The Longview ISD Board of Trustees formally approved the creation of a district police department, received updates on 2024 bond construction projects, and adopted the 2024–25 District Improvement Plan during their regular meeting on Monday, May 12, 2025.
District to launch Police Department
Trustees voted to formally establish the Longview Independent School District Police Department, marking the first step in a multi-phase process to comply with Texas House Bill 3, which requires all public school campuses to have an armed officer during instructional hours.
The motion passed 6–0, with one trustee abstaining. A companion item—adopting the associated policy and resolution—was tabled for further vetting and will be brought back at a future meeting once details are finalized.
“Security is foundational to student success,” said Mr. Samuel Kington, Chief of Facilities and Operations. “This isn’t just about armed personnel—it’s about building trust, presence, and a climate of protection across our campuses.”
The board-approved action creates the legal framework to form the department and signals the district’s intent to proceed with a hybrid security model combining fully licensed peace officers and certified School Marshals.
“Following this model allows us to comply with the mandate while tailoring safety solutions to fit the culture and needs of each LISD campus,” added Mr. Kington.
Mr. Kington explained to trustees that the plan includes hiring a Chief of Police, 11 School Marshals, and 5 Police Officers in a staggered rollout.
"Elementary and early childhood campuses will be assigned marshals, while secondary schools will receive a blend of officers and marshals," he said.
Startup costs are projected at $456,125, with funding drawn from 2024 Bond allocations earmarked for safety and security.
Ongoing annual costs are expected to fall between $1.3 million and $1.5 million—comparable to the district’s current spending on contract security services.
Board members pressed Mr. Kington for detailed cost projections and emphasized that the program must remain focused on protecting students, not criminalizing them—especially those from historically marginalized backgrounds.
"We want a team of officers who will establish strong, close bonds with the students and faculty," he said. "These officers will be trained to de-escalate, to be visible, and always at the ready to keep our campuses safe."
Next steps include finalizing departmental policy, dispatch infrastructure, and TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) applications for activation.
"A resolution formalizing the program’s scope and philosophy will return to the board for approval once that policy work is complete," Mr. Kington said.
2024 Bond Projects move forward
Board members also received detailed progress reports from contractors Procedeo and E4, covering a wide range of ongoing 2024 bond projects.
Mr. John Erickson IV of E4 Contracting noted that lighting upgrades at Lobo Stadium have been completed, while the boys’ soccer facility should be finished within two weeks. Work on the coliseum’s lighting and PA system is scheduled for after graduation.
Meanwhile, high school fencing is 60 percent complete, and major summer projects include interior renovations and roofing upgrades at Longview High School. The softball field relocation is also underway, with site prep progressing.
Mr. Paul Miller of Procedeo shared that the district has issued 11 Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to date, with $43.2 million in total bond funds allocated, $14.8 million under contract, and $28.4 million identified in trackable savings. Projects currently in the design phase include upgrades at Dade, LEAD, and improvements to the baseball and boys’ soccer facilities.
“This bond program is about transforming our campuses from the inside out,” added Mr. Kington. “We’re seeing strong execution on timelines, budgeting, and contractor performance.”
Superintendent’s Report
In her report to the board, Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard celebrated student excellence across multiple disciplines. Longview High School students were recognized for UIL Academics, One Act Play, and Science Fair achievements. The High School and Middle School Student Advisory Committees also gave updates, alongside honors for students in the Middle School Scholars program.
Graduates of the Assistant Principal Academy were acknowledged for completing leadership training, and Arya and Alec Germanwala presented updates on the district’s Simple Bare Necessities initiative, supporting hygiene needs for students.
Project updates from E4 and Procedeo were followed by a Facilities & Operations briefing from Mr. Kington, who highlighted major maintenance activities and shared that the ESC renovation is over halfway complete, with HVAC, fire systems, and 90 percent of the roof now finished.
Budget updates included an overview of Longview ISD’s revenue allocation model, which uses student need, grade level, and outcomes to drive funding decisions. Mr. Wayne Guidry, Chief Financial Officer, noted an updated projection of $92 million in total revenue, reflecting recent property value shifts.
Director of Communications Mr. Skyler Hefley previewed the new Longview ISD website and detailed the launch of a unified district app powered by Apptegy Thrillshare.
“We’re reducing noise and increasing clarity for families,” he said. “It’s all about streamlining communication and ensuring everyone has access.”
District Donations
Board members unanimously approved the following donations:
$6,324 from Grace Creek Church for the Longview ISD Backpack Program
$750 from Shawn Cooper for the LISD Bee Program
$15 from Southside Bank for Spirit Bank Card activities
In Other Business
During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also:
- APPROVED the Minutes and Time Use Tracker for the April 14, 2025 Regular Meeting and the April 28, 2025 Special Meeting
- APPROVED the 2024-25 District and Campus Improvement Plans
- APPROVED the Depository Contract Award to Southside Bank
- RECEIVED the March 2025 Financial Reports, and
- APPROVED Budget Amendment No. 9.
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. June 9, 2025. For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees, please click here.