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Emergency personnel gear up for floodingSearch, rescue teams pre-positioned as more rain predictedState emergency personnel are gearing up for another possible round of flooding in areas of Texas as weather forecasts indicate a storm line from Dallas to Laredo that could once again cause flooding in areas already saturated with rain. "Because storms have saturated much of our state this summer, many of our communities are at risk of dangerous flash flooding," said Gov. Rick Perry. "Places where one or two inches of rain normally wouldn't cause concern could quickly turn into a life-threatening situation. We will continue to work with local officials to provide the state resources necessary to ensure the safety of all Texas residents."
Six Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens with three boats have been pre-positioned. During the recent floods, game wardens were available for water rescues and also monitored flood waters, such as in the TPWD photo at right, where two game wardens view floodwaters at Inks Lake. A Texas Forest Service Incident Management Team is also positioned in San Antonio. Some 60 Texas Military Forces soldiers and 20 high-profile vehicles are on standby as are volunteer organizations that might be needed to provide mass care support for residents. [more]Former Health Commissioner Bernstein dies
Camille Miller, president and CEO of the Texas Health Institute and a colleague of Bernstein's, said the former commissioner was known for "always putting himself behind the best interest of the people." In addition to his public service with the then-Texas Department of Health, Bernstein was a Major General in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, and as an Army doctor became commander of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He retired from that position in 1978, moving to Austin to take on the job of chief of the Bureau of Long Term Care at the Texas Department of Health. In 1978, he was named Deputy Commissioner for Special Health Services, and a year later became acting Commissioner of Health. In 1980, Bernstein was appointed Commissioner of Health, Texas Department of Health, a position he held until his retirement in 1991. Many Texas workers celebrate minimum wage increaseMore than 130 million Americans - many of them Texans - received a 70-cent-per-hour raise this week thanks to a revision of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which increases the federal minimum wage in three phases from $5.15 to $7.25 per hour.
The first phase was effective July 24 and increased wages to no less than $5.85 per hour; the second phase will occur on July 24, 2008, increasing wages to $6.55 per hour; and on July 24, 2009, the $7.25-per-hour minimum will take effect. "Texas has a higher percentage of minimum wage workers than any other state," said Cheryl Abbot, regional economist for the Department of Labor. "Ten percent of all minimum wage workers in the United States are in Texas." Research by the Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP) echoes Abbot's comments when it reports that "Texas is currently the only state of the 11 most populous states whose state minimum wage is not higher than the federal standard, and therefore stands to gain the most from the federal increase." Bill Hammond (right), president of the Texas Association of Business said that "any time the government sets a price for a commodity, the consumer absorbs the charges." He notes that positions paying minimum wage are often essentially "job training," which may be eliminated if employers have to pay more to staff those positions. [more]Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
This week's salute is to Patricia Sullivan, Deputy Associate Commissioner of Data Development, Analysis and Research at the Texas Education AgencyCareer highlights and education: Thirteen years teaching secondary mathematics in New York, Colorado and New Mexico. Five years as a Director of Research and Evaluation and 12 years as a Director of Technology. Promoted from manager in the TEA Accountability Research Division to current position of Deputy Associate Commissioner of Data Development, Analysis and Research. Holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from State University of New York at New Paltz, a master's in elementary education from Southampton College of Long Island University and an Ed.D. in education administration and development from New Mexico State University. What I like best about my job is: providing services to the schools to help improve our students' opportunities and educational experience. The best advice I've received for my current job: Take advantage of the collective expertise that is available from the people within the agency, as well as in the education service centers and school districts. Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Be accepting of new ideas and be willing to take on new challenges because they are going to come. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: by calling my cell phone before I left the building. People would be surprised to know that I: have six children. Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: Although not recent, The Road Ahead by Bill Gates was prophetic about the changes that would occur in education. The forecasts in this book influenced my view of education at the time, and extends to today's educational culture. I look forward to his next book about the future, which is under development. Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a "Lone Star," please email us at editor@spartnerships.com. Debra Stabeno resigns from post at DSHS
Stabeno, assistant commissioner for prevention and preparedness, will leave the agency at the end of August. She will have completed 33 years with the agency. As assistant commissioner for prevention and preparedness, Stabeno and the others in the division have oversight of the Contract Management Unit, Community Preparedness Section, Disease Prevention and Intervention Section and Laboratory Services Section. Dewhurst addresses community college funding vetoLt. Gov. David Dewhurst has announced the appointment of a working group to address the funding shortage Texas community college are facing after a line item veto by Gov. Rick Perry. The veto eliminated $154 million in state funds that were to be used for health insurance benefits during the second year of the upcoming biennium. Perry argues that community colleges must pay health insurance benefits in the same proportion as state and local funds are used to pay their salaries. Community college officials throughout the state have complained that the veto of funding will shortchange would-be community college students and force tuition increases, possible tax increases and restricted enrollments. Named to the work group were Sens. Steve Ogden of Bryan, Judith Zaffirini of Laredo, Robert Duncan of Lubbock, Florence Shapiro of Plano and Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen. Dewhurst said he also plans to invite participation from the governor's office, community colleges, appropriate state agencies and other members of the Senate and the Texas House. Dewhurst said he hopes for a meeting of the Legislative Budget Board this fall to consider the issue. Austin renaming Town Lake 'Lady Bird Lake'
The action came two weeks after the death of the former first lady. "Lady Bird Johnson exemplified Austin's most cherished ideals of respect and commitment to both its citizens and environment," said Austin Mayor Will Wynn (pictured). "Her efforts in beautifying Austin helped to make our city the envy of the country, and I can think of no more fitting tribute than the naming of Lady Bird Lake." The former first lady was instrumental in helping create the hike and bike trail that has made Town Lake one of the city's most visible environmental efforts. She died July 11 at age 94. PUC approves sites for construction of wind power linesThe Public Utility Commission of Texas has designated state sites for the construction of new power lines to carry wind-generated electricity to consumers. Texas is the nation's leading producer of wind power. The PUC plans for power lines that could deliver at least 10,000 more megawatts of renewable power by 2012, which is enough to power nearly 3 million homes. The lines could end up delivering as much as 25,000 megawatts of wind energy, depending on how many wind farms are built. Though it can take only a year to build a wind farm, it takes five to build the transmission lines needed to send power to cities. Texas Forest Service named Gleason award winnerThe Paul Gleason Lead by Example award, usually presented to individuals who demonstrate leadership traits during or in support of wildland fire operations, this year was presented to a state agency - the Texas Forest Service. "This award recognizes each employee in the entire agency and their contributions during the worst fire season Texas has ever seen," said Jim Hull (pictured), director and state forester. "Everyone in the agency was affected by the grueling fire season, and they all deserve the credit."
More Texas counties now eligible for aidThe number of Texas counties eligible for federal infrastructure aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) due to flooding that began in mid-June has increased. Eight more counties - Brown, Cherokee, Comanche, Hamilton, Llano, Runnels, Smith and Travis - have been added to the list of those eligible for Individual Assistance funds. These funds can be used for both individuals and households. Another six counties - Hunt, Kaufman, Lamar, McCulloch, Menard, Stephens, Victoria and Williamson - are now eligible for Public Assistance funds. These funds are dedicated to repairing and restoring damaged infrastructure and can also be used for debris removal, emergency services and repair or replacement of damaged public facilities such as roads, buildings and utilities. FEMA officials also note that other Texas entities are eligible for its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, with those funds to help reduce future disaster losses. With these funds, entities can avoid or lessen the brunt of natural hazards by instilling safer building practices and improving existing structures and supporting infrastructure. "HMGP contributes to the development of a long-term comprehensive mitigation program by funding measures designed to achieve the goals of the State Hazard Mitigation Plan," according to FEMA. Operation Lone Star shows signs of success
The first week of the program included sites near the cities of Brownsville, San Juan, Mission and Raymondville. Next week, it moves to sites near Laredo, Zapata and Rio Grande City. "People turn out for free medical services, and we also tell them about state programs that will provide year-round access to health care," said Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins (pictured). Free basic medical and dental checkups, immunizations, health education and referrals are available. Officials had predicted a turnout of 10,000 in this ninth year of the program and say they now expect to exceed that figure. Last year, more than 6,500 people took advantage of the free healthcare. El Paso firm gets $2 million from Emerging Tech fundAn El Paso company has been named to receive $2 million from the state's Emerging Technology Fund to further develop its Intelligent Software Agents (ISA), software modules that automate tasks, provide decision support and collaborate with each other without human input to determine best actions. Gov. Rick Perry announced the grant saying that emerging technology "creates more jobs and generates substantial capital investments" which grow the economy. The grant recipient, SecureOrigins, Inc., of El Paso, produces software that can assist first responders in protecting the state's border and for emergency preparedness and response in which large volumes of information are involved. In the event of a disaster or emergency, those large volumes of information can be synthesized to provide simple available options. ISAs also could be used to track logistics as goods are moved from one country to another to ensure compliance with routes and timing. Funding from the Emerging Technology Fund is recommended by a 17-member advisory committee. With the addition of $75 million in the 2008-09 state budget and previous balances, more than $165 million is available in the fund for the upcoming biennium. Nearly $90 million has been granted to Texas companies and universities to date. SBOE postpones adopting curriculumThe State Board of Education postponed the adoption of new reading and writing curriculum standards for Texas public school students until next year. They will vote in February and take final action in November. Texas' reading curriculum was revamped 10 years ago when the state spent more than $9 million rewriting the English language arts textbooks. Administrators want the new curriculum to reflect the significant technological changes that have transpired over the past decade. Lottery wants to add raffle to gamesTexas may add a raffle to its state-run games if Attorney General Greg Abbott approves. His decision is expected in a few weeks. Raffles provide better odds of winning than other kinds of lotto games because a set number of tickets are sold with no duplicate winners. In the 27 states where raffles are offered, revenue-generating success has been mixed. Last year, Texas had record lottery sales of $3.8 billion, which generated $1.1 billion in revenue for the state. Texas Fitness Now grants available to schoolsThe Texas Fitness Now grant program has $20 million to award to the state's public schools and charter schools as part of an effort to fight childhood obesity. The funds, announced by State Comptroller Susan Combs, will be awarded over the next two years to support physical education in the schools, nutrition and fitness programs for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. The grants are aimed at schools whose enrollment is at least 75 percent economically disadvantaged. Combs said obesity cost Texas businesses $3.3 billion in 2005 and could cost as much as $15.8 billion by 2025 if the trend continues. Some 700 Texas schools qualify for the funding, with a minimum award of $1,500. Schools with higher enrollments can get additional funding. To be eligible for a Texas Fitness Now grant, a school must ensure that students in grades six, seven and/or eight participate in physical activity for either 30 minutes a day or 225 minutes per two-week period for the entire school year and must have a physical education curriculum that meets the standards of the National Association of Sports and Physical Education. There are other qualifications. The grants can be used to support and enhance physical education, including buying physical education equipment; buying equipment to track students' progress; selecting or developing an effective physical education curriculum and instructional materials; and training teachers and school administrators to help their students become fit and adopt healthy lifestyles. At least 25 percent of the funds must be used for nutrition education. Bill funds ORCA program for rural technology centersCeremonial bill signings were held recently for legislation that establishes a grant program through the Office of Rural Community Affairs that will help fund new rural technology centers. Some $3.5 million will help construct and equip a center in Starr County, which will be administered by South Texas College as a partnership with public schools in the area, libraries, learning centers, businesses and the community. The college will fund operating costs for the center, which will provide dual enrollment of high school students in upper-level courses in high-level technology courses. A second grant of $1.5 million will help fund a similar center in Zapata County. Dickerson to head up SFA Steen Library
As associate library director for information services at SFA, Dickerson was responsible for planning and coordinating services for the Information Services Divisions. She also served as director for the Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Library, was a department head for Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and assistant extension librarian at Shreve Memorial Library. Dickerson holds a bachelor's degree from SFA and a master's degree from Texas Woman's University. South Texas detention center to expandA 2,000-bed detention center in Raymondville in South Texas will soon expand by an additional 1,000 beds. Willacy County is entering into a $45-million contract with a private entity to expand the facility. The facility includes 10 dome-shaped tent-like structures and was originally intended to house illegal immigrants. The expansion will include two indoor gyms and a more than 500-seat capacity mess hall. The contract calls for the private entity to continue to operate the existing facility and the expansion. New proposal for Naval Station Ingleside studiedThe city of Ingleside has offered a new proposal for redevelopment of Naval Station Ingleside, which will close by 2010 as a result of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) cutbacks. Ingleside is proposing a nine-member Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) to oversee the redevelopment of the 155-acre site. Other local governments involved - the city of Corpus Christi, the Port of Corpus Christi and San Patricio and Nueces counties - must both approve the proposal and appoint their members to the authority before the LRA can file for official status with the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment. Officials of most of the entities involved said they would consider the proposal at upcoming meetings. Ingleside already is having discussions with a consultant who could help with the LRA process. An LRA would have oversight of federal funds made available to offset the impact of the military cutbacks. San Angelo bond election off the table for now
School officials are now turning to the results of a survey among district residents to see what they would and would not support in a bond election, since a May $130 million bond election failed. Bonds said she is sure officials can have information together in time for a May election. Brownwood names six city manager finalistsA field of 18 candidates for city manager in Brownwood has been narrowed to five finalists. The new city manager will replace Kevin Carruth, who resigned last fall. James Campbell, executive director of the Brownwood Economic Development Corp., has been serving as interim city manager since May. The finalists include: Paul Catoe, city manager of Colorado City, former city manager in Hamilton and Eastland and a graduate of Texas Tech University; Bobby Rountree, city manager of Goldthwaite, previous city manager in Baytown and a Texas Tech graduate; Christopher Coffman, local government services director for the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission, former city manager in Borger and Panhandle and a graduate of West Texas A&M University; Gary Dumas, current deputy city administrator in Fayetteville, Ark., former director of planning in Sioux City, Iowa, Corpus Christi, San Angelo and Victoria and a graduate of the University of North Texas; Kandi Hubert, city manager of Balch Springs, former city manager in Winnsboro, former city administrator in Electra and Gun Barrel City and interim city manager in Crowley and graduate of the University of North Texas; and Jeffrey Thompson, former city manager of Aransas Pass, Leon Valley, Gilmer and Seymour and a graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler. Officials will conduct interviews next month and hope to have a new city manager in place by Oct. 1. Zambrano choice for student union director
The facility is scheduled for renovations in the next few months, which will include painting, refurbishing some furniture, providing new equipment for the game room and updating audio/visual equipment in the meeting rooms and theater. Zambrano is the former assistant to the director of UTPA's Student Union, but left a year ago to become transit manager for the city of McAllen. She obtained her bachelor's and master's degrees from St. Mary's University in San Antonio. She replaces Samuel Smith who became director of Student Services at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. Red light cameras yield new employee for cityThe number of red-light violations being recorded by red-light cameras in Plano has led the city to create a new position in city government - Red Light Camera Program Coordinator. An off-duty police officer was being paid overtime to examine up to 1,400 tickets per month. The overtime pay began to add up, so city officials decided to create a new position to handle the work. The position, which is expected to pay more than $74,000 per year in salary and benefits, is expected to be filled by a sworn officer by Sept. 1. Annual revenue from the traffic violations caught on camera is expected to be more than $1 million from nine cameras. Officials are looking at adding five more cameras later this year, which should bump revenue to $1.6 million. Baytown-Houston park-and-ride project gears up
Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia (pictured) said the system has been years in the making - since preliminary talks began in 2003 - and said the grant funds will be the first step toward bringing the project to fruition. The county must work out agreements with the mall that will be the site for the stop and other vendors who will provide buses, but officials expect to start the system by September. FTA grants of $446,000 and $1.77 million for transportation improvements included the park-and-ride service. Options on table for Parkland Memorial HospitalDallas County commissioners will soon be faced with three options for construction of a facility to replace Parkland Memorial Hospital. Plans call for a hospital with more than 580 beds and a 280-bed women and infants' facility. The cost of the project is estimated at $1.2 billion. All three of the options to be studied include three-phase construction. The goal of all three options remains a 582-bed facility. The new facility will be paid for with bonds, donations, cash and investment income. Texas State boasts new wireless campusTexas State University-San Marcos has installed a new computer networking system allowing wireless Internet access to most of the campus. Other than wireless Internet use, the new system will allow for radio frequency identification tags to track equipment, university police to download data to computers in their patrol cars and faculty and staff to make their desktop phone numbers mobile across campus. The network was built using Wireless Mesh technology, which allows access points to be cost-effectively managed outdoors, requiring fewer wired connections to the university campus network. The network is secure and will have an optional encrypted service for users in need of a more secure connection. King considered for provost, vice president
King is currently dean of the College of Sciences at the University of New Orleans and was chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Murray State University in Kentucky. He also served as an assistant professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and was a senior research associate at Rice University. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Sam Houston State University before earning his doctorate from The University of Texas at Austin. Lampasas discusses proposed jail at hearingLampasas County officials have purchased more than 12 acres of land, part of which may become the site for a new county jail. Officials are looking at building a new jail with 144 beds, with an additional 17 beds set aside to meet state jail standards for isolation cells. The facility would include 41,000 square feet for the jail and 11,000 square feet for ancillary offices. Cost for the new facility is estimated at $12.8 million. With a current jail population of approximately 50 inmates per day, county officials are hopeful the additional space will allow for growth and also allow the county to lease out open bed space to other cities and counties. Baylor approves Advanced Research InstituteThe Baylor University Board of Regents recently approved the formation of the Baylor Advanced Research Institute (BARI) and upgrading of the medical humanities program. The BARI will provide faculty with research opportunities, student internships and graduate faculty funding for scientific discoveries. It's designed to narrow the gap between findings in Baylor's research laboratories and its practical application in industry. The program will also reach beyond Baylor to provide companies with the personnel, training and infrastructure necessary for creating financially stable, high-growth enterprises. Students will have opportunities to work closely with industrial collaborators while experiencing research opportunities outside of the traditional academic setting. SFA regents approve alert system purchase
"We're enhancing ways to alert students," said Steve Westbrook (pictured), vice president for university affairs. "An outdoor alert system is necessary, and we also wanted a system that could send messages to other devices such as cell phones, e-mail addresses and networked computers." One audio unit placed on top of the 14-story Garner residence hall on campus could alert the entire campus and even some surrounding neighbors. The system has a battery backup and other mechanisms to prevent failure, and it can be installed 45-60 days from the time it is ordered. Harte Research Institute awarded grantThe Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies (HRI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has received $1.5 million from The Furgason Fellowship. The endowment will support teaching and research fellowships for guest scientists from Mexico and Cuba. HRI was created to encourage a multinational approach to understanding and protecting the Gulf of Mexico's ecosystem. It promotes innovation in interdisciplinary scientific research, public policy initiatives and education of the public. Robinson named director-in-residence
He will advise the institute about research topics and program structure, give classroom lectures, advise the center on its organizational structure and help with fundraising. Robinson's resume includes being president of GSR Consulting Inc.; director of development and worldwide real estate at Electronic Data Systems Corp.; planning, construction and maintenance of 51 U.S. Naval bases in the U.S. Navy; and working as a White House Fellow in the role of special assistant to senior White House staff. University purchases Mobile Go CenterThe Texas Pioneer Foundation granted Texas A&M University-Texarkana $124,343 to purchase a Mobile Go Center, which is designed to help students enroll in the university. It will travel to high schools, community colleges and festivals to provide potential students an opportunity to learn about university programs, scholarships and financial aid. Grant funds will purchase a custom-built trailer, equipment and a truck to pull the trailer. UT-Tyler to participate in earth system science allianceThe University of Texas at Tyler was chosen to participate in the Earth System Science Education Alliance (ESSEA) by The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES). This involves a $40,000 grant and training to offer online earth system science courses for teachers who may earn undergraduate, graduate or continuing education credit while learning to teach earth system science using inquiry-based classroom methods. IGES will assist UT-Tyler by helping the university create a sustainable infrastructure for delivering courses, providing evaluation tools to ensure strong comprehensive understanding of earth system science and informing participants about the latest earth system science research and teaching practices. UTEP's Anders named for honor
Anders is the principal investigator for the U.S.-Mexico Border Interdisciplinary Research Training Project and UTEP's Fast Track Nursing program, which helps college graduates become nurses in 15 months. He also serves as co-director of the Hispanic Health Disparities Research Center. Anders received his bachelor's degree from Union College in Lincoln, Neb., and earned his master's and doctorate from the University of Hawaii. Under Anders' leadership, UTEP's School of Nursing has twice been ranked among the top four in the nation in graduating Hispanics. Keller ISD names Lopez to new positionDeana Machos Lopez is the new assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for the Keller School District. She replaces Kim Pool, who now works for the Hays school district near Austin. Lopez has been executive director of curriculum and instruction in the Weatherford school district, principal of Mary Martin Elementary and a teacher in Weatherford. Haterius lone finalist for Clyde ISD superintendent
Haterius currently serves as superintendent of the Italy school system. She replaces Kevin Spiller who became superintendent of the Christoval school district. She will continue with the Italy ISD until mid-August. During her tenure at Italy ISD the school went from being rated as financially substandard to a superior-rated school district. Denton plans emergency training facilityDenton City Council has given preliminary approval for a $12.6 million plan to build a police and fire training facility in partnership with North Central Texas College. The first two phases would be built by 2009 with further phases built as funding is made available. The city has designated the $8.2 million needed for the first phase, which includes burn buildings and a 10-lane shooting range. To fund the second phase, the city needs to sell $4.4 million in certificates of obligation, which would allow for the addition of more than 20,000 square feet of classroom and office space. The city wants to offer training to outside agencies and organizations, which could provide a revenue source since non-employees would pay for courses. Tyler's health center earns $4.7 million in grantsMore than $4.7 million in grants was awarded to four University of Texas Health Center scientists, boosting total funding to more than $20.5 million for the school's researchers. Dr. T. Howard Stone received a $1.7 million, four-year grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to study the legal and ethical implications of implementing genetic information about drug addiction in the criminal justice system; Dr. Malini Rajagopalan received a $1.7 million, five-year renewal grant from NIH to continue her study of how tuberculosis bacteria multiply and spread inside the body; Dr. Usha Pendurthi received a $962,000, four-year grant renewal from NIH to continue her investigation into how the blood-clotting process affects cell biology and tumor growth; and Dr. Vijay Rao received a two-year renewal grant for $309,776 from Novo Nordisk for his investigation into improving the effectiveness of a drug used to prevent bleeding in people with hemophilia. Get your free copy of the Texas Government InsiderThe Texas Government Insider is a free weekly newsletter. If you are not a subscriber, or if you would like to sign up your friends or co-workers to receive a free copy, click here. |
Contractors take note: local government budgets can lead to opportunities
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. It's budget season for most local government entities, and as officials examine their needs for the upcoming fiscal year, many are adopting creative partnerships and innovative ideas to help with budget shortfalls. And, most governmental entities are examining current contracts looking for cost savings. They are trying hard to keep from raising taxes. Many cities and counties are addressing needs by forming regional partnerships. Others are reaching out to private sector partners. In the city of Allen, officials have partnered with a private development company to build a $50 million arena/conference center. The Allen Event Center construction and infrastructure, which includes parking and signage, will be jointly funded by the city and a developer and used for concerts, professional sports events and family entertainment. The developer is providing the land for the facility and its parking area as well as a $23 million grant. The city will issue half-cent sales tax bonds from revenue already being collected by the city's economic development and community development corporations. City officials estimate that the grant funds owed to the developer will be paid off within 15 years. [more]Interested in contracting opportunities? Bill Jones to head TAMU System as board chairBill Jones (pictured) was elected Thursday to chair the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents for a two-year term. Jones, a Caldwell native, holds a business management degree from Texas A&M and his law degree from Baylor University Law School. He is a partner in an Austin law firm and previously served as general counsel to Gov. Rick Perry.
Jones also previously served as vice chair of the Board of Regents and is currently chair of the Committee on Audit. He is a member of the Committee on Academic and Student Affairs, the Presidential Library Committee and the Public Policy and Planning Committee. The TAMU graduate also serves as the TAMU System's athletics liaison and is a member of the Herman F. and Minnie Belle Heep Texas A&M University Foundation. Named vice chair of the board was John D. White, also a TAMU graduate with a law degree from The University of Texas School of Law. He is a former chair of the Board and serves on several Board committees. Money found for B-On-Time college loan programAlthough no new applicants will be accepted, the state's B-On-Time college loan program will be able to renew loans for the upcoming school term, according to officials of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The board announced earlier this month that there would not be enough money to renew loans for those already in the program. However, the board reversed itself this week, announcing it had found funding to make up the costs for loan renewals for the upcoming school year. The program provides loans that are later forgiven if a student graduates in four years with at least a "B" average. Those who wish to renew must maintain a 2.5 grade point average. If the student does not meet the program standards, the money becomes a zero-interest loan. Sweet Home ISD names Meyer as finalistRandy Meyer is the finalist for Sweet Home school superintendent, and is expected to begin work on Aug. 7 after the school board officially hires him. He replaces Jo Ann Bludau, now superintendent at the Halletsville school district. Meyer has been principal at Gonzales Elementary School for two years, served three years as principal at various Luling school district campuses and spent 14 years in education after getting his bachelor's and master's degrees from Southwest Texas State University. Rockport announces bonds for capital projectsThe Rockport City Council has approved a resolution to issue $17.5 million in certificates of obligation for capital projects. Projects include making repairs, extensions and improvements to the city's sanitary sewer system - $2.7 million; street and drainage improvements - $300,000; storm sewer improvements and developing a master plan for storm sewer crossings - $551,000; constructing and equipping a community recreation center - $2 million; constructing and equipping a park and leisure services building - $350,000; constructing additional parking at the Rockport Beach Park - $45,000; and acquiring 50 acres near a major highway for the city park - $4.5 million. Figueredo new NTTA executive directorJorge Figueredo, who oversees tollway projects in Central Texas for an engineering and architectural services firm, has been named the new executive director of the North Texas Tollway Authority. He will begin his new job on Aug. 6, replacing Allan Rutter, who left in February. Former Executive Director Jerry Hiebert has been serving as acting director since Rutter's departure. Figueredo was one of five finalists for the position. Another candidate for the job, Acting Deputy Executive Director Rick Herrington, was made permanent executive director. Figueredo has indicated he will push for NTTA to become very active in the building of proposed North Texas toll roads. Governor announces appointments for weekGov. Rick Perry this week announced the following appointment:
Haugen leaves Gadsden for job in Anthony ISDRon Haugen has resigned from his position as superintendent of the Gadsden Independent School District. His last day is July 31 at which time he will move to a position at the Anthony Independent School District. Haugen has been with GISD for 26 years in roles including teacher, coach and principal. Paris picks three finalists for city manager positionThe three finalists for Paris city manager are Freeport City Manager Ron Bottoms, former Brownwood City Manager Kevin Carruth and former Paris City Manager Tony Williams. Bottoms is a former public works director at Brenham and city manager at Dumas; Carruth was city manager at Daingerfield and Hillsboro before going to Brownwood; and Williams was city manager at Gladewater, Kilgore, Mount Pleasant and Marshall. Judson ISD superintendent leaving for WestwoodAfter only two years, Judson Independent School District Superintendent Ed Lyman (pictured) has announced that he will leave Judson to assume the role of superintendent of the Westwood ISD in Palestine. He was named sole finalist for the Westwood position earlier this week and will be required to wait 21 days before accepting the offer. He is expected to begin at Westwood on Aug. 13. His resignation from Judson is effective July 31.
Lyman leaves a school district of 20,000 students for Westwood's 1,800. Westwood is the smaller of two school districts in Palestine and has four campuses. Lyman began his tenure at Judson in 2005, becoming the district's fourth superintendent in five years. Hospital district seeking new radio systemMontgomery County Hospital District board members will pursue grant funding for a new radio system, test the county's radios on Harris County's radio system and request pricing for two transmitter sites. County commissioners voted to upgrade the county's radio system to overhaul the current 10-year-old radio communication infrastructure. County officials hope to receive a portion of a $1 billion grant from the federal Department of Homeland Security for radio infrastructure improvements. Texas Lutheran receives $250,000 grant fundsTexas Lutheran University received $250,000 from the W.M. Keck Foundation for purchasing scientific equipment and student research internships as the university reinvents its pre-engineering program. The grant will facilitate equipping the physics and pre-engineering level of the AT&T Science Facility, which is currently under construction with expected completion in 2008. It will also fund student summer research opportunities and the purchase of a $100,000 Oxford Maran Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. San Antonio is considering all-girl public schoolThe state's third all-girl public school could open in San Antonio in fall 2008. A $1 million pledge toward the school has been made by the Foundation for the Education of Young Women. The focus of the school will be math, science and technology and backers hope it will encourage more girls to enter math and science careers. In its first years, the school will cater to mostly girls in the sixth and seventh grades who come from low-income families. A grade then is expected to be added each year through grade 12. Under the terms of the agreement between the San Antonio School District and the foundation, the foundation would give the district up to $250,000 a year for four years to help fund the school. Initially, the school would operate as a charter and be run by the district. A Dallas school for girls opened in 2004 and the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders is expected to open in Austin in August. Fort Worth ISD plans $593 million bond electionVoters in the Fort Worth ISD will go to the polls on Nov. 6 to decide the fate of a more than $593 million school bond election. Among the projects in the bond election are $370 million for renovations and an all-weather track for all of the district's middle schools; construction of six new schools valued at more than $139 million; nearly $42 million to refurbish buses and other school vehicles, upgrade band instruments and uniforms; and more than $8 million to renovate existing athletic facilities. Mossman leaving Clear Creek ISD positionDr. Sandra Mossman (pictured), superintendent of the Clear Creek Independent School District since 2003, has announced her retirement, effective Jan. 2.
Comal ISD plans property purchase for expansionComal ISD trustees have approved $1.8 million in earnest money contracts for the purchase of approximately seven acres of land on which it plans to expand school facilities. The contracts include $1.6 million for 3.5 acres which will be used for additional school bus parking spaces. Another 3.5 acres will be bought for $235,000 for future expansion of the high school. A contract was approved for close to $88,000 for a 3.4-acre site on which officials plan to build a new middle school. The board had previously approved a contract for the purchase of 13 acres for a new elementary school. All of the earnest money contracts are funded under a 2005 bond issue. Midlothian ISD looks at building new schoolsThe Midlothian Independent School District Steering Committee hopes to build a new high school and new elementary schools, but is facing skyrocketing construction costs due to 8 percent construction inflation per year. It typically takes three years to build a high school and 18 months to construct an elementary school. Building a high school typically costs $160-$165 per square foot, which will equate to $60 million to $70 million. Elementary school construction is $145-$150 per square foot, which will be approximately $13.34 million to build. These figures are for construction only - they do not include the cost for land or furnishing the buildings. College of Mainland eyes bond electionTexas City's College of the Mainland plans to call for a new bond election to overcome the May defeat of its $103 million proposal. It may happen this year, possibly in November. Board members hope to find funding through a political action committee to raise $6,000-$10,000 for advertising the college's need for a bond. Because the college lacks room for expansion it has been signing leases off-campus to offer additional courses such as dental and medical-assistant classes in the Allied Health building. National Guard medics train at Corpus hospitalA dozen members of the Texas National Guard's 386th Engineer Battalion in Corpus Christi are getting healthcare specialist training at the Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital in Corpus Christi. The medics are now able to have first-hand experience with real patients on their drill weekends. The healthcare specialists, all qualified in their Military Occupational Specialty, have been training at the Corpus Christi Level Three trauma center since 2006. They are assigned to the hospital's Emergency Department and work in triage, fast track or trauma while partnering with hospital personnel. Huntsville ISD outsources custodial servicesThe Huntsville Independent School District's board of trustees approved a proposal providing contract custodial services for the 2007-08 school year, which will save the district $339,328.57. The district considered several cost-reduction options to overcome funding problems and accepted the contract bid most favorable in terms of savings. SPI announces job opportunitiesFederal expertsStrategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) has immediate needs and is conducting a search to find subject matter experts with a high-level understanding of the federal government procurement process. To apply, please e-mail a resume and cover letter explaining your background and qualifications to jobs@spartnerships.com and type "Federal" in the subject line. K-12 and local government consultantsSPI has additional needs for individuals with well-established credentials who are interested in assisting its consulting teams throughout Texas. SPI has immediate openings for subject matter experts who can assist part-time in the K-12 education arena in Texas. SPI also is seeking part-time consultants who have strong connections to local government in the state, particularly the San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston areas. To apply for these part-time consulting positions at SPI, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for (either) K-12 Consultant or Local Government Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address. Hospital consultantsSPI is seeking individuals with well-established credentials, healthcare industry expertise and strong connections and relationships at hospitals throughout Texas who are interested in assisting its consulting teams. To apply for this part-time consulting position, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for Hospital Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address. Recent Reports
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Texas Government Insider ArchivesVolume 1 - 5 Archives · 11/7/03 - 7/20/07 Resources
MSU's 'Project BOW' earns fundingMidwestern State University's West College of Education received $1.4 million from the U. S. Department of Education, Office of English Language Acquisition, for Project BOW (Bilingual Opportunity Window). The program aims to improve teacher education programs so teachers are better prepared to provide effective instruction to English language learners. Project BOW's grant goals include recruiting, identifying, selecting and retaining program participants to prepare for careers in bilingual education. They also include enhancing the Spanish and English skills of participants and employing technology as an essential tool in the delivery of bilingual instructional and training activities. Steps to ensure delivery of SPI weekly newsletter
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TARC Conference on Regionalism set in SeptemberThe 2007 Texas Association of Regional Councils' Conference on Regionalism is set for Sept. 5-7 at the Omni Southpark Hotel in Austin. Among the confirmed speakers for the annual event are: Texas State Sen. Kirk Watson; Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples; Dr. Ray Perryman, president of the Perryman Group; Texas State Rep. Mike Krusee; Austin Mayor Will Winn; and Billy Ray Hall, founding president of the Rural Economic Development Center. Some of the discussion sessions will center on topics that include school emergency preparedness and response, critical infrastructure protection, recycling and waste minimization and statewide interoperability. To view the agenda for the conference, click here. Exhibitor registration ends Aug. 3. To register online to attend the conference, click here. 'Profiles in Power' awards, leadership seminar slatedThe 13th annual Profiles in Power awards and leadership seminar is set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 2, at the Sheraton Hotel in Austin. This year's event, "The Leadership Edge: Developing Tomorrow's Leaders Today," includes keynote speaker Sharon Allen, chairman of the board of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP. Other speakers of note include former University of Texas at Austin Athletic Director and Lady Longhorns Head Basketball Coach Jody Conradt, who along with Ann Daly will address "Clarity: How to Accomplish What Matters Most." The seminar also will feature time for networking and visiting exhibitor booths. Highlight of the event will be the naming of the 2007 Profiles in Power award nominees, finalists and winners. The event is sponsored by the Austin Business Journal, South Texas Money Management, L.T.D., CitiBank and KVUE Austin. To register, click here. Attorney General's Office hosts fatherhood conferenceThe Texas Attorney General's Office is hosting a national conference on "The First Nine Months of Fatherhood: Paternal Contributions to Maternal and Infant Outcomes" August 20-21 in Houston. The conference is designed to present a sampling of the emerging research findings on the impact of paternal involvement and promising field practices. Legislative and policy staff, Health & Human Services/Administration for Children & Families administrators, health, social science, and public policy researchers, public agency administrators and others are welcome. For more information, visit http://www.oag.state.tx.us/conferences/fatherhood/. |
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Two Texas Task Force 1 swift water rescue teams and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and swift water rescue team have been pre-positioned in San Antonio to assist with search and rescue operations as needed. Texas Task Force One will also stage six additional swift water rescue teams in College Station for deployment where required.
Dr. Robert Bernstein, who served as Texas Commissioner of Health from 1980 to 1991, died this week in Austin. In a statement issued by the Department of State Health Services, Bernstein was described as a "genuine public health leader and a true public servant who served this nation and this state conscientiously, effectively and with dignity."
Debra Stabeno, who has spent her entire professional career of more than 30 years with the Department of State Health Services (the former Texas Department of Health), has announced her resignation from the agency.
The Austin City Council has voted to rename Town Lake as "Lady Bird Lake" to honor Lady Bird Johnson, wife of the late President Lyndon B. Johnson.
The Gleason Award is based on three categories: motivation and vision, mentoring and teamwork and innovation or initiative. It is sponsored by the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Committee under the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. NWCG Leadership Council chair Jim Cook praised the Texas agency for its "significant accomplishment," given that the department has fewer than 400 employees and faced a fire emergency from January 2005 to August 2006. He said the Forest Service "fostered great teamwork between themselves, the many local resources they are responsible to, and the out-of-state resources that came to assist."
Free medical care being provided by Operation Lone Star through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is expected to draw thousands of participants. The first week of the annual program began this week and more than 1,300 participants were in line for medical services provided by military personnel and civilian volunteers. In addition to free medical help and advice, participants got free counseling on how to ensure a healthier lifestyle.
Shirley Dickerson (pictured) will assume her new role on Aug. 1 as director of the Ralph W. Steen Library at Stephen F. Austin State University. She has twice served as interim library director for SFA.
Saying they don't want to rush into anything, San Angelo ISD officials say a bond election in November is highly unlikely. Superintendent Carol Ann Bonds (pictured) said officials did not think they would have a bond proposal ready in time to be approved by the school board on Sept. 5, the deadline for getting on the November ballot. She said it would have been "irresponsible" to rush a bond before the community.
Edna Zambrano (pictured) is the University of Texas-Pan American's new Student Union director. She will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the facility and will supervise employees and regularly meet with the Student Union Advisory Board.
With help from two grants from the Federal Transit Administration, Harris County is moving closer to a park-and-ride system from Baytown to Houston. 
Dr. Joe M. King is under consideration for the position of provost and vice president of academic affairs at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. His appointment is subject to the approval of the Texas A&M System Board of Regents, who are meeting this week.
Regents at Stephen F. Austin State University have approved the purchase of an emergency alert system as a precaution against potential actions such as those that took place at Virginia Tech when a gunman killed 33 students earlier this year.
George Robinson is the new director-in-residence at the University of Texas at Dallas School of Management's Institute for Excellence in Corporate Governance.
The University of Texas at El Paso School of Nursing Dean Robert L. Anders was named a 2007 American Academy of Nursing Fellow for his contributions and dedication to improving the nursing field. He will be recognized on Nov. 10 in Washington, D.C., at the academy's 34th annual Meeting and Conference.
The Clyde school board named Gail G. Haterius as the lone finalist for superintendent. There will be a 21-day wait before she is officially hired.
Judson officials will decide in early August if they will hire a company to conduct a search for a new superintendent or handle the chores in-house. 
Previous to being named superintendent, Mossman served as principal of the Seabrook Intermediate School and Clear Brook High School. She later was named executive cluster director of the district and then associate superintendent. She was recently named Region IV Superintendent of the Year and will be competing with other regional winners throughout the state for the statewide title of Superintendent of the Year.