Leadership

Dr. Marla Sheppard came to Longview from KIPP Texas Public Schools, where she was responsible for executing the academic vision and programming for the 33 schools in the Houston region. Prior to that, she led Kansas City Public Schools to earn "Full Accreditation" for the first time in over 20 years. During her tenure at Fort Bend ISD, she oversaw 16 campuses as the assistant superintendent of school leadership. 

With a track record of fostering inclusive and high-achieving learning environments, Dr. Sheppard's focus for Longview ISD is to expand academic and extracurricular programs, ensuring the district remains a destination for high-achieving students, families, and education professionals. Her strategic approach and commitment to excellence are set to enhance Longview ISD's legacy of academic success. 

Dr. Sheppard has been married for more than 25 years to education administrator Dr. Daniel Sheppard, and they have three children: Ashley, Jonathan, and Jeremiah. She looks forward to building long-lasting relationships with the students, staff, and community of Longview!

We’ve launched a strategic planning process to shape our work over the next five years—building on the insights from my first 100 days and a new Vision and Mission Statement developed in collaboration with our Board of Trustees.

This plan must reflect the hopes and priorities of our entire community, and your input is essential. Your perspective will help ensure that this plan truly represents our shared commitment to the success of every child in Longview ISD.

About our partners

We have partnered with Civic Solutions Group to support the development of our district’s five-year strategic plan.

Founded in 2019, CSG is a team of former education leaders who bring extensive experience working within public education systems across the country, including school districts, state education agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

CSG specializes in collaborative planning, ensuring that strategies are built around real challenges and opportunities unique to each district. Their approach focuses on deep listening, data-informed decision-making, and practical solutions that drive lasting impact.

By working directly with educators, administrators, and stakeholders, they help districts like ours craft meaningful plans that address both immediate needs and long-term goals.

For Longview ISD, Dana Ray, Justin Tyack, and Gaby Fighetti are leading the engagement. Dana, brings expertise in systems reform and leadership development. Justin, with a background in school operations and strategic planning, supports organizational structure and implementation. Gaby, a specialist in student access and enrollment, ensures that equity remains a key focus.

Our partnership with CGS helps ensure that our plan reflects the needs of the entire Longview ISD community, and positioning us for continued success.

The Board of Trustees provides governance and oversight for the district, setting policies and strategic direction. Dr. Marla Sheppard, Superintendent, leads the district’s daily operations, implementing board policies and overseeing all departments.

Dr. Sheppard's Cabinet consists of the district’s senior leadership team, each overseeing the various departments that drive the district’s success. These leaders align their efforts with the Superintendent’s dynamic vision and strategy, ensuring smooth operations across academics, finances, human resources, operations, technology, and family engagement.

Members include Dr. Kettisha Jones (Deputy Superintendent of Innovation, Student Performance & Charter Leadership), Mr. Samuel Kington (Chief of Facilities & Operations), Dr. Wayne Guidry (Chief Financial Officer), Ms. Shalona McCray (Chief Human Resources Officer), Mr. Benjamin Wood (Chief of Technology), and Mr. Matthew Prosser (Chief of Strategic Initiatives).

Each leader works collaboratively among each other and across the entire Cabinet team to support the amazing students, employees, and families of the Longview ISD community.

INNOVATION & STUDENT PERFORMANCE

Dr. Kettisha Jones leads academic innovation and student success initiatives, ensuring that all students receive high-quality instruction and support. She oversees Curriculum & Instruction, Special Programs, and Innovation, guiding instructional leadership, bilingual education, and special services.

Dr. Jones also provides direct oversight of Longview ISD’s partnership charters, including East Texas Advanced Academies (ETAA), Texas Council for International Studies (TCIS), and Longview Educates and Prospers (LEAP). She ensures that these schools align with district goals while maintaining operational and academic excellence.

FACILITIES & OPERATIONS

Mr. Samuel Kington oversees all operational functions, ensuring that Longview ISD’s schools remain safe, efficient, and well-maintained. His department manages campus safety, transportation, maintenance, bond projects, custodial services, and child nutrition.

Mr. Kington’s team ensures students and staff have a secure and fully operational learning environment. He coordinates large-scale infrastructure projects and daily logistics, keeping the district’s facilities running smoothly.

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Dr. Wayne Guidry is responsible for managing Longview ISD’s financial health, ensuring compliance and fiscal responsibility. His office handles budgeting, payroll, procurement, business operations, and grants management.

Dr. Guidry’s team ensures financial transparency, supports district-wide initiatives, and allocates resources effectively to enhance student learning and district operations.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Ms. Shalona McCray leads Longview ISD’s human capital strategy, ensuring that the district attracts, develops, and retains high-quality educators and staff. She oversees staffing, recruitment, employee relations, onboarding, and professional development.

Ms. McCray’s team plays a critical role in workforce planning and compliance, ensuring a positive working environment that supports student success.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Mr. Benjamin Wood directs the district’s digital infrastructure, ensuring technology enhances teaching, learning, and operations. His department oversees technology services, instructional technology, cybersecurity, and IT support.

Mr. Wood’s team ensures that Longview ISD remains technologically innovative and secure, providing students and staff with the tools they need for success.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Mr. Matthew Prosser plays a key role in shaping the district’s strategic direction by overseeing communications, community relations, and special initiatives. His office ensures public engagement, transparency, and alignment with Longview ISD’s long-term goals.

Mr. Prosser works closely with the Superintendent to support cross-departmental initiatives and special projects that drive district-wide progress. His leadership ensures that Longview ISD maintains a strong connection with its stakeholders while advancing key district priorities.

Dr. Sheppard's official contract with Longview ISD includes an annual salary of $275,000 and is effective from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027:

Click here to download Dr. Sheppard's 2024-27 Superintendent's Contract. 

Dr. Sheppard's First 100-Day Plan outlines her strategic vision for her first 100 days in Longview ISD.

GOAL UPDATES

Original 100-Day Plan

This interactive document allows you to navigate through the pages by clicking and dragging from right to left to move forward, or from left to right to move backward. We hope you enjoy this presentation and learn more about our exciting plans for the future!

Questions? Please email me or call 903-381-2219.