Longview ISD trustees approved a series of actions aimed at strengthening campus safety, expanding summer opportunities, and continuing momentum on voter-approved bond projects during their regular meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025.
The board’s decisions ranged from greenlighting fiber-optic security upgrades at the high school, approving a resolution to formally establish the Longview ISD Police Department, and agreeing in principle to a potential academic enrichment summer camp program for students in 2026.
Fiber network upgrades for Safety, Security
Trustees approved a $278,924.69 contract with Kane Security for the installation of fiber-optic infrastructure at seven key gate entry points surrounding Longview High School.
Supporting the district’s broader efforts to modernize its perimeter security systems, the project will enable high-speed data connectivity to run automated gates, access controls, surveillance cameras, and other relevant tools.
“This is a critical piece of the puzzle,” said Mr. Benjamin Wood, Chief of Technology for Longview ISD. “Without fiber, the most advanced security hardware is just blinking lights. This gives us the backbone to tie every component into a unified, responsive system.”
The high school’s new fencing, which is nearly 90 percent installed, is only part of the solution.
Mr. Wood said the fiber lines being installed will carry the real-time data necessary for access control, "allowing staff to badge in, cameras to stream without lag, and alerts to be triggered immediately in case of a security breach."
"Copper cabling was ruled out due to distance limitations, as many of the gates sit well beyond the 328-foot range that copper can reliably support," he said.
In contrast, the single-mode fiber being deployed supports uninterrupted connectivity for miles, added Mr. Wood, "making it ideal not just for the current layout but for future expansion across the high school and other campuses."
Mr. Wood explained to trustees that the District conducted a thorough RFP process in compliance with state procurement regulations, including a mandatory pre-bid walkthrough and formal evaluation procedures.
"Kane Security was the firm with the experience, expertise, and professional reputation within the industry to meet our standards for this project," he said.
The project is fully funded through Longview ISD’s voter-approved 2024 safety and security bond allocation.
Wood noted that beyond safety, the fiber installation provides long-term instructional and operational benefits.
“This isn’t just about securing gates,” he said. “This is laying digital infrastructure that supports the classrooms of tomorrow—connectivity and future-proof systems that serve both safety and learning.”
Hybrid security model established
Trustees formally approved the creation of the Longview ISD Police Department, adopting a hybrid security model that combines a commissioned district police force with a School Marshal Program. The resolution aligns with recent state mandates and emphasizes both prevention and rapid response.
“We want a presence that’s both professional and personal,” said Mr. Samuel Kington, Chief of Facilities & Operations. “We want officers who know our students by name and are trained to respond to the unique demands of a school setting.”
Mr. Kington explained the new department will include certified peace officers employed directly by the district, with full authority to enforce laws, respond to emergencies, and coordinate with local agencies.
"These officers will work under the supervision of a district-appointed chief of police, who will report directly to the Superintendent," he said. "A memorandum of understanding with local jurisdictions is in development to ensure seamless interagency collaboration."
Complementing the district police force is the School Marshal Program, which deploys trained, uniformed security personnel who are not classroom staff but certified individuals employed specifically to serve in campus security roles.
These marshals are licensed under the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and operate under strict authorization and oversight by the Board of Trustees. Their duties include emergency response, threat deterrence, and close coordination with campus administration and district police.
Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard said this layered model, "gives us more than just coverage, but clarity and consistency."
“Police officers carry full enforcement authority, while marshals provide a visible deterrent and immediate presence on campuses where a full-time officer may not be assigned," she said.
Mr. Kington agreed.
"It’s about having the right people, in the right places, with the right systems and processes to ensure the best possible safety and security for our students, employees, and Longview ISD community," he said.
The Board also approved revisions to Local Policy CKE, codifying operational details ranging from body-worn camera usage to complaint procedures, interlocal agreements, and training protocols. Regular reporting to the Board will ensure ongoing oversight and transparency as the department comes online ahead of the 2025–26 school year.
Legislative impact on 2025-26 Budget
Dr. Wayne Guidry, Chief Financial Officer, provided an early budget outlook shaped by the impact of newly passed state legislation, including Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) and House Bill 2 (HB 2).
“SB 2 changes the math for future bond debt,” Dr. Guidry explained. “The increase in homestead exemptions means we could see a substantial reduction in Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax revenue over time. It’s not an immediate hit, but it’s one we have to factor in.”
Under SB 2, existing bond debt is held harmless, but new issuances after August 2025 are subject to limits. In response, district leaders are evaluating the timing of their second planned bond sale—originally slated for later this year—with a recommendation expected at the June 23 board meeting.
“We want to go back to market in July to preserve our financial position before those limits kick in,” Dr. Guidry said. “It’s a proactive move. We’ve got the projects lined up, and the window is now.”
On the operational side, HB 2 offers an estimated $5 million revenue increase for Longview ISD next year, followed by a projected $770,000 bump in 2026–27. Guidry noted that while the outlook appears positive, much of the funding is tied to uncertain special education allotments.
“This legislature has created momentum, but also ambiguity,” he said. “We’re cautiously optimistic, but we’re not budgeting money we haven’t seen yet.”
The district’s official budget adoption will occur later this summer, following additional analysis of enrollment projections and updated state guidance.
Bond Projects: On Pace & On Budget
E4 Contracting and Procedeo presented detailed bond updates showing Longview ISD continuing to deliver on the 2024 bond program on pace and within budget.
“We’re tracking nearly $28.5 million in savings across the portfolio right now,” said Mr. Mike Gipson, Bond Construction Manager. “That’s not an estimate, it’s dollars not yet spent. And we’re using that margin strategically to prioritize student spaces and instructional upgrades.”
Recent completions include new lighting and public address system upgrades at Lobo Coliseum. High school interior renovations are scheduled to begin this summer, alongside roofing work and planning for the softball complex relocation. Security fencing around Longview High School is nearing completion, with access control infrastructure set for installation before the start of the 2025–26 school year.
Kington noted that out of 11 major bids awarded to date, all have been executed with detailed tracking and transparent scope documentation.
“Our partners know we expect elite performance and constant communication,” he said. “We’re not just building facilities, we’re building credibility with the public that entrusted us with these funds.”
Facilities & Operations: heroes behind the scenes
In a year punctuated by capital improvements, the Facilities and Operations team was recognized for delivering vital upgrades while keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly.
“Our folks are the backbone of the district,” said Mr. Kington. “From HVAC overhauls to school garden expansions, it’s often quiet work—but it keeps everything else going.”
Mr. Darryl Dans, District Transportation Director, reported a fully staffed year with no route doubling—a first in several years. “Call volume is down, parent complaints are down, and that’s a reflection of the steady hands behind the wheel,” he said.
Child Nutrition Director Chef Chardee’ Snoddy shared that every campus saw meal service growth.
“We even had fresh strawberries and zucchini from the student garden,” she said. “Kids were actually excited about eating vegetables. That’s a win!”
Custodial and maintenance crews also drew praise. Maintenance Supervisor Mr. Josh Schultz reported updated lighting across the district, new restroom partitions at Longview High School, and HVAC replacements at Bailey Elementary.
“We take a lot of pride in being dependable,” Schultz said. “A great learning environment doesn’t happen by accident. It starts when the lights come on, the air is working, and everything’s in its place. That’s what we show up for.”
As the district heads into summer project season—including final touches at the ESC renovation site and interior upgrades at the high school—the operations team remains at full throttle.
“People may not always see it,” Mr. Kington said, “but we’re moving fast to make sure the doors open in August with everything exactly as it should be.”
Oaths of Office, Board Officers
Later, board members administered the oath of office to returning incumbents Ms. Lateefah Pruitt and Mr. Ted Beard.
Both were unopposed in the May 2025 election and will each serve another three-year term on the board.
After reorganizing, officers for the Board of Trustees will be Board President: Mr. Michael Tubb, Vice President: Ms. Crista Black, Board Secretary: Ms. Lateefah Pruitt, and Vice Secretary: Mr. Ted Beard..
The current Board of Trustees for Longview ISD is Mr. Michael Tubb (Place 1), Mr. Brett Miller (Place 2), Dr. Samir Germanwala (Place 3), Ms. Crista Black (Place 4), Ms. Lateefah Pruitt (Place 5), Mr. Ted Beard (Place 6), and Dr. Troy Simmons (Place 7).
Serving as a link between the community and classroom, school board members are elected to establish the policies that provide the framework for public schools. LISD trustees are responsible for an annual budget of more than $145 million, over 8,000 students, and nearly 3,000 staffers.
For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees please click here.
Updates from Comms team
Department heads Mr. Skyler Hefley and Ms. Elizabeth Ross presented a joint update on the evolving work of Longview ISD’s Communications and Community Relations teams. The presentation highlighted a growing focus on strategic alignment, family engagement, and branding consistency across campuses and platforms.
“Our goal is to unify the district’s voice—not just in messaging, but in mission,” said Mr. Hefley. “We’re refining how we show up, both visually and narratively, across everything from graduation livestreams to internal guides for new teachers.”
Mr. Hefley outlined upcoming video content, ad campaigns, and a restructured approach to social media aimed at increasing visibility, especially for recruiting and retention.
Ms. Ross emphasized the complementary work of the Community Relations team, which focuses on engagement from the inside out.
“We’re focused on keeping families connected, partners involved, and staff feeling celebrated,” she said.
Projects like Lobo University, campus celebration days, realtor outreach, and staff spotlights have become critical tools in building trust and driving retention.
Together, the departments are developing shared playbooks for district events, a unified content calendar, and expanded training for campus leaders on communication tools.
A new crisis communications framework is also underway, designed to improve real-time coordination between teams during emergencies or disruptions.
“We want every campus, every family, and every stakeholder to feel informed, seen, and supported,” added Mr. Hefley. “That’s what strategic communication looks like in 2025.”
Mentoring Alliance Summer Camp
Trustees approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mentoring Alliance to provide free summer day camps for Longview ISD students in June and July 2026.
Modeled after a successful initiative in Tyler ISD, the program will operate from early morning to early evening and include academics, social-emotional learning, and enrichment activities designed to prevent learning loss during the summer months.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kettisha Jones, who led the site visit to Tyler in March, called the partnership a “game-changer for working families.”
“This will give our students not just something to do, but something to look forward to,” she said. “We’re talking about water games, go-karts, worship, laser tag—and embedded in all of it, daily math and reading blocks with certified teachers.”
Students will receive up to 60 hours of academic instruction over the summer, embedded within a broader day camp structure that promotes resilience, joy, and character formation. A unique feature of the partnership includes an opt-in model for families who wish to include faith-based elements in their child’s experience, consistent with Mentoring Alliance’s model and district guidelines.
Planning for the program will span the 2025–26 school year, with district staff and Mentoring Alliance personnel working closely to finalize logistics, secure grant funding, and identify host campuses.
“It’s rare to find a program that checks this many boxes—academic recovery, social-emotional growth, and family support,” added Dr. Jones. “We’re excited to bring something truly special to Longview families next summer.”
Climate & Culture Survey Results
Chief of Strategic Initiatives Mr. Matthew Prosser presented the results of Longview ISD’s districtwide Culture and Climate Survey, conducted in partnership with Hanover Research. The survey gathered perceptions from students, staff, and families across core categories such as safety, belonging, leadership confidence, and academic environment.
“This is a baseline,” Prosser said. “It tells us where we’re doing well, and where trust and morale are under strain.”
Among student respondents, 75% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I feel safe at school.” However, only 55% agreed that students at their school treat one another with respect, and just 48% felt that bullying is taken seriously by school leaders.
Teacher and staff responses reflected stronger trust in leadership, with 68% reporting confidence in their campus principal, but a lower 44% expressing trust in central office administration.
Family respondents rated the district’s communication efforts highly, with 81% agreeing that they are kept informed about their child’s school, though only 59% felt they had a voice in district decision-making.
Mr. Prosser emphasized that the goal is not to celebrate or panic, but to act.
“The data is neither good nor bad,” he said. “It’s accurate. It gives us a clear sense of where we have alignment and where we need to build stronger bridges, particularly around student belonging and adult trust in system-wide leadership.”
Citing the need for further disaggregation by campus and subgroup, Mr. Prosser said this data is part of broader efforts to align strategic planning, retention initiatives, and future engagement efforts.
District Donations
Board members unanimously approved the following donations:
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$50,000 from the Lobo Football Booster Club to Longview High School football program.
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$3,492 from Grace Creek Church for the Longview ISD Backpack Program.
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$500 from Johnson & Pace for PTW Scholarships (Emiliano Bolsadilla & Naomi Jimenez).
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$316 from Texas Bank & Trust for the Fandemonium Spirit bank card program.
In Other Business
During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also:
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APPROVED the $68,218 purchase of a new truck for the CTE and Agriculture program, to ensure the safe transport of students and livestock, as well as for daily operations. The purchase will utilize public school charter funding for the LEAP (Longview Educates & Prospers) charter partner;
- APPROVED the Minutes and Time Use Tracker for the May 12, 2025 Regular Meeting and the May 12, 2025 Team of 8 Training/Workshop with Civic Solutions Group;
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APPROVED revisions to Policy CKE (LOCAL) for Security Personnel (Safety Program/Risk Management categories);
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APPROVED a resolution granting summer hiring authority to the Superintendent from June 1 through Sept. 30, 2025;
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ENDORSED Region VII candidate Mr. Tony Raymond (Sabine ISD) to the TASB Board of Directors;
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APPROVED policy revisions to DEC concerning the leaves and absences process;
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HONORED graduates of the district’s Teacher Apprentice Program (TAP);
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RECEIVED the April 2025 Financial Reports; and
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APPROVED Budget Amendment No. 10.
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. July 21, 2025. For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees, please click here.