The Longview ISD Board of Trustees authorized a proposal from Schneider Electric for an Investment Grade Audit of multiple district facilities, during their April 12th regular meeting.
Dr. Wayne Guidry, Assistant Superintendent of Finance, said the district is requesting an audit for the replacement of two boilers at Longview High and one at Johnston-McQueen Elementary, as well as replacement of a chiller system at the Educational Service Center, and extending the roof of the LHS Agriculture Barn.
The boiler at Johnston-McQueen is 33 years old, while the boiler at Longview High is 21 years old. The chiller at the administration building is also 21 years old.
'Each of these items are requiring continual repair cost. In some instances the parts to repair equipment are no longer available,' said Dr. Guidry. 'Also, with the recent growth of our FFA program, our barn is unable to house all of the animals.'
The proposal from Schneider Electric was procured through the district's membership with The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS), a national purchasing cooperative that offers access to competitively procured purchasing contracts to its membership. The system is housed and managed by the Region VIII Education Service Center in Pittsburg, Texas.
With a global presence in over 100 countries, the Europe-based multinational company is a leading provider in the digital transformation of energy management and automation in homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure, and industries.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Upgrades for baseball, softball fields
LISD trustees also authorized Dr. Guidry to seek Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to install artificial turf at Lobo baseball and softball fields.
Dr. Guidry said the district is going to contract with McKinney-based Sports Design Group to oversee the project. Once a bid is considered and approved by the board, the contract will cover schematic design through closeout. Funding for the project will come from the district's general fund balance.
'The current natural grass surfaces are vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, and require considerable landscaping to maintain,' he said. 'We're going to contract with Sports Design Group to evaluate the scope of the project and prepare all specifications, should the board approve moving forward with the project.'
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Lobo Athletics to partner with 'Gameday'
A new communications partnership looks to take Lobo Athletics to the next level.
Longview ISD has signed a marketing agreement with Gameday Longview, an East Texas-based sports multimedia organization owned and operated by Mr. Morgan Smith.
Coming at no cost to LISD taxpayers, the agreement stands to provide top-notch coverage and publicity for ALL Lobo sports. Coverage will also include Longview High School's award-winning marching band, cheerleaders, Viewettes, and Lobo student groups.
'That's a major priority for us,' added Coach John King, LISD Athletic Director. 'There is so much that goes into the athletic experience at Longview ISD, from the students and staff, to sponsors and volunteers, and we want everyone to be a part of this.'
Region VII Training Partnership
Board members also approved an $81,300 service agreement with the Region VII Education Service Center for instructional leadership and training.
Dr. James Coleman, Chief Innovation Officer, said the Region VII Education Service Center will provide training for a district team of 15 employees to receive observation and feedback training and data-driven Instructional training, 'as well as implement support per module and monthly coaching sessions, along with technical feedback.'
'Funding for the contract is provided by the 2021-22 Teacher Leadership Cycle 2 Grant,' he added.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Amending Resignation Incentive
The board also approved an amendment to the one-time $2,500 early retirement bonus for professional staff that was previously approved by trustees at their March 22nd regular meeting.
Dr. James Hockenberry, Assistant Superintendent of District Services, the revision now reads 'One-time Early Resignation Incentive for Professional Staff Currently Under Contract for the 2020-21 School Year.'
For more information about this program please contact Mrs. Shalona McCray, LISD Director of Employee Relations, via email or call 903-381-2262.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Property Tax Error Waived
Board members also approved a request from the office of Mr. Kirk Shields, Gregg County Tax Assessor-Collector, to waive $335.10 in property tax penalties and interest due to an oversight by a subcontractor for the Gregg Central Appraisal District.
Dr. Guidry said the district's delinquent tax collection attorney, Ms. Staci Killingsworth (a partner with the Longview firm of Linebarger, Goggan, Blair, & Sampson) agreed the error occurred 'through no fault of the taxpayer and recommended the penalty and interest be waived.'
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Superintendent Honors
During his Superintendent's Report, Dr. James Wilcox took time to recognize some special Lobo students and staff who have brought high honor to Longview ISD thanks to their excellence.
Lobo FFA students Grant Hockenberry and Cooper Mayes were honored for their recent accomplishments. Cooper placed in the Houston and San Antonio Livestock Show, making a sale in the Houston Livestock Show, while Grant earned Grand Champion and Showmanship honors at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, in addition to Grand Champion and Senior Champion at the Southern Spring National Jersey Show in Stillwater, Okla.
Dr. Wilcox praised these students, their families, and Mr. Braylon Session, LHS Ag Teacher/FFA Sponsor, for all their hard work and success.
'It's yet another demonstration of the high caliber of students and staff we have here at Longview ISD,' he said. 'We celebrate this honor with these students, their teachers and sponsors, and their wonderful families who made this achievement possible.'
Next, Dr. Wilcox led the presentation of Plaza Bricks for 2020 Teachers of the Year Ms. Desanka Djurisic (Elementary), and Mrs. Heather Gee (Secondary). Mrs. Gee teaches and coaches at Longview High, while Ms. Djurisic teaches at J.L. Everhart Elementary.
'These individuals are outstanding educators whose efforts and example have inspired their students, their colleagues, and the communities they serve,' added Dr. Wilcox.
In other business...
During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also:
- APPROVED official Minutes and Time Use Tracker for the March 22nd Regular Meeting;
- RECEIVED a report on the district's Financial Statement as of March 2021;
- APPROVED the Longview ISD Dyslexia Handbook for 2020-21;
- APPROVED the 2020-21 2nd Quarter Investment Report; and
- APPROVED Budget Amendment No. 9.
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. May 10th, 2021.
Due to public health protocols currently in place, anyone wishing to attend the meeting in person must abide by COVID-19 guidelines, as only limited seating capacity is available. The meeting will be streamed online at LISD.org/BoardroomLive.
For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees please click here.