Longview ISD thanked Jud Murray during Monday night's regular board meeting, and welcomed newly-elected Place 2 trustee Ava Welge.
'We hate to see you go, and thank you for everything you've brought to this board,' said board president Dr. Chris Mack. 'Your level-headed leadership was invaluable. On numerous occasions you brought clarity to difficult and complicated decisions.'
Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox praised Murray for his three terms on the board.
'Jud has been an integral part in helping to shape the direction of our this district for nearly a decade,' he said. 'We are thankful for his service to the LISD community.'
Murray expressed heartfelt appreciation to fellow board members, as well as district students and staff for allowing him 'to play just a small role in Longview ISD's many accomplishments.'
'My thoughts begin and end with two words, 'thank you,'' he said.
Board members also administered the oath of office to Welge and Place 4 incumbent Ginia Northcutt, before reorganizing officers for the coming term. Northcutt was unopposed and will serve another three-year term on the board.
Officers for the LISD trustees will be Dr. Mark Camp, board president; Dr. Troy Simmons, vice president; Shan Bauer, secretary; and Ava Welge, vice secretary.
STAAR Test Results
Later, the board heard a report from Catina Love, District Testing Coordinator, on the percentage of students that have met the standard in each STAAR tested area.
'These preliminary results show that Longview students scored above the regional and state average in reading and math,' she said. 'As happy as we are to see this positive growth, we're still not where we want to be, but progress is continuing to be made.'
EOC exams were administered in late March (English I and II) and early May (Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History). Students in grades 5 and 8 also were administered reading and math STAAR assessments in late March, and those who did not meet the passing standards retook the assessments in May.
STAAR results have not been received for other tested subjects and grade levels.
Click here to view the preliminary report.
In other action, the board unanimously approved the $85,549 purchase of two double-sided electronic marquee signs for the Longview High School and new Montessori campus.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jody Clements told board members that the electronic signage will be used to promote student and district activities as well as to recognize community partnerships.
Trustees meet each month in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center, 1301 E. Young St. The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 17.