Longview ISD students will begin the 2025-26 school year with a new daily bell schedule, following unanimous approval by the Board of Trustees at their regular meeting Monday, March 24.
In a move guided by direct input from families, staff, and students, classes will start and end under adjusted hours that reflect a reduction in daily instructional minutes—while still falling well within state requirements, and preserving time for high-quality instruction.
The daily schedule for 2025-26 will be as follows:
- PreK–K (ETMPA): 7:25 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. (465 minutes/day; 80,910 total minutes)
- Grades 1–5 (Elementary): 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. (465 minutes/day; 80,910 total minutes)
- Grades 1–5 (Hudson PEP): 7:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (460 minutes/day; 80,040 total minutes)
- Grades 6–8 (Middle Schools): 8:05 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. (465 minutes/day; 80,910 total minutes)
- Grades 9–12 (Longview High): 8:15 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. (460 minutes/day; 80,040 total minutes)
“Our families asked for a more balanced day, and we delivered,” said Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard. “This new schedule was designed with the entire school community in mind. It gives students the time they need to learn and grow, while giving staff more breathing room for planning and recovery.”
Dr. Sheppard emphasized that the new instructional times reflect a conscientious shift toward quality over quantity.
“Minutes matter—but what we do with those minutes matters more,” she said. “Our team worked hard to make sure every single day is purposeful. These changes honor the voice of our community and support the academic mission of Longview ISD.”
The bell schedule follows the board’s earlier approval of two full academic year calendars, each crafted through a robust community engagement process that included surveys and advisory meetings with teachers, parents, and students.
“We heard you,” said Dr. Sheppard. “Families wanted more planning time for staff, and meaningful breaks throughout the year. These calendars reflect that.”
The 2025–26 school year begins Monday, August 11, 2025, and ends Friday, May 22, 2026, spanning 174 instructional days. Key dates include:
- Oct. 13–14: Fall Break (Four-day weekend)
- Nov. 24–28: Thanksgiving Break
- Dec. 22–Jan. 2: Winter Break
- March 9–13: Spring Break
- May 22: Final Day for Students
The 2026–27 calendar mirrors this format with instruction running from August 10, 2026 through May 21, 2027, and includes similar holiday breaks.
Dr. Sheppard noted that both calendars were built around a clear goal: supporting the success of every learner by providing teachers with adequate preparation time.
“Both calendars incorporate professional development days that are strategically placed,” she said. “That planning time is not extra—it’s essential. When our teachers have what they need, our students benefit most.”
To view the full 2025–26 academic calendar, visit: LISD.org/district/calendar