Declining costs spurring increased interest in desalination
Renewable energy use, improved technology making plants more attractive
| Visitors from Egypt tour the Kay Bailey Hutchison desalination plant in El Paso, the world's largest inland desalination plant. (El Paso Water Utilities photo) |
Desalination. ..it's been called "a drought-proof water supply."
And, although it historically has been a more expensive way to shore up a municipal water supply, improved technology and a growing demand for water in many drought-plagued areas of the country have spurred more interest in this process for turning sea water and brackish groundwater into drinking water.
In fact, half again as many municipal desalination plants were built between 2000 and 2010 as were built in the previous 30 years, according to water sector consultant Mike Mickley. Many local government officials and water experts and managers say they expect the interest in desalination to continue to increase.
Part of the renewed interest stems from the fact that the costs of desalinating sea water and groundwater are declining.
One of the major expenses associated with desalination plants has always been the amount of energy required to run the plants. However, Tom Pankratz, editor of the Water Desalination Report, says it now takes only a quarter of the electricity to generate drinking water as it did in the 1980s because of more efficient pumps, membranes and energy-recovery devices.
One of the newer attempts being explored as a way of lowering energy costs is the use of renewable energy sources to power the plants. In 2013, an energy development firm in Abu Dhabi began preparation for a pilot program. Four companies were to build desalination plants that run on conventional power and then switch them to renewable power. Their efficiency and cost-effectiveness will be measured to help decide which technologies are most effective.
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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars  Glenn Barham, mayor, City of Wichita Falls Career highlights and education: Growing up in Wichita Falls, I attended public schools from the elementary through high school graduating from S.H. Rider High in 1969. For the next three years, I attended East Texas State University (now
Texas A&M University- Commerce). After taking a full-time position with the Wichita Falls Police Department in 1972, I transferred to Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice. In 1974, I became a licensed police officer for Wichita Falls, where I worked until retiring in June 2005. The first career highlight was the opportunity to attend the FBI National Academy in January 1986. This 12-week course taught at Quantico, Virginia, prepared me for the completion of the remainder of my career at the WFPD. The second career highlight came in June 2007 when I was elected to serve as the Councilor At-large following a runoff vote. The biggest highlight, of course, is being elected mayor of Wichita Falls in May 2010.
What I like best about my job is: The best part of my job is meeting the many folks who make Wichita Falls the best place to call home in Texas. With the water issues faced by Wichita Falls, the citizens of this city have stepped up to the plate in their water conservation efforts. This cooperation has lowered our average monthly water consumption from 25 million gallons per month in 2010 to just below 11.5 million gallons per month through 2014. In addition, the citizens have fully embraced our Direct Potable Reuse water project which returns 7.5 to 8 million gallons of effluent water per day back to our treatment facilities for high levels of treatment and reintroduction back into our distribution system. Wichita Falls, in February, passed the 1 billion gallon effluent water treatment milestone, thus saving 1 billion gallons from being taken from our lakes. Additionally, working with the team members of Sheppard Air Force Base is always rewarding. The base/community relations with Sheppard AFB is second to none throughout the Air Force and was affirmed as such with the awarding of the Altus Trophy in 2012 for outstanding support to Sheppard Air Force Base. The Altus Trophy is awarded annually to a civilian community for partnering with an Air Education and Training Command base. Working with the staff of our city has demonstrated to me the dedication and professionalism that our employees have to make Wichita Falls a great place to be.
The best advice I've received for my current job is: Never jump to conclusions. When one hears a complaint, it's easy to assume that the complainer is right. As with my law enforcement career, I've learned that there are always two sides to every complaint and that the correct answer is, more often than not, somewhere in the middle. Jumping to conclusions is bad for me, is bad for the city and is bad for the person making a complaint.
Advice you would give a new hire in your office: My advice to a newly elected mayor would be to listen with an open mind as your new city staff orients you to the operations of the city. I have found that staff members want to do what's best for the organization and the community. Those staff members know the inner-workings of the city and can explain them to you in a frank and forthright manner if you are willing to listen.
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: at home reading and studying city materials, answering emails from constituents or working in my yard.
People would be surprised to know that I: am a licensed pilot and have even, on seven occasions, jumped out of a perfectly good aircraft.
One thing I wish more people knew about my city: I wish more people would take the time to educate themselves about just how city government works as well as how funding of the various city departments is accomplished. Too many folks in the public just don't understand what the actual process is to fund the operations of the various departments and working groups in city government.
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Carlos Cascos sworn in as new Texas Secretary of State
| New Secretary of State Carlos Cascos is sworn into office by Gov. Greg Abbott, while Casco's wife Aurora and his daughters Casandra and Andrea look on. (SOS photo) |
Former Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos was sworn in last week as Texas' Secretary of State. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott chose Cascos to serve as the 110th Secretary of State shortly after Abbott was elected governor.
Cascos has a long career in public service, including serving as a Cameron County commissioner from 1991 to 2002. He also is a former member of the Texas Public Safety Commission. Elected Cameron County Judge in 2006, Casco was re-elected in 2010 and 2014.
After being sworn in by Abbott, Cascos identified priorities of his administration, including encouraging voter participation and promoting the Texas economy. As Secretary of State, he is also the state's chief election official.
Born in Mexico, Cascos immigrated to the United States as a child and became a permanent resident and citizen. He is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and is a certified public accountant.
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Gulley hired to fill newly created job at State Comptroller's Office
 There's a bit of a rare breed currently housed at the State Comptroller's Office. And he's not your usual bean counter. Robert Gulley (pictured) has been hired to fill the newly created position of director of economic growth and endangered species management. Endangered species issues have been part of the comptroller's office responsibilities since 2011.
Gulley, a former neurobiologist, holds a Ph.D. in anatomy and a law degree. The two combined led him to a job defending the United States from endangered species lawsuits at the U.S. Department of Justice. He left that job in 2007 to help implement the Edwards Aquifer protection plan.
Gulley will translate the effect of protection of endangered species on the state economy and will recommend funding for universities for research on threatened species.
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Midwestern State picks Shipley as lone finalist for president
 There will be a change of leadership at Midwestern State University this summer after Dr. Suzanne Shipley (pictured) this week was named lone finalist to become the university's next president. She will succeed Dr. Jesse Rogers, who will retire at the end of August.
Shipley currently serves as president of Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, a post she has held since 2007. The university is a state-funded liberal arts institution. She began her higher education career at the University of Cincinnati. She also worked at universities in Arizona and Maryland before moving to West Virginia.
Growing up in Lubbock, Shipley participated in programs for community children at Texas Tech University, where she came to understand the effect universities can have on rural communities. She later earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the Lubbock university. Shipley is an American Council on Education Fellow with degrees in German from Texas Tech and The University of Texas. By law, Midwestern must wait 21 days before making an appointment after the lone finalist is chosen.
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Laredo gets $1.2M to build hazmat facility at World Trade Bridge
Laredo city officials recently reported they secured $1.2 million in federal funding to build a hazardous material containment facility at the World Trade Bridge by lobbying in Washington, D.C.
Vehicles with hazardous materials now use the Columbia Bridge that generally avoids much of the city and residential areas.
Construction on the new hazardous materials containment facility at the World Trade Bridge should be completed in October. At that time, the containment facility will be given to the federal government, according to Laredo city officials.
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Texas nears five years of consecutive monthly sales tax increases
 Texas is nearing the five-year mark for consecutive months of sales tax revenue increases. State Comptroller Glenn Hegar this week noted the 59th consecutive month of yearly growth in those receipts. Total sales tax revenue in February was $2.46 billion, up 11.7 percent compared to the same month in 2014.
Hegar credited part of the increase to "strong growth" in manufacturing and wholesale and retail trade. He also added that in spite of the decline in oil and natural gas prices, that sector's tax receipts were up "sharply" over last year.
As a result, cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts will share $590.1 million, up 6.7 percent compared to March of last year. Cities will share $381.5 million, up 6.1 percent from March 2014, while counties will receive a total of $38.6 million after a 7.5 percent increase over the same month last year. After an increase of 6.5 percent, transit systems will share $134.1 million, and special purpose taxing units, which saw an increase from March 2014 to March 2015 of 13.8 percent, will share $35.9 million.The sales tax figures represent January sales reported by monthly tax filers. View the receipts by city and county.
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West Texas A&M taps Rikel as VP for business and finance
 West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) officials recently named Randy Rikel (pictured) as the new vice president of business and finance to replace Sherri A. Bays, who left that job in January.
Previously serving as director of accounting and as the associate vice president for business and finance/controller for WTAMU from 1996 to 2006, Rikel also served as associate vice president for The University of Texas at Dallas and as vice president for finance at Texas A&M University-Texarkana.
Rikel has a bachelor's degree from West Texas State University and is a certified public accountant. When he begins his new duties at WTAMU, Rikel will oversee the budgeting process, physical facilities, contract management, the accounting and business office, University Bookstore, police department, purchasing and human resources.
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Foundation donates $75 million to John Sealy Hospital renovation
 The interior and exterior of the John Sealy Hospital (pictured) at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston will be renovated thanks to a $75 million gift from the Sealy & Smith Foundation. The gift "will greatly enhance and broaden our spectrum of health care services," said Dr. David Callender, president of UTMB.
Floors three through seven will be reconfigured to provide women's and children's services. Donna Sollenberger, CEO of the UTMB Health System, said the renovated John Sealy Hospital and the new Jennie Sealy Hospital will represent some of the most advanced health care facilities in Texas.
The John Sealy Hospital renovation is expected to cost about $133 million. Debt and local sources will pay for the remaining $58 million. The Jennie Sealy Hospital is expected to be completed in March of next year. The price tag for that project totals $438 million.
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Angela Olige chosen as new assistant commissioner at TDA
 Angela Olige (pictured), former chief administrator of the Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) Food and Nutrition Division, has been named assistant commissioner of food and nutrition at the agency. In her new charge, she will oversee business operations, nutrition education and outreach, program compliance and administrative and operational budgets for all nutrition programs. Prior to joining TDA, she worked as a finance and budget director for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas.
TDA's Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs in Texas.
Olige holds an accounting degree from the University of Houston.
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Excess funds available for variety of projects in city of Brownwood
The city of Brownwood will use excess funds to defray the costs of four new projects for the city. Because a  bid for two new cells at the landfill came in under what was expected, the city gained $1 million in spendable funds. City Manager Bobby Rountree indicated some of that money will be used for a new baler. The current baler needs $14,000 in repairs after baling more than 227,000 pounds of cardboard and plastic bottles last year.
Additionally, the city plans to use some of the excess funds to pave the recycling center and perform maintenance on the landfill road. The city will also build a storage building for the baled recycled materials. And, the final project will be purchase of a glass pulverizer for recycling.
Even with those expenditures, Rountree said there will be $825,000 in remaining excess funds. City officials are looking at paying down the remaining principal on the bonds, saving interest costs of approximately $172,000.
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Splendora may join with Patton Village in wastewater plant
Splendora City Council members recently agreed to discuss a proposal by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to include Patton Village residents in a new wastewater treatment project instead of each city building a separate treatment plant.
USDA representatives contacted city officials in Patton Village in early March to ask if residents would support partnering with Splendora rather than building another treatment plant if Splendora city officials agree to the proposal, said Mayor Leah Tarrant. The USDA supports building fewer wastewater facilities, Tarrant said.
If Splendora city officials decide against sharing a sewer treatment facility with Patton Village, USDA already has approved $2 million for the construction of a wastewater treatment facility originally planned for Patton Village, Tarrant added.
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Akey to head A&M's Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
 Dr. Bruce Akey (pictured), who began his career with the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory as executive deputy director in June 2014, and who has served as interim director since last September, has been named the lab's full-time director.
Akey earned his bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary. He holds a master's degree from the University of Florida and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota. He was assistant state veterinarian for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for three years and was chief of the Office of Laboratory Services at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer services for more than a dozen years. He was also in private clinical practices for four years. Akey served as assistant dean for diagnostic operations and the executive director of the Animal Health Diagnostic Center in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University.
An agency of the Texas A&M University System, the veterinary diagnostic lab operates in College Station, Amarillo, Center and Gonzales.
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Lubbock moving forward with $15.8 million sewer expansion project
City officials in Lubbock expect to select the winning contractor on April 9 to oversee a $15.8 million project to extend a large-diameter sewer line by an additional 23,000 feet in newly annexed areas south and southwest of the city.
The sewer line extension also involves replacing pavement along University Blvd. to FM1585. City officials expect the sewer line extension to be completed and ready to provide sewer service within a year after the contract is approved.
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Houston Memorial Park plan to make area 'wilderness retreat'
 The nearly 1,500 acres known as Memorial Park in Houston has a plan for the future to make the area a "wilderness retreat within the city," according to landscape architect Thomas Woltz. He called the park the "wilderness park of Houston" as plans were laid out for the park. Those plans include more trails, native plants and green space.
The plan would centralize athletic facilities in the park and would focus on the use of native plants that can stand extreme weather and a system that would save up to 85 gallons of water annually. The makeover of the park was precipitated by the huge loss of trees in the park due to the drought. The design team hopes to present its plan to city officials later this month.
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Is n ew job key to your future? Check out our Public-Sector Job Board! Dozens of public-sector jobs available. New jobs added this week: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board: Federal Grants Specialist, Administrative Assistant I, Accountant V; Texas Legislative Council - Facilities Assistant (temporary); Public Utility Commission - Financial Analyst and Legal Secretary. View jobs here. Free job postings for state and local governments, nonprofits and other public-sector entities. Send your posting to editor@spartnerships.com. |
Lubbock seeking bids for $1.4 million senior center renovation
Lubbock city officials recently began seeking bids to renovate a senior center expected to cost about $1.4 million. The project calls for improving both the interior and exterior of the 19,400 square-foot facility, including upgrades to curbs and landscaping.
The deadline for bids to be submitted is April 1 and council members are scheduled to select the winning contractor in mid-May. Bid specifications call for the senior center renovation to be completed within nine months of beginning construction.
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Departure of Denton planning director prompts reorganization
  The sudden departure of Denton Planning Director Brian Lockley (left) on undetermined leave recently prompted City Manager George Campbell to reorganize his management team.
Campbell granted Lockley leave for an undetermined amount of time, but declined to say why the leave is needed. He also appointed Economic Development Director Aimee Bissett (right) as interim director of planning and development while Lockley is on leave. Bissett also will remain as director of economic development and report directly to Campbell, he said.
In another move, Campbell also said that Assistant City Manager John Cabrales will not continue to oversee planning or economic development, but will manage public safety, the parks department, transportation and public affairs. Assistant City Manager Jon Fortune, who previously oversaw public safety, will now manage planning and continue to manage solid waste, engineering services and aviation, Campbell noted.
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2015 DIR Information Security Forum dates announced for May The 2015 Department of Information Resources Information Security Forum (ISF) is planned for Wednesday and Thursday, May 20 and 21, at the Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78704. The forum is a free educational conference for public sector Information Security Officers, Information Resources Managers and IT staff throughout Texas. The ISF event will feature two days of educational presentations, multiple breakout tracks, inclusion of all levels of Texas government instead of only state, more attendees and more space for exhibitors. Registration opens March 20. The event is free, but requires pre-registration. The event will provide six contact hours of general continuing education credit (six CPEs for Texas IRMs) each day. Already, the Platinum sponsorship level has sold out and gold and silver sponsorships are going fast. Register to become an exhibitor here. Contact isf@dir.texas.gov for more information. W. Texas Energy Consortium Power in Partnership conference set
3rd Annual 'Taking Care of Business' HUB Vendor Fair set in April
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Texas Historical Commission, Texas Facilities Commission, State Office of Court Administration, Texas Education Agency, General Land Office and Texas Workforce Commission will be hosting the 3rd Annual "Taking Care of Business HUB" vendor Fair on April 2 at the JJ Pickle Conference Center, 10100 Burnet Rd. in Austin. The event will provide information to strengthen HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) businesses including marketing the business. There will be one-on-one meetings with state agencies, universities and primes in construction and information technology. State agencies and universities will be exhibiting. The event and parking is FREE! Vendors can also purchase lunch at the cafeteria located at the Pickle Center. Please contact Fred Snell to obtain the registration form. Contact: For more information please contact Fred Snell at fred.snell@txdmv.gov or Deborah Toodle at Deborah.Toodle@tfc.state.tx.us
19th Annual HUB Vendor Show slated in Huntsville on March 24
The City of Huntsville, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, the SHSU Small Business Development Center and Walker County will partner together as sponsors for the 19th Annual Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Vendor Show on March 24. The HUB/Vendor Show will be held in the Walker County Veterans Complex - Walker County Storm Shelter, located at 455 State Highway 75 North in Huntsville. Sponsoring entities will provide free tables for vendors. Staff from the sponsoring entities and from other state agencies, universities and surrounding local groups will visit with exhibitors throughout the event. Exhibitors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with local and state agencies to showcase their products and services. Purchasers and end-users from the sponsoring entities will also be on hand to meet exhibitors, allowing time to showcase their products and services. Set-up will begin at 8 a.m. on March 24 with informative vendor training sessions to be held from 10-11 a.m. The training sessions will provide detailed information with a goal of improving business opportunities with government entities. The training topics will include "A Resource to Help you Qualify for Government Contracts" by Tim Scarborough, UH Procurement Technical Assistance Center, and Billie Smith, City of Huntsville Purchasing Manager, who will present on "How to do Business with the City of Huntsville." Formal introductions and opening remarks begin at 11:30 a.m. with the HUB Show to conclude at 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Billie Smith with the City of Huntsville (936) 291-5495, or to register your company for booth space, contact Ruby Cowan, with TDCJ at (936) 437-3128.
Small Business Forum to focus on Eagle Ford Shale opportunities
The 2015 Governor's Small Business Forum: Business Opportunities in the Eagle Ford Shale Region is planned for Tuesday, March 17, in La Vernia. The event will be from 8 a.m. to noon at the La Vernia High School, 221 FM 775, La Vernia 78121. This is an innovative event for small businesses and community leaders and includes resources and real-time information to stay resilient and diverse in changing times. Among the planned topics are: Doing Business with the Oil and Gas Industry, Managing ever-changing technology, Value-added Agriculture, "Show Me the Money" (Access to Small Business Capital) and Small Business Awards. The event is free but attendees are asked to register in advance.
Eagle Ford Consortium Conference accepting registrations
Online registration has opened and sponsorships are being accepted for the upcoming 4th Annual Eagle Ford Consortium Conference. This year's event will be May 27-29 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, 600 E. Market Street in San Antonio. The conference will feature local and international speakers. Confirmed as one of the speakers is Texas Railroad Commission Chair Christi Craddick. Those attending will hear about how others have turned the challenges in the Eagle Ford Shale into opportunities. Other discussions will include how small and medium businesses can be connected to the Mexican Energy Reform and address real time information directly from the oil and gas industry. Speakers will discuss the impact oil and gas exploration within the Eagle Ford Shale will have on local business, industry, communities and public entities. The agenda and complete list of speakers will be announced as the date of the conference approaches. Exhibitor information is also available. For more info, contact info@eaglefordconsortium.org.
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| | | | Interested in being a public-sector leader? Check out this career path!  By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Sitting in a classroom early on a Saturday morning may not be the most exciting way to start a weekend, but it was a great experience for me. I spent last Saturday morning at The University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs. I was invited to speak to nearly two-dozen bright individuals who will likely be the next generation of government leaders.
The students are enrolled in the inaugural class of a new program at the LBJ School. The curriculum leads to an Executive Master's degree in Public Leadership (EMPL). The students, all of whom have at least seven years' experience, currently work in state agencies, the Texas Legislature, local government, councils of government or nonprofits such as charter schools, neighborhood centers, etc. Many are already on the path to leadership, while others are just beginning the journey. What an interesting group it was - a diverse class of individuals with a genuine passion to serve and a common desire to hone their leadership skills.
Curriculum for the EMPL program is based on various aspects of successful leadership: working with and leading people; business and operational insight; and strategic awareness, communications and coalition building. The program, first of its kind in Texas, is described as, "For leaders. Designed by leaders. Taught by leaders."
The students, already active in public service jobs, have opportunities to further their leadership skills through classroom study, practical learning and discussions with individuals who have served in the executive ranks of government. This particular class, focusing on budget and finance, was taught by John O'Brien, former longtime director of the state's Legislative Budget Board. He invites outside speakers to come and share their stories and insights with the students. Then, the students have an opportunity to ask about difficult issues and/or obstacles the speakers had to overcome. Their questions were insightful and interesting.
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Conroe weighing expansion of Johnson Community Center
After receiving the results of a study of the Oscar Johnson Jr. Community Center, Conroe City Council members recently began discussion on expanding the center that provides after-school and adult education programs.
When the center opened in 1994, the program enrolled 31 children and adults, while more than 700 children and adults are now enrolled, according to the consultant who conducted the feasibility study. The number of visits to the center rose from 56,500 in 2009 to 104,700 in 2014, an increase of 85 percent, he said.
After sessions with staff and community and reviewing demographics of the city, the consultant recommended adding an additional 80,000 square feet of space to Johnson Community Center to offer programs the community requested. Following the presentation, the mayor instructed the city administrator to appoint a committee to review options for expanding the community center.
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TWU selects Heather Speed as associate vice president Texas Woman's University (TWU) officials recently selected Heather Speed as the senior associate vice president for student engagement. A 17-year veteran with TWU, Speed will work with the vice president for student engagement on student affairs programs and services. |
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Plano ISD selects Binggeli lone finalist for superintendent
 Plano Independent School District trustees recently selected Brian Binggeli (pictured), currently superintendent of Brevard Public Schools in Florida, as the lone finalist for superintendent.
Once he begins his new duties in July, Binggeli replaces former Superintendent Richard Matkin, who retired in January. The chief financial officer for the district, Steve Fortenberry, has served as interim superintendent since January.
Binggeli began his career as a teacher and coach and served in administrative positions in Virginia as well as a stint as assistant superintendent of Fairfax County Schools. He has a bachelor's degree from Miami University in Ohio, a master's degree from Virginia State University and a doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
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Chad Kelly selected to lead Jacksonville school district
 Dr. Chad Kelly (pictured), previously a superintendent for Taft Independent School District, recently won selection as superintendent for Jacksonville ISD.
When he joins the district on March 23, Kelly will replace former Superintendent Joe Wardell, who is retiring. Prior to joining the Taft district in 2007, Kelly was a high school principal for school districts in Mathis, San Marcos and Sinton. He also has been an adjunct professor at Texas State University and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Kelly has a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, a master's degree from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
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Shipp announces retirement as city manager in Bonham
 City Manager Bill Shipp (pictured) of Bonham recently notified city officials he is resigning, effective on July 31.
He served as a city manager in Commerce and in Royse City before joining the city of Bonham.
Shipp has a degree from Texas A&M University and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
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Sheets retiring as superintendent of Muleshoe school district  Superintendent Gene Sheets (pictured) of Muleshoe Independent School District recently announced plans to retire in June. After serving as superintendent in Muleshoe for 15 years, Sheets said he is leaving to join Lubbock Christian University as an associate professor in the Graduate Education Department. Sheets will serve as director of the superintendent program at Lubbock Christian University when he begins his new duties. |
 On our Web site...
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Brittney Simon begins duties as county auditor in Navarro County
Brittney Simon recently began her duties as the new Navarro County auditor. She has served as the internal auditor for the county for the last two years.
Simon, a certified public accountant, previously worked as an accountant for two private businesses. She has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of North Texas at Denton.
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Marble Falls ISD names Penrod as assistant superintendent After announcing a reorganization of central administration, Marble Falls Independent School District officials recently named Eric Penrod, previously director of academic programs, as assistant superintendent of academic programs. The administrative reorganization won approval following the recent resignations of Lee Courville as director of elementary curriculum and Allen Roberts, the assistant superintendent of support services. Trustees changed the position previously held by Roberts to executive director of student support services and plan to begin searching for a replacement for Roberts in October. Trustees also selected Leslie Baty, an elementary school principal, as director of elementary curriculum to replace Courville. |
Medina ISD appoints White as new superintendent
 Medina Independent School District board members recently appointed Penny White (pictured) as superintendent.
Previously a teacher at Como-Pickton Consolidated ISD, she won promotion to an assistant principal before becoming superintendent at Yantis ISD in 2012. White has a master's degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
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Almonte to retire as deputy city manager in El Paso
 Deputy City Manager David Almonte (pictured) of El Paso recently announced plans to retire at the end of this month. He is the last city manager remaining from the previous administration.
Almonte won appointment as deputy city manager in 2010 and served in several budget and financial positions after joining the city as a budget analyst in 1991. He also was a finalist for city manager following the resignation of former city manager Joyce Wilson.
He has a bachelor's and a master's degree from The University of Texas at El Paso. He also served four years in the U.S. Air Force and worked in the banking industry before joining the city.
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Lewis resigning as city manager in Glenn Heights  City Manager Trudy Lewis (pictured) of Glenn Heights recently submitted her resignation to be effective at the end of this month.
After two years in that job, Lewis resigned to accept a new job as district director for a Dallas congresswoman. Lewis previously held administrative posts in the cities of Arlington and Irving. She has a bachelor's degree from Spelman College in Georgia and a master's degree from The University of Texas at Dallas.
Glenn Heights city officials also appointed Deputy City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides as the interim city manager, effective on April 1.
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Mineral Wells taps Dobbs as municipal court judge Mineral Wells city officials recently tapped Keri Walden Dobbs as the new municipal court judge. Previously an associate judge, Dobbs will replace Bobby Hart, the Precinct 5 justice of the peace who resigned as municipal judge. |
Strotheide resigning as head of Matagorda County EDC
Mike Strotheide, the executive director of the Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation, recently submitted his resignation effective on March 31.
Board members for the Matagorda County MDC have begun a search for a new executive director to replace Strotheide, who said he is pursuing other career opportunities.
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The Texas Government Insider is a free weekly e-newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government. Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers
The Insider is published by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), a research and consulting firm. Founded in Texas in 1994 by former government executives and public sector experts, SPI has developed a national reputation as the premier marketing partner dedicated to helping companies secure contracts in the $1.5 trillion state and local government marketplace.
To learn more about SPI services click here or contact our sales department at 512-531-3900. Barton Oaks Plaza One, Suite #100
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