Once again, Longview ISD has earned the state's highest grade of 'superior' in fiscal responsibility, representing over a decade of consecutive years the district has been so honored.
Mr. Joey Jones, Assistant Superintendent for Finance, told trustees that Longview ISD received an 'A' on its financial rating with a score of 96, among the highest in the East Texas region, during their regular meeting Monday, Dec. 14th.
'We strive to be accountable not only for student learning but to do so with cost-effective measures to make the most of our taxpayers' dollars,' he said.
The Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) was created by the Legislature in 2001 and was designed to encourage public schools to better manage their financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.
Since the creation of the program, Longview ISD has received a superior rating almost every single year.
'It's a testament not only to the hard work of the Business Office staff, but of the entire district,' said Dr. James Wilcox, Superintendent of Schools.
The rating system scores school districts on 15 financial indicators, such as administrative cost expenditures, the accuracy of a district's financial information submitted to the Texas Education Agency, and any financial vulnerabilities or material weaknesses in internal controls as determined by an external auditor.
School districts are given a numeric grade for the indictors. The numeric grades, when totaled, correspond to a letter grade of A, B, C, or F. The letter grades correspond to the ratings 'superior,' 'above standard achievement,' 'meets standard' or 'substandard achievement.'
Afterschool Program Grant
Board members also approved an application for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program.
Dr. Craig Coleman, LISD Chief Innovation Officer, said the district is applying for funds 'to implement the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program for afterschool activities at our elementary schools.'
'This is a federal grant and is monitored closely through state agencies,' he said. 'This would result in the opportunity to provide additional programming afterschool with no cost to our families.'
Dr. Coleman said the program helps students 'meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math.'
'It offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs,' he said. 'It also offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children [...] particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.'
Upon submission of the grant application, the community will be given access and may obtain a copy from the LISD Department of Innovation on the district website (when available).
For more information about this or other DOI programs please email ask@lisd.org or call 903-381-2200.
Public Hearings
Trustees also held a public hearing over the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) and the LISD Results-Driven Accountability overview.
No residents spoke up in support of or opposition to either of these items.
The Texas Education Code requires each district's Board of Trustees to publish an annual report that includes the TAPR Report, campus performance objectives, a report of violent or criminal incidents, and information received under the Texas Education Code 51.403(e) from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Presented by Mrs. Latitia Wilson, LISD Director of Planning & Analysis, the Results-Driven Accountability overview focused on Special Education (SPED), Other Special Populations (OSP), as well as Bilingual Education/English as a Second Language and English Learner progress.
In other business...
During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also: received Continuing Education Credit Report from the Texas Association of School Boards; approved a donation of $5,000 from Christus Health for LISD athletic training and supplies; approved Time Use Tracker for the Nov. 16th Regular Meeting; received Financial Statement as of December 2020; approved Minutes from the Non. 16th Regular Meeting; approved Minutes from the Nov. 30th Special Meeting; and approved Budget Amendment No. 5.
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. Jan. 11th, 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.
