School district budgets are incredibly tight, but billions in facility needs cannot wait
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Almost every public school district in America is suffering from critical budget crunches. However, expanding, modernizing, adding safety precautions, and upgrading old technology cannot wait. Contracting partners are in high demand.
DOE plans $1.9B for grid upgrades across 26 states
DOE plans $1.9 billion for 31 grid projects across 26 states to rebuild transmission lines and deploy technologies that increase grid capacity and reliability.
SEPTA outlines decade of fleet and infrastructure investments
SEPTA’s Accelerate initiative outlines a decade of investments in rail vehicles, accessible stations and frequent service.
Arizona opens infrastructure financing districts for housing development
Arizona is accepting petitions for new districts that can finance roads, water systems and other public infrastructure serving housing development.
MassDOT directs $600M to commuter rail, housing and infrastructure
Massachusetts approved $600 million for commuter rail modernization, housing-supportive transportation and DCR roadway, bridge and resilience improvements.
New York state technology chief Dru Rai steps down
Dru Rai has left his position as New York state CIO after three years, with Executive Deputy CIO Jenson Jacob named acting CIO.
Illinois creates cabinet to examine AI risks, regulation
Illinois created an AI Cabinet to recommend policies involving AI safety, infrastructure, data centers and accountability.
53 school leaders selected to develop indoor air quality plans
Fifty-three school system leaders will develop energy-efficient indoor air quality plans reaching more than 2 million students.
Troy Lestina
Deputy City Manager/Chief Financial Officer
City of Mansfield, Texas
Louisiana – Ryan Roy has been promoted to chief of the St. Bernard Parish Fire Department. Roy, a lifelong parish resident, has served the department in a variety of roles throughout his career. He has a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Upper Iowa University and a master’s degree in leadership and human resource development from Louisiana State University.
New Mexico – Lefonso Castillo is the Questa Independent School District’s new superintendent. Castillo, who has 20 years of experience in public education, takes over for John Maldonado, who became superintendent for the Estancia Municipal School District. Castillo began his career as a math and social studies teacher for the Mora Independent School District, where he spent 11 years.
Pennsylvania – Joseph Bees has been sworn in as Warren’s chief of police. The ceremony was held during a recent city council meeting, with District Judge Raymond Zydonik administering the oath of office. Bees, a 14-year veteran of the department, succeeds Joseph Sproveri, who recently retired.
California – Alex Gammelgard was unanimously approved as Grass Valley’s next city manager by members of the city council. Gammelgard, who was offered a six-year contract, was selected from a pool of over 70 applicants. He had been Grass Valley’s police chief before being tapped to serve as interim city manager. The city intends to mount a search for a new police chief to take over Gammelgard’s old role.
Texas – David Smith will retire as Bexar County manager at year’s end. The transition comes as Bexar County also prepares for a new county judge, who will be elected in November. Smith started with the county as a budget intern in 1997 and moved up through the Budget Division before becoming budget officer. He was appointed the county’s first manager in 2011.
Michigan – Annette Irwin has been named interim city manager for East Lansing following Robert Belleman’s departure. Irwin returns to the city staff after having retired earlier this year as director of the Planning, Building and Housing Department. She had worked for East Lansing since 1996. The city says it will hire a recruiter or talent acquisition firm to conduct a national search for someone to permanently fill the role.
Colorado – Stephanie Oliver is officially Granby’s new police chief. Oliver was one of three finalists for the position, along with Scott Luedtke of Arapahoe County and Ron Saunier of Denver. She will begin Oct. 12, according to terms of her employee agreement. Oliver had most recently served as assistant chief of police for the Glynn County, Ga., Police Department.
Iowa – Matt Smith takes over as superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS). He had been filling the role on an interim basis for the past year following the departure of the former superintendent, Ian Roberts. Smith has been with DMPS since 2010, serving in a number of roles, including associate superintendent under Roberts.
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