The Longview ISD Board of Trustees addressed several important agenda items aimed at enhancing the educational experience and infrastructure within the district, during their regular meeting Monday, May 8, 2023.
Improvements to meeting spaces
District trustees unanimously approved upwards of $110,000 in technology upgrades to the boardroom and district conference rooms.
Mr. Brian Pitts, Director of Technology, explained that technology in the boardroom and conference rooms at the district's administration building has seen various repairs since it was commissioned in the year 2000, "but much of the audio and video equipment is original to the construction of the building and is in need of a full overhaul."
"The district uses these rooms for the governing function of the district as well as for staff development and general administrative meetings," he said. "Improvements in these rooms will allow for better and more effective meetings, training, and professional development."
Mr. Pitts said upgrades will include ensuring interactive panels are in all conference rooms, updated projectors and screens, updated microphones and room audio "as well as permanently mounted video cameras for interactive meetings in the main boardroom."
Dr. Wayne Guidry, Assistant Superintendent for Finance, said the cost is expected to be approximately $110,000 and "will be funded with general funds and grants funds as available."
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Updated signage at Ned E. Williams
Trustees also unanimously approved spending $130,212 in grant funds to update the outdoor marquee sign at Ned E. Williams Elementary
Just like the previous digital marquee signs constructed in 2021, these signs are totally grant-funded and will not require the expenditure of local taxpayer dollars.
Mr. Scott Fisher, Director of Safety & Magnet Grants, said the district is looking to improve the current roadside sign "to be readable, larger and up-to-date."
"The sign displays red lettering on a black background and is difficult to read," he said. "The sign is also small so campus staff cannot always get the complete message on the sign."
"With a full-color sign similar to those at the East Texas Montessori Prep Academy, Hudson PEP Elementary, and Longview High, it would represent LISD in a more professional manner," added Mr. Fisher.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
New Gaming Lab at Forest Park
Later, board members unanimously approved allocation of up to $100,000 for the acquisition of equipment, ushering in a new gaming lab at Forest Park Magnet School. These funds will be sourced from the current Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant.
Mr. Fisher explained that in order to install a new gaming lab and to expand the gaming design program already in place at Foster and Judson middle school campuses, "the LISD Office of Innovation staff is requesting funds to purchase technology (computers and peripherals) and furnishings (tables and gaming chairs) for Forest Park."
"The expansion of the gaming lab will create an immersive and innovative learning environment, empowering students to explore their creativity and passion for gaming design," he said.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
City Streets Project partnership
Trustees also approved selling a small plot of land near Clarence W. Bailey Elementary to the City of Longview for $1,800 as part of their Mobberly Complete Streets Project.
The City of Longview has approved plans to make improvements to a portion of Mobberly Avenue. A portion of the planned project referenced above includes adding sidewalks, bike lanes and improving the existing roadway along with a new water line.
Ms. Jennifer Malone, the Right of Way Agent for the City of Longview, confirmed in an email on May 2nd that the City will pay for any costs associated with moving fences on this property.
Dr. Wayne Guidry, Assistant Superintendent for Finance, said not only will the City's improvement to this property add to the "curb appeal" of that area, "but it will add to the safety of students who walk to this campus."
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Superintendent's Report
During the Superintendent's Report portion of the meeting, Dr. Wilcox honored departing board members Mrs. Ginia Northcutt and Mrs. Shan Bauer for their service as district trustees.
"[Ginia and Shan] served with passion, expertise, and humilty, and we are thankful for their time on the board," he added. "We wish them well in all their future endeavors."
Dr. Wilcox also honored Longview High School students participating in Skills USA, UIL Academics, One-Act Play, and Lobo Film.
"These students showcased their talent, dedication, and hard work in these respective areas, contributing to the overall success and reputation of not just Longview High School but our entire school district," he said.
Dr. Wilcox's report also included the latest Campus Data Monitoring, RAPTOR (Rapid Algorithmic Prototyping Tool for Ordered Reasoning) data from the Office of Innovation, and the monthly Community Relations report. He also received presentations from public school charter partner, the Texas Council for International Studies (TCIS).
District Donations
Board members unanimously approved the following donations:
- $4,761.52 from Lobo Swim Booster Club to purchase supplies and equipment for the Longview High School Swim Team;
- $3,499 from Lobo Baseball Booster Club to purchase supplies and equipment for the Longview High School Baseball Team; and
- $100 from T. Blanco's to help supply for welding shirts for the Lobo Welding Team.
In other business...
During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also:
- APPROVED a letter of engagement with Lufkin-based Alexander, Lankford & Hiers, Inc. for the Financial Audit for Fiscal Year 2023;
- APPROVED an out-of-state (Georgia) field trip for Judson and Forest Park middle school staffers;
- APPROVED Minutes and Board Time Use Tracker for April 10 Regular Meeting;
- APPROVED the continuation of Communities in Schools Contracts for 2023-24;
- APPROVED an international (Canada) Trip for TCIS Leadership and Staff;
- APPROVED Financial Statements as of April 2023; and
- APPROVED Budget Amendment No. 7
For more info
Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center (1301 E. Young Street), but often set special-called meetings at various locations around the district. The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. June 12, 2023.
For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees please click here.