By Dr. James Wilcox
Superintendent of Schools
With the start of another New Year, I cannot help but look back on the previous year and everything that's occurred. There are always so many amazing accomplishments by our students, staff, and the entire district in 2022, that I could fill up an entire edition of The Longview Voice just listing them one by one! But in the interest of time, I'll just hit a few of the highlights...
Mrs. Schrundagale Griffith named Region VII Teacher of the Year
Our very own Mrs. Schrundagale Griffith, a 6th-grade math teacher at Foster Middle School, was named the Secondary Teacher of the Year for Region VII Education Service Center on July 21.
Mrs. Griffith's journey to becoming an exceptional educator has been marked by dedication and passion. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at LeTourneau University, she briefly explored the corporate world. However, it was her true calling for education that brought her back to pursue her Teaching Certification and Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Texas A&M University-Texarkana.
Before joining Foster Middle School in Longview in 2021, Mrs. Griffith spent 12 fruitful years at Hallsville Junior High School as a math teacher and interventionalist. Her commitment to academic excellence and the success of our students has always been exemplary, earning her numerous accolades, including the "You Rock!" Award given by the Junior Honor Society, the "Peltier Outstanding Teacher" Award, and Ellen's "Kleenex: Nominate Your Incredible Teacher" Award in 2021.
We couldn't be prouder to have Mrs. Griffith as part of the Longview ISD family!
Band wins 74th straight First Division rating
The Longview High School Lobo Band earned a First Division rating from the entire judging panel to bring home its 74th consecutive SUPERIOR University Interscholastic League marching contest rating.
With the top honor, the Big Green Marching Machine maintains the state record for consecutive superior ratings in a state contest. The LHS Band has earned First Division ratings every single year since the inception of the UIL in 1949.
Our awesome band later took top honors at the Region 21 University Interscholastic League (UIL) Concert and Sight-reading Contest held at Whitehouse High School on April 5 and 6. The Big Green Marching Machine earned Sweepstakes by receiving a No. 1 division rating in the marching band, concert, and sight-reading contests.
Longview ISD was well represented by bands from Forest Park, Foster, and Judson middle schools, in addition to Longview High. All LISD bands received a first division for their performance in the concert and sight-reading contest with six LISD bands taking home the sweepstakes award.
These achievements are not only testaments to the high quality of students and staff, but the many parents and community members who so passionately support this program!
Community Relations receive National honors
Longview ISD Community Relations has received multiple awards at the 2023 National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Awards the organization announced July 18.
The accolades were bestowed upon the team in the categories of Publications and Digital Media Excellence, Print Newsletter/Newspaper External Audience, Video Produced In-House, Branding/Image Packaging, Special-Purpose Publication/Flyer, and the prestigious 2023 NSPRA Award of Excellence for E-Newsletter.
We are thrilled and immensely proud of the Longview ISD Community Relations team for their outstanding accomplishments. This well-deserved honor is a testament to their hard work and creativity!
Teachers earn over $7.3 million in incentive pay
Longview ISD awarded more than $7.3 million in incentive pay for achieving teachers, with a few of the very highest-performing teachers receiving more than $30,000 extra in their December paychecks!
As a result of this incentive program, 11 classroom teachers will make over $100,000 this year! We could not be more excited to see our teachers receive these dollar amounts," he said. "But our students are the real winners!
The program is funded by the district's fund balance, as approved by the Longview ISD Board of Trustees.
Pay raises for teachers and preschool staff
Board members unanimously approved salary increases for district teachers and staff, in addition to setting a time to discuss the proposed 2023-24 tax rate, during their Jul 17 regular meeting.
The measure includes a 5 percent increase for teachers and pay grade midpoint for all remaining employees. In addition to the 5 percent increase of midpoint, the district will implement pay structures that adjust staff salaries that improve internal equity and market competitiveness. We also adjusted pay for employees below or above proposed pay grade maximums."
Later, during their Nov. 13 regular meeting, the board approved a one-time employee retention payment plan using Child Care Relief grant funds for staffers at the district's Playing For Keeps Early Childhood Center. In total, the retention plan will distribute approximately $50,000 to eligible staff across the district, including custodians.
Dr. Brian Ziemer named new ETAA chief
The East Texas Advanced Academies Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Brian Ziemer to serve as ETAA's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Learner during their regular meeting Oct. 17.
Licensed as a Texas superintendent and certified public accountant, Dr. Ziemer joined ETAA and Longview ISD as Deputy of Operations in August 2021, bringing 25 years of education experience in teaching and administration as well as private sector experience in conflict resolution, organizational restructuring, and financial management.
Business Office earns ‘A’ in TEA financial integrity
Longview Independent School District earned a "superior" rating for financial integrity from the Texas Education Agency for the 2022-23 academic year, the district announced Sept. 19th.
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 by providing the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.
LISD Child Nutrition receives National recognition
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recognized Longview Independent School District's (LISD) Child Nutrition Program with the Turnip the Beet Award at the Silver level for their commitment to providing quality and nutritious meals during the summer of 2022.
LISD was one of 26 sponsors from the state of Texas to receive this recognition, one of 16 Texas awardees to receive a silver award, and part of an elite group of only 98 award-winning sponsors nationwide.
This recognition highlights LISD's unwavering commitment to providing appetizing and nutritious meals to children in the community.
Cohen, Muller, Johnson named 2023 Distinguished Alumni
Longview Independent School District honored three accomplished former students during our annual Distinguished Alumni festivities Oct. 13. This year's Distinguished Alumni are Bob Cohen (Class of 1965), Dr. Lisa Supercinski Muller (Class of 1986), and Cherika Morrison Johnson (Class of 1995).
Distinguished alumni typically have excelled professionally, in addition to serving the communities in which they live. Honorees are nominated at-large and chosen by a committee of previous honorees, volunteer Distinguished Alumni Committee members, and the district’s Community Relations office.
Whew! That might seem like a lot, but it's actually just a sampling of the many great things happening at Longview ISD. Our district continues to be the best school district east of Interstate 45, and it's all because of our people: our students, our staff, our parents, and our many community partners.
Thank you all for a wonderful 2023, and my prayers are with you for an even better 2024!
It's a great time to be a Lobo!
— Dr. James Wilcox has served as Superintendent of Schools for Longview ISD since 2007. During his tenure, student enrollment and test scores have continued an upward trend, while the district has continued to expand its academic and extracurricular offerings. LISD is widely recognized as one of the most innovative school districts in the state.