The Longview ISD Board of Trustees received updates on facility upgrades across the district, approved a Hawaii trip for the LHS Choir, and authorized playground repairs during their regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024.
Bond project updates
Trustees were shown plans for new LHS fencing installation from E4 Contracting owner/operator Mr. John S. Erickson IV, and timelines for the new Career & Technology and multipurpose buildings from Procedeo Program Director Mr. Paul Miller.
E4 is managing district-wide upgrades under the Bond Project, while Procedeo oversees the construction of the five new facilities planned to begin construction next year.
Mr. Erickson explained that the soccer, baseball, and tennis courts will receive upgraded lighting, along with other possible upgrades.
Of the new facilities, Mr. Miller told board members the expansion for the Transportation Center is expected to be completed first by 2026. "Our other structures are expected to cut the ribbon by 2027," he added.
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.
The new Natatorium will offer regulation 25-meter lanes, a diving well with boards, and far more spectator seating than currently available.
Mr. Erickson said his contractors are hard at work on various upgrades throughout the district in addition to the new fencing. "Of course, top priority is districtwide security upgrades, but we're also working on updating the flooring, lighting, and PA system in the Lobo Coliseum immediately following basketball season," he said.
Lobo Stadium and Judson Stadium will both receive lighting and facility upgrades within 30 months.
To keep the district in compliance with new state requirements, the board also approved spending $175,000 on the purchase of materials and installation of glass reinforcement film on all campuses and district facilities. Chief Financial Officer Dr. Wayne Guidry said the cost will come from the School Safety Standards Formula grant and the Safety and Facilities Enhancement Grant.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Wellness Pointe plans
Later, Wellness Pointe CEO Mr. Chad Jones presented trustees with an updated timeline for the health clinic at Longview High School.
"The location in the lower library is getting plumbing, electrical, and interior walls worked on beginning this month, and we plan on everything being completed by January of next year," he said.
Mr. Jones said the health clinic is eventually planned to be expanded to Bailey Elementary and Judson Middle School, with the possibility of more sites being added later. "The clinic is aimed at increasing access to medical and mental health services for both students and staff at LISD," he said.
Built on the success of a similar Wellness Pointe school-based health center launched in 2022 at another district location, Mr. Jones told trustees that the facility "has served over 1,300 patients in its first year of operation, providing over 4,500 medical and counseling visits."
District and school leaders emphasized that on-campus delivery of medical, mental health, and support services aims to remove barriers to student care, increase academic success, reduce absenteeism, and improve long-term health outcomes.
Longview FFA recognized
The Longview FFA Agriculture students were recognized by the board for their accomplishments so far this year. Trent Keebaugh was a National Finalist, placing in the top 4 in the nation for Agricultural Processing Proficiency. Maggie Mayes also earned a top spot as a National Finalist, placing in the top 4 in the nation for Goat Production Proficiency.
At the State level, Jocelyn Rice was the State Star Greenhand Placement Winner, Lane Foreman was the State Star Greenhand Placement Finalist, and David Lopez was a State Star Greenhand Agribusiness Finalist. Also, Brynn Woods placed as a qualifier at state for Public Speaking.
In 2020, the Longview FFA Program had 3 teachers and 200 students. Now, they have 8 teachers and 1,322 students enrolled. They are not stopping their growth, as they are set to be the largest chapter not only in the state but in the country. They currently have a total of 20 Lone Star Degree recipients and 6 American Degree recipients.
Choir headed to Hawaii
An out-of-state trip to Hawaii for the Longview High School Choir was approved by the board. The choir will be participating in the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Ending Ceremonies and Celebration from March 25-30 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
LHS Choir instructor Mrs. Melody McMullen said, “As soon as we performed our last concert in France, the director of Historic Programs verbally invited the Lobo Choir to take part in this new initiative. Our students will have a wonderful opportunity to learn about the impact of the Vietnam War on our Nation and our veterans. In addition, they will have a chance to visit Pearl Harbor.”
Mrs. McMullen anticipates 30 to 35 students will attend the trip, along with several chaperones and school officials. The cost of the trip will not be paid by the district, but through fundraising.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
New playgrounds for Ware, Bramlette
Later, board members approved $345,261 for the design, repair, replacement, and installation of playground equipment at Ware and Bramlette elementary campuses.
A recent safety inspection identified critical repairs and replacements needed to ensure the safety of both campuses’ playgrounds.
The approved work will be carried out by Child’s Play, with funding allocated from the district’s 2024-25 General Operating Budget.
“Our certified safety inspection identified necessary upgrades for compliance with current safety standards,” said LISD Chief Financial Officer Dr. Wayne Guidry. “After reviewing proposals from BuyBoard vendors, we determined Child’s Play offered the most comprehensive plan for these playground improvements.”
The BuyBoard, a cooperative purchasing program, simplifies procurement for Texas government entities, enhancing purchasing power and efficiency. The district’s partnership with the BuyBoard Cooperative, under contract No. 679-22, facilitates these necessary upgrades while optimizing taxpayer funds.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Superintendent’s Report
In her report to the board, Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard provided updates on district initiatives, including facilities and charter partnerships.
During the Facilities Report, Mr. Mike Gipson, Maintenance Supervisor, noted there were no significant maintenance issues this past month.
However, Mr. Gipson mentioned ongoing efforts to address sewer line blockages and rooftop unit warranty work in coordination with Schneider Electric. He also reported that chiller replacements are scheduled over the holiday break, and Schneider will survey campuses this week for planned solar panel installations.
District Donations
Board members unanimously approved the following donations:
- $30,000 from the Lobo Football Booster Club for the purchase of equipment and supplies;
- $1,607 from the Lady Lobo Soccer Booster for travel expenses;
- $756 from Hudson PEP Parent-Teacher Organization for PTO Grant purchase of two iPads and pens; and
- $504 from Texas Bank & Trust for royalties from sale of Lobo-branded "Fandemonium" Bank Cards.
In other business…
During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also:
- APPROVED Board Policy Update 12, which includes topics such as School Security Personnel, Employee/Student Complaints, and Instructional Resources and Policies;
- APPROVED nominating Jon Cromer, Keith Honey, and Rev. Lonnie Murphy to the Gregg Appraisal District Board of Directors for 2025-26;
- APPROVED the Minutes and Time Use Tracker for the Oct. 21 Regular Meeting, Oct. 25 Special Meeting, and Oct. 26 Team-Building Retreat;
- APPROVED revisions to Board Policy DFE (LOCAL) and FL (LOCAL);
- REVIEWED Investment Policy and Investment Strategies;
- APPROVED the 2023-24 Fourth Quarter and Annual Investment Report; and
- APPROVED Budget Amendment No. 3.
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. Dec. 6, 2024.
For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees please click here.
