The Longview ISD Board of Trustees approved the location for the new Early Childhood Learning Center during their regular meeting Monday, Sept. 9.
Located off of Melba Street in south Longview, the former Jodie McClure Elementary School was built in 1956 and demolished in 2010 after school officials found that renovations would be too costly. Those students were then dispersed among the Bailey (formerly South Ward), Ned E. Williams, and Ware elementary campuses.
Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard told trustees that the land itself will first need to be surveyed to assess any potential environmental concerns, as well as to determine the best layout of facilities on the property.
According to board documents, Dr. Wayne Guidry, LISD Assistant Superintendent of Finance, stated that the administration began discussions with the board in May 2022 about the possibility of placing the Early Childhood Learning Center at the Jodie McClure property.
"This property has sufficient space for the Early Childhood Learning Center, and the administration recommends that site," he said. "Of course, we will work with the architects to determine the precise layout and location of the facilities, but our preliminary plan is for the campus entry to face the intersection of Estes Parkway and Mobberly Avenue."
The new center would alleviate waiting lists for the Early Head Start and Head Start programs, which benefit low-income families with tuition paid for by a federal grant. The programs provide access to child care, early learning programs, and other services for eligible families.
A key part of Proposition B in the 2024 Bond Election, the new larger Playing For Keeps/Early Childhood Center will include 30 classrooms, a library, a kitchen, and a gymnasium to replace the current overcrowded facility and clear a waiting list of around 75 students.
Once the new facility opens, renovations to the existing PFK Early Childhood Center building would create office space for the district's technology and special education departments after those programs relocate.
The current PFK facility is located on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard inside a structure built in 1952 for what was then G.K. Foster Middle School.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Partnership with 'Thrive'
Trustees unanimously approved continuing a partnership with local nonprofit Thrive Longview, investing up to $61,000 in the organization for an after-school enrichment program during the 2024-25 academic year.
Mr. Clent Holmes, Director of Thrive Longview, said the mentoring and character development program "strives to create safe environments for teens to fail and learn from those failures."
"Thrive Longview hopes that our students and their families will prosper, grow, and develop vigorously through intentional programming because we believe in the African proverb, 'It takes a village,'" he said. "The after-school sessions will focus on enrichment opportunities, skill-building, and drug prevention education."
Mrs. Loretta Thompson-Martin, Director of Grant Writing, presented the proposed renewal to board members, adding that the program serves as an extension of the work being done by schools, churches, and families.
"Thrive builds on those efforts by bringing in community experts and forming mentorships," she said.
"Our students becoming whole, healthy, and valuable members of the community and transforming their lives so that they can be the best version of themselves is our mission," Mr. Holmes added.
The after-school programming is expected to start in late fall and run through spring.
Mrs. Thompson-Martin explained that funding for the program will come from grants and local revenue during the 2024-25 school year.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Superintendent's Report
During the Superintendent's Report, Dr. Marla Sheppard invited leaders of the district public school charter programs to present data and information following the return to school last month.
Mrs. Melanie Hamilton, TCIS Chief of Schools, provided an overview of campus performance and goals. Enrollment figures for the 2024-25 school year were highlighted, along with campus accountability ratings. Building capacity across TCIS campuses remains a key focus, and Mrs. Hamilton expressed gratitude to the board for their ongoing support and encouraged questions regarding the progress of the various programs
Dr. Brian Ziemer, ETAA Chief Executive Officer, provided details about campus growth and strategic objectives. He noted that the 2023-24 accountability grades were stable, adding that, "All principals have committed in writing to increasing their campus accountability by one full letter grade by the end of this school year." New organizational developments include the creation of an ETAA Chief of Schools position, which Dr. Ziemer said "will strengthen oversight, particularly for Forest Park Magnet School, and improve collaboration between the charter partners."
Mr. Gary Krueger, LEAP Chief Executive Officer, shared updates on Longview Early Graduation High School (LEGHS) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The partnership with Kilgore College has expanded to offer new CTE courses in HVAC, construction, and welding. Mr. Krueger also emphasized LEAP's focus on College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) for 2024-25. Mr. Krueger highlighted that 384 industry certifications were earned by students last year, and additional certifications will be available through new programs like CDL Driving Academy and Firefighter Academy
In other business...
During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also:
- AMENDED the contract with DLR Group to include the construction of a natatorium. This amendment is in response to RFQ 24-2 and will follow the same contract terms as the CTE and Multipurpose facilities. The construction price will include a 5.5 percent fee to DLR Group;
- APPROVED nomination of candidates Keith Honey, Anthony Tanner, A.P. Merritt, Rev. Lonnie Murphy, and Jon Cromer to the Gregg County Appraisal District Board of Directors;
- AUTHORIZED Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard to negotiate contract terms with the GFF Design Group for architectural services related to the 2024 Bond Projects;
- AUTHORIZED the Longview High School Marching Band to begin fundraising efforts and setting plans for their Spring 2026 Band Trip to Hawaii;
- APPROVED the Minutes and Time Use Tracker for the Aug. 26, 2024 Regular Meeting;
- APPROVED Budget Amendment No. 1.
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. Oct. 21, 2024.
For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees please click here.
