The Longview ISD Board of Trustees approved significant construction projects, security system upgrades, and the 2025-26/2026-27 instructional calendars during their regular meeting Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.
Construction Contracts
Board members approved CDI Contractors as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the new natatorium and SCI Construction for the Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Multi-Purpose Facility.
Together, these projects represent over $80 million in bond-funded construction, part of the district's long-term facilities plan to modernize educational environments and athletic facilities across the district.
“We’re excited to move forward with experienced partners who understand our community's needs and have a proven track record of delivering quality projects on time and within budget,” said Mr. Samuel Kington, Chief of Facilities & Operations.
The $46.4 million CTE and Multi-Purpose Facility will be a transformative addition to the district, featuring a full-sized 120-yard indoor turf field suitable for sports practices and marching band activities, alongside advanced career and technical education classrooms, weight rooms, batting cages, and golf simulation areas. The facility will not only support athletic development but also provide modern spaces for students pursuing technical certifications and workforce readiness programs.
The natatorium, with a budget of $33.9 million, will feature twenty 25-meter lanes, a diving well with competitive diving boards, and seating capacity designed to accommodate large swim meets and community events. This state-of-the-art facility is set to replace the current aging aquatic center, providing expanded opportunities for student-athletes and community swim programs. The design includes energy-efficient systems and improved spectator amenities to create a top-tier aquatic experience.
“Our goal is to create learning environments that inspire students to achieve their best, whether in the classroom, on the field, or in a technical lab,” said Dr. Marla Sheppard, Superintendent of Schools. “These facilities reflect our commitment to preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond.”
The projects will be managed under the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) model, which allows the district to maintain greater control over costs and project timelines. Construction on both the natatorium and the CTE facility is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2025, with substantial completion expected by the third quarter of 2027.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
25-26, 26-27 District Calendars
The Board also approved the instructional calendars for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. The calendars were shaped by extensive community input, including surveys and advisory group meetings.
“We listened to students, staff, and parents,” said Ms. Kacy Swaim, LISD Outreach Coordinator. “The new calendars reflect a balanced approach, with designated workdays, front-loaded planning days, and a fall break.”
The 2025-26 school year will begin on Aug. 11, 2025, and conclude on May 22, 2026, totaling 174 instructional days. Key dates include a two-day break in October, a two-week winter break in December, and a spring break scheduled for the second week of March.
For the 2026-27 school year, classes will start on Aug. 10, 2026, and end on May 21, 2027, also with 175 instructional days. Similar to the previous year, it includes a fall break, winter break, and spring break aligned with community preferences.
"Both calendars incorporate professional development days strategically placed to support teacher planning and student success," added Ms. Swaim.
Please click here to see the full District Calendar for the 2025-26 academic year.
Security Upgrades Approved
In a move to enhance campus safety, trustees approved a $2.77 million contract with Digi Security Systems to overhaul the district’s surveillance infrastructure. The project will replace over 1,200 aging cameras and all related servers.
“Our priority is to maintain a secure environment for students and staff,” said Mr. Benjamin Wood, Chief of Technology. “These upgrades will provide advanced features without ongoing licensing fees, ensuring long-term cost efficiency.”
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Repairs to ESC
The Board approved multiple contracts for repairs at the Education Support Center (ESC), including HVAC replacement, fire damage mitigation, and roof repairs. These repairs, totaling over $500,000, address critical infrastructure issues following the November 2024 fire.
“Restoring the ESC is essential for maintaining district operations,” said Mr. Kington. “These repairs will ensure our administrative teams can continue their work in a safe, functional environment.”
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
New Swine Facility
Trustees also approved a $104,091 contract with Bauer Metal Fabrication to construct a new swine facility beside the existing livestock barn behind the meat lab at 3209 Airline Road. The new facility will alleviate overcrowding and support the growth of the district's agricultural programs.
“The new swine facility will create additional space for other livestock, enhancing our agricultural education offerings,” said Mr. Gary Krueger, CEO of Longview Educates and Prospers (LEAP). “This is a direct response to increased student interest and program growth.”
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Trustee Elections
The board later approved an election order for Districts V and VI, as well as a resolution to hold a joint election with the City of Longview on May 3, 2025, in compliance with state law.
Place 5 is held by Ms. Lateefah Pruitt, who was first elected in 2023 to fill the unexpired term of a previous board member. Place 6 is represented by Mr. Theodore "Ted" Beard, a board member since 1998. Both trustees have filed for re-election, and as of this writing, neither board member has drawn an opponent.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Superintendent's Report
Dr. Sheppard highlighted student achievements, including UIL academics and FFA recognitions. Bond project updates were presented by Procedeo and E4 contractors, detailing significant progress on key infrastructure initiatives across the district.
The updates included the commencement of the Longview High School baseball field installation, which began on Jan. 20, and the Judson Middle School field installation now underway. E4 reported on ongoing projects such as lighting, electrical upgrades, and security fencing at Longview High School, with security fencing alone accounting for over $803,000. The district has realized cost savings of approximately $4.8 million to date, thanks to strategic procurement and project management efforts.
Procedeo outlined upcoming projects, including requests for proposals (RFPs) related to flooring, ceiling upgrades, and roofing improvements, ensuring that facilities meet modern standards for safety and functionality.
Dr. Sheppard emphasized the district's commitment to maintaining transparency and efficiency throughout the bond project execution, underscoring how these improvements will enhance both student learning environments and extracurricular facilities.
Data-driven leadership coordinators Ms. Tracey Fernandez and Ms. Latitia Wilson shared trend data in STAAR and Common Assessment 3 (CA 3) performance, along with results from the 2024 STAAR December EOC, emphasizing gains in Biology and U.S. History.
The report highlighted an overall upward trend in CA 3 performance compared to the previous year, particularly in science and social studies.
In the December EOC, which primarily consists of re-testers, scores in Biology, Algebra, and English II improved at both the Approaches and Meets Grade Level standards, while U.S. History and English I saw gains at the Approaches Grade Level standard.
“We recognize the areas where growth is needed, especially in the English assessments,” Ms. Fernandez said. “Our focus remains on targeted interventions and data-driven instructional strategies to close achievement gaps and support all student groups, particularly our English learners and special education students.”
Dr. Sheppard concluded the report by affirming the district's commitment to continuous improvement.
“We are aggressively monitoring performance data to implement responsive strategies that ensure success and equity for all students,” she said.
Please click here to view the entire slide-deck presentation for Monday night's board meeting.
District Donations
The district received several donations:
- $7,385 from Donate2Support for the JrROTC at Longview High;
- $3,348 from Grace Creek Church for the LISD Backpack Program;
- $1,500 from Mr. Robert Browning for beekeeping supplies and equipment;
- $300 from Righteous Rock Christian Church to Hudson PEP for library books;
- $276 from Hudson PEP PTO for transportation costs for the third-grade field trip to Cowan Center;
- $260 from Ms. Lori Keebaugh to Longview FFA for supplies and equipment;
- $55 from Southside Bank for the LISD Backpack Program.
In Other Business
During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also:
- TABLED the 2024-25 District Improvement Plan and the 2024-25 Campus Improvement Plans for additional discussion and possible approval at a later board meeting;
- APPROVED Minutes and Board Time Use Tracker from the January 13, 2025, Regular Meeting, January 28, 2025, Special Meeting, and Board Trainings on January 28 and 29, 2025;
- APPROVED an out-of-state trip for Hudson PEP to Sci-Port in Shreveport, La.;
- APPROVED the 2024-25 First Quarter Investment Report; and
- APPROVED Budget Amendment No. 6.
For More Info
Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center, but due to the November 2024 fire, meetings are temporarily held in the library of Forest Park Middle School (1644 N. Eastman Road, Longview).
The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. March 10, 2025. For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees, please click here.