50+ min ago (216+ words) Published 6:02 pm Tuesday, December 2, 2025 Global firm Stantec has been chosen as architects for Port Arthur Independent School District's $78 million Athletic Complex Project. Proposition B, approved by voters in May, consists of a new stadium, though the scope of the project is in the early stages. District officials are working with the architect on the best utilization of these funds. The idea of a sports complex was brought to the district by residents, hence the reason why it was on the ballot. The sports complex would be for a variety of sports. PAISD Superintendent Dr. Mark Porterie said the location of the stadium is still being worked out and more information will be available after negotiations have been completed." "Stantec exceeded our expectations," he said. "Therefore, Stantec was one of four architectural firms selected by district personnel and approved by the…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (160+ words) [Steven Beagle sworn in as NISD Superintendent]NEDERLAND " The Nederland Independent School District Board of Trustees has officially named Dr. Steven Beagle as the Superintendent of Schools during a Special Board Meeting Thursday. Beagle will assume the role of Superintendent on Dec. 20, following Dr. Stuart Kieschnick's retirement on Dec. 19. Beagle is in his 39th year with Nederland ISD and [] [Steven Beagle sworn in as NISD Superintendent]NEDERLAND " The Nederland Independent School District Board of Trustees has officially named Dr. Steven Beagle as the Superintendent of Schools during a Special Board Meeting Thursday. Beagle will assume the role of Superintendent on Dec. 20, following Dr. Stuart Kieschnick's retirement on Dec. 19. Beagle is in his 39th year with Nederland ISD and currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and a deep commitment to the…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (477+ words) Published 4:14 pm Friday, November 21, 2025 (AUSTIN) " Texas State University System (TSUS) Chancellor Brian McCall today announced the appointment of John C. Hayek, Ph.D., as interim president of Lamar State College Port Arthur beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Dr. Hayek, who serves as vice chancellor for academic and health affairs at TSUS, will succeed Dr. Betty Reynard, who announced her retirement earlier this week. Chancellor McCall said the interim appointment will provide continuity and stability while allowing time to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the institution and gather input from key stakeholders, before determining next steps in the presidential search." "Dr. Reynard's leadership has positioned the college for continued success. As we enter this transition period, I want to take the time to evaluate the college's opportunities for growth and ensure that the next phase of leadership builds upon her legacy," said McCall. "Dr. Hayek's experience…...

2+ week, 2+ hour ago (379+ words) Published 4:27 pm Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Dr. Betty Reynard, who has served as president of Lamar State College Port Arthur for 11 years, announced she will retire at the end of the fall semester." Reynard has guided LSCPA through a period of remarkable growth, innovation, and community partnership. Reynard's last day as president will be Dec. 31, after which she will serve as a special advisor to the Texas State University System administration. "Working with the LSCPA faculty and staff for 11 years has been incredibly exciting and rewarding," said Dr. Reynard in a news release. "Together, we have expanded educational opportunities and experiences for so many. And, as I retire, I do so with confidence that the future of LSCPA is bright." Under Reynard's leadership, LSCPA has launched more than a dozen new certificate and degree programs, ranging from liquefied natural gas operations to…...

3+ week, 4+ day ago (284+ words) Published 5:26 pm Friday, November 7, 2025 Port Arthur ISD hosted a community meeting Thursday to share district updates and outline its vision for the coming school year. The discussion, led by Superintendent Dr. Mark Porterie, offered parents and community members a chance to hear directly from district leaders and voice their concerns. The meeting covered topics ranging from academic performance to student safety and the district's ongoing efforts to modernize its facilities. Porterie emphasized that transparency and communication remain a top priority for the administration. "We want our parents to be informed and engaged," Porterie said. "These meetings are about making sure everyone understands what we're doing, why we're doing it, and how it impacts our students." Parents also heard from district officials about plans to expand technology access, improve special education services, and strengthen support for English language learners through the…...

4+ week, 5+ hour ago (258+ words) Published 1:02 pm Tuesday, November 4, 2025 A classroom writing assignment has turned into a published novel for Wilson Early College High School junior Andersson Gervacio, who recently released his debut book, Asani, on Amazon. "I never expected that something I wrote for class would turn into a real book," Gervacio said. "My teacher's encouragement and the support of my classmates inspired me to keep writing. I hope my story shows other students that their ideas are worth pursuing." Described as a vivid and emotional story, "Asani" draws readers into its world with detailed imagery and heartfelt storytelling. Gervacio's accomplishment has earned praise from teachers and administrators across Port Arthur ISD. "Seeing where this young man came from and the struggles he went through, he stands as an example to all students that hard work pays off," said Principal LaSonya Baptiste. "You just…...

1+ mon, 4+ day ago (193+ words) Published 11:18 am Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Nederland Independent School District names Steven Beagle as the lone finalist for the Superintendent search to replace Stuart Keischnick, as he is set to retire." Beagle, who is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, is in his 39th year with the district. He holds a PhD from Lamar University and served as Principal of Nederland High School before stepping into his current role." "I am very excited about this choice. Dr. Beagle is well prepared and an excellent candidate." Kieschnick said. "Nederland ISD has a great Board, a great incoming Superintendent, great faculty and staff'and the District will go from great to excellent." Kieschnick announced his retirement in July with his last day effective Dec. 19." Kieschnick served as Superintendent since August of 2020. Under his leadership, the district has seen improved student achievement, expanded programs that meet the…...

1+ mon, 1+ week ago (105+ words) [Sam Houston Starlets Bring the Spirit]Sam Houston Elementary School's Starlets Spirit Team performed Thursday night during the Port Arthur independent School District board meeting." The group is sponsored by Gregory Broussard and co-sponsor Maxine Beam. The Starlets also wowed the crowd at the Oct. 17 Memorial Titan game. Published 6:09 pm Friday, October 24, 2025 Sam Houston Elementary School's Starlets Spirit Team performed Thursday night during the Port Arthur independent School District board meeting." The group is sponsored by Gregory Broussard and co-sponsor Maxine Beam. The Starlets also wowed the crowd at the Oct. 17 Memorial Titan game....

1+ mon, 1+ week ago (427+ words) Published 5:26 pm Monday, October 20, 2025 The Port Arthur Job Fair drew a steady crowd to the Robert A. "Bob" Bowers Civic Center on Wednesday, where job seekers and employers filled the building with a shared sense of purpose in finding opportunities and strengthening the local workforce. Organized through a partnership between the City of Port Arthur, the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas, the Port Arthur Housing Authority, and the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation, the event brought together dozens of businesses representing industries from construction and manufacturing to healthcare, retail, and hospitality. "We got out here at 8 o'clock this morning, and we already had people lined up at the front door," said Shawn Granger, director of community development for the Port Arthur EDC. "The vendors came in, and as you can see, we have a packed house. We've…...

1+ mon, 2+ week ago (337+ words) Published 12:05 pm Monday, October 13, 2025 Port Arthur City Council received an update Tuesday on job vacancies and the city's ongoing efforts to fill open positions across departments. Assistant City Manager Albert Thigpen presented the update, noting the city has a budgeted workforce of 855 positions for the current fiscal year, including 34 new roles added in the recently approved budget. Of those, 121 positions remain vacant, though many are in various stages of hiring, including departmental requisitions, interviews or pre-employment processing. Since the last update in August, when the number of reported vacancies stood at 73, the city's Human Resources Department has made progress toward fully staffing its own team, with only one position still open. Thigpen said HR continues to focus on improving recruitment efforts and transparency for applicants. Among the improvements, the city has reorganized its online job listings to show both internal…...