs one of every nine Texans and sees participation in the grant program as a way to ensure an educated, well-trained workforce to participate in the industry.
Round Rock sets school bond issue
Voters in the Round Rock school district will go to the polls on Nov. 7 to decide a multi-million dollar bond package. The bond proposal will be split into four propositions totaling $267 million. Included in the package are construction of two new elementary schools, a middle school and a high school, renovations to existing classrooms and other district-wide upgrades.
Lens on Texas: Some Important Census Estimates You May Have Missed
Last week the US Census Bureau released population estimates for 2005. Here are some items you probably didn't see in the legacy media:
- If Vermont were a Texas city, it would be our sixth largest. Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Ft. Worth would be larger and El Paso is nearly as large.
- San Antonio has replaced San Diego as the 7th most populous city in the US.
- Boston and San Francisco have each shrunk by about 5% since the 2000 census, together losing about the same number as Houston gained.
Click here to read the rest of the article.
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Video conferencing: Defying limitations
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Video conferencing is proving to be a critical solution to overcoming the size and disparity of resources in Texas. Many complex problems are being solved with video conferencing technology.
Not only does video conferencing offer an attractive alternative to escalating costs and stress related hassles of travel (higher gasoline costs, expensive last-minute airline tickets, loss of productive time, and bringing along a virtual office) but it also creates options not available otherwise.
Without video conferencing many innovative solutions that are currently serving government well would not be possible. For instance:
- Texas Tech University's Center for Telemedicine can bring a physician located hundreds of miles away into the actual examination room via a live interactive system and electronically transport primary and specialty medical care into the most remote areas.
- A high school in a small, rural district can offer its students access to advanced and/or specialized courses by connecting with another high school that offers those courses.
- A city fire department can eliminate out-of-town travel for firefighter training that would leave the city short-staffed.
- State agency field office staff from across the state can hold weekly meetings without leaving their offices.
Today, in the State of Texas, not only is video conferencing saving taxpayer dollars, it is also providing new and more efficient ways of solving problems and meeting the needs of people throughout Texas.
La. storage center moving to Austin
Hurricane Katrina has caused New Orleans officials to rethink not only the safety of its residents, but also the safety of and access to the data on its computers. As a result, the city will pay a small one-time fee to the city of Austin to house a storage center for some of New Orleans' crucial computer programs.
New Orleans officials believe that Austin is far enough away from the coast that their storage center would not likely suffer hurricane damage in the event of a major storm. Last year's hurricanes caused power outages in New Orleans that disrupted a number of functions in city government, including e-mail and payroll.
Johnson to leave schools
for TEA
LaMarque ISD Superintendent Adrian Johnson is leaving the school district to become an associate commissioner for the Texas Education Agency. State Education Commissioner Shirley Neeley made the announcement at a recent state education conference. Johnson has previously served as superintendent of the Aransas County ISD and as assistant superintendent of the Corsicana ISD. No timeline for Johnson's departure from LaMarque has been set.
Belton ISD gets good rate on bonds
Timing apparently is everything - at least for the Belton ISD. Their May bond election that passed projected an interest rate of 5.15 percent, but when the bonds hit the market, trustees locked in on a 4.77 percent interest rate for the 25-year bonds.
Belton's bonds were the only Texas school bonds on the market the day the school district received bids, netting BISD better bids than those that came in both before and after. Officials had predicted an additional $7 per month in property taxes on a $100,000 home to support the bond sales, but are now hopeful the tax increase will be less. The bonds will support school construction projects and a land purchase.
San Augustine looking for new superintendent
San Augustine ISD Superintendent Marshall McMillan is retiring after 12 years at the East Texas school district. His wife, Carol, the district's technology director, is also retiring. While a search for a new superintendent is under way, former Chireno Superintendent Harold Hagle will serve as interim superintendent. Hagle has 32 years experience in education and has three times served as interim superintendent.
Gov. makes several appointments
Governor Rick Perry recently made the following appointments:
- Doug Carmichael of Pampa; Texas Funeral Service Commission;
- Sue Evenwel of Mt. Pleasant; Texas Funeral Service Commission;
- John R. Castle Jr. of Dallas; presiding officer, Parental Advisory Committee;
- Raymond J. Graham of El Paso; Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners;
- Paul Littlefield of Caldwell; Lavaca-Navidad River Authority;
- David Martin Muegge of Edna; Lavaca-Navidad River Authority;
- Delia Reyes of Addison; Board of Directors, Texas Mutual Insurance Company;
- Dr. Victoria S. Salin of College Station; Board of Directors, Texas Agricultural Finance Authority;
- Kay Simons of Edna; Lavaca-Navidad River Authority;
- Lois Gamble of Austin; Parental Advisory Committee;
- Tim Lambert of Lubbock; Parental Advisory Committee;
- Francisco G. Zarate of Rio Grande City; Parental Advisory Committee;
- Dr. Herschel C. Smith Sr. of Houston; Parental Advisory Committee;
- Christopher Barbic of Houston; State Board for Educator Certification;
- Mildred Janie Baszile; State Board for Educator Certification;
- Jeanne Marcum Gerlach, PhD; State Board for Educator Certification;
- Dr. Irvin Zeitler of San Angelo; Texas Medical Board.
Nacogdoches ISD to hire new superintendent
The sole finalist from a group of 70 applicants, Dr. Rodney Hutto is poised to become the next superintendent of the Nacogdoches Independent School District. His hiring is expected to become official at the school board's July 8 meeting. Hutto is currently superintendent of the Sherman ISD.
Hutto has 20 years experience in the public schools of Texas, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and superintendent. The search committee to find a new superintendent included former Texas Education Commissioner Mike Moses.
Round Rock announces its new Web site
"Purpose. Passion. Prosperity," says the City of Round Rock's new Web site, www.roundrocktexas.gov, which replaces its old site. Among the changes on the site - city residents can now pay their utility bills online. The Web site features a calendar of events, job postings, city news, information on parks and city departments and an e-mail subscription entry form so that residents and others can have news about the city delivered to their e-mail addresses.
| Ask the experts |
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Q: I just heard that Texas was awarded millions of dollars in homeland security grant funding. When is the best time to approach local government entities with my products/services?
A: As is generally the case with grant program cycles, the earlier you approach key decision-makers, the better.
Although the FY 2006 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) awards were announced at the end of May, (to view the Guide to Homeland Security Funding: A Report on Federal Programs that Provide Funding to the State of Texas, click here) and it will be a few months before local governments are able to tap into these funds, cities and counties have spent the past few months assessing needs and formulating and prioritizing projects. They are currently waiting to hear which of their recommended projects were awarded funds. These entities will have up to 24 months to spend their grant funds, which will result in purchases off of existing contracts or through a competitive procurement.
What vendors need to know is that now is the time to approach cities, counties and others with their solutions. By cultivating relationships now with decision-makers, you can learn about the projects the FY 2006 grant money is intended for, thereby determining if your products/services could be utilized.
Another reason to contact these entities now is to get staff thinking about your solutions for the next grant cycle. Even though applications for FY 2007 HSGP money won't likely be due until next spring, getting staff to think about the possibilities now is a good way to truly get "ahead of the curve." By approaching key players now, you may be able to generate enough interest in a project for that entity to include it in its grant application.
-Kirk Yoshida,
Senior Research Analylst at Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Have a question for one of SPI's government affairs experts?
Drop us a line!
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Port of Beaumont lists priority projects
Improvements at the Port of Beaumont could top out at $100 million over 10 years, according to a capital improvement plan approved by port commissioners this week. Among the priorities are a relocation of the port's rail yard away from the Neches River and development of a cargo-handling addition in Orange County. The plan also calls for maintenance of existing assets and repair and upgrade of facilities.
Workforce funds headed for Texas
The Texas Workforce Commission has been awarded a $13.4 million National Emergency Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to be used to provide employment and training services for Texas workers displaced by last year's hurricanes or seeking new employment opportunities as a result of the storms. The funding will be aimed at creating temporary jobs and providing vocational training that will help employees return to work.
Coats retires from Animal Health Commission
After 19 years with the Texas Animal Health Commission, Dr. Max Coats is retiring from his position as deputy director. Coats joined the commission as a field epidemiologist and was named state epidemiologist in 1998. In addition to his responsibilities as deputy director, state epidemiologist and head of laboratories and support functions, Coats also serves as the agency's poultry specialist.
Widely known as an expert, Coats' speaking engagements have taken him to Damascus to discuss brucellosis, and to the Ukraine and Ethiopia to discuss the avian flu. Coats' retirement is effective July 31.
| ONLINE POLL |
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Should the state leverage the resources of the private sector to assist in road construction projects to ensure roads are built faster and sooner?
(Non-scientific results next week)
Last week, 92% of respondents said they think the government should do more to help prevent identity theft.
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Pflugerville names acting superintendent
Charles Dupre, deputy superintendent of the Pflugerville school district, has been named acting superintendent while Superintendent Patricia Pickles remains on indefinite leave. School officials are contemplating releasing Pickles from her three-year contract, which began in February 2005. The contract is scheduled to end in 2008.
Christian named officer at ACU Foundation
Kevin Christian, former director of the West Texas Office of Economic Development, has been named as an officer of the Abilene Christian University Foundation and as associate general counsel for ACU.
Christian, an ACU alum, began his work with the Foundation on June 1, and will assist with building the endowment at ACU through networking with friends of the university and members of the community to encourage and assist with financial and estate planning. The foundation's endowment is currently more than $230 million.
Spaceport deal amended by Brazoria County
A launch pad and related construction as part of the Gulf Coast Regional Spaceport Development Corp. agreement was approved this week by the Brazoria County commissioner's court. The court amended two orders to appropriate a total of $50,000 to fund projects that include the launch pad as well as road and other site improvements.
Proposal could affect small businesses
The U.S. House is considering a proposal to the Small Business Reauthorization Act (HR 5352) that would repeal a federal policy that prevents large companies from using their franchises to obtain small business contracts. According to provisions of the new proposal, small business status would be granted to franchises of large companies. The new regulation would take into account whether the franchisee or licensee: retains the majority of its profits but not less than 51 percent; bears the burdens of its losses; shares no common ownership or management personnel with the franchisor or licensor; maintains daily control of its operations including determining who its customers will be; and is subject to excessive restrictions on the sale of its business given the interest of the franchisor or licensor in protecting the goodwill of its trademarks, tradenames, or service marks.
Zmud stepping down from Central Texas Mobility Authority
Johanna Zmud, a founding member of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority who has served on the authority's board since 2002, plans to resign from the authority due to increased demands in her business career. She has not set an official date for her resignation but has offered to continue to serve until a replacement is named. Zmud is a former chair of the authority's planning committee.
Job Opportunities at SPI:
Strategic Partnerships, Inc., is seeking affiliates with subject matter expertise in public school grades K-12. Candidates should have an extensive knowledge of public schools K-12, including budgetary and procurement processes and should have existing relationships with executive decision-makers in the public schools. For a full job description, click here.
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