Some Texas kids can leave backpacks at home

HISD's virtual school program expands to students statewide

Some lucky Texas elementary and middle school students can leave their backpacks at home for the upcoming school year.

The Houston Independent School District has teamed with Texas Connections Academy to expand their successful virtual school program from 100 local students to 1,000 third- through eighth-graders across the state.

The Texas Connections Academy at Houston (TCA@H), as the program is now known, offers selected students a tuition-free, public education with certified teachers via the Internet. Eligible students receive a loaned computer and subsidy for Internet access.

Students enrolled in TCA@H, the only Texas Education Agency (TEA)-approved statewide virtual school program, are monitored by learning coaches, parents or guardians in the home who play an active role in assisting with day-to-day management of the student's schedule and learning delivery.

"Learning coaches mark the child's attendance and go through training," said LaMyrle Ituah (right), coordinator of HISD's Charter Schools Programs. "TCA keeps in close contact with them."

Breaking news...

Gail Lowe named chair of State Board of Education

Gail Lowe (pictured) of Lampasas has been named by Gov. Rick Perry as chair of the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2011. She replaces Don McLeroy of College Station. The board and education commissioner oversee the state's public school system.

Lowe was first elected to the SBOE in 2002 and re-elected in 2004 and 2008. She currently serves on the Committee on School Finance/Permanent School Fund. She previously served as vice chair of the board's Committee on Planning and has also chaired the Committee on School Initiatives.

Lowe is co-publisher of the Lampasas Dispatch Record. and holds a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University.

Texas National Guard participates in radio test project

One of 14 entities chosen by DHS to evaluate multi-band radios

The Texas National Guard (TNG)- Austin ranks among 14 lead organizations selected by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate to run a pilot phase of testing and evaluation for the Multi-Band Radio project.

The radios tested in the pilot endeavor will allow police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel to communicate with partner agencies, regardless of the radio band on which they operate.

As part of the final pilot phase, which also includes laboratory testing, TNG-Austin will be able to access the multi-band technology and implement it in its daily operations. The final phase of development also incorporates feedback from local, state and federal agency personnel who have previously used the equipment.

The devices, comparable in size and weight to existing portable radios utilized by emergency respondents, provide much-improved communication capabilities. Current radios operate within a specified frequency band, hindering communication with agencies that operate on different frequencies.

Office of Rural Community Affairs set for name change

The Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA) will have a new name beginning Sept. 1. The state agency dedicated to rural Texas communities will then be known as the Texas Department of Rural Affairs (TDRA). The agency's new URL will become www.tdra.state.tx.us.

Charles S. Stone (pictured), ORCA executive director, said the agency's acronym often confused rural community residents and other state agencies whose members often "mistook us for a nonprofit organization."

Created by the 77th Legislature in 2001, ORCA has awarded more than 4,891 grants totaling more than $642 million to rural areas for economic development, disaster relief, infrastructure and healthcare measures.

Ag commissioner urges cities to apply for grants

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples recently announced that the agency is taking applications for grants from the $10 million Texas Capital Fund, which was created to help cities in rural areas pay for infrastructure improvements, real estate acquisitions and other activities to help recruit businesses and create jobs.

The Texas Capital Fund offers awards in four separate programs - infrastructure development, real estate development, main street improvements and downtown revitalization. Infrastructure Development awards may be used for projects that include water and sewer lines, road improvements, fiber optic lines and railroad spurs while Real Estate Development awards may be used to acquire, construct or rehabilitate buildings. Main Street Improvements and Downtown Revitalization programs provide grants to non-entitlement cities for the purpose of renovating or constructing sidewalks, lighting, drainage and other infrastructure elements in downtown areas.

The deadline for applying for the awards is Sept. 1. More information on the Texas Capital Fund may be found HERE.

Texas Youth Commission wins $2.9 million grant

The U.S. Department of Labor recently awarded a $2.9 million grant to the Texas Youth Commission to help find jobs for young people involved in the juvenile justice system. The grant funding will pay for training and employment for youths in the juvenile justice system this past year.

Dallas offices shuttered Monday for employee furlough

Many city departments in Dallas closed for business on Monday after the city council agreed to shut down many city services such as libraries, recreation centers and pools for the first of two mandatory employee furlough days to help balance the city budget.

The furloughs did not include garbage pick-up or emergency services such as fire, police and emergency. The city's 311 service was operated over the weekend with a small crew, said City Manager Mary Suhm (pictured). The two employee furlough days are expected to save the city $2.8 million during this current fiscal year. Affected employees, however, lose eight hours of pay or the equivalent in salary. The next employee furlough day is scheduled for Sept. 4.

Suhm said she is considering requesting council to approve four more employee furlough days in the next fiscal year to ease the city's huge budget deficit.

TDHCA reaches milestone in home-rebuilding effort

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) as of July 5 completed work on 112 homes and started construction on 554 single-family houses in its efforts to assist in Hurricane Rita disaster relief. The repair and replacement work is funded through $222 million in TDHCA's Homeowner Assistance and Sabine Pass Restoration programs.

Previously some 475 homes were repaired or replaced with $74.5 million in hurricane disaster recovery funds, marking a total of 587 single-family units on which TDHCA has completed construction.

The department plans to rebuild or replace another 2,700 homes for residents impacted by the storm.

ETF funding investment goes to Amarillo company

Animal Innovations Inc. of Amarillo is the recipient of $250,000 from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund. The company will use the funds for completion and commercialization of its automatic syringe filling and data collection system for animal medication. In making the award, Gov. Rick Perry said the innovations of the company will improve existing animal health care practices as well as having a significant impact on agriculture in the state and elsewhere.

Animal Innovations' technology allows the safe and efficient administration of drugs to animals through its patented, back filling syringe. The system's accurate measuring system can fill a syringe up to 10 milliliters in 10 seconds, ensuring that animals are not over- or under-medicated. The system also protects the quality of the medication by shielding it from heat and other external elements.

Animal Innovations will partner with Texas AM University and Ten X Technology to commercialize its product. The technology also could protect livestock and other animals from agro-terrorism.

Edinburg hospital helps endow chair at UTHSCSA

The Doctor Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg has endowed The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) with a $2 million chair in support of Dr. Dipen Parekh (pictured), a urologic oncologist who uses robotic technology to remove kidney, prostate and bladder cancers. The gift will help sponsor a Distinguished University Chair - the highest endowed faculty position at UTHSCSA.

Parekh practices at UTHSCSA in addition to traveling to the lower Rio Grande Valley twice a month to perform these highly advanced, minimally invasive procedures in which he extracts tumors through tiny incisions, reducing pain, blood loss and risk of infection.

Dr. Glenn A. Halff, acting dean of the School of Medicine at UTHSCSA, said endowed chairs help "attract and retain the best and brightest physician-scientists."

City-County Cooperative Award winners announced

Dallas County and the City of Irving and Wise County and the cities of Bridgeport and Decatur were recently named winners of the 2009 City-County Cooperation Award by the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) and the Texas Municipal League (TML).

Dallas County and the City of Irving were chosen for their cooperative efforts relating to the Irving Health Center. The project eventually included those two entities as well as Parkland Health and Hospital System, Baylor Medical Center at Irving, Dental Health Programs, Irving Housing and Human Services Board and the U.S. Department of Housing. Indigent residents of Irving were found to either forgo medical treatment or seek expensive emergency room services. Working together, the entities were able to open the health center in 2007 to meet these needs. The result has been more services, less expensive primary care and provision of outpatient care that has prevented many hospitalizations - and a savings to taxpayers.

The Wise County, Bridgeport and Decatur partnership was honored for bringing a branch campus of Weatherford College to their county. As the need for college-level classes in the county grew, so did the need for larger facilities. A steering committee was formed and successfully engineered a branch campus maintenance tax referendum. The college obtained permission to build a Wise County branch, which now stands on property owned by the County, with a long-term lease with the college to cover debt repayment, operation and maintenance of the facilities.

The entities will all be formally honored at the TAC conference Aug. 26 in Austin, the Texas Association of Regional Councils annual conference Sept. 16 on S. Padre Island and the TML annual conference Oct. 21 in Fort Worth.

Donald Grose to retire as dean of UNT libraries

Dr. B. Donald Grose (pictured) retired July 1 from his position as dean of the University of North Texas Libraries and associate professor in the Department of Dance and Theater. Grose served in both positions since 1988. He served as associate chair of the department for one year and held a tenured teaching position while director of libraries. The director position became a dean position in 1988.

As dean of the UNT Libraries, Grose oversaw the creation of the nation's only CyberCemetery in 1977 as a means of preserving accumulated information from defunct government agency Web sites. It now includes some 50 Web sites from United States executive and legislative branches and independent commissions. During his tenure, the libraries also created the Digital Projects Unit to support the libraries with digital imaging, archival storage of electronic files, metadata development and more.

Grose holds a bachelor's degree from Missouri State University, a master's from the University of Kentucky and a doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

TWDB gets $160M in stimulus funds

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded more than $160 million in stimulus funds to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to assist state and local governments finance overdue water-improvement projects.

EPA Acting Regional Administrator Lawrence E. Starfield called the investment "win-win," saying the funds "will not only help our economic recovery, but they will help provide safe, clean drinking water for communities throughout Texas."

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds will be allocated to the state's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, which provides low-interest loans for water systems to finance infrastructure upgrades.

Law requires Comptroller to review appraisal districts

A new law in the Legislature's House Bill 8 will charge Texas Comptroller Susan Combs with reviewing the performance of each county appraisal district at least once every other year. In off years, the Comptroller's Office will perform a property value study for each school district to determine its taxable value. The new law goes into effect in January 2010.

Combs said she looks forward to working with districts "to ensure fair and accurate appraisals," adding "Texas taxpayers expect and deserve efficient service and uniform appraisals."

The reviews will include each appraisal district's governance, taxpayer assistance and operating and appraisal standards as well as the procedures and methods involved. If a district fails to comply with Combs' recommendations within one year, the Board of Tax Professional Examiners or a successor agency is required to ensure compliance by taking necessary action.

UTHSC-Houston gets first federal stimulus funds grant

Rowen Chang (left), a Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM) professor of protein chemistry at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and Chuantao Jiang, M.D. (right), an assistant professor at the IMM, will be the principal investigators on a $412,500 federal economic stimulus grant. The grant addresses Parkinson's disease research and is the university's first federal grant from stimulus funds.

The two-year grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke will support efforts by researchers in the university's IMM to develop a therapeutic vaccine. The grant extends through April 30, 2011.

Chang believes he may be able to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease and possibly even prevent it by targeting a protein associated with the disease.

UTEP awarded grant for migrant worker program

The University of Texas at El Paso's UTEP-High School Equivalency Program got a $2.3 million shot in the arm recently in the form of a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The funds will be used to help migrant and seasonal farm workers and their children earn high school equivalency diplomas. The UTEP program serves students in 23 counties in far West Texas and southern New Mexico as they prepare for the GED (General Educational Development) exam.

Seventy students will participate in three 10-week sessions where they will get classroom instruction, tutorial assistance and academic, personal and career counseling. The students are, after graduation, expected to be ready to transition to college, vocational school, the workforce or the military. They will receive financial support such as weekly stipends and housing and 25 will live on campus.

Norma O. Chacon (pictured), director of the program, said the goal is to break the cycle of migrant students dropping out of school during agricultural seasons. She said the program will show them other options and that obtaining a college education is possible. The grant is likely to be spread over five years.

Pritchard named as dean of UH pharmacy school

University of Houston officials recently named Dr. F. Lamar Pritchard as the dean of the College of Pharmacy there. Pritchard, who currently serves as dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, will succeed Mustafa F. Lokhandwala, who has served as interim dean at the pharmacy school since September 2008.

Pritchard previously served as a medical science manager at a pharmaceutical firm. He has a bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.

Hospital will be revamped for WTAMU research facility

The former Palo Duro Hospital will be renovated for a West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) research facility thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration. The funds will be matched by WTAMU funds.

The former hospital building will be the new home for research facilities for Dr. Guy Loneragan (left), associate professor of animal science, and his work on food safety. Dr. Robert DeOtte (right), associate professor of environmental engineering, will also study air quality and airborne pathogens there. Office space in the building will also be provided for the university's Alternative Energy Institute and University Research Alliance as well as Class 4 Winds, a nonprofit group that works to promote wind energy in the Panhandle region.

WTAMU applied for the grant more than a year ago and hopes to have the facility open within a year. Because the facility is large, it will lend itself to additional space for research and office facilities not in the original plan. Officials say some of the space could even be rented or leased.

UTMB - Phoenix preparing to rise once again

With funding approved by the Texas Legislature and other funds coming in from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), The University of Texas System and the Sealy & Smith charitable foundation, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is preparing to rise from the ashes of Hurricane Ike.

Devastated by damages from the hurricane of nearly a year ago, UTMB is now about to embark on a $1.4 billion project to repair those damages. Some $500 million of the costs will be to restore the Jennie Sealy and John Sealy Hospitals. Another $2 million will be used for repairs on non-clinical buildings such as the child care center and the Mary Moody Northern Pavilion.

If damages from the storm weren't enough, the facility then faced the loss of employees and beds and revenues that were in the red. However, when the 81st Regular Session ended, Texas lawmakers approved $566.5 million to UTMB for the upcoming biennium. Threats to cut beds and thus the number of indigent patients the facility could treat fell by the wayside. FEMA funds, insurance money and public and private donations netted the facility $1.4 billion to try to return to prominence.

Alamo Area COG announces new program directors

Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) officials recently announced two new program directors. Dr. Martha Spinks (left) has been named director of the AACOG's Bexar Area Agency on Aging (Bexar AAA) and Anthony Jalomo (right) has been tapped to serve as director of AACOG's Bexar Mental Retardation Authority (BMRA).

Spinks previously served nine years as executive director of Saint Barnabas Senior Services, a social service agency servicing low-income seniors residents in downtown Los Angeles. She retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army in 2000 after 24 years of service. She holds master's degrees from the University of Northern Colorado and Our Lady of the Lake University and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Jalomo most recently worked as the data and utilization manager at BMRA, where he began working in 1997 providing case management services. He has also served as BMRA's service coordination manager. He holds a bachelor's degree from Sul Ross State University.

Texas to receive $549,300 in stimulus funds for facilities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently awarded $549.830 in federal stimulus funds to help rural communities build or upgrade public facilities. The nine grants and loans are the third phase of community awards through the USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities program. Facilities qualified for grants include childcare centers, clinics, hospitals, assisted living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations community centers, public buildings and transportation.

Under the most recent award, the city of Edna will receive a $219,850 loan and grant to buy a new pumper truck while the city of Olney garnered a $40,000 grant to help buy a rescue truck for the volunteer fire department. Other awards included:

• $60,000 loan and grant to the Fisher County Hospital District;
• $18,862 grant to the city of Hawk Cove;
• $18,862 grant to the city of Hawk Cove;
• $40,700 grant to the city of Lamesa;
• $46,678 grant to the city of Olton;
• $16,450 grant to the Town of Springlake; and
• $50,000 grant to the City of Comanche.

College Station OKs finance plan for convention center

College Station city council members recently approved a finance plan for a proposed $40 million convention center.

After reviewing three financing options developed by city staff, council members opted for a plan that calls for the hotel occupancy tax to provide 86 percent of the funding for the convention center and will allow construction to begin in fiscal year 2012, later than originally discussed. The adopted plan recommends reducing current hotel occupancy tax expenditures by 50 percent while continuing full funding for the Bryan-College Station Convention and Visitors Bureau. Funds saved by reduced spending on projects such as the George Bush Library and the Veteran's Memorial would be placed in a fund for the convention center that is expected to accumulate $2.5 million to $2.6 million a year for the first 20 years, said Chief Financial Officer Jeff Kersten.

The plan also calls for the convention center to be financed through a designated increase in the hotel occupancy tax. It should provide an additional $400,000 per year while remaining costs can be funded through revenues generated from current and future tenants at the site, parking fees and a tax increment finance reinvestment zone.

UT-Brownsville chooses new associate VP

Ken Turpen (pictured) has been named associate vice president for Development in the Division of Institutional Advancement at The University of Texas at Brownsville. His goal is to see annual gifts to the university reach $3 million with a "focus on communicating and building relationships with 150,000 alumni who live throughout the world," he said.

Turpen is also looking to get the business community involved through philanthropic efforts such as UT-Brownsville's Distinguished Lecture Series, the President's Circle Fund and The Arts Center capital campaign. He said local businesses and corporations benefit from an educated community from which to recruit employees.

Turpen most recently worked as executive director of Philanthropic Services for institutions in Maryland. He served in the same capacity at North Carolina-based University Health Systems Foundation and the Pitt Memorial Hospital Foundation. He holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas-Pan American and a master's degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Michael E. DeBakey VA Center receives $5M grant

The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Research and Development has granted the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center a five-year, $5 million award for the creation of a new research center. The Neurorehabilitation: Neurons to Networks Center of Excellence will offer a specialized focus on mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injuries under the direction of Baylor College of Medicine professors Harvey Levin and Kimberly Arlinghaus.

An estimated 300,000 veterans have suffered traumatic brain injuries sustained from blasts in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The Michael E. DeBakey Center provides care to about 10 returning veterans daily.

UTB/TSC selects vice president for new position

Irv Downing (pictured) has joined The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College (UTB/TSC) faculty as vice president for Economic Development and Community Services. The newly created position is geared toward the academic and economic development needs of the university by developing relationships between UTB/TSC capabilities in workforce training, education and academic research.

Downing previously served as planner for the City of Brownsville and as founding executive director of the Brownsville Economic Development Foundation.

TASB cites nominees for Superintendent of the Year

The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) has announced superintendents from 16 public school districts have been nominated for the annual Superintendent of the Year award.

Regional superintendents of the year and nominating education services centers (ESCs) include: Oscar Rodriguez Jr., Mission CISD, ESC 1; Charley McMath, London ISD, ESC 2; Michael Lanier, Rice CISD, ESC 3; Mark Henry, Galena Park ISD, ESC 4; Clay Webb, New Waverly ISD, ESC 6; James Wilcox, Longview ISD, ESC 7; Linda Henrie, Mesquite ISD, ESC 10; Ray Braswell, Denton ISD, ESC 11; Rose Cameron, Copperas Cove ISD, ESC 12; Jesús Chávez, Round Rock ISD, ESC 13; Guy Nelson, Highland ISD, ESC 14; Robert Gibson, Miles ISD, ESC 15; Bill Mayfield, Highland Park ISD, ESC 16; Larry McClenny, Patton Springs ISD, ESC 17; Paul Vranish, Tornillo ISD, ESC 19; and Thomas Harvey, Jr., La Vernia ISD, ESC 20.

Superintendents from Texas' 1,036 school districts are eligible for nomination by their school boards. Candidates are selected based on student performance, leadership skills, commitment to public involvement in education and other criteria. The winner of the Superintendent of the Year award will be honored Oct. 3 at the TASB Convention in Houston.

Kettering to lead institutional advancement at OLLU

Paul T. "Rocky" Kettering III (pictured) has been appointed vice president for Institutional Advancement at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, effective July 21. Kettering currently serves as executive director of Development at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, a position he has held since 2007. In his new position, Kettering will be responsible for enhancing the division's ability to grow professionally and fund strategic initiatives. He also will help conduct a capital campaign, expand the major gifts program and strengthen alumni programs.

Prior to joining St. Mary's, Kettering was associate executive director for the University of Southern Mississippi Foundation. He also previously served at the Mount Vernon Presbyterian School in Atlanta and Cathedral Catholic School in Natchez, Mississippi.

Kettering holds a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University, a master's from St. Mary's University in Minnesota and a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

El Paso to spend $1.4 million to lease undercover vehicles

El Paso city council members recently approved $1.4 million to lease 80 unmarked vehicles during the next three years to increase safety for undercover police officers by switching vehicles more frequently.

Leasing vehicles for undercover use is more cost effective than purchasing vehicles, said Assistant Police Chief Eric Sullivan. The cost of the leases will be paid for primarily with state and federal grant funds, he said.

Missouri City agrees to seek grant for new fire stations

Missouri City council members recently voted to permit city staff to apply for a grant from the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant program to build two new fire stations.

While the grant has no cost-sharing requirements, the application from the city proposes a 15 percent local match, said City Manager Frank Simpson. The city also will be responsible for paying for furnishings, personnel and equipment, including new fire trucks.

Dyer to head OLLU College of Arts, Sciences

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) has appointed Christopher L. Dyer (pictured) dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Dyer joins OLLU after having served as dean of Arts and Sciences at Mount Olive College in North Carolina since 2004, also serving there as professor of anthropology. He also was dean of Strategic Initiatives, associate professor and director of the Center for Public Policy at Rhode Island College and has held positions at the University of Rhode Island, the University of South Alabama, Luther College, International University-Mexico City and Arizona State University.

Dyer holds two bachelor's degrees from the University of Arizona, master's degrees from the University of Alabama and the University of Arizona and a doctorate from Arizona State University.

Ector Co. approves $6.2 million for electronic records

The board of directors for the Ector County Hospital District recently approved $6.2 million for a computerized physicians order entry system, the last major step in converting to electronic medical records.

The new system will require five new full-time employees and is designed to improve patient safety, quality and efficiency, said Bill Webster, the chief executive officer for Medical Center Hospital. The project includes installation of hardware, training physicians, nurses and clinical staff, integrating the new software with existing equipment and installing new computer equipment. The work is expected to begin in October and be completed in about one year, Webster said.

The new computerized order entry system could qualify for up to $5.4 million in federal stimulus funds to help the hospital district pay for the new system, said Gary Barnes, chief information officer for the hospital. The $6.2 million cost of the new system brings the total cost for converting to electronic records to close to $30 million since the effort began several years ago, hospital officials said.

Sul Ross presidential hopefuls to tour campus

As Sul Ross State University's 10th President Dr. R. Vic Morgan prepares to retire, four finalists for the university's highest post have been invited to tour the campus in Alpine. Interviews and meetings with Sul Ross-Alpine and Rio Grande College students, faculty, staff and community members are slated to begin Tuesday, Aug. 11. The lone finalist for the post is expected to be announced the following week. Candidates for the position include: Dr. T. Jaime Chahin (top left), Dr. William R. Fannin (top right), Dr. Cheri A. Jimeno (bottom left) and Dr. Ricardo Maestas (bottom right).

Chahin has served as dean of the College of Applied Arts at Texas State University-San Marcos since 1999. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and a master's degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Fannin has served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs and as professor at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin in Odessa since 1996. He holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.

Jimeno has served as president of New Mexico State University, Alamogordo, since May 2007. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Montana, a master's degree from Montana State University, Bozeman, and a Ph.D. from Utah State University, Logan.

Maestas has served as vice president for Student and University Relations and as dean of students at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, since 2005. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque and a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan.

Lufkin OKs $2.21 million for capital improvement projects

Lufkin city council members recently approved $2.21 million for seven capital improvement projects. The council also approved $500,000 for unspecified improvements to the Pines Theater.

The seven projects are upgrades to Fire Station No. 1, improvements to the Kit McConnico parking lot, Zoo Circle Drive, reconstruction of Denman Avenue, renovation of Locomotive No. 110 and replacement of bridges on White Oak Drive and Groesbeck Avenue.

City officials said the additional $500,000 will remain unspent until a citizen's committee decides for what purpose the theater should be moved.

Waxahachie to apply for stimulus funds for fire station

Waxahachie City Council members recently agreed to apply for stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to pay for a new fire station. The new station will be located in east Waxahachie if the grant application is approved, city officials said.

Former Attorney General Gonzales to join Texas Tech

Former United States Attorney General Alberto Gonzales (pictured) is set to join the Texas Tech University System on Aug. 1. In his new role, he will assist TTU and Angelo State University with recruiting and retaining first-generation and underrepresented minority college students as part of the university's Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement.

Gonzales transferred to Rice University, where he earned his bachelor's degree, after an appointment to the Air Force Academy. He graduated from Harvard Law School and worked for a time at a Houston law firm before then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush recruited him as an advisor on border issues and relations with Mexico. He was then appointed Texas Secretary of State and elected to the Texas Supreme Court. He later served as U.S. Attorney General in the Bush administration.

FEMA awards $22 million in grants to Galveston groups

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded $22 million in grants to several Galveston County cities and a school district to aid in recovery from Hurricane Ike.

The grants include:

• $2.8 million to the Galveston Independent School District for repairs to Central Middle School;
• $1.4 million to the City of Galveston as reimbursement for emergency protective measures performed by the Galveston Police Department - such as high-water rescues and assisting stranded or disabled citizens;
• $6.7 million to the City of Galveston to pay contractors for debris removal and disposal of construction and demolition debris;
• $3.3 million to the City of Dickinson for debris clean-up; and
• $7.6 million to Galveston County to clean up and remove debris and hazardous waste along the Bolivar Peninsula Canal Waterway System.

So far, Texas has received more than $1.1 billion from FEMA since September 2008 to help with recovery from Hurricane Ike.

Cleveland airport to receive $120K in upgrades

The Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) has approved approximately $120,000 for improvements at Cleveland Municipal Airport. A new fuel system is slated to be installed as part of the upgrade.

The funds arrive as part of the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Aviation Facilities Grant Program, a $60 million initiative geared toward the planning, construction and maintenance of community airports.

A contract for the project is set to be awarded this fall.

Montgomery Co. receives $418,000 for vehicle cameras

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office has received $418,000 in grant money to equip about one-third of its patrol fleet with new video cameras. The dashboard-mounted devices - which provide clearer, digitally produced images - will replace existing cameras on 65 patrol vehicles. Images from the new cameras can be reviewed remotely and are automatically saved one minute before deputies turn on emergency lights to respond to calls.

Each of the "newest, greatest" camera systems, according to Chief Deputy Randy McDaniel (pictured), costs about $6,400.

The grant arrives as part of $2 billion set aside from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 through the Edward Byrnes Justice Assistance Grant program. The monies are aimed at helping state and local law enforcement combat crime.

Texas Bar Foundation issues grant to scan, post orders

The Texas Bar Foundation has approved a $7,500 one-year grant for the scanning and posting of all Texas Supreme Court local-rules orders issued since 1984 and administrative orders issued from 1990 to 2001 on the court's Web site. The Office of Court Administration is funding the grant.

Internet users will be able verify online versions of a particular set of local rules to ensure they conform to applicable approval orders.

In 2002, Texas' highest court began posting copies of all administrative orders on its Web site, but did not include orders issued before then. Administrative orders issued before 1990 were entered in oversized bound volumes, which would have proven too expensive to copy and scan.

West Galveston Bay marshes to be rebuilt with grant

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has selected the restoration of West Galveston Bay's fast-dying marshes as part of a $167 million effort to rebuild damaged wetlands and create jobs in the process.

The administration plans to allocate more than $5 million in funds to rebuild the marshes with dredged sand in what stands as NOAA's single largest restoration measure. The project is expected to create 100 jobs, according to officials.

Construction on the two-year venture begins in November at Jumbile Cove and Galveston Island State Park.

Transportation Commission awards $4M to airports

The Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) has awarded two Rio Grande Valley airports $4 million for pavement improvements and general upgrade costs.

Cameron County Airport is slated to receive $1.6 million in funds, while the South Texas International Airport in Edinburg has been approved to receive $2.4 million. The funds are allocated through the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Aviation Facilities Grant program.

TxDOT plans to provide nearly $60 million in funding for the planning, construction and maintenance of community airports this year.

Klein ISD's associate superintendent Johnson retires

Liz Johnson (pictured) has retired from Klein Independent School District after 36 years. She most recently served as the district's first associate superintendent for community relations, a post she held since 2001.

Johnson began her tenure at Klein ISD as a kindergarten teacher in 1973 before serving as an instructional officer in 1976. She went on to become an assistant principal and later was named associate director for student services.

Johnson holds bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in addition to a number of teaching certifications.

Brazos COG awards $75K for mobile data program

The Brazos Valley Council of Governments has awarded $75,000 to the Washington County Sheriff's Office to initiate a mobile data capability program. The funds, part of the Criminal Justice Division Grants from the Governor's Office, will help outfit 17 patrol cars with computer mounting, chargers and four laptop computers. If county commissioners vote to allocate the funds to the sheriff's office, the department will receive the money at the end of July.

Washington County Patrol Deputy William Berry said it is the department's goal to get every deputy his or her own laptop. For now, he said, "We will have to switch out the units after each shift."

Officers will be able to research information related to licenses, car registration and outstanding warrants with the new technology.

Mercedes ISD to receive $6 million in federal grants

The Mercedes Independent School District recently received notice that it will receive $6 million in grants during the next five years from the 21st Century CLC Grant program.

The grant funds will be used to hire about 250 tutors, offer college readiness and workforce readiness activities, deter gangs and drugs, provide workshops and parental improvement activities, offer summer school activities for about 500 students in June and establish partnerships with police, firefighters and colleges, district officials said.

Alice city officials to apply for $7M in TWDB funds

Alice City Manager Ray De Los Santos Jr. (pictured) and his staff have secured an invitation to apply for nearly $7 million in funding from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for two water/wastewater projects. The funding would save the city $7 million in 2007 series bond funding, allowing greater latitude for additional wastewater projects.

The two projects up for funding consideration include new 24-inch and 21-inch trunk lines for the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant (totaling $4.8 million) and new sewer lines on Texas Boulevard (totaling $2 million).

Mayor Rito Silva Jr. said the inclusion of the two initiatives places the city on the verge of its single largest infrastructure upgrade in history.

Montgomery County to build forensic mental hospital

An appropriation in the Texas Health and Human Services budget during the recently completed 81st Regular Session of the Texas Legislature means a 120-bed forensic mental hospital may open its doors in Montgomery County by 2011. The Montgomery County commissioner's court recently announced the facility will be built near the Joe Corley Detention Facility in north Conroe. The local facility will mean the county no longer has to transport psychiatric cases to facilities in Rusk, which proved to be an expense of $50,000 in 2006 each time two deputies escorted one prisoner.

The new facility is expected to be situated on a four- to five-acre site and carry a price tag of $30 million to $35 million. County Judge Alan Sadler said because of the increasing number of inmates requiring mental health assistance, he expects the facility to be full within six months of opening.

The facility will be paid for through revenue bonds. No company has been named to design and build the facility, but a company has been hired to operate it.

HGAC weighs contingency plans for transportation

Houston-Galveston Area Council members are compiling a list of contingency projects that could be funded with leftover transportation project monies. Bids on the projects have come in lower than expected.

About $150 million was originally earmarked in federal stimulus funds for transportation projects in Harris and surrounding counties, but bids came in about $30 million less than anticipated, according to Pat Waskowiak, the council's transportation planning, programming and public outreach manager. The council has asked city and county officials to submit new projects to the contingency list.

"We are analyzing our current needs to see what projects meet the restrictions for the funds," said Bob Leiper (pictured), Baytown deputy city manager.

Galveston school district benefits from $500K grant

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the Galveston ISD a $500,000 grant - the largest in the state - to help improve libraries. Damages from Hurricane Ike last year completely destroyed an entire collection of 10,000 books at one Galveston elementary school and another elementary lost 1,500 of its 9,500 books. GISD will also receive some funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with the grant funds helping bridge the gap for replacement of the books.

Some of the funding also will be used to purchase SMART boards, laptops and iPods to be loaded with electronic readers to view books and other reading materials.

Port Freeport to seek grants for railcar storage initiative

Port Freeport officials are planning to apply for funding in support of a 1,300-acre railcar storage yard where crews would load trains with 140-foot windmill blades destined for the nation's outlying regions.

The $40-$50 million initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation's $1.5 billion Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery program, would move trucks off the nation's highways, improving safety conditions and lessening the need for truck repairs.

"If we can load up a complete train with nothing but windmill components, those trucks are off the highway," Port Freeport Executive Director A.J. "Pete" Reixach (pictured) said. "It's also a big money-saver for our customers," he said.

Montgomery County approves bond sale for roads

Work will continue on five major road projects in Montgomery County after the commissioner's court's recent approval of the sale of $58.3 million in bonds. As part of the state's "pass through" toll program, the bond amount is expected to be paid for by the state as the county is reimbursed for the number of vehicles using the new roads.

Montgomery County became the first county in the state to use the pass through program, and the five projects were funded by a 2005 road bond issue. The county pays the up-front costs for the projects and then is reimbursed by the state at a rate of seven cents per mile per vehicle that uses the roadways within a year from the time they open. The county is expected to sell more bonds in July, as it needs approximately $88 million to complete the projects. Another $38 million in revenue bonds could be sold as early as 2010.

Stratta serving as president of international clerks group

Bryan City Secretary Mary Lynne Stratta (pictured) recently began her term as president of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) and in her new role will be representing not only Texas, but the United States.

Stratta was named city secretary in Bryan in 1990 and has nearly three decades of experience. She has been a member of the IIMC for 16 years and served on the organization's Board of Directors from 2003-2006. She also served as chair of the IIMC Education/Professional Growth Committee and was a member of the IIMC Records Management, Program Review/Certification and Retiree Task Force committees. Stratta is also a former IIMC Education Summit participant and was an Instructor/ Presenter for the IIMC Annual Conferences from 2001-2006.

In Texas, Stratta is a Texas Registered Municipal Clerk and served as president of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association in 2005. She was chosen Texas Municipal Clerk of the Year in 2002. Stratta has also served on the Texas Municipal League Board of Directors.

Conroe mulling 10-year, $145M development plan

Conroe City Council members recently reviewed a study that is expected to serve as a blueprint for a 10-year, $145 million plan for long-term economic development and public transportation. Prepared by a consultant and costing $123,000, the Conroe Mobility and Economic Development Strategy plan focused on three target areas - the area near the airport and industrial park, the city's northwest corridor near Interstate 45 and FM 3083 and the downtown area.

The plan recommended spending $71.4 million for improvements around the airport/industrial park area, including additional roads to improve mobility, upgrade runways, an additional terminal, hangars, drainage and parking. Planners urged spending $62 million in the northwest corridor, including widening and adding sidewalks and medians along FM 3083. The proposed plan also recommended adding an historic, artistic feel to the downtown area by spending $11.4 million on a trolley line, an amphitheater and a city bus line linking downtown to the Conroe Medical Center. The consultants told council members that most of the proposed projects would qualify for federal and state funding.

Francisco Valentin appointed state director for USDA

Francisco Valentin Jr. has been named Texas state director for rural development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Valentin has worked for the USDA Farmers Home Administration for nearly 30 years in a variety of positions.

In announcing the appointment, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Valentin would advocate for rural communities and administer programs and services of the USDA. USDA Rural Development oversees more than $114 billion in loans and loan guarantees as well as housing, business and community infrastructure programs.

Valentin has worked for the USDA in Caldwell, Bryan, Georgetown and Gilmer. He holds a bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State University at San Marcos.

Bryan's old police building to become City Hall Annex

With a price tag of $2.5 million, the city of Bryan is planning on converting its old police department building into a City Hall Annex that could also house a gym, a health clinic and a pharmacy for city workers. Because the police building is available and empty, City Manager David Watkins (pictured) said expanding the building into an annex would save the city money.

Watkins said nearly three dozen employees could be housed in the new facility, freeing up more space for approximately 70 others in existing buildings. City officials say the costs would be paid from a city account that has a surplus. Officials have ensured that the building is structurally sound and worth the cost of renovating. Building a new facility the same size would cost approximately double the cost of the proposed renovations.

Officials say plans for the renovation should be completed by January, with construction to start in late March, with an 18-month completion period.

Study suggests $64M in rec facility upgrades in Arlington

Following a two-year study, recommendations for upgrades and improvements for Arlington recreational facilities total $64 million. Among the recommendations is the razing of the city's recreational facility and replacement by expanding the New York Senior Center for use by all ages. Also recommended in the study are additional indoor pools, building a southeast Arlington recreation center and upgrades and expansions of other centers to serve all age groups.

Officials note the expansion of the New York Center would carry a price tag of $7.6 million and would include an upgraded gym, pool and fitness rooms. The study also recommends funding options that include community partnerships and providing scholarships to make the facilities accessible to the city's poor families. The city council is expected to review the study in August and vote on whether they should be included in the parks department master plan. The study included various projects for all parts of the city, from swimming pool additions to gyms to kitchen upgrades at the golf club.

Stimulus funding is now flowing briskly, on schedule!

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

Although it may seem slow to some, the $787 billion headed to state and local governments in the form of stimulus funding is flowing at a pace that is actually a little ahead of schedule. By the middle of last month, $29 billion had been distributed to the states. The federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) this week reported that this amount represents 60 percent of the $49 billion that should be allocated by Sept. 30, the end of the federal government's fiscal year.

Interestingly enough, 90 percent of the released funds have been dedicated to projects involving health care and education. If the federal government continues to meet deadlines, another $20 billion will be allocated in the next three months.

The GAO recently conducted a survey of 16 states and the District of Columbia, which together represent 65 percent of the nation's population and two-thirds of the funding allocations. By mid-June, in those states and D.C., the U.S. Department of Transportation had already obligated $9.2 billion of funding for more than 2,500 highway infrastructure projects.

Hadley to serve TCC
as interim chancellor

Tarrant County College (TCC) Vice Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley (pictured) has been named interim chancellor of that institution, replacing former Chancellor Leonardo de la Garza, who resigned.

Hadley is a veteran of more than four decades with TCC, having started her career as a charter faculty member at the Northeast Campus. She has been an administrator for the past 28 years.

Naval Station Ingleside
will be closing early

Plans to close Naval Station Ingleside near Corpus Christi have been moved up. The base was initially scheduled to be closed on Sept. 30, 2010, and was required by law to close by Sept. 30, 2011. Officials now say the base will close on April 30, 2010. The closing is the result of the latest Base Alignment and Closure Act recommendations. Since the closing was announced, the Port of Corpus Christi and the Ingleside Local Redevelopment Authority have been jointly working to redevelop the property once the base closes.

Laredo ISD board selects sole superintendent finalist

A. Marcus Nelson (pictured) has been selected sole finalist for the position of superintendent at Laredo Independent School District. Nelson currently serves as associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction at Judson ISD. He has also worked as a fifth grade teacher, high school math teacher, middle school vice principal and high school assistant principal and principal.

Nelson holds a bachelor's degree from Abilene Christian University and a master's and doctoral degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Military veterans to get break on property taxes

Texas military veterans who are totally disabled or cannot work because of service-related injuries no longer must pay property taxes on their homes. The Texas Legislature last session passed a bill that provides an exemption of the total appraised value of the homestead of Texas veterans who have received a 100 percent disability rating or who are considered unemployable by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The new ruling is effective for the 2009 tax year, but eligible veterans must apply for the tax exemption. That application is made through the local appraisal district. The application form is available here. Those who qualify also might need to contact their mortgage lenders to adjust their escrow payments if applicable.

McAllen discussing $5.4 million tennis center

A 21-court, $5.4 million tennis facility is being planned for construction by the city of McAllen. The proposed center would include an additional 10 smaller courts for children and a 7,500-capacity stadium. Mayor Richard Cortez (pictured) said the center would provide an economic boost for the local economy.

A large tournament could draw upwards of 500 players, meaning those players and their families would be in town for the duration of the tournament, spending money at local hotels and motels and restaurants. The city would hope to fund $2.2 million of the project and seek grants for other costs. A corporate sponsor would also be sought to pay for naming rights for the facility. The U.S. Tennis Association is providing free designs for the facility. Local officials are still hung up on deciding a location for the center.

Northwest's grant addresses math, science

Mentoring, summer programs and educational and cultural activities for female students at risk of not completing high school will result from a $1 million grant to Northwest Vista College, one of the Alamo Colleges. The funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, is hoped to increase the number of female students in high school who choose either math or science as their college major and their careers.

More than 40 students will be recruited in the ninth grade for the program and hopefully mentored through their high school graduation. Some of the money can also be used for training and development workshops for current high school and college math and science instructors.

Garcia selected USDA
state executive director

Juan Garcia has been chosen Texas State Executive Director (SED) for the Farm Service Agency at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was one of a number chosen by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Garcia currently serves as the Agricultural Program Manager/Assistant State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and has been acting SED since January.

Garcia brings 32 years of experience in the delivery of federal farm commodity and farm credit programs to his new post. He began working for the FSA at the county level. While at the USDA Soil Conservation Service, Garcia provided technical guidance to farmers, ranchers and organizations for planning and implementation of conservation programs. He served as an FSA county executive director in Hidalgo, Nolan and Cameron counties and as district director for the southern and eastern districts of Texas. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&I University.

Where are they now?

Where do folks go when they leave state government? Some go to work in the private sector or for nonprofits. Some transition to executive-level positions in higher education while others may seek elected local government positions. And some just retire and spend a lot of time with their grandkids at the fishin' hole. This column focuses on where former state government officials and employees are now.

Gwyn Shea was appointed Dallas County constable in 1993 and was re-elected in 1994, 1996 and 2000. She was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1981 and served five terms, leaving the House in 1992. In 2002, Shea was appointed Texas' 103rd Secretary of State and served in that position until 2003. She currently lives in Irving and serves on the Board of Regents of the University of North Texas.

Jim Solis was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1992 and served seven terms. He retired in January 2007. Solis currently is an attorney in private practice with offices in Harlingen. He also serves of counsel to a prominent Austin law firm.

Army plans new Sinton Center reserve facility

A new U.S. Army Reserve Center is being planned for Sinton, near Corpus Christi. The Sinton Center will include facilities valued at $10 million on 14 acres of land. Included at the site will be a training building, vehicle maintenance shop, a storage building and parking area. The new facility will be situated along the US 77 bypass and will replace the Army's old armory on Business 77. The old property will be returned to its original owner, the Sinton ISD.

Private retail center will
be located at Fort Bliss

Fort Bliss near El Paso will soon have the distinction of being the first military installation to have a retail center installed on the base. A $100 million retail center is in the works for Fort Bliss and will feature 500,000 square feet of retail space.

Two Army and Air Force Exchange Service stores - a more than 200,000-square-foot Post Exchange (PX) and a more than 110,000-square-foot commissary will anchor the retail center. The remainder of the space will be devoted to private retailers.

El Paso law enforcement to benefit from $5.4M grant

The city of El Paso has been awarded a $5.4 million grant for its law enforcement department. The funds will be used to improve communication between law enforcement agencies in the region, to create a tactical "fusion center" where state, local and federal agencies can share intelligence and to buy and coordinate standardized breathing equipment for local fire departments.

El Paso Mayor John Cook (pictured) said the city will head up a regional effort to ensure planning and communication success in event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster. The funds also will be used for making preparations on a regional basis for how to respond to a disaster or attack, on public education and on a regional medical operations center that will be able to communication with local hospitals. Interoperability, or all agencies and entities being able to communicate with each other, is a main goal of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which provides the grant funds.

Marshall ISD board reviews list for superintendent

Marshall Independent School District trustees have met with a search firm consultant and reviewed more than 33 applications in their search for a new superintendent. Board members are set to conduct a series of meetings within the coming weeks.

"The board is moving rapidly" to find a replacement for former Superintendent Kenn Franklin, said Brian Nichols, interim superintendent. Franklin resigned to take a superintendent position at the New Caney Independent School District.

Calkins joins SPI as director of services

Michael Calkins has been named Director of Services for Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and will direct the company's business intelligence and national research and will assist with SPI's National Training and Special Services divisions. Calkins is a veteran in the professional services industry, with an emphasis in achieving organizational growth and solution delivery.

Mike has more than two decades of experience with service- and product-focused companies and a strong background in technology. He specializes in development of professional services and has the technology expertise to analyze systems and needs, determine viable solutions and oversee implementation and deployment.

Also experienced in sales processes, Calkins has helped private sector companies standardize sales processes and reporting and has successfully aligned company support teams to consulting bases. He is a veteran in establishing business-to-business partnerships and has been responsible for preparation and presentation of seminars and training.

Two veteran research analysts added at SPI

Two veteran research analysts have been added to the Strategic Partnerships, Inc. team, adding even more depth to the firm's highly qualified and experienced research division.

Richard DePalma brings years of extensive procurement research and analysis experience to SPI. He is skilled in data collection and analysis, legal and regulatory analysis, program evaluation, program monitoring and reporting and stakeholder outreach. He has administered large, complex procurement studies for a number of major cities in a variety of states. He has analyzed billions of dollars worth of government spending for cities such as New York, Boston and Baltimore and has also conducted procurement research regarding states, counties and institutions of higher education.

Judy Coppolo brings to SPI research capabilities based on a career of public service that spans 15 years. She has served in the offices of two members of the Texas Legislature researching and analyzing legislation, was an education policy analyst with the State Comptroller's Office and worked for various budget- and education-related committees and subcommittees in the Texas Senate, where she was a policy analyst and budget analyst. She was also responsible for review of Legislative Appropriations Requests, state agencies' budget requests for each biennium.

Jahns chosen interim city administrator in League City

S. Marcus Jahns, former executive director of planning and emergency management in Bexar County, has been named interim city administrator for the city of League City. Jahns was one of three finalists for the position, joined by former Terrell city manager Gordon Pierce and former Angel Fire, New Mexico, administrator John L. Pape. Jahns will fill in for Chris Reed, who resigned his city administrator position in late June.

Jahns also ran his own consulting firm before being named interim administrator, consulting with cities regarding economic development, financial planning and budgeting. He also is a former assistant city manager for the city of San Antonio, managed a San Antonio water conservation district and was interim city manager for the city of New Braunfels. The city is expected to pick a search firm at its July 14 meeting to assist in the search for a full-time city administrator.

Harris County adds wireless Internet for would-be jurors

Residents summoned to jury duty in Harris County District Court can now bring laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other wireless-capable devices to access filtered, wireless Internet while waiting for their name to be called for the jury selection process. Public wireless Internet access has been announced by District Clerk Loren Jackson (pictured) for the county's Jury Assembly Room.

Jackson said jury service is crucial to the judicial system of Harris County, so court officials have moved to "make it more convenient for our citizens to show up when they're summoned." Providing residents with free wireless Internet enables them to stay connected to their family and their work, he said. Approximately 3,000 people report for jury service each week in Harris County.

Lubbock picks Satterwhite interim city attorney

Assistant City Attorney Mitchell Satterwhite has been chosen interim city attorney by the Lubbock City Council. He replaces outgoing interim city attorney Don Vandiver. Satterwhite will be the temporary replacement for former City Attorney Anita Burgess, who left last fall. Council members hope to have a new top attorney on the job no later than October. Satterwhite did not apply for the full-time position.

New public safety complex part of Shenandoah plans

Shenandoah officials have taken the first step toward building a new Public Safety Complex - approving the master plan. According to City Administrator Chip VanSteenberg (pictured), the facility would house the police and fire departments, an EMS station and Emergency Operations Center. It will also feature a shared training room, wellness area, dispatch center and fueling station. Other than the master plan design, the city has made no financial commitment to the project. The next phase would be design drawings for the inside of the facility.

Cleburne ISD's Darlene Callender changing titles

Cleburne ISD's Dr. Darlene Callender has changed titles. The former director of the district's Department of Curriculum and Instruction since August will now carry the new moniker of assistant superintendent of special programs. She will now take over some of the responsibilities of the former executive director of instruction and student support, who recently resigned to take a position at another school district. Superintendent Dr. Ronny Beard said that position will not be filled. The Cleburne district is still seeking a district-level executive director of curriculum and assessment, which has been vacant since December.

Prior to joining the Cleburne district, Callender was assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in the Dripping Springs school district. During her 27-year public education career, she has also served as curriculum director in the Decatur and Mabank ISDs, as principal in the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and principal in the Spring Branch ISD. She began her career with teaching stints in the Houston, Alief and Cy-Fair school districts.

GCCISD picks Byron Terrier for assistant superintendent

Former Buna ISD superintendent Byron Terrier (pictured) has been named Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services of the Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District in Baytown. Terrier will replace Robby McGowen, who left that position to become superintendent of the Alvin ISD. Terrier will be responsible for construction of an organizational structure for the management of the human resources, facilities planning/management, construction and school support services program.

Terrier was superintendent in Buna for the last three years. Before being named superintendent there, he served as multiple positions at one time as assistant superintendent and high school, junior high and elementary principal for one year at Evadale ISD, after having served for three years as high school principal. He also previously taught in Hardin-Jefferson High School for four years. Terrier holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Lamar University as well as his superintendent certification. He is currently working on his doctorate at Lamar.

SPI opportunities:

• K-12 consultants

SPI is hiring individuals with subject matter expertise and well-established credentials in the K-12 school district sector. Applicants for K-12 consultants should have well-maintained relationships and a strong background in K-12 administration, such as a former top-level decision-maker, i.e., a superintendent, deputy superintendent or administrative executive (CFO, HR Director, CIO) in one of or several regions of the state - Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, El Paso or the Valley. Ideal candidates are retired or seeking part-time consulting along with other existing employment.

• Houston-area consultants

SPI is also hiring individuals to be regionally based Houston-area local government consultants. Applicants should have expertise and relationships with executive-level decision-makers in the Houston area in one or more of the following: K-12 public schools, higher education, city government, county government, healthcare and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO). Ideal candidates are retired or seeking part-time consulting along with other existing employment.

To apply for these consulting positions at SPI, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to Anna Cook at acook@spartnerships.com and put "Application for K-12 Consultant," or "Application for Houston Area Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

Recent Reports

• A Review of Expenditures Related to Hurricane Ike at the Parks and Wildlife Department
• An Audit Report on the Board of Public Accountancy: A Self-directed, Semi-independent Agency
• Options for Delivering Integrated Care Services to Aged, Blind and Disabled Clients in the Dallas/Tarrant County Service Area - June 2009, HHSC
• An Audit Report on the Department of Banking
• Rider 26 Annual Performance Report for the Prescription Drug Rebate Program - January 2009, HHSC
• DADS 81st Regular Session Legislative Summary
• SPI's May 2008 Municipal Bond Elections Report

Event Links

• Public Funds Investment Act Workshop
• Emergency Management Association of Texas "Make it Happen" symposium
• Texas State University Small Business Development Center training schedule
• TWC Texas Business Conferences
• LBJ School Professional Development Calendar
• Upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government events

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 7 Archives · 11/7/03 - 6/26/09/09

Emanuel resigns as
Bastrop superintendent

Roderick Emanuel, who has served as superintendent of the Bastrop ISD for the last seven years and has been with the district for more than 20 years, has announced his retirement. He joined the BISD in 1987 as a teacher in the high school, and is the son of former Bastrop teachers.

Emanuel will continue to serve the district as interim superintendent until a new superintendent is hired. Prior to being named superintendent seven years ago, Emanuel served the district as an assistant principal and then principal.

Governor's appointments

Gov. Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

• James "Bob" R. McCan of Victoria, Coastal Coordination Council
• Mohn of Galveston, Coastal Coordination Council
• Manson B. Johnson of Houston, Health and Human Services Council
• Jerry Kane of Corpus Christi, Health and Human Services Council
• Teresa "Terry" Wilkinson of Midland, Health and Human Services Council
• Doyle "Neal" Newsom III of Plains, Produce Recovery Fund Board
• Ly H. Nguyen of Sugar Land, Produce Recovery Fund Board
• Jesse Rider of Tyler, Industrialized Building Code Council
• Sharon S. Butterworth of El Paso, presiding officer, Aging and Disability Services Council

VanSteenberg resigns
as city administrator

Chip VanSteenberg (pictured), who served as the city administrator for Shenandoah for four years, recently resigned from that position effective Aug. 8.

City council members are expected to appoint Assistant City Administrator Manny De La Rosa to serve as interim administrator until a new city administrator is hired. Council members also are expected to consider at their scheduled meeting on Aug. 8 whether to ask VanSteenberg to work on a part-time basis during the leadership transition.

Thomas E. Creek VA
hospital to receive grant

The Thomas E. Creek Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is slated to receive $430,000 in federal stimulus dollars to renovate its nursing home. The grant will help provide an upgraded family room and additional administrative space. The upgrade will also provide outdoor space for second-floor residents of the hospital's two-story nursing home.

An Amarillo construction firm won the contract to renovate the 2,367-square-feet space.

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Huntsville ISD approves assistant superintendent

Huntsville Independent School District trustees have OK'd Dr. Juneria Berges (pictured) as assistant superintendent. HISD Superintendent Richard Montgomery said the new position, which was created to help ease administrative burdens, will "give us someone to serve as an overseer of our curriculum and assessment areas."

Berges most recently served as principal of Coppell Middle School North for the last 10 years. Prior to that charge, she served as a principal at Grapevine ISD.

New area superintendent named in Ysleta ISD

Tom Miller (pictured), former chief of staff for former Ysleta Independent School District Superintendent Hector Montenegro, is set to take the helm as superintendent of the district's Parkland and Hanks areas.

Miller joins two other former Montenegro administrators as Ysleta ISD area superintendents. He previously served as the area's interim superintendent.

EPA awards $10.M to Texas to clean underground leaks

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded $10.7 million in stimulus funds to Texas to help pay for cleaning up petroleum leaks from underground storage tanks to protect ground water.

The funding, which was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, will be used for overseeing or directly paying for the assessment and cleaning of areas believed to be contaminated by leaks from underground petroleum storage tanks. EPA officials are expected to enter into cooperative agreements with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality this summer. The signed agreements will outline more specific plans on project funding, EPA officials said.

Magnolia appoints Brent as interim city secretary

After terminating City Secretary Lu Ann Drake, Magnolia City Council members appointed Deputy City Secretary Debra Brent as the interim city secretary. Drake had served as city secretary in Magnolia since 2004. City Administrator Ryan Kelly said he plans to name a new city secretary soon.

Harlingen CISD garners $8.88 million federal grant

The Harlingen Consolidated School District recently received notice the district will receive $8.88 million over the next five years from the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant program to enhance college and workforce readiness for its students.

The district will partner with the Texas State Technical College and the University of Texas-Brownsville to provide programs to help students become better prepared for college or entering the workforce. The funding will pay for tutoring and after-school programs in partnership with the Harlingen Parks and Recreation Department. It will also help bring representatives from the National Aeronautic and Space Administration to district campuses to encourage more students to pursue careers in science.

Mesquite approves $1.35 million to upgrade streets

The Mesquite City Council recently approved $1.35 million to reinstall concrete, streetlights and water mains along Town East Boulevard, near the intersection of Interstate 635 and Interstate 30.

This project is the last hurdle for motorists who have endured construction barriers for 15 years while trying to access area malls during recent improvements by the Texas Department of Transportation to the I-635/I-30 interchange, said Mayor John Monaco (pictured). The project increased traffic capacity and added an entrance, an exit and U-turn lanes. Council members also agreed to begin engineering services for renovations to Towne Center Drive.

Lone Oak City Secretary Lisa Brown resigns

Lone Oak City Secretary Lisa Brown has resigned her position, effective June 24. She had served as city secretary since July 2008. The city is currently taking applications to fill her position.

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

Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers

The Insider is published by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), a research and consulting firm. Founded in Texas in 1994 by former government executives and public sector experts, SPI has developed a national reputation as the premier marketing partner dedicated to helping companies secure contracts in the $1.5 trillion state and local government marketplace.

To learn more about SPI services click here or contact our sales department at 512-531-3900.

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State cooperative program subject of workshop

A free workshop to introduce local government representatives and purchasers to the State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program is set for Thursday, July 23, from 9 to 11 a.m. Sponsored by the Alamo Area Council of Government (AACOG), the event will be at AACOG's Al J. Notzon III Board Room, 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 100 in San Antonio. Those attending will learn the benefits and resources available to program members and how this program can save them time and money. A presentation of the state's new TXSmartBuy online purchasing system will be presented by Charlene Rendon, coordinator of the state's Co-Op program and a certified Texas purchaser. For more information, contact Rendon at 512-463-3336 or charlene.rendon@cpa.state.tx.us.

Public Funds Investment Act workshop set in August

The Alamo Area Council of Governments and the University of North Texas will host the annual Public Funds Investment Act Workshop on Aug. 24 and 25 at the Al J. Notzon III Board Room, 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 100, San Antonio. The workshop provides 10 hours of PFIA training and CEP credits. Early bird discounts apply. For more information and to register online, click here.

Emergency Management Association plans symposium

"Make It Happen," the 3rd Annual Emergency Management Association of Texas (EMAT) symposium is slated for Aug. 30-Sept. 2 at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel Bayfront Tower in Corpus Christi. A limited number of rooms have been secured for $85 per night, so attendees are urged to make reservations early. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend a refresher course and take the exam for Texas Floodplain Mangers Certification. The general membership meeting will include board elections, 2009 EMAT awards and recognition of Texas Emergency Manager certification recipients. For more information, click here. Online registration will be available soon.