Longview ISD -

The Longview Independent School District Board of Trustees approved the 2025-26 emergency operations plan, contracted with an external evaluator for its Magnet School Assistance Program, and authorized furniture replacement at J.L. Everhart Magnet Elementary during their regular meeting Monday night. 

Emergency operations plan adopted

Trustees unanimously approved the District's Multi-Hazard Emergency Operations Plan, which aligns local safety protocols with new state mandates. The plan covers emergency response mapping, coordination with county sheriffs, and expanded funding for school safety.

Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard said the plan is about clarity and consistency. 

"When the unexpected happens, there can be no doubt about what to do. Every student, every teacher, every building has the same playbook," she said.

The board reviewed legislative updates requiring twice-yearly county safety meetings, increases to the per-student safety allotment from $10 to $20, and per-campus allocations rising to $33,540.

Mr. Samuel Kington, Chief of Facilities and Operations, noted the importance of pairing the plan with infrastructure upgrades. 

"We've already scoped fencing, door packages, and PA systems across the District. This is the system-wide backbone for how all those improvements function together," he said.

District leadership stressed that the plan is not a static document. 

"We will adjust and revise as conditions change. Safety is non-negotiable, and we set the bar to far exceed the minimum," she added.

External evaluator approved for MSAP

The Board approved a contract with Scott Consulting, led by Dr. Rachel Scott, to serve as external evaluator of the District's Magnet School Assistance Program (MSAP).

The MSAP grant, awarded to Longview ISD for the second time, funds the WIN Project, which creates magnet programs to expand educational options and reduce minority group isolation. Federal law requires all MSAP grantees to employ an independent evaluator to measure outcomes and verify compliance.

Mr. Benjamin Wood, Chief Technology Officer and Magnet Director, said the evaluation will go beyond compliance. 

"We need to know not just if our magnets are working, but how they're working and where they can improve. This partnership ensures the federal government, our board, and our families see clear, credible results," he said.

Dr. Scott will oversee data analysis on student achievement, enrollment diversity, and fidelity to magnet themes. She will prepare annual and interim reports for the U.S. Department of Education while consulting with District leaders on program sustainability.

Dr. Sheppard emphasized accountability. 

"This is about ensuring our promises to parents and students are kept. Independent validation gives us credibility with Washington and confidence here at home," she said.

J.L. Everhart Magnet Elementary furniture replacement

Trustees also approved the purchase of new campus-wide furniture for J.L. Everhart Elementary. A districtwide audit found the school's classroom furniture among the lowest in condition, with outdated pieces that did not support modern teaching methods.

Chief Financial Officer Dr. Wayne Guidry said the investment is overdue. 

"Students spend most of their day in these chairs and at these tables. They should be safe, comfortable, and designed for today's instruction, not yesterday's," he said.

The District selected Virco as the vendor, citing previous competitive bids and successful installations at Longview High School and Judson Middle School. 

Dr. Guidry added that Foster Middle School "is next in line for furniture upgrades."

Consent agenda approvals

Board members also took action on several consent agenda items.

The board authorized a 2027 enrichment trip to New York City for Longview High School choir and theatre students. 

Dr. Sheppard said the opportunity reflects the District's commitment to broadening student experiences. 

"When our young people travel to a place like New York, they see what's possible on the world stage. They come back with confidence and ambition that strengthens our programs here at home," she said.

Trustees also approved increases to adult meal prices, setting breakfast at $3.50 and lunch at $5.25. 

Ms. Chardeé Snoddy, Director of Child Nutrition, explained the change is federally required. 

"The USDA mandates that adult meal pricing must stay above reimbursement rates. These adjustments keep us compliant while still affordable for staff and visitors," she said.

Board members also renewed an investment advisory services agreement with Valley View Consulting. 

Dr. Guidry said the firm's oversight is essential. 

"They are SEC-registered and specialize in Texas school districts. Their guidance ensures we comply with state law while maximizing investment returns," he told trustees.

Comms team highlights

Trustees also received a communications and community relations update, including reports on earned media coverage, upcoming events, and State of the District planning.

Director of Communications Mr. Skyler Hefley said the focus is on visibility. 

"Every story we tell must connect back to the classroom. Whether it's media, events, or social channels, we are highlighting the excellence of our students and staff," he said.

Director of Community Relations, Ms. Elizabeth Ross, agreed, emphasizing the importance of trust-building. 

"When families see consistent, clear communication, it builds confidence in the District," she said. "Our job is to make sure our families and community members always know what's happening and feel connected to the work in our schools."

Bond 2024 project updates

Board members also received updates on the district's 2024 Bond program. 

Procedeo reported a current project budget of $218.5 million, with $5.9 million paid and $7.3 million encumbered. Owner-direct purchases total $22.9 million, with $12.3 million paid.

The Career and Technical Education Center and Multi-Purpose Indoor Facility designs are complete, while the Natatorium design is 75 percent finished. The District's solar project is 40 percent complete.

Mr. Kington told trustees the program is on track. 

"We've already identified $28 million in renovation savings, and our audits keep projects ahead of schedule and on budget," he said.

July financial report presented

Dr. Guidry later presented the July 2025 financial report, showing total cash and investments of $57.2 million and a General Fund balance of $57.3 million.

Interest earnings for the quarter totaled $998,000. Revenues included $55.4 million in state aid, $45.5 million in local revenue, and $1.5 million in federal funding.

Dr. Guidry said the District remains in a strong position. 

"We are meeting obligations, protecting reserves, and continuing to prioritize classrooms," he told trustees.

Community donations accepted

Board members accepted more than $21,000 in community donations to the District's programs and activities. These included $10,000 from Sports in Action for the Higginbotham Most Driven Team award, $6,000 from the Lady Lobos Soccer Booster Club, and $5,000 from Christus Health for athletic training equipment.

Dr. Sheppard thanked the donors. 

"These contributions directly expand opportunities for students. We are grateful for partners who invest in our kids," she said.

In Other Business

During the course of the meeting, the Longview ISD Board of Trustees also:

• APPROVED the Minutes and Board Time Use Tracker for the Aug. 25 regular meeting and Sept. 8 special meeting/public hearing;

• RECEIVED quarterly investment report and May 2025 financial statements; and

• APPROVED Budget Amendment No. 1.

For more info

Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the Longview ISD Education Support Center (1301 E. Young Street). The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 20, 2025.