Longview Independent School District joined over 1,000 school districts throughout Texas in celebrating January 2025 as School Board Recognition Month, during the Board of Trustees regular meeting Monday, Jan. 13.
Current trustees for Longview ISD are Mr. Michael Tubb (Place 1), Mr. Brett Miller (Place 2), Dr. Samir Germanwala (Place 3), Mrs. Crista Black (Place 4), Ms. Lateefah Pruitt (Place 5), Mr. Ted Beard (Place 6), and Dr. Troy Simmons (Place 7).
This year’s theme Leadership for Tomorrow’s Texas underscores the essential role school board members play in shaping the future of education, and Longview ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marla Sheppard expressed her deep gratitude for the board’s steadfast leadership.
"Our locally elected Board of Trustees serves as the backbone of our district’s success," she said. "Their engagement strengthens Longview ISD and ensures we remain responsive to the needs of every family we serve. These individuals are truly exemplars of selfless public service."
School board members bridge the gap between the community and the classroom, setting policies that frame public education while overseeing an annual budget exceeding $100 million. Longview ISD’s trustees are responsible for more than 8,000 students and nearly 3,000 staff members.
Gov. Greg Abbott has also recognized the vital work of trustees statewide by proclaiming January as School Board Recognition Month. In his proclamation, Gov. Abbott praised trustees for their dedication to educational excellence.
"Ensuring an excellent education is the work of many, and local school boards collaborate with teachers, parents, and stakeholders to promote state and national standards in ways that reflect the community's values," he said. "By so doing, they inspire a lifelong love of learning in the next generation of Texas leaders."
Dr. Sheppard echoed these sentiments, noting the unique responsibilities trustees shoulder.
"Our school board members are volunteers who often face complex challenges to make decisions that prioritize the future success of our students," she said. "Their focus on creating opportunities for the children in our district is unwavering."
Mr. Dan Troxell, executive director of the Texas Association of School Boards, also commended trustees’ efforts to foster strong governance.
"School trustees voluntarily tackle the job of governing school districts and do so in a manner that shows what it means to be unwavering in their commitment to the schoolchildren they serve," he said. "They serve as the bridge between the public’s vision for local education and the day-to-day operations of our schools."
As the largest group of locally elected officials in the state, school trustees dedicate their time and expertise without financial compensation. Dr. Sheppard emphasized the importance of recognizing their contributions.
"While their work deserves year-round appreciation, School Board Recognition Month offers a special opportunity to ensure these incredible individuals receive the acknowledgment they have earned," she said. "Their leadership helps guide Longview ISD toward a future of academic excellence and community engagement."
For more information about School Board Recognition Month, including the governor’s full proclamation, visit the Texas Association of School Boards website here.