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The Longview ISD Board of Trustees approved an Energy Savings Performance Contract with Schneider Electric to replace and renovate multiple district facilities for a total cost of $599,244, during their May 10th regular meeting.
Dr. Wayne Guidry, Assistant Superintendent of Finance, said the project will be paid from federal stimulus funds and the district's fund balance.
The project includes the replacement of two boilers at Longview High and one at Johnston-McQueen Elementary and the replacement of a chiller system at the Educational Service Center and extending the roof of the LHS Agriculture Barn.
Dr. Guidry said 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 is 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.
Teacher Incentive Allotment
Mr. John York, LISD Chief Human Resources Officer, later provided board members with an update on incentive pay for teachers.
'I am very pleased to report that LISD Teacher Incentive Allotment designees increased from 52 this past year to 82 this year,' he said. 'This increase raises our total allotment from $650,000 to $984,869.'
The Teacher Incentive Allotment is fully funded by the state and came about with the passage of House Bill 3 in the last legislative session.
'The goal of the TIA is to create a realistic pathway to six-figure salaries for teachers, and to improve recruitment and retention of our most highly effective teachers and keep them in the classroom at our most challenging campuses,' he said.
When you combine TIA with the district's Longview Incentive For Teachers (LIFT) program, Longview ISD has 11 teachers whose salary will exceed $100,000 this year.
Please click here to read the complete report and update from Mr. York.
IB training for all
Board members also approved approximately $250,000 in grant funding for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Career-Related Programme (CP) trainings during the month of May 2021.
Mrs. Linda Buie, TCIS Longview Executive Director, explained that, as Longview ISD continues in the authorization process, 'this training will provide more information and tools for IB educators to establish the best IB schools possible.'
'Over 350 participants will be trained in our journey to become the only IB District to have all schools IB authorized,' she said. 'This training will continue our District on the way to full IB authorization.'
Longview Independent School District is the only public school system in Texas that offers the world-renowned International Baccalaureate program free of charge at all district campuses.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
'SmartLab' for South Ward
The board also approved utilizing Public Charter School Program Federal Funds to purchase a 'SmartLab' system for the South Ward Elementary campus.
At a cost of $177,894 the SmartLab engages learners in a hands-on, project-based learning approach in which STEAM disciplines are seamlessly integrated.
Campus principal Mr. Joaquin Guerrero explained that, in a SmartLab, learning is highly personalized and empowers students to shape their learning to meet their individual interests, abilities, and learning styles.
'The SmartLab will help our students develop the necessary skills to inquire, research, and take risks,' he said. 'Students will be equipped with 21st-century skills, such as problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, communication, critical thinking, and effective application of technology. This lab will prepare South Ward's students for academic and career success.'
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
School Bus Cameras
The board also approved the purchase of 23 new cameras for existing district school buses.
Dr. Guidry explained that the $57,485 purchase from Texarkana-based KLC Video Security 'includes removal of existing cameras, installation of new cameras and updated access points for enhanced transmission.'
'These cameras will give us better viewing coverage throughout the bus and allow us to review the film through our network, rather than having to go to the bus and pull the tapes,' he said. 'Our older camera system has very limited viewing capabilities.'
After this installation all of the Longview ISD bus fleet with have cameras with remote access viewing and updated viewing capabilities.
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Insurance Renewal
Board members also approved the $64,546 purchase of Student Accident & Athletic Insurance and Catastrophic coverage for the 2021-22 school year.
Dr. Guidry explained that the district bid this coverage out last year and awarded Achieve Financial/Texas Monarch the contract.
'Achieve Financial Group has proposed to renew the same coverage for 2021-22, with an increase of $59 in Catastrophic coverage,' he said. 'The company has a Voluntary Student Accident Insurance 24-hour coverage available for purchased if desired.'
Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.
Welcome Dr. Germanwala!
Trustees canvassed the results of the Place 3 board election showing Dr. Samir Germanwala earning 66 percent of the votes (261-134).
Incumbents Mr. Michael Tubb (Place 1) and Dr. Troy Simmons (Place 7) were unopposed and will both serve another three-year term on the board.
Board members administered the oath of office to Mr. Tubb, Dr. Simmons, and Dr. Germanwala. The board did not reorganize officers for the coming term, as the current officers have only been serving since the November 2020 election.
For the complete story on the new board member please click here.
In other business...
During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also:
- APPROVED a donation of $1,500 from The Sorey Law Firm to fund three $500 scholarships to graduating seniors from the Lady Lobos basketball program;
- APPROVED a donation of $200 from Ms. Margaret Odom for Longview High School Jr. ROTC expenses.
- RECEIVED a report on the district's Financial Statement as of April 2021;
- APPROVED official Minutes for the April 28th Special Meeting; and
- APPROVED Budget Amendment No. 10.
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. June 14th, 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.
