Congress appropriated an extremely large amount of funding for school projects, and the final round allocations totaled $122 billion. That’s a huge amount – about $380 per person in the U.S. This revenue came through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program and was delivered with a mandated deadline: It must be obligated by Sept. 30, 2024. That ticking clock is moving quickly, and not only is it important to meet that deadline, but there’s also another timeline worthy of note: The funding must all be spent by the end of January 2025.

With such a massive pot of funding reaching the end of its useful life, the demand for public private collaboration on K-12 campuses is high.

The National Center for Education Statistics released a study that explains why Congress allocated so much funding. The average school building in America is now a half-century old, and about one in three public schools teach students in non-permanent modular buildings. This signals a great need for construction, renovations and expansions. Private sector firms can currently find upcoming construction opportunities on school campuses in almost every state in America. And there will not be much slowdown after the federal funding is exhausted because states, cities and counties are also providing funding, and upcoming bond elections will ask voters to approve billions more in new construction.

Agawam, Massachusetts, will renovate one of its high schools at an estimated cost of $231 million. The project will remove part of an existing facility constructed in 1955 and expand the existing building significantly. The result will be a two-story high school with an academic wing housing classrooms and a community wing with a new cafeteria, auditorium, and gymnasium.

The project began a schematic design phase in December, which is expected to last between May and July. A project manager has been installed, but construction services will be procured only after the schematic design phase is completed.

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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) will use $39.1 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to build a concourse and add terminal space to increase the airport’s capacity for screening passengers. The funding comes from the FY 2024 Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program, a federal initiative that will help modernize airport infrastructure, improve runway safety and create jobs. 

The FAA dollars will support projects that are part of AUS Journey, a multi-year expansion and remodeling program. The initiative will address capacity needs as the airport hits historic levels of passenger and airline activity. Airport officials are consulting with airlines to determine the number of gates for design and construction based on carrier needs. 

Click here for more details about this opportunity

(Photo courtesy of the city of Austin.)

The city of Bryan has installed an autonomous flood early warning system to protect motorists from becoming trapped in creeks during storms and heavy rainfall.

The Bryan Flood Early Warning System (B-FEWS) uses high floodwater alert sensors placed along 20 flood-prone roadways. When the stations detect rising water, they alert emergency response crews and city staff in real-time to the road’s location and condition. Crews can then take preemptive steps to barricade flooded roadways.

The city integrated B-FEWS with its online maps, allowing the system to provide updates with the latest information on flooding and road closures. In addition, the B-FEWS provides visual warning to anyone in proximity to flooded areas, using flashing beacons to alert drivers to turn around and avoid danger. The system will also send text messages and email notifications, updating residents on road conditions and evacuation directions.

Click here for details about the system

(Photo courtesy of Bob McMillan.)

The Austin City Council has directed the city manager to establish guidelines and procedures centered on how employees can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethically and transparently. 

The presence of big data and AI are changing how information is collected and managed, creating concerns over racial and cultural biases of the technology’s use, city officials said in a recently advanced resolution. The city has already begun implementing AI in everyday use. The Austin Police Department (APD) began using AI to conduct non-emergency reports in March 2023 and the City Council in October 2023 approved a 5-year contract to use AI to help identify potential wildfires.

Click here to learn more about Austin’s AI plan

(Photo courtesy of christin hume on Unsplash.)

Zach Holland

General Manager

Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District

Public career highlights and education: I earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Master of Water Management and Hydrological Science degrees from Texas A&M in 2008 and 2010. I have had the privilege to participate on planning, management and policy committees in service to my district and area as well as several statewide organizations, including currently as secretary of Groundwater Management Area 14 (currently secretary.

What I like best about my public service: I love being of service to others, striving to lend a hand and serving my role in the lives of others. I enjoy my role as a translator and facilitator of groundwater information and education with individuals, consultants and attorneys. I believe there is a significant reason and purpose to everyone I cross paths with. It can be as simple as lending a listening year, yes-no answer, education and discussion behind actions or decisions, connecting and coordinating with others for a better or complete resolution.

The best advice I’ve received: Do right and do good by all those you are blessed to come across in life. Invest in people and build them up as they will far outweigh and outlive any job or career. Countless people have poured into me their knowledge, wisdom and expertise. This molding and shaping of my life, personally and professionally, can never be repaid but I can do everything within my power to pay it forward. Simply put, I greatly appreciate you and all that you do - thank you for being you.

People might be interested to know: I drive buses for field trips and sporting events. I enjoy driving, and what better way to watch the world go by than on a bus?! I am also one of and possibly only second-generation GCD managers.

One thing I wish more people knew about the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District: Groundwater is defined as mysterious and occult, but your local GCD isn't. The local insights to planning, management and policy aim to address groundwater issues past, present or future. Water well drillers, pump installers and Realtors are our greatest unpaid employees. They can be an enormous help to introducing folks to the district and groundwater, but never shy from giving us a call or stopping by to talk. We are a resource of the resource - we look forward to fostering the growth of groundwater knowledge, understanding and education.

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Elizabeth Killinger to the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC) Board of Directors. TxEDC is part of a private-public partnership with the governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism (EDT). EDT is responsible for marketing Texas as the best state for business on a domestic and global scale. 

Killinger brings 30 years of domestic and international experience in the energy and services industries to the role. She currently serves on the Energy Advisory Board at the University of Houston (UH) – a volunteer board composed of energy industry experts and leaders dedicated to advancing energy education and research. She also serves on UH’s Bauer College Board, where she advises the college’s dean on critical issues. 

Killinger is the current executive vice president of NRG, president of NRG Home and Reliant Energy and a member of the board of directors for Helmerich & Payne. She also serves on several non-profit boards. She is a sixth-generation Texan and a native Houstonian. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems from UH.

(Photo courtesy of the Greater Houston Partnership.)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest $772.6 million on projects to provide high-speed internet, clean water, modern infrastructure and a range of support to rural communities, agricultural producers and small businesses. 

The funds are part of the USDA’s Rural Development Initiative and will support 216 projects in 45 states, Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands. The bulk of the funds – $644.2 million – will go to 158 rural utilities to provide clean drinking water and sanitary wastewater systems for almost 1 million people. 

Click here for more details

(Photo courtesy of rural.gov.)

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) is making a series of systemic changes, including developing a budgeting process to address system operational problems. School officials created a report detailing problems that are financially costly and hinder student education. HISD is the nation’s seventh-largest school district with more than 216,00 students, according to 2019 U.S. Census figures.

The district identified eight key areas presenting operational issues in the recently released HISD Efficiency Report, including broken HR and transportation systems, wasteful spending and extreme overtime abuse. Other problems include frequently outsourcing work to contractors that could have been performed by HISD employees, a bureaucracy filled with obstacles and excessive curricula and programs that lack quality standards.

Click here for more information

(Photo courtesy of Unseen Studio on Unsplash.)

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has hired Edward Lengel as its sixth executive director. THC is responsible for preserving Texas historical sites, overseeing 38 historic sites, providing regulatory guidance for state and federal historic and archeological designation and handling economic development programs centered around historic preservation.  

Lengel is a historian, author and museum executive, most recently serving as vice president for museum experience at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas. He spent the first 20 years of his career as a professor at the University of Virginia. 

Lengel later became chief historian for the White House Historical Association in Washington, D.C., revolutionary in residence for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Williamsburg, Virginia, and senior director of programs at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

"I'm excited to join the THC and engage with the millions of Texans who love this state's unique history and recognize how it has contributed to the Lone Star State's rise as a dynamo of economic and cultural success,” said Lengel. "I look forward to building on the many accomplishments of my predecessor and leading this amazing team of preservationists, historians, archeologists and other professionals as we fulfill the THC’s mission to Texas." 

Lengel took over the role from Executive Director Mark Wolfe. Wolfe had led the agency since 2008. He officially retired Dec. 29, 2023.

(Photo courtesy of the Texas Historical Commission.)

(Photo: Jeff Walker left, Bryan McMath right.)

Jeff Walker has announced his retirement as executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), effective March 5, 2024. Bryan McMath will become interim executive administrator as the board searches for a replacement. Walker has served as executive director since 2016 and more than 34 years with the TWDB.

McMath joined TWDB in 2018 as governmental relations liaison. He was later promoted to director of governmental relations January 2021. He previously served for almost 15 years at the Texas State Capitol. He is currently TWDB’s director of governmental relations.

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Longview Independent School District (LISD) officials are asking voters to approve five bond propositions totaling $456 million to update existing buildings, build an early childhood center and build a multi-purpose facility and aquatic center. Early voting runs from April 22 to April 30, with election day May 4.  

“These bond propositions focus on safety and security, as well as renovations to aging infrastructure and athletic facilities,” Longview ISD Board President Michael Tubb said in a press release.  

Click here for details about each proposition

(Photo courtesy of Longview ISD.)

Neal Weaver, the current president of Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW), was unanimously voted to be the 11th president of Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) in Nacogdoches.

Weaver was the sole finalist in the University of Texas System Board of Regents’ search for a president to succeed Dr. Steve Westbrook. He will take over responsibilities from interim president Gina Oglesbee. Oglesbee has led the university since Dr. Westbrook’s sudden retirement May 31, 2023.

A presidential search advisory committee, chaired by UT System Chancellor James B. Milliken, recommended Weaver for the role. Weaver comes with 33 years of experience in higher education administration across four public university systems.

“Dr. Weaver's accomplishments in fostering student success, driving enrollment growth, and spearheading successful fundraising efforts make him an ideal fit to lead Stephen F. Austin State University into new opportunities as a member of the University of Texas System,” Chancellor Milliken said.

Weaver has served as president of GSW for seven years. He previously served as vice president for university advancement and innovation at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, vice president for institutional advancement at West Texas A&M University and vice president for university relations at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.

There is a 21-day waiting period before the UT Regents can officially name Weaver president.

(Photo courtesy of the University of Texas System.)

Graham Independent School District (GISD) officials are asking voters to approve a pair of bond measures totaling $38 million to construct classrooms and build a student multipurpose facility for sports and extracurricular programs. Election day is May 4. Early voting will take place between April 22 and 30. 

Proposition A would consolidate the district’s elementary campuses from three to two. Proposition B would allow GISD to build a fully enclosed turf student multipurpose facility for sports and extracurricular programs. 

Click here for details about each proposition 

(Photo courtesy of Graham ISD.)

Georgetown Independent School District (GISD) officials are asking voters to approve a $649.5 million bond measure that would help build three schools, renovate classrooms and build a performing arts facility. 

Proposition A would allocate $597.4 million to build a comprehensive high school in addition to a middle school and an elementary school. Proposition B would provide $20.3 million for replacing and upgrading technology infrastructure. Proposition C would direct $27.8 million to build a performing arts facility at East View High School. 

Click here for details about each proposition

(Photo courtesy of Georgetown ISD.)

Gov. Greg Abbott announced these appointments and reappointments from Feb. 16 through Feb. 22:

73rd District Court

Marialyn Barnard - San Antonio

Texas Food System Security And Resiliency Planning Council

Kevin Koch - Temple

David Volleman - Gustine

John Votava - Keller

Coleman Locke - Wharton

Presiding Officer Of Webb County - City Of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority

Jed Alton Brown - Laredo (reappointed)

489th District Court

Tracy Gray - Forney

North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority

Gary Halbrooks - Tyler (reappointed)

Risk Management Board

Jeffrey Houston - Dripping Springs

Gerald Ladner, Sr. - Austin

Sulphur River Basin Authority Board Of Directors

Kelly Mitchell - Texarkana (reappointed)

Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council

John Bash - Austin

Mark Stone, Ph.D. - Bryan

Dean Teffer, Ph.D. - Austin

Angela Wilkins, Ph.D. - Houston

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

Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers

Editors:

Adam Rollins

Dave Doolittle