Longview Independent School District joined 1,024 districts across the state celebrating January as School Board Recognition Month, during the Board of Trustees regular meeting Monday, Jan. 19th.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry presented award plaques and gift baskets to LISD board members, explaining that the theme this year is 'Navigating To Success.”
'Year after year, our board goes above and beyond to bring the most innovative initiatives to our various campuses,' he said. 'Thanks to your leadership and service, Longview ISD is certainly helping our students, staff, and entire community navigate toward a brighter future for all.'
Hockenberry praised board members for so generously giving of their time and talents in serving as advocates for the students, staff, and entire community of Longview ISD.
'Thank you for everything you do for the district, caring about our students, teachers, and staff, and helping us chart a course for the next generation,' he said.
Serving as a link between the community and classroom, school board members are elected to establish the policies that provide the framework for public schools. LISD trustees are responsible for an annual budget of more than $78 million, over 8,000 students, and nearly 3,000 staffers.
The current Board of Trustees for Longview ISD is Mr. Michael Tubb (Place 1), Mr. Brett Miller (Place 2), Mrs. Ginia Northcutt (Place 4), Mrs. Shan Bauer (Place 5), Mr. Ted Beard (Place 6), and Dr. Troy Simmons (Place 7).
Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox praised the tireless work of the board, citing their passion for their community and their love for the students, staff, and families of Longview ISD.
'Our school board members are volunteers who shoulder critical responsibilities and often make difficult choices for our district, all without pay,' he said. 'Their goal is always focused on the future success of the children in our district.'
To honor the more than 7,200 locally elected trustees in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott has declared January as School Board Recognition Month, and the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) is encouraging all Texas communities to join the celebration by showing appreciation to these men and women.
'While school districts will always face new challenges as they serve the needs of students, Texans can count on their school board members, along with other dedicated school officials, to weather these trials, create opportunities to discuss important issues, develop innovative solutions, and empower educators while remaining focused on their students’ futures,' said Gov. Abbott in his proclamation.
Although showing appreciation should be a year-round process, Dr. Wilcox said taking advantage of the designated month 'ensures that these important people receive some of the thanks they deserve.'
'We are so appreciative of them every month, so celebrating School Board Recognition Month is just one small way to say thanks for all that they do,' he said.
