Meet the Trustees

Michael is a Partner at Gans & Smith Insurance Agency and was elected to the Longview ISD Board of Trustees in 2018. He and his wife Julia have 4 children, all of whom are current Longview ISD students. Michael is also involved in multiple organizations throughout the community, including the Longview Chamber of Commerce, Longview AMBUCS, Longview Greggton Rotary Club, Greater Longview Soccer Association, Longview Boys Baseball Association, and many more. 

Brett is a Longview native, local attorney, and third-generation graduate of Longview High School. He and his wife, Laura, have two children in LISD schools and a third entering in a few years. An attorney with Miller, Fair, & Henry law firm, Brett earned his business degree, magna cum laude, from Texas Christian University before receiving his law degree, cum laude, from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law.

Samir and his wife Dr. Gana Germanwala have two children who are recent Longview ISD graduates, and he is a cardiologist at Longview Regional Medical Center. In addition, Samir is involved in multiple organizations throughout the community, including "Simple Bare Necessities," a non-profit started by his daughter to create hygiene packets for students in need. He received his medical degree from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine and has been a board-certified physician for more than 20 years.

Crista is a graduate of Texas A&M University where she received her undergraduate in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Early Childhood as well as a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She later received her Administration Certification through Stephen F. Austin University. Crista and her husband, Michael, have called Longview home since 2005 and have two children currently in LISD schools. Crista has served in education since 2001 in both Frisco I.S.D. and Pine Tree I.S.D. as a teacher and an administrator.

Throughout her time in Longview, Crista has a passion for volunteering her time with local agencies and organizations. She has served the Longview community through numerous non- profits such as the Junior League of Longview, East Texas Literacy Council, Heartisans Marketplace, Longview I.S.D. Education Foundation, Hudson Pep PTO, and Foster Middle School PTO. She has helped develop projects and served in leadership roles within each. In 2018, she was honored as a Star Over Longview as well as a recipient of the Champion in Community Award. She and her husband are active members of First Baptist Church where they volunteer with various ministries.

Crista is proud to call Longview home and considers it a joy to walk alongside so many inspiring individuals in our community. “As a graduate and educator within public schools, I recognize the significance of the educational system we serve in shaping our future.

Lateefah Pruitt was elected to the Longview ISD Board in 2023. A local businesswoman and community advocate, Lateefah earned a degree from Texas Southern University. She is a real estate broker, working in her family’s 43-year-old business, State Realty, serving the Longview community.

With over a decade of experience in publicity and media production, Pruitt has worked with high-profile music and film industry clients. Since starting her family, she returned home to Longview to raise her two daughters in the local school system as she did growing up.

During her time on the board, Pruitt hopes to focus on increasing community engagement and supporting student success. Her motto is “Education is the key in the 903” and she strives to provide opportunities for community voices to be heard regarding education in Longview. 

Beard was elected to the Longview ISD Board in 1998 and has served in various capacities, including assistant secretary, secretary, vice-president, and twice as president.

He earned a bachelor’s in human services from LeTourneau University. Beard is a retired sergeant major from the United States Army and a combat veteran of Desert Shield/Storm and Iraqi Freedom. He also retired from the Social Security Administration, where he worked as a technical expert and equal employment opportunity counselor.

Ted is a past president of Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and in 2007, he was appointed to the TASB Risk Management Fund Board and currently serves as chair. He is a 2012 graduate of Leadership TASB and a past president and current member of the Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members.

Ted and his wife Rosalind are the parents of three sons and two daughters.

Dr. Simmons is a local dentist who was first elected to the board in 1986. Dr. Simmons has served the board in various capacities, including assistant secretary, vice president and president. He has also served as president of the Texas Association of School Boards. An ordained minister, Dr. Simmons has a long career of community service that spans decades. Dr. Simmons and his wife Kathleen are the parents of four children, all of whom are Longview High School graduates.