BOARD OFFICERS
CHAIR: Karen Haas
CO-CHAIR: Thomas Norris
SECRETARY: Lauren Land
COMMITTEE APPOINTEES
LaDarian Brown, JoCarol Cox, Jon Cromer, Julie Ford, Karen Haas, Leah Hickman, Wade Johnson, Staci Killingsworth, Lauren Land, Jesse Mancha, Thomas Norris, Krupal Patel, Jairus Rockmore, Darrin Rudolph, Corey Shaw, Dewayne Ward, Joe Weber, and Daryl Williams
About the Committee
The committee's membership encompasses individuals who represent a wide range of interests and perspectives within the Longview ISD community. This includes those who actively supported the bond measure, generously contributing their time, resources, and finances to ensure its passage.
Additionally, the committee welcomes those who supported the propositions but did not necessarily participate in campaign efforts. Their perspectives are valued alongside those who were actively involved.
Importantly, the membership also extends to individuals who may have been skeptical or did not initially support the bond propositions. Their perspectives are welcomed as part of an inclusive dialogue aimed at better understanding all viewpoints within the community. This committee facilitates open and productive discussions without any predetermined expectations.
The overarching goal is to maintain a diverse coalition unified in their commitment to Longview ISD's future success. By bringing together perspectives that span the spectrum of viewpoints, the committee fosters a spirit of cooperation and cultivates a broad base of support for the interests of the students, staff, and greater Longview ISD community.
LISD's Bond Oversight Committee by-laws are designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible management of the 2024 Bond Program. They provide a framework for reviewing expenditures, reporting progress, and ensuring bond funds are used effectively for the benefit of the Longview ISD community.
Here is the current draft of those bylaws (still a work in progress).
These by-laws will be reviewed by the LISD Board of Trustees at their regular meeting on Oct. 21 and considered for adoption by the Bond Oversight Committee at their Oct. 22 regular meeting.
It's important to clarify that the Bond Oversight Committee serves in an advisory capacity. While the committee does not hold any formal decision-making authority to approve or reject specific aspects of bond projects, their input still carries significant weight!
The administration deeply values the diverse perspectives represented on the committee. All feedback, concerns, and recommendations provided will be given thorough consideration. The committee's insights play a vital role in shaping project plans and decisions.
Furthermore, the administration is committed to maintaining transparency in this process. Committee feedback deemed substantive is documented and shared with the Board of Trustees as they deliberate and vote on bond-related agenda items.
This collaborative approach ensures community voices are amplified while still respecting the formal authority of the elected Board of Trustees. The ultimate goal is judicious stewardship of bond funds aligned with Longview ISD's vision and the community's best interests.
Bond Oversight Committee meetings are conducted in a respectful and collaborative manner. Members approach discussions with an open mind and a willingness to consider different viewpoints.
The committee nominates and elects officers: a Chair to lead meetings, a Co-Chair to lead in the Chair's absence, and a Secretary to keep key notes. These officers are responsible for setting meeting agendas.
All members are expected to prioritize the best interests of Longview ISD students and the community. Regular attendance and active participation are crucial. Confidential or sensitive information is treated with discretion. Official minutes are kept via audio recording and uploaded to the district website for transparency. The committee presents an annual report to the Board of Trustees, ensuring accountability and progress updates on bond projects.
By adhering to these principles, the committee aims to ensure productive dialogue and successful implementation of bond projects.
On May 4, 2024, Longview ISD voters approved all five propositions in the $456.2 million bond election. The bond will address aging infrastructure, add new facilities, and fund building upgrades and construction.
As the district moves forward with planning and implementation, it will ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency throughout the process.
To this end, Longview ISD is forming a 2024 Bond Oversight Committee consisting of families, business owners, staffers, retirees, alumni, and other LISD community members. The committee will meet regularly to discuss questions and concerns related to the bond projects.
Its key responsibilities will include reviewing and providing feedback on various aspects of the process, such as renderings, architectural plans, schematics, and more. The committee will offer diverse perspectives and identify potential areas of oversight that staff and contractors might not have considered.
The ultimate goal is to foster community buy-in and expand the base of support for Longview ISD's long-term and ongoing facility improvement efforts.
Got questions? LISD Community Relations is facilitating the 2024 Bond Oversight Committee and for more information please contact them via email at ask@lisd.org or call at 903-381-2235.
