While the future of the 2019-20 school year remains unclear due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, at least next year's schedule is now in place.
Longview ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2020-21 District Calendar during their March 18 special meeting.
Classes will begin Aug. 17, 2020 and end May 25, 2021. Commencement ceremonies are tentatively set for May 21, 2021.
Important dates for next school year include:
• Aug. 17 – First day for students
• Sept. 7 – Labor Day (observed)
• Nov. 23-27 – Thanksgiving Break
• Dec. 21-Jan. 4 – Winter Break
• Jan. 18 – Dr. Martin Luther King Day (observed)
• March 15-19 – Spring Break
• April 2 – Good Friday (observed)
• May 25 – Final day of school
• May 26, 27 – Bad weather makeup days (if needed)
• May 31 – Memorial Day (observed)
Dr. James Hockenberry, Assistant Superintendent of District Services said that, although this calendar is now in place, 'obviously anything could change between now and August.'
'We're going to continue to observe and analyze the ongoing situation,' he said. 'Should the need arise, the administration will consider all the various factors and possibly make amendments or modifications at a later date.'
'But, for the foreseeable future, this is the district calendar we'll be working from for the 2020-21 school year,' Hockenberry added.
For the complete 2020-21 Academic Calendar, please click here.
Furniture Upgrades
Board members approved expenditures up to $500,000 of grant funds for miscellaneous classroom furniture and equipment. Of those funds, $300,000 of MSAP grant funds will be allocated toward equipment in the Longview High School library and the Ware campus. $200,000 of grant funds are allocated for the Bramlette campus.
Dr. Craig Coleman, LISD Director of Innovation, explained to board members there are some furniture purchases that the campuses wish to make in order to provide collaborative and theme-based options for students.
LEDCO Land Swap?
During executive session Trustees also discussed a land exchange with the Longview Economic Development Corp. (LEDCO) for property at 400 N. Second St. The board declined to take action in open session. The measure will be included on the agenda for consideration during Monday night's regular meeting.
Back in January the LEDCO board approved giving LISD four lots in the Longview North Business Park — next to the Judson campus — in exchange for the Second Street property. LEDCO plans to build a new office at the site of the former Longview High School and T.G. Field Auditorium.
For more info
Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center, but often set special-called meetings at various locations around the district. The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. March 23rd.
For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees please click here.