For the third straight year, the Longview Independent School District will reduce property taxes for local stakeholders.
During their regular meeting Aug. 9th the LISD Board of Trustees got their first look at a proposed district budget for the coming year, which calls for property tax cuts as well as significant state revenue from their public school charter partnerships, and federal grant funding.
The proposed maintenance and operations tax rate is $.94170 and the interest and sinking tax rate is $.4730 cents for a total tax rate of $1.41470 per $100 valuation. The tax rate is a decrease from the current rate, which is $1.4394 per $100 valuation.
Longview Independent School District is projecting a balanced General Operating budget of $87,756,621 for the 2021-22 fiscal year.
Dr. Wayne Guidry, Assistant Superintendent of Finance, said if the proposal receives final approval next month, the total proposed budget revenue is $87,756,621, down from the 2020-21 budget total of $90,200,217. The total proposed expenses are $87,756,621.
The revenues are a mix of local, state, and federal funds for operations during the 2021-22 fiscal year.
LISD trustees will consider and possibly approve the 2021-22 Budget/Tax Rate during a special meeting 12 p.m. Aug. 25th.
Dr. Guidry explained to board members that 67 percent of the proposed budget is for the district's instructional programs.
'This budget is as complete a picture of the coming school year as is possible,' he said, adding that, 'potential disruptions related to COVID-19 'will be handled as they present themselves.'
Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox praised Dr. Guidry and his team in the LISD Business Office for their excellent work in developing this proposed budget 'especially in the face of uncertain circumstances.'
'Of course, like with so many things at this point, we are working to make the best decisions possible with the information that is available,' he said. 'Everything is subject to change in accordance with the direction of federal, state, and local authorities.'
Click here to download the preliminary draft of the proposed 2021-22 Longview ISD Budget.
New digital signs coming
The board also approved a bid of $461,065 from East Texas-based Leon's Signs for branded digital signage at Longview High, Bramlette and Hudson PEP elementary schools.
The five digital marquee signs will be paid for from charter grant Start-Up funds, Implementation Grant funds, and Magnet Schools Assistant (MSAP) grant funds that are allocated for helping area students, families, and the greater Longview community stay well-informed about LISD programs, events, activities, or news.
Mr. Matthew Prosser, LISD Communications Director, said the district solicited proposals for digital signage, posting a Request For Proposal online as well as through Region VII and local media as required by LISD policy. While the district received multiple inquiries about the project, only one company submitted a formal bid by the Aug. 9 deadline.
"At the completion of this project, Longview ISD will have digital marquee signs with branded cabinets and electronic message centers at multiple Longview ISD campuses, at the appropriate dimensions as permitted by City of Longview ordinance," he said.
"Campus staff will have full access to maintaining and updating the content of the signs, with the general supervision and assistance of the LISD Technology and Community Relations departments," he said.
Mr. Prosser said three signs will be located along Loop 281 and Hawkins Parkway near the high school, with two others located near the entrances of the Bramlette and Hudson PEP campuses.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Legislative Summit donations
Board members also approved multiple donations of $1,500 from the Center for Equity & Adequacy in School Public Finance, the Linebarger, Goggan, Blair, & Sampson Law Firm, Mr. Randall Bullock (from Hellas Construction), and Weld North Education/Edgenuity to sponsor the Post-87th Legislative Summit set for later this year.
Organized by Longview ISD in partnership with local businesses and civic groups, the summit is part of an ongoing effort by the district to raise awareness for education issues that impact all Texans, and the entire nation.
First started by state Reps. Jay Dean and Gary VanDeaver in 2016, the summit focuses on looking at how elected officials can support and represent schools.
Dr. Wilcox said the details for this year's summit are still in progress, but 'every possible preventative measure will be recommended to provide a safe and healthy dialogue for all who attend.'
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Trustees receive honors
The board also received a plaque in recognition of being named Region VII School Board of the Year last month. The Region VII Education Service Center has selected the Longview ISD Board of Trustees as the 2021 Regional School Board of the Year in the large school category.
Longview ISD's board will serve as the regional representative in this year’s Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) School Board Awards Program.
The association’s School Board Awards Committee will meet in August to select up to five of the nominated boards to be recognized as Honor Boards, and the overall winner will be announced Sept. 25.
In other business...
During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also:
- APPROVED a resolution to engage Valley View Consulting of Dallas in a professional services agreement for investment advisory services;
- APPROVED the district's Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) appraisers for the 2020-21 school year;
- APPROVED a property tax refund of $5,453.35 to the Orms Family Ltd. Partnership;
- APPROVED the Time Use Tracker and official Minutes for the July 19th Regular Meeting;
- APPROVED a 2021-22 agreement with SeeSaw Children's Place for after-school care;
- RECEIVED the 2020-21 Exit Report from the LISD Human Resources department;
- APPROVED the LISD Student Code of Conduct for the 2021-22 school year
- RECEIVED a report on the district's financial statement as of July 2021;
- APPROVED the Board's Quarterly Progress Tracker; and
- APPROVED Budget Amendment No. 14.
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. Sept. 13th.
For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees please click here.
