With $456.2 million approved in the May 2024 bond election, Longview ISD is embarking on a historic transformation of its facilities, ensuring students and staff benefit from cutting-edge resources. A team of seasoned leaders is at the helm, charged with turning the community's vision into reality.
The bond package includes five propositions designed to address aging facilities, expand educational opportunities, and enhance athletic and extracurricular programs. Projects range from a new Early Childhood Center to a multipurpose indoor facility, extensive renovations to athletic stadiums, and even a new Aquatics Center.
The district’s leadership has assembled an expert team to oversee these ambitious projects. These four individuals bring decades of experience, innovative thinking, and a commitment to ensuring every dollar is spent wisely.
Samuel Kington – The Visionary Chief
As Longview ISD’s Chief of Facilities and Operations, Samuel Kington is the district’s top authority on all bond-related matters, second only to Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard. Joining the district in December 2024, Kington brings more than a decade of experience in facilities management.
In previous roles, Kington led multimillion-dollar improvement projects and operations for large-scale educational facilities. Now, he’s leveraging that expertise to oversee the execution of Longview ISD’s ambitious plans.
“My goal is to ensure that every project reflects our community’s investment and provides students with the best possible environment to learn and thrive,” Kington said.
Mike Gipson – The Institutional Memory
Few know Longview ISD’s facilities like Mike Gipson. Having served the district for decades, Gipson’s encyclopedic knowledge of every building’s history makes him an invaluable resource as Bond Construction Manager.
“Mike understands not just the buildings but their stories,” Kington said. “He’s ensuring we preserve what matters most while modernizing for the future.”
From managing construction crews to ensuring projects stay on schedule, Gipson’s expertise ensures the district honors its past while building for tomorrow.
Paul Miller – The New Construction Specialist
Paul Miller, Program Director with PROCEDEO, focuses on new construction projects like the Early Childhood Center and multipurpose indoor facility. With a background in large-scale project management, Miller ensures new facilities are not only built to meet today’s needs but are flexible enough to adapt to future demands.
“Our approach is to build with purpose and sustainability in mind,” Miller said. “These facilities will support generations of learners.”
John Erickson – The Detail-Oriented Builder
When it comes to renovations, John Erickson of E4 Contracting LLC is the man on the ground. From stadium lighting upgrades to fencing installations, Erickson ensures every project is completed with precision.
“John is the guy you call if you want to know what’s happening at any given site,” Gipson said. “He’s detail-oriented and keeps everything running smoothly.”
A Bond Built on Community Vision
The bond election’s five propositions demonstrate Longview ISD’s commitment to excellence:
- Proposition A ($237.7M): Safety upgrades, a new Career and Technical Education Center, district-wide renovations, and energy-saving projects.
- Proposition B ($76.5M): A new Early Childhood Center and renovations for special education.
- Proposition C ($79.1M): Improvements to athletic facilities and a multipurpose indoor facility.
- Proposition D ($21M): Enhancements to Lobo and Judson Stadiums.
- Proposition E ($41.9M): Construction of a new Aquatics Center.
The district has highlighted the minimal financial impact on taxpayers, with an estimated $10 per year increase for a $200,000 home.
As construction begins across the district, these leaders are determined to ensure the projects not only meet expectations but surpass them. For the students and families of Longview ISD, the future is bright — and under expert guidance, it’s well on its way to being built.