Community colleges fight funding woes
Ask most Texas community college officials what their biggest challenge is and they'll probably agree with Dr. John Pickelman's answer - "The decreasing level of state support."
Texas must enroll an additional 500,000 students in public and independent institutions of higher education to reach a participation rate of 5.7 percent by 2015, a major goal of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Closing the Gaps report on higher education. It is estimated that 60 percent of the new college-bound students will enroll in community and technical colleges. The report also notes that the state's prosperity "could turn to crisis" if steps are not taken to meet this goal, thereby ensuring an educated population and workforce for the future. In light of this, it becomes critically important for Texas community colleges to receive adequate funding.
"We're getting basically the same level of state reimbursement that we got in 1994-95," and without adjustment for inflation, said Pickelman, chancellor of the North Harris Montgomery Community College District. The chancellor said that 15 years ago, the state's level of support for NHMCCD amounted to 60-65 percent of its budget. That figure will be down to approximately 28 percent next semester. And with the political environment so anti-tax, Pickelman said state legislators in Austin are reluctant to increase taxes to support community colleges.
Community colleges in recent years have seen a surge in their enrollments, but at least at NHMCCD that is starting to level off now - due partly to a strengthening economy. "Historically, community colleges have a flat or decreased enrollment when the economy is good and jobs are available," said Pickelman. Saying a typical NHMCCD student "lives paycheck to paycheck, " the longtime educator said many students put their educations on hold to take advantage of a thriving job market. And because of billions of dollars in damages during last year's hurricane season, demands for semi-skilled and unskilled workers have been great, further leveling off some community college enrollments.
However, community colleges continue to play a major role in the state's education system. They are "open admission institutions," said Pickelman and the needs for the services they provide are real. He cited American Association of Community College figures that show that 80 percent of emergency first responders - police, firefighters, emergency medical service personnel - are trained at community colleges.
Changing demographics have caused community college personnel to rethink how they market their educational opportunities. Pickelman said that often includes convincing more first-time students in families to enroll in college courses. He said many of those families depend on their children to get jobs as quickly as possible to help support the family. "We need to attract those students," he said, "and show them higher education is indeed a choice for them." He said those students should know that with an education, they are better qualified for better jobs.
TDCJ head says more prisons needed
They've come…now we must build it. Or so says Brad Livingston, executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Livingston told lawmakers recently that the state needs three more prisons, part of his $5.6 billion, two-year budget request.
The expansion would provide for 5,000 new beds, 450 drug-treatment spaces, 150 more halfway house beds and 250 beds in community-based rehab programs for non-violent offenders. The expansion, if approved, would be the first major overhaul of the system since the 1990s, when Texas tripled the prison system's size.
The state's prison system currently includes 152,000 beds. Livingston's building proposal would cost $5.2 million and help the state face a predicted increase of 11,000 inmates in the next five years.
Texas coalition to bid on wind energy project
On the heels of a recent announcement that Texas has surpassed California as the number one wind energy production state in the nation, a coalition of academic, industry and state leaders is preparing to bid on the proposed U.S. Department of Energy large-scale wind turbine research and development facility. The Texas coalition is being organized by the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering and includes the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University, West Texas A&M University, the Houston Advanced Research Center, the State Energy Conservation Office, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, the Texas Workforce Commission, Governor Rick Perry's Emerging Technology Fund and the Wind Coalition.
Coalition spokesman Jerry Patterson, Texas Land Commissioner, said the test facility could be a "magnet for research and manufacturing" and would "establish Texas as a worldwide leader in wind power for the next 100 years." Texas not only has a high wind energy potential, but it also has the capacity to allow for the testing of blades that are 70 meters long, which the nation's Renewable Energy Lab in Colorado can't do. Patterson said the Texas coast is a perfect site for a blade testing facility. A competitive site selection process along the coast is under way.
Proponents of a Texas facility are confident in their bid and say if the state is awarded the contract, a "world-class facility" could be built in Texas as soon as 2008.
Newton selected for ERCOT board
Jan Newton of Austin has been nominated to serve as one of the independent board members for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Her nomination is subject to the approval of the Public Utility Commission and an ERCOT membership vote.
Newton, a former SBC Communications executive, was unanimously approved by the ERCOT board on Aug. 15 and faces an e-mail balloting among ERCOT's 169 corporate members. Newton recently retired after a 30-year career with SBC (now AT&T) and was the president of SBC Texas when she retired in 2002. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University.
Border Governor's Conference ends today
Saying securing the nation's borders is "not just a U.S. concern," Gov. Rick Perry welcomed governors from Arizona, California, New Mexico and six states in Mexico to the 24th Border Governors Conference at the Texas State Capitol. The conference, which has focused on issues including agriculture, border crossings, economic development, education, energy, environment, health, science and technology, security, tourism, water and wildlife, will end today.
The conferences began in 1980 and were intended to open lines of communication between the 10 American and Mexican Border states. This is the second time that Austin has been the host city and the fourth time Texas has been the host state.
Governors and their representatives are participating in "work tables" today to discuss issues of importance to states on both sides of the border and a Joint Declaration will be issued at the conclusion of the conference, defining topics of significant importance to facilitate development of the border region. Among the provisions of the draft declaration are proposals by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson that establishes a dual-nation law enforcement task force and asks the federal governments of both the United States and Mexico to criminalize the construction and financing of border tunnels used for smuggling aliens and drugs. It also calls on the United States government to examine the market forces driving illegal immigration. "It is imperative that the U.S. and Mexican governments do everything within their power to protect citizens from the public safety threat posed by the illegal trafficking of people and drugs," Schwarzenegger said. U.S. Homeland Security Director Michael Chertoff also spoke at the conference, just one day after announcing the end of the "catch and release" policy regarding illegal immigrants other than those from Mexico.
Schools beating deadline for calling bond elections
Numerous schools throughout the state this week announced bond elections, beating the Aug. 29 deadline for getting bond issues on the upcoming statewide General Election ballot. Among the schools this week voting to call November bond elections are:
- George West ISD is putting a $9.9 million bond election before voters. The bond election will provide for construction of a new middle school and improvements to the existing high school.
- Joshua ISD is scheduling a $35.75 million bond election for purchase and acquisition of land and to help pay for the construction of new district facilities.
- Lamar Consolidated ISD is asking voters to approve a $281 million bond election to help pay for new buses, improvements to existing facilities and construction of a new high school, a junior high school, a sixth-grade school and three elementary schools.
- Mildred ISD is putting a $13.9 million bond election before voters in three propositions - a new elementary school and renovation of the current buildings; a band hall and theater; and athletics improvements.
- Terrell ISD is calling an $85 million bond election. Proposition 1 includes more than $61 million for construction and equipment for schools in the district, land purchases, upgrades to security and safety measures, technology and athletics fields, while Proposition 2 includes $24 million for constructing and equipping a new football stadium.
Plano to hire homeland security director
Six finalists are under consideration for the newly created position of Homeland Security Director for the City of Plano. The new position will oversee a staff of four and will take on some duties previously handled by the fire chief.
The city expects to name a new director next week from the following candidates: Col. Brian Attaway, homeland defense director, Texas National Guard, Austin; James Delaney, emergency preparedness consultant, Palm Coast, Fla.; Patrick McMacken, emergency management coordinator, city of Irving; Jamie Moore, emergency management director, Douglas County, Colo.; Shane Stovall, project manager, General Physics Corp., New Port Richey, Fla.; and Dan Summers, emergency services director, Collier County, Fla.
UTMB dean leaving for Minnesota
Charles Christiansen, dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Texas Medical Center at Galveston, has resigned to accept a position as director of the Center for Allied Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center in the Twin Cities. The position, which he will assume in December, involves collaboration with the Mayo Clinic and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
Christiansen will depart UTMB after a 23-year career with the University of Texas System, the last 17 of those years spent at UTMB. While at UTMB, he has served as chairman, dean and chief academic officer. He earned his doctorate from the University of Houston and completed his post-doctoral certification at Baylor College of Medicine.
Parks committee recommends more funding
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials say if they cut their budget by 10 percent, as all state agencies have been told to do, the result will be cuts in operations at dozens of parks, closing of others parks and cutting more than 100 full-time positions.
TPWD officials have pleaded for more revenue from the "sporting goods tax" that helps support state parks. Even Gov. Rick Perry has indicated he would like to see the park's portion of that revenue expanded. If the budget that includes the 10 percent cuts were to be approved, parks department officials say the results would be decreased grants to local agencies for state park activities, elimination of more than 50 game warden positions and elimination of other employee positions.
TWPD also proposed another budget, without the cuts, that calls for an additional $300 million in state funding, to address operations increases, repair work, acquisition of new parks and local park grants. In a 22-page report released this week, the State Parks Advisory Committee recommended using all of the $105 million from the state's sporting goods tax and bond money approved by voters in 2001 for state parks to breathe life back into the ailing parks system. The committee also recommended an increase of more than $45 million in operating funds.
Dyess saving, making energy
Let's talk renewable energy. Let's talk Dyess Air Force Base.
Dyess was recently applauded by some of the nation's top energy and U.S. Air Force officials for its efforts regarding renewable energy sources and its efforts in energy conservation. The Texas base will begin in the fall building a waste-to-energy plant that will turn garbage into usable energy. The base is one of the few that uses energy produced entirely from renewable sources.
While many military facilities cringe when you mention Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), Dyess could be giving itself a leg up on other facilities because of its renewables and conservation programs. While all of the base's energy comes from that produced by wind, the base also plans to "gasify" garbage at its waste-to-energy plant. It also is making some common sense decisions that conserve energy - such as using waste water to cool some base buildings, making holes in some building roofs to allow natural light and cut electric costs and heating rooms by warming the floors, a more efficient way of creating heat than heat being forced through air ducts.
TAMU-Corpus Christi gets new provost
Virginia Wheeless (pictured), former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Central Missouri State University, has been named provost and vice president of academic affairs at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She replaces Sandra Harper, who resigned to become president of Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge, La.
Wheeless is a veteran of 35 years in the education field and as provost and vice president of academic affairs will coordinate the university's instructional, research and service programs. She also will implement policies affecting academic affairs and advise the president on academic issues. Wheeless holds a bachelor's degree from Kearney State College in Nebraska, a master's from Colorado State University and her doctorate from the University of Nebraska.
Neugebauer says Dyess could lose jobs
Some 150 jobs at Dyess Air Force Base are at risk, according to U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer of Lubbock. Neugebauer said the U.S. Air Force is considering moving the B-1 Intermediate Engine Maintenance Facility out of the Dyess jurisdiction.
The facility has been located at Dyess since 1995 and has more B-1s stationed there than any other Air Force base. Military officials are expected to release a study later this month with recommendations for efficiencies that could include moving the maintenance facility. Neugebauer and other members of the Texas delegation in Congress have sent letters to the Air Force, urging them to keep the program at Dyess. There are more than 5,000 active-duty personnel at Dyess.
County officials OK Astrodome project
As expected, the Harris County Commissioners Court has given its approval for a project that would transform the Houston Astrodome into a $450 million, 1,000-room convention hotel with a 2,100-space parking garage.
The court's vote will allow the Harris County Sports and Convention Corp. to sign a letter of intent with a redevelopment corporation with no public money dedicated to the project. The redevelopment group must obtain financing and approval of Reliant Park tenants by March 2007 for the project to go forward. Hotel construction could then begin late next year. The county's role in the project would be to lease the "Eighth Wonder of the World" to the redevelopment group for 50 years with another 20-year option. The county would benefit from $2.5 million per year in rental fees plus 2-3 percent of gross receipts.
White named San Antonio tourism chief
San Antonio's $8 billion tourism industry has a new leader. San Antonio City Manager Sheryl Sculley has announced that Scott L. White, current executive vice president of the Greater Phoenix Conventions and Visitors Bureau, will bring two decades of convention and tourism experience to his new job at the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau. White replaces Janis Schmees, who left in June for a position with the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority.
Prior to his association with the Phoenix bureau, White was a member of the Renaissance Hotels and Resorts team and a corporate sales manager for the former Desert Princess Resort. White had a San Antonio connection while in Phoenix, having worked under Steve Moore, who was San Antonio's tourism director for 14 years.
Five vie for Superintendent of Year
Five public school administrators from throughout the state have been named finalists for the annual Superintendent of the Year award sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). The award recognizes exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership. The 2006 finalists and their nominating education service centers (ESCs) are: Daniel King, Hidalgo ISD, ESC 1; Nadine Kujawa, Aldine ISD, ESC 4; Vivian Baker, Belton ISD, ESC 12; Sylvester Perez, San Marcos CISD, ESC 13; and John Folks, Northside ISD, ESC 20. All are members of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA).
The 2006 winner will be announced Oct. 8 at the TASB/TASA Convention in Houston. The winning superintendent will receive a professional development award.
Health Commissioner headed to UT health job
Texas Health Commissioner Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, who has resigned his position effective Oct. 6, won't let any grass grow under his feet when he leaves the state agency. Sanchez will report the next day at his new job as director of the Institute for Health Policy at the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston.
The goal of the institute is to assist researchers throughout the UT Health Science Center in translating their technical findings into usable advice for program administrators and practical recommendations for health policymakers. The institute also serves as a catalyst for policy-relevant research and will broker opportunities for faculty to apply their expertise to inform current policy debates. Sanchez received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and holds master's degrees in public health from the UT School of Public Health San Antonio Regional Campus, and in biomedical engineering from Duke University. He also earned bachelor's degrees from Boston University in biomedical engineering and chemistry.
Task force to study property appraisals
Tom Pauken of Dallas has been named to chair the Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform (TFAR) appointed this week by Gov. Rick Perry. The task force is charged with studying and making recommendations on how to address ever-climbing property tax appraisals in the state.
Perry stated he wants the task force to, "strike a proper balance between protecting taxpayers and ensuring funding for essential services," In addition to reducing tax burdens on Texas property owners, Perry expects the group to offer recommendations to provide a long-term, stable source of revenue for government services. The task force's recommendations are due to the governor before the start of the 80th Legislature in January 2007.
The remaining members of the task force include: Gerald "Buddy" Winn of Bryan, Brazos County tax assessor/collector and chief appraiser; Robert A. Eckels of Houston, Harris County Judge; Avis Wukasch of Georgetown, realtor; Calvin W. Stephens of Dallas, president and chairman of SSP Consulting, L.C.; John E. Nichols of Freeport. director of U.S., state and local tax for the Dow Chemical Company; Michael S. Stevens of Houston. chairman of Michael Stevens Interests, Inc., a real estate development and management company; John R. (Bob) Garrett of Tyler, president of Fair Management, L.C., and Fair Oil Company of Texas, Inc.; L. Curtis Culwell of Garland, superintendent of the Garland ISD; Timothy P. Roth of El Paso, professor of economics at the University of Texas at El Paso; John David Franz, mayor of the City of Hidalgo; Gary O. Boren of Lubbock, vice president of G. Boren Services, Inc.; Robert E. Garrett of Amarillo. owner and broker of Coldwell Banker First Equity Realtors; Brooke Leslie Rollins of Fort Worth, president and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation; and Rolando B. Pablos of San Antonio, attorney.
Six finalists named in College Station
Six finalists have been named for two assistant city manager posts in College Station, one of whom already works in College Station's city government.
The finalists include: Mark Smith, current interim assistant city manager; Mike Land, city manager of Gainesville; Kathy Merrill, assistant manager of Abilene; Modesto Mundo, assistant manager of Lake Jackson; Melissa Vossmer, former assistant manager of San Antonio; and David Watkins, former manager of Auburn, Ala. More than 170 persons applied for the two jobs. City Manager Glenn Brown (pictured) said interviews will be held Aug. 29 and 30, and the city hopes to have the position filled by mid-September. One of the two chosen will oversee fire, police, planning, economic development and public communications. The other will be in charge of public works, water and sewer services and possibly legislative affairs.
Johnson to leave West Texas A&M
Troy Johnson is packing his bags and heading for the University of North Texas. The current dean of enrollment management at West Texas A&M University will leave that post next month to take a similar position at UNT.
Johnson will take over as associate vice president for enrollment management at UNT on Sept. 18. Johnson began his career at WTAMU in 2000 and was promoted to dean in 2001.
Police-training program involves SHSU
Police officers from other countries will be trained and educated with academic support provided by Sam Houston State University's criminal justice faculty, thanks to a $2.3 million, five-year project involving the university's Criminal Justice Center. According to Vincent Webb, dean and director of the center, SHSU criminal justice faculty will provide academic support for the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Roswell, New Mexico, which is supported by the U.S. State Department.
As part of an agreement with the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, SHSU will provide educational support to teach law enforcement officials from other countries about the American criminal justice system. The four-week courses center on leadership, community policing, counter-terrorism, legal issues, administration and management. The project is the first of its kind in the United States.
Since the program was developed five years ago, nearly 2,000 police officers from more than 65 countries have participated. The goal of the program is to teach law enforcement from other countries to learn to work together to fight international crime and terrorism.
Bryan adds to city manager applicants
Although three candidates rose to the top as the City of Bryan searched for a new city manager, city officials have announced a fourth candidate they will interview - David Watkins of Auburn, Ala. The other three finalists - Garry Brumback, assistant city manager of Clearwater, Fla., Bryan Deputy City Manager Joey Dunn and Theo Vaults, a manufacturing manager from Tomball - have all been interviewed. Although they are still in the running, city officials say they wanted to look at more possible candidates before making their choice.
The person chosen for the job will replace Mary Kaye Moore, who retired in March. Kean Register, an employee of Bryan Texas Utilities, is serving as interim city manager but has not applied for the position. City officials hope to have a new city manager named by Oct. 1.
Port Freeport plans $50 million bond election
Limited space has led Port Freeport to pose a $50 million November bond election, hoping the fact that the existing tax rate will stay the same if the bond election passes will give voters just one more reason to vote "yes."
The $50 million would help construct another berth at the growing port. A.J. Reixach Jr., executive port director, said space at the port is scarce and American Rice's three proposed projects - an olive oil bottling facility, a cookie factory and an instant rice factory - are indicative of the need for additional space. Engineering and design for the new Berth 7 are under way and the port is now ready to solicit bids. The new berth, according to Reixach, will be 1,200 feet long with 90 acres of backland behind it, the largest at the port, and will be equipped to handle larger ships. If voters approve the project, construction is expected to start in January and be completed in 18-20 months.
Bedford could move to traffic light cameras
The City of Bedford could become the latest in a string of Texas cities that are installing traffic light cameras. City officials are drafting an ordinance that would allow the cameras. Once passed by the city council, city officials will begin taking bids.
No costs for the equipment are anticipated by the city, as it will likely share revenue with the vendors who pay for and operate the equipment. City officials say increased revenue is not their goal, but rather a decrease in the number of collisions at traffic lights due to motorists who run red lights.
Jenney finalist for Fort Bend ISD top job
Timothy R. Jenney, former head of the Virginia Beach (Virginia) City Public Schools, is the lone finalist to become superintendent of the Fort Bend ISD. Jenney will succeed former Superintendent Betty Baitland, who retired in January.
Jenney was in charge of the Virginia Beach school system for nine years and left that district in February 2005. He then served as vice president for corporate relations at Regent University in Virginia Beach. He will oversee some 68,000 students in the FBISD.
Wood to speak at renewable energy conference
Former Texas Public Utility Commission and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Pat Wood III of Texas will be among the speakers for a renewable energy conference in St. Louis in October, co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy.
The conference, Advancing Renewable Energy: An American Rural Renaissance, seeks to create partnerships and strategies that will accelerate commercialization of renewable energy industries and distribution systems. Leaders from both government and industry will address issues that include supply and distribution, demand, infrastructure, market models and partnerships and what is being done to advance renewable energy.
Sam Houston State awarded DOD contract
Sam Houston State University has landed its largest-ever award for contract services in a $5.5 million contract award by the U.S. Department of Defense. The contract is for engineering and technical services relating to electro-mechanical systems on Navy ships. The project is a collaborative effort among Sam Houston State, Florida Atlantic University, LeTourneau, Inc. of Longview, and Giotto Technologies, Inc. of Houston.
The contract includes identifying the technologies that currently exist and determining their applicability with the electro-mechanical components that are present on naval vessels. Researchers at SHSU and its other partners will then work to design "intelligent systems" that will predict when and under what conditions the systems will fail. The final step will be to help develop the technology that modifies the performance of the systems so they will continue to operate even if failure occurs. The completion date for the project is scheduled for July 2008.
Cities of Mission, McAllen awarded grants
The cities of Mission and McAllen have been awarded a $1.25 million grant by the Economic Development Administration. The federal funds will be used to help in the construction of water infrastructure in the area of the proposed Anzalduas Border Crossing. The grant is expected to add 80 new jobs in the Rio Grande Valley as well as a $2.6 million private investment. The EDA grant is part of the agency's goal of partnering with state and local governments and non-profit organizations to increase investment in economically distressed areas.
HCC planning largest campus in Alief
The largest campus in the Houston Community College System will sit on a 22-acre site in Alief and is slated to open in fall 2007. The campus will be built in phases. The existing campus in Alief will be closed, and later sold, after the new campus is completed. Although Alief is not currently part of the HCCS district, HCCS officials are hopeful to call a future election to allow voters to decide if they want to become a part of the district. Doing so would mean a lower, in-district tuition for Alief residents who attend classes on the college campus.
Lens on Government: Where Does the Money Come From?
The last article concluded an 8-part series on agency-level planning and budgeting processes. Because this column tries to deal with issues when they are timely, state-level budgeting processes will be described closer to the time they are actually occurring. Meanwhile, it seems appropriate to take up the topic of how the state will pay for the items that are finally budgeted.
According to LBB's Fiscal Size-up 2006-07, spending in FY07 is projected to exceed that in FY91 by 152.7% (see chart).
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Summer doesn't slow pace of governmental agencies
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
As the long days of summer come quickly to an end, some companies may be enjoying a little slower pace. Not true, however, of governmental agencies.
A number of cities, counties, and school districts are rushing to finalize bond packages that will go to the voters in November. These bond packages have deadline requirements that trigger at the end of August.
At the same time, workers at state and local governmental organizations in Texas are in a dead run trying to beat the clock on statutory deadlines before the current fiscal year ends. Texas cities, with the exception of Houston and a few others, have fiscal years that end in August. That means that FY 2007 budgets are being finalized and approved. The same is true for most Texas counties and school districts.
Contractors who do business with local government should be interested in getting a sneak peak at upcoming opportunities. Budget documents for the upcoming fiscal year offer a good perspective on the current fiscal health of these governmental entities as well as their priorities and planned initiatives. And, it may not be necessary to go to the trouble of asking for a hard copy. Many cities, counties and school districts publish such information on Web sites, which makes information gathering much easier.
State agencies are also hard at work finalizing legislative appropriations requests (LARs). This was the last week for submission of such information to the Legislative Budget Board. These documents (LARs) also offer an abundance of information about what agencies throughout the state hope to purchase in the next two years.
So, as families prepare for a new school year, savvy government contractors should do the same for a new business year. The public sector in Texas in the coming months looks extremely lucrative. The economy is good, governmental revenues have increased and population growth will guarantee that billions of dollars will be spent with private sector vendors and service providers.
McLennan CC sets $74.5 million bond election
Voters in the McLennan Community College district will go to the polls in November to decide a $74.5 million bond issue that will help pay for expansion of the school's campus brought about by increased enrollment. District voters narrowly defeated a similar bond election in 2005.
"This is something that is needed for the community," said MCC President Dennis Michaelis, citing the need for expansion of the campus as a result of increasing enrollment. He said a successful bond election not only would build buildings, but also help the college continue to develop programs. Most of the bond amount would be for construction and renovation at the Waco campus, including $50 million for a new science building, a classroom building and an emergency services training center. Another $15 million would provide for renovations and expansion of existing buildings and the final $9.5 million would provide for parking lots and other campus infrastructure.
Barry named vice president at Baylor University
John Barry, former director of university communications at the University of Connecticut, has been hired as Baylor University's vice president for marketing and communications, succeeding Larry Brumley. Brumley left Baylor earlier this year to become chief of staff for former interim president Bill Underwood and to become a senior vice president at Mercer University in Macon, Ga.
Barry holds a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Connecticut.
More nuclear energy generation proposed
Texas and Louisiana could become the home to five new nuclear generation plans, part of $14 billion worth of nuclear generation being studied. If operational, the plants could provide an additional 6,500 megawatts of electricity and increase the region's nuclear capacity by nearly 75 percent.
Two advanced boiling water reactor units are planned for the current South Texas Nuclear Generating Station in Wadsworth, expected to come online in 2014 and 2015. Two more advanced boiling water units are planned for near Amarillo. The final unit is a project in Francisville, La.
Wichita Falls ISD adds to its school bond
Nearly $4 million in projects has been added to the proposed school bond issue being readied by the Wichita Falls ISD. The additional projects increase the bond amount to $63.4 million. The additions include a $2.3 million remodeling project for junior and senior high science labs, $1.25 million to air condition junior high gyms and senior high field houses and $350,000 to renovate an elementary school into an Early Childhood Center.
School officials will meet again on Aug. 29, the last day to call a bond issue for a November ballot. They hope the third time's the charm, as this will be WFISD's third bond election since 2002 aimed at improving its elementary schools.
Governor Perry makes appointments
Governor Rick Perry recently made the following appointments:
- Kaye W. Nelson Ed.D. of Corpus Christi, Texas State Board Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists;
- Laurens B. Fish III of Austin; presiding officer, Texas Funeral Service Commission;
- Daniel Dierschke of Austin; Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Council.
LaPorte city manager Feazelle to retire
LaPorte City Manager Debra Feazelle has announced that she will retire in March 2007, after having served the city for 10 years. Her retirement comes after almost 30 years of municipal service in five cities in Texas and Louisiana.
| Ask the experts |
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Q: Fall is traditionally the beginning of the buying cycle for local governments, state agencies and universities. How do I best position my company to sell in the government marketplace?
A: Having your products and services on a pre-competed contract that is well know to your target market is key to positioning your company. Several buying cooperatives have been established to serve their various constituencies. Some of the various buying cooperatives include:
The Local Government Purchasing Cooperative increases the purchasing power of government entities and simplifies their purchasing by using a customized electronic purchasing system, the BuyBoard. The cooperative is administered by the Texas Association of School Boards and is endorsed by the Texas Municipal League (TML) and the Texas Association of Counties (TAC).
HGACBuy program participants nationwide include more than 1,600 municipalities, counties, school/college districts, special districts, and qualifying non-profit corporations that provide one or more governmental functions and services.
The Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN) is the Region IV Education Service Center's cooperative purchasing program, available for all public and private schools, colleges, universities, cities, counties, and other government entities in Texas.
The Texas Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) is sponsored by the Region VIII Education Service Center and is available for all public and private schools, colleges, universities, cities, counties, and other government entities in the state.
The Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC) has established as an alternative purchasing method, Texas Multiple Award Schedule (TXMAS) contracts that have been developed from contracts already competitively awarded by the federal government or any other governmental entity of any state. Unlike some other purchasing methods, purchases made from TXMAS contracts do not require delegated authority from the TBPC to make purchases over $25,000 for commodities and $100,000 for services.
The DIR Store leverages the state's buying power. Political subdivisions, including those in other states, can directly contract with DIR and comply with all laws regarding competitive bids.
-Pat Hogan,
Senior Consultant, Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Have a question for one of SPI's government procurement experts?
Drop us a line!
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'Pass through' funding sought for highway project
Officials of Washington County and the City of Brenham have approved making application to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for state funding for improvements on U.S. 290, including its intersection with Highway 36. The projects, which are expected to cost $30 million, will be funded by "pass through" financing in which local governments can cut off years of wait time for highway projects by becoming financing partners with the state. They are then paid back by the state through a negotiated schedule. The city and county are expecting to finance $15 million of the project. This method of financing is expected to move the project up 10-12 years, as it was not on TxDOT's long-range construction schedule. Once started, the project could take up to three years.
Corpus Christi officials seeking new fire chief
Three candidates are apparently in the running to become Corpus Christi's next fire chief. The three were recommended by a consulting team last month, but no finalist has been selected, according to City Manager Skip Noe (pictured). The candidate will replace former Fire Chief J.J. Adame, who left Corpus Christi in February after 18 years to become Austin's fire chief.
The list of fire chief candidates was narrowed to eight in May and now is reportedly down to three. The new chief will oversee nearly 400 city firefighters and fire cadets and nearly 30 civilian employees. An appointment by city staff would subsequently have to be approved by the city council.
Part-time job opportunities available at SPI:
SPI is seeking experienced researchers for short-term engagements involving research in other states. The candidates for these part-time positions should have experience in state or federal government and have an understanding of procurement processes and concepts. Tasks will vary depending on clients' needs. Applicants may send a cover letter and resume to jobs@spartnerships.com.
SPI is seeking part-time consultants with healthcare subject matter expertise, particularly with Texas hospitals. Candidates should have worked in or been associated with the medical and/or healthcare industry in Texas and have an extensive knowledge of the healthcare industry. To view the complete job description, click here.
SPI is also seeking part-time local government consultants who have worked in and around the local public sector in Texas (city and county), have subject matter expertise in local government, continuing relationships in local government and a knowledge of budgetary and procurement processes. To view the complete job description, click here.
Tarrant County CC cites three appointments
Three high-level appointments have been announced by officials at Tarrant County College. Roberto Aguero, former Austin Community College president and former Dallas County Community College District chief academic officer, will become the district's first vice chancellor for learning support services on Sept. 1.
Twenty-five year veteran TCC employee Tahita Fulkerson, who serves as dean of instruction and accreditation services, will be president of the district's downtown campus. Elva LeBlanc, current Galveston College president, will take over as president of the TCC Northwest campus.
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