During their Sept. 8 District Accountability Public Hearing, Longview Independent School District trustees reviewed accountability ratings that show significant campus improvement across the district. Trustees also approved an architectural firm to design a new transportation facility, authorizing negotiations on final contract terms.
Accountability: More A/B campuses, none rated D/F
Longview ISD earned a B (88) for 2024–25, up from 87 the previous year. The number of campuses rated A or B jumped from seven to ten, while those rated D or F dropped from two to none.
"We are moving in the right direction," Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard said. "Our students deserve excellence, and our community expects it. Where we have seen gains, we will sustain them. Where we have seen dips, we will redouble our efforts. The bar is the bar, and we intend to meet and exceed it."
Campuses that battled back
Clarence W. Bailey Elementary: One year ago, Bailey was rated an F (58). This year, it improved to a C (74), a 16-point leap that included stronger growth in 4th grade reading and math.
Ned E. Williams Elementary: Rose from D (69) to a B (82), showing marked gains in science and overall student achievement.
Ware Elementary: Advanced from C (79) to an A (90), with major jumps in 5th grade math growth and Domain III "Closing the Gaps."
J.L. Everhart Elementary: Climbed from a C (76) to an A (90), earning all six campus distinctions.
Other campuses also notched steady progress: Bramlette Elementary held its ground at B (80), with growth gains in 4th grade; Johnston-McQueen Elementary edged upward to C (77).
At the secondary level, Forest Park Middle School gained five points to B (85). Foster Middle School and Judson Middle School held strong at A (92), and Longview High School remained at A (90) despite challenges in growth scores. LEAD Academy slipped slightly to B (89) but reported celebrations in U.S. History performance and graduation numbers.
Distinctions and statewide context
Districtwide, Longview ISD earned 52 distinction designations (73 percent of eligible), up from 40 last year, and the highest number in the entire East Texas region. Campuses with standout recognition included Foster and Judson Middle Schools (7 each), Longview High School (6), Hudson PEP Elementary (6), and JL Everhart Elementary (6).
"These results show growth, but also the gaps we still have to close," Dr. Sheppard said. "English I, English II, and Algebra I are areas that we will continue to work on to see growth in our students."
Charter partner updates
Trustees also heard updates from Longview ISD’s three public charter partners: East Texas Advanced Academies (ETAA), Longview Educates And Prospers (LEAP), and the Texas Council for International Studies (TCIS).
ETAA reported strong gains across its network of campuses. In 2023–24, ETAA managed three C campuses and two B campuses, earning 13 distinctions. This year, that improved to two A, two B, and one C campus, with distinctions rising to 21 of 31 possible. Goals for East Texas Montessori Prep Academy include having 85 percent of kindergarteners reading on grade level by May 2026, with new support staff and targeted Montessori training in place.
LEAP, which operates Longview ISD’s CTE programs and LEAD Academy, outlined celebrations and challenges from the past year. LEAD posted a B 89 overall rating for 2024–25, with Domain II Relative Performance at 94 (A) but Domain II Growth at 83 (B), and Domain III Closing the Gaps at 78 (C). The school reported successes such as 147 graduates, increased U.S. History scores, and opportunities for virtual learning. Supports moving forward include adding an assistant principal to focus on attendance and instruction, additional social-emotional counseling, and weekly data-driven leadership meetings.
TCIS, which oversees Longview High School’s International Baccalaureate campuses and program, noted continued progress in advanced coursework and student achievement. Longview High School maintained an A 90 overall rating, with standout performance in Domain III (Closing the Gaps at 93 A) and notable increases in math, science, and English performance. Areas needing work include Domain II Academic Growth, where LHS scored 59 (F), particularly in English I (52 F) and English II (65 D). Plans include strengthening instructional coaching, tutoring for EOC subjects, and enhanced college readiness programming.
Transportation facility: DLR Group selected
Later, trustees voted to approve DLR Group as the architectural firm for Longview ISD’s new transportation building. The decision came after a rigorous two-step evaluation process that included written proposals and in-person interviews.
A total of nine firms submitted packets for the RFQ. Four were advanced to interviews: DLR Group, PBK, Harris Craig, and GLS. Using a standardized rubric that measured qualifications, relevant experience, references, and overall project suitability, evaluation committees scored each firm independently.
The combined scores placed DLR at the top with 5,040 points, followed by PBK (4,967), Harris Craig (4,399), and GLS (4,288). Trustees also voted to authorize Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard to negotiate final contract terms with DLR, including a fair and reasonable price.
“This process was about fairness, transparency, and finding the right partner,” said Mr. Samuel Kington, Chief of Facilities and Operations. “Our transportation staff and thousands of students rely on safe, efficient operations every day. This project will replace an outdated facility with a modern hub built for the future, and we’re committed to delivering it on time and on budget.”
Mr. Kington explained that the new facility will provide a large training space, new administrative offices, more restrooms for staff and visitors, and expanded employee parking.
"Planning and design work will begin immediately following contract finalization, with project milestones to be shared publicly as work progresses," he added.
Superintendent and academic updates
Dr. Sheppard highlighted the launch of a year-long professional learning series, beginning Sept. 19 with districtwide i-Ready training. She also pointed to college readiness initiatives: campus visits, PSAT bootcamps, and the "College Dayz" collaboration between Curriculum and Communications teams.
"Our 'North Star' goal is simple: all campuses rated A," Dr. Sheppard said. "That is the standard our students deserve, and that is the standard we will pursue."
What's next
Trustees will receive additional updates on academic growth initiatives in coming months. The next regular board meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 22, at 6 p.m. at the Longview ISD Education Support Center.