The Longview ISD Board of Trustees approved several measures during their regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 13, including contracts for the construction of new facilities and upgrades to existing campuses.
Early Learning Center, "Bus Barn" upgrade
Following a rigorous evaluation process, the trustees unanimously approved a contract with Jackson Construction for the general construction of the district's new Early Childhood Learning Center and Transportation buildings.
Totaling $69.6 million, the projects are set to begin construction in the third quarter of 2025 and aim to modernize infrastructure and expand pre-kindergarten access.
"Jackson Construction's extensive experience in educational facilities and their commitment to timely, quality projects made them an ideal choice for this initiative," said Mr. Samuel Kington, Chief of Facilities & Operations.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Softball Field relocation, LHS fencing
Board members approved Hellas Construction for relocating the district's softball field and Buchanan Fencing to install high-security fencing at Longview High School.
While not part of the May 2024 bond election, these projects are part of the District's ongoing efforts to bolster campus security and enhance district attributes.
"Both projects represent our commitment to student safety and providing top-tier facilities for our students and staff," said Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard. "Hellas and Buchanan have proven track records in delivering quality products."
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Superintendent's Report
Dr. Sheppard opened her report by honoring the LISD Board of Trustees as part of School Board Recognition Month. She presented award plaques, gift baskets, and student artwork to LISD board members and explained that this year's theme is "Leadership for Tomorrow’s Texas."
"In Texas, school board members are elected by community members who trust them to do what's best for students," she said. "This connection ensures that board members are accountable to local voters, attuned to the needs of their communities, and dedicated to a brighter future."
Dr. Sheppard said, “While showing appreciation should be a year-round process, taking the opportunity of this designated month "ensures that these important people receive some of the thanks they deserve."
"Our school board members are volunteers who shoulder critical responsibilities and often make difficult choices for our district, all without pay," she said. "Their goal is always focused on the future success of the children in our district."
Read the full media release here.
Student Achievement
In addition, Dr. Sheppard celebrated several groups of students for excellence in academic and extracurricular achievements.
Longview High School had 24 students who earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These programs celebrate students’ hard work in high school and showcase their strong academic performance. The academic honor for First-Generation, African American, Hispanic, and/or Indigenous students is an opportunity for students to share their strong academic achievements with colleges and scholarship programs that are seeking to recruit diverse talent.
"These scholars exemplify the power of hard work and determination, and their success inspires all of us," she said.
Dr. Sheppard also spotlighted students who earned 4th place out of 41 teams at the North Texas Automotive Dealer Association Competition.
“This achievement underscores the quality of our vocational education programs and the immense talent of our students,” she said.
Update on ESC repairs
Mr. Kington provided a comprehensive report on repairs to the district's Education Support Center (ESC) administration building, damaged in a November 2024 fire.
"Our temporary facilities at 812/814 S. Eastman Road are fully operational, and we’ve successfully relocated most ESC staff," he said. "The transition has been smooth, thanks to the efforts of our maintenance, technology, and custodial teams. Everyone has truly gone above and beyond to ensure minimal disruption to operations.”
Mr. Kington detailed the scope of the work required for repairs to the administration building, which includes replacing HVAC systems due to smoke damage, installing a new roof, and refurbishing ceilings, flooring, and paint.
“Our goal is to have the building fully restored by June 30, 2025, ensuring it meets modern standards for efficiency and safety,” he said.
Dr. Sheppard closed the Superintendent’s Report by expressing gratitude to district staff and community members for their continued support.
“Our achievements and accomplishments in the face of adversity reflect the resilience and dedication of our entire Longview ISD family,” she said. “Whether it’s celebrating student success or tackling unexpected challenges, we remain committed to our mission of excellence for all.”
Furniture for Bailey
Later, trustees approved expenditures of up to $175,000 for classroom furniture at Bailey Elementary School using Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant funds.
Mr. Scott Fisher, Magnet Grant Director, explained these purchases will provide students with spaces where students "can thrive and engage in hands-on, real-world applications of their learning."
New furniture will be located "in common areas and workspaces with furnishings that are more durable and allow for staff collaboration and student comfort," Mr. Fisher said.
"The main area we are updating is the cafeteria," he said. "The tables are outdated the new tables will be more conducive not only to lunchtime but to student assemblies as well."
"Additional hallway seating for student collaborations will enhance the look of the campus and improve the aesthetic look of the interior of the building," he added.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Common Assessment update
Ms. Tracey Fernandez and Ms. Latitia Wilson, Coordinators of Data-Driven Leadership, presented detailed findings from Common Assessment No. 3 to the board.
Ms. Wilson and Ms. Fernandez highlighted the district’s overall growth, noting that 18 percent more students demonstrated measurable progress compared to the previous assessment cycle.
“This is a significant achievement,” said Ms. Wilson. “We saw particularly impressive growth in key areas such as fifth-grade math, which experienced a remarkable 35 percent increase in student proficiency.”
Ms. Fernandez expanded on these successes, emphasizing the progress in other critical areas, such as Algebra I and fourth-grade reading.
“These improvements reflect not only the hard work of our students and teachers but also the strength of our curriculum and targeted interventions,” she said.
Wilson and Fernandez both acknowledged areas where additional focus is needed, framing them as opportunities for further improvement.
“For instance, while our secondary English scores showed promise in some areas, we see room to close gaps further," said Ms. Wilson.
Ms. Fernandez agreed, adding that "this is an opportunity to refine our strategies and ensure every student receives the support they need."
Dr. Sheppard said the results are "both a testament to the progress we’re making and a call to action to do even more.”
“We will continue to aggressively monitor performance, identify student needs, and implement targeted interventions to ensure success for every learner," she said. "I do not doubt that we’ll continue to create opportunities for all students to achieve their full potential.”
“Every data point represents a life we have the power to change,” she added.
District Donations
Board members unanimously approved the following donations:
- $4,593 from Grace Creek Church for the LISD Backpack Program;
- $1,500 from Delta Waterfowl to Longview FFA for supplies, equipment, and travel costs;
- $695 from Schneider Electric for sponsorship of the Public Education Town Hall event;
- $200 from Alejandra Mondragon Lawn Service for the LHS Welding program's supplies and equipment;
- $200 from Rachel Hill for the LHS Welding program's supplies and equipment;
- $133 from an anonymous donor for Facilitate Club arrangements at LHS;
- $118 from American Income Life for child safety kits at Hudson PEP Elementary;
- $100 from Savannah Brown for the Judson Middle Marching Band's supplies and equipment; and
- $40 each from Jacorian Birdow, Christian Gray, and Arturo Gilliam for the Avid Club at LHS.
In Other Business
During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also:
- APPROVED the Minutes for the Nov. 11, 2024 Regular Meeting and Minutes and Time Use Tracker for Dec. 9, 2024 Regular Meeting/Public Hearing;
- RECEIVED financial reports for November 2024, showing $94.2 million in cash and investments.
For More Info
Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center but, due to the November 2024 fire, board meetings are being temporarily held in the library of Forest Park Middle School (1644 N. Eastman Road).
The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 10, 2025. For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees, please click here.