The Longview ISD Board of Trustees approved construction timelines for bond projects during their regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 21.
Mr. Paul Miller, PROCEDO's Program Director, explained that the new Transportation Center is projected to be built by mid-2026, while the Early Childhood Learning Center aims for 2027.
"Construction of these projects is expected to break ground by mid-2025," he said.
Plans for the Early Childhood Learning Center include 30 classrooms, a library, a kitchen, and a gymnasium, while the Transportation Center addition will solve current space problems.
The Multi-Purpose Indoor Facility will include a 120-yard turf field for marching band and sports, batting cages, golf simulation, a weight room, locker rooms, and coaches' offices.
Built to replace the current aquatic center, the new Natatorium will offer regulation 25-meter lanes, a diving well with boards, and far more spectator seating than currently available.
"E4 Contracting will be handling a variety of upgrades throughout the district, including upgrading the high school fencing, districtwide security upgrades, updating the flooring, lighting, and PA system in the Lobo Coliseum, and more," said Mr. John S. Erickson IV, E4 owner and operator.
Lobo Stadium and Judson Stadium will both receive architectural upgrades within 30 months.
Following the presentations, LISD Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard shared contract terms with GFF Design Group for architectural services related to the 2024 Bond Projects.
Please click here to download the project presentations and related documentation.
New faces in Leadership
Trustees also approved hiring three executive cabinet positions after re-convening in open session at the end of Monday night's meeting.
Beginning in January 2025, Dr. Kettisha Jones will be the district's new Deputy Superintendent of School Innovation & Student Performance. Mr. Samuel Kington will also be joining the district in December as Chief of Facilities & Operations, while current LISD Director of Communications Mr. Matthew Prosser was promoted to Chief of Strategic Initiatives, effective immediately.
(For more information about these candidates please read the full release here.)
Board President Mr. Michael Tubb expressed excitement for what each of these new roles will mean for the district.
"These appointments represent a significant step forward in Longview ISD's commitment to excellence," he said. "Each of these leaders brings unique strengths and proven experience that will help drive Longview ISD toward our goals of becoming one of the premier school districts in Texas."
Dr. Sheppard echoed the sentiment, adding that, after an extensive search and interview process, "We are confident that we have found the absolute best candidates for these crucial positions."
"What particularly impressed us about each of these leaders was their track record of implementing innovative solutions while maintaining a steadfast focus on student success," she said. "Their collaborative approach and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our vision for Longview ISD."
Please click here to read the full media release about these new hirings.
TSA Students Recognized
Board members also recognized Longview ISD's Technology Student Association (TSA) competitors from both high school and middle school levels.
Students achieved notable success at the TSA national competition in Orlando in July, following strong performances at state competition in May.
The district earned two first-place wins, two fourth places, a ninth place,e and a 10th place in various technology and engineering categories.
"A ginormous congratulations to the hard work of all these students, as well as a big thank you to all advisors, chaperones, sponsors, and the district for the success of this year," said Mrs. Melissa Swallow, LHS teacher and TSA Sponsor. "We can't wait to see what's next for LISD TSA."
The Technology Student Association is a national nonprofit organization of middle and high school students who engage and compete in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
More than 35,000 students in Texas take part in TSA, with thousands more competing on the National level.
Hudson PEP honored
During the Superintendent's Report, Dr. Sheppard honored Hudson PEP Elementary for its recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
Hudson PEP Elementary was among 356 schools nationwide, including 31 in Texas, recognized for academic excellence or significant progress in closing achievement gaps.
Dr. Sheppard also presented checks and books from the Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members to Bailey, Hudson, Ware, and Williams elementary schools. The report concluded with updates from public school charter partners: East Texas Advanced Academies, Longview Educates And Prospers, and the Texas Council for International Studies.
District Donations
Board members unanimously approved the following donations:
- $30,000 from Longview Football Booster Club to purchase equipment and supplies.
- $5,000 from Christus Health to purchase equipment and supplies;
- $1,155 from Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members for the purchase of books amongst Ned E. Williams, Hudson Pep, Clarence W. Bailey, and Ware East Texas Montessori Academy campuses;
- $1,000 from ERDI Partners for the district backpack program;
- $756 from Hudson Pep PTO for a PTO Grant for the purchase of 2 iPads and pens;
- $695 from Scheider Electric to sponsor the Public Education Town Hall; and
- $110 from an anonymous donor for the LHS car wash fundraiser.
In other business…
During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also:
- APPROVED Minutes and Time Use Tracker for the Sept. 7, 2024 Board Workshop and Sept. 9, 2024 Regular Meeting;
- APPROVED Inter-local Agreement with Central Texas Purchasing Alliance and 1GPA National Purchasing Alliance;
- APPROVED renewal of Lowman Education Digital Instruction Support Program for five; ETAA campuses;
- APPROVED contract amendment with SSC Custodial Services for a two-year extension;
- APPROVED by-laws and guiding principles for the 2024 Bond Oversight Committee;
- APPROVED Region VII Contracted Flow-Through Service Agreements for 2024-25;
- APPROVED renewal of FEV Tutors for use at Johnston-McQueen in grades 3-5;
- APPROVED Budget Amendment No. 2; and
- APPROVED the 2024 LIFT Amendments.
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. Nov. 11, 2024.
For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees please click here.
