As the Christmas break begins, Longview Independent School District delivered an early gift to its classrooms Friday, Dec. 19, distributing more than $3.17 million in performance-based incentive pay to teachers and staff.
The payments, issued on Friday, December 19, through the district's Longview ISD Incentive For Teachers (or "LIFT") program, recognize measurable performance, campus achievement, and specialized credentials earned during the 2024-25 school year.
"This is not a bonus for showing up," said Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard. "These dollars reflect results. They reflect growth. And they reflect the expectation that excellence in Longview ISD will be recognized in a meaningful way. We are thankful for the visionary leadership of our board members. Their continued focus on student outcomes has paved the way for our teachers to be awarded for their hard work in advancing our students academically."
In total, $3,177,509.61 was distributed across four LIFT award models, benefiting hundreds of educators and staff members throughout the District.
The most significant portion of funding, $2,583,891.27, was awarded through the Campus Academic Distinction Designation model. That model compensates staff assigned to campuses that earn academic distinction designations from the Texas Education Agency, based on student performance relative to comparable schools statewide.
"When campuses outperform their peers across Texas, that success belongs to every adult who made it possible," said Dr. Sheppard. "This model rewards collective effort and shared accountability."
Districtwide, campuses earned a combined 52 academic distinctions, with multiple schools earning six or more designations.
An additional $549,890.01 was awarded to 95 teachers through the LIFT Pay-for-Performance Teacher model, which recognizes student academic growth in core subjects using value-added measures rather than raw test scores.
"Growth matters," said Dr. Sheppard. "We are rewarding teachers whose students are making real academic gains, especially in challenging instructional environments."
The District also distributed $28,824.30 to nine educators through the Career and Technical Education certification model, which rewards teachers whose students earned industry-based certifications approved by the Texas Education Agency.
"Career readiness is not optional," said Dr. Sheppard. "When our students graduate with recognized certifications in hand, that is a direct reflection of the expertise and commitment of our CTE teachers."
Another $14,904.03 was awarded to five teachers working with high-stakes STAAR End-of-Course re-test students, recognizing successful instruction in some of the District's most demanding academic settings.
"These teachers are working with students who cannot afford to fall short," said Dr. Sheppard. "Their success has life-changing consequences, and it deserves recognition."
The LIFT program is funded entirely through local dollars approved by the Board of Trustees. It is designed to support Longview ISD's broader strategy of recruiting, retaining, and rewarding high-performing educators.
"This is a statement about who we are as a school district," added Dr. Sheppard. "We invest in people who deliver results for students, and we do it transparently, strategically, and at scale."
The payments, issued on Friday, December 19, through the district's Longview ISD Incentive For Teachers (or "LIFT") program, recognize measurable performance, campus achievement, and specialized credentials earned during the 2024-25 school year.
"This is not a bonus for showing up," said Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard. "These dollars reflect results. They reflect growth. And they reflect the expectation that excellence in Longview ISD will be recognized in a meaningful way. We are thankful for the visionary leadership of our board members. Their continued focus on student outcomes has paved the way for our teachers to be awarded for their hard work in advancing our students academically."
In total, $3,177,509.61 was distributed across four LIFT award models, benefiting hundreds of educators and staff members throughout the District.
The most significant portion of funding, $2,583,891.27, was awarded through the Campus Academic Distinction Designation model. That model compensates staff assigned to campuses that earn academic distinction designations from the Texas Education Agency, based on student performance relative to comparable schools statewide.
"When campuses outperform their peers across Texas, that success belongs to every adult who made it possible," said Dr. Sheppard. "This model rewards collective effort and shared accountability."
Districtwide, campuses earned a combined 52 academic distinctions, with multiple schools earning six or more designations.
An additional $549,890.01 was awarded to 95 teachers through the LIFT Pay-for-Performance Teacher model, which recognizes student academic growth in core subjects using value-added measures rather than raw test scores.
"Growth matters," said Dr. Sheppard. "We are rewarding teachers whose students are making real academic gains, especially in challenging instructional environments."
The District also distributed $28,824.30 to nine educators through the Career and Technical Education certification model, which rewards teachers whose students earned industry-based certifications approved by the Texas Education Agency.
"Career readiness is not optional," said Dr. Sheppard. "When our students graduate with recognized certifications in hand, that is a direct reflection of the expertise and commitment of our CTE teachers."
Another $14,904.03 was awarded to five teachers working with high-stakes STAAR End-of-Course re-test students, recognizing successful instruction in some of the District's most demanding academic settings.
"These teachers are working with students who cannot afford to fall short," said Dr. Sheppard. "Their success has life-changing consequences, and it deserves recognition."
The LIFT program is funded entirely through local dollars approved by the Board of Trustees. It is designed to support Longview ISD's broader strategy of recruiting, retaining, and rewarding high-performing educators.
"This is a statement about who we are as a school district," added Dr. Sheppard. "We invest in people who deliver results for students, and we do it transparently, strategically, and at scale."
🎄✨ A Magical Holiday Surprise for Our Deaf Ed Students! ✨🎄
Our sweet Deaf Ed students from East Texas Montessori Prep Academy and Johnston McQueen Elementary School had some very special visitors today — and our hearts are full. ❤️
Thank you, ETMPA, for hosting such a wonderful event for our kiddos!
Every holiday season, children share their Christmas wishes with Santa. But most Santas don’t know sign language, which means many deaf and hard-of-hearing children miss out on the joy of telling Santa their wishes themselves.
We never want our littles to miss that magic. Each year, the Regional School for the Deaf invites a Signing Santa who can communicate with our students in sign language. For some of our children, today was their first time ever being able to truly communicate with Santa — and the smiles said it all. 🎅💛
After listening to each child’s wishes, our Signing Santa surprised them with gifts chosen just for them.
A lobo-sized THANK YOU to the incredible volunteers at Grace Creek Church for helping make this event possible and donating gifts for our students. Your kindness made today unforgettable. 💚🐺❤️
Happy holidays from our Longview ISD family to yours! 🎁❄️
Our sweet Deaf Ed students from East Texas Montessori Prep Academy and Johnston McQueen Elementary School had some very special visitors today — and our hearts are full. ❤️
Thank you, ETMPA, for hosting such a wonderful event for our kiddos!
Every holiday season, children share their Christmas wishes with Santa. But most Santas don’t know sign language, which means many deaf and hard-of-hearing children miss out on the joy of telling Santa their wishes themselves.
We never want our littles to miss that magic. Each year, the Regional School for the Deaf invites a Signing Santa who can communicate with our students in sign language. For some of our children, today was their first time ever being able to truly communicate with Santa — and the smiles said it all. 🎅💛
After listening to each child’s wishes, our Signing Santa surprised them with gifts chosen just for them.
A lobo-sized THANK YOU to the incredible volunteers at Grace Creek Church for helping make this event possible and donating gifts for our students. Your kindness made today unforgettable. 💚🐺❤️
Happy holidays from our Longview ISD family to yours! 🎁❄️
NOW RECORDING 🎙️ Joining us in our podcast studio is ETMPA Principal Faith Newhouse-Greer sharing what montessori looks like on her campus and its benefits. All this plus a behind-the-scenes look at ETMPA's commitment to exceptional early education for ALL STUDENTS. 📈🖍️📚
Stay tuned! 📻
RECORDING NOW 🎙️Hudson PEP Principal Christy Scott is in our NEW podcast studio to share what truly sets PEP apart—why students thrive, how the school challenges and supports them, and what parents gain by choosing this exceptional campus. ✨📚
Stay tuned! 📻
Stay tuned! 📻
Big News Loading… 👀🚨 Two of our campuses are headed to Chicago next week for something pretty special — and trust us, you’ll want to follow along. J.L. Everhart Magnet Elementary and Foster Middle School have been invited to present at the 53rd Annual NABSE Conference, where they’ll also be formally recognized with a national award. More coverage coming soon! 👀✨
Congratulations to our November ACE Award Honorees ♠️🎉🌟 These team member bring Achievement, Customer Service, and Excellence to work every single day! Visit our Facebook page for all recipients photos!
🏫 Campus Honorees
Liza Salas — East Texas Montessori Prep Academy
Mary Montiel — Clarence W. Bailey Elementary
Michael Steele — Bramlette STEAM Academy
Susan Springs — Hudson PEP Elementary
Rita Phillips — J.L. Everhart Magnet Elementary
Melanie Martin — Johnston-McQueen Elementary
Charlotte Pentecost Kennedy — Ned E. Williams Magnet STEAM Academy
Karina Garcia Ortiz — Ware Elementary
Diane Venson — Forest Park Middle School
Jody Sanders — Foster Middle School
Colby Jester — Judson STEAM Academy
Jordan Thomas — Longview High School
Lakeshia Houston — LEAD Academy High School
Cynthia Smith — DADE Center
Christy Scott — Principal Award (Hudson PEP Elementary)
Jeanette Denton — Playing for Keeps Early Childhood Center
🏢 Departments & Leadership Honorees
Candice Seals — Business & Finance
Angela Pridgen — Special Education Services
Precious Hicks — Curriculum & Instruction
Randy Henson — Operations
Shawn Brown — Child Nutrition
Molly Mastrilli — District Nurse
Mae Johnson Lewis — Human Resources
Brian Pitts — Technology
Dustin Taylor — Communications
Melanie Hamilton — Chief of Schools
We're proud of our ACE's — your excellence makes Longview stronger and our students’ days brighter. ✨
🏫 Campus Honorees
Liza Salas — East Texas Montessori Prep Academy
Mary Montiel — Clarence W. Bailey Elementary
Michael Steele — Bramlette STEAM Academy
Susan Springs — Hudson PEP Elementary
Rita Phillips — J.L. Everhart Magnet Elementary
Melanie Martin — Johnston-McQueen Elementary
Charlotte Pentecost Kennedy — Ned E. Williams Magnet STEAM Academy
Karina Garcia Ortiz — Ware Elementary
Diane Venson — Forest Park Middle School
Jody Sanders — Foster Middle School
Colby Jester — Judson STEAM Academy
Jordan Thomas — Longview High School
Lakeshia Houston — LEAD Academy High School
Cynthia Smith — DADE Center
Christy Scott — Principal Award (Hudson PEP Elementary)
Jeanette Denton — Playing for Keeps Early Childhood Center
🏢 Departments & Leadership Honorees
Candice Seals — Business & Finance
Angela Pridgen — Special Education Services
Precious Hicks — Curriculum & Instruction
Randy Henson — Operations
Shawn Brown — Child Nutrition
Molly Mastrilli — District Nurse
Mae Johnson Lewis — Human Resources
Brian Pitts — Technology
Dustin Taylor — Communications
Melanie Hamilton — Chief of Schools
We're proud of our ACE's — your excellence makes Longview stronger and our students’ days brighter. ✨
Longview ISD Esports made a big statement this past weekend at The OC in Forney, where college recruiters from across Texas gathered to scout rising talent.
👏 Longview High School standout Cohen Hardish dominated the Super Smash Brothers bracket, finishing Top 5 out of 124 competitors — an incredible achievement on a major stage!
🚀 Forest Park Middle School’s Rocket League squad — Jose Sifuentes, Hugo Robles, and Byron Rodriguez — powered through a tough bracket to earn an impressive 3rd place finish, proving that the future of Longview Esports is bright.
This event marks another milestone in the growth of our esports program and Longview ISD’s commitment to creating opportunities in competition, teamwork, and pathways into college-level gaming and digital media.
👏 Longview High School standout Cohen Hardish dominated the Super Smash Brothers bracket, finishing Top 5 out of 124 competitors — an incredible achievement on a major stage!
🚀 Forest Park Middle School’s Rocket League squad — Jose Sifuentes, Hugo Robles, and Byron Rodriguez — powered through a tough bracket to earn an impressive 3rd place finish, proving that the future of Longview Esports is bright.
This event marks another milestone in the growth of our esports program and Longview ISD’s commitment to creating opportunities in competition, teamwork, and pathways into college-level gaming and digital media.
EARLY RELEASE 🚨Our Lobos are headed to the Area Round of the playoffs this Friday, November 21, to take on DeSoto in Waco! Because so many of our students and staff will be traveling to support the team, Longview High School will release early at 1:00 PM on Friday.
Longview vs. DeSoto
🕖 Kickoff: 7:00 PM
🚪 Gates Open: 6:00 PM
📍 Waco ISD Stadium — 1401 S New Rd, Waco, TX 76711
🎒 CLEAR BAG POLICY (Enforced at Waco ISD Stadium)
🎟️Buy Tickets: https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/wacoisd/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50Lzg1NA==
Please review before you travel:
NO backpacks allowed
One clear bag per person (up to 12" x 6" x 12")
One-gallon clear plastic bags also allowed
Small clutch or purse permitted (up to 4.5" x 6.5", does not have to be clear)
All bags will be searched
Metal detectors will be used at all entrances
Let’s travel safely, represent Longview with pride, and PACK OUT Waco ISD Stadium! Bring the energy, bring the noise, and let’s cheer our Lobos on to the next round! 🐺💚
Longview vs. DeSoto
🕖 Kickoff: 7:00 PM
🚪 Gates Open: 6:00 PM
📍 Waco ISD Stadium — 1401 S New Rd, Waco, TX 76711
🎒 CLEAR BAG POLICY (Enforced at Waco ISD Stadium)
🎟️Buy Tickets: https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/wacoisd/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50Lzg1NA==
Please review before you travel:
NO backpacks allowed
One clear bag per person (up to 12" x 6" x 12")
One-gallon clear plastic bags also allowed
Small clutch or purse permitted (up to 4.5" x 6.5", does not have to be clear)
All bags will be searched
Metal detectors will be used at all entrances
Let’s travel safely, represent Longview with pride, and PACK OUT Waco ISD Stadium! Bring the energy, bring the noise, and let’s cheer our Lobos on to the next round! 🐺💚
We have OFFICIALLY broke ground on THREE major bond projects — the new Multipurpose Indoor Facility, Natatorium and Career & Technical Education Center. 💚🚧
From green sand and gold shovels, it was a celebration of progress and promise. The future is bright for every Lobo!
From green sand and gold shovels, it was a celebration of progress and promise. The future is bright for every Lobo!
Longview ISD invites proposals for innovative in-district charter school models. To find out more, click HERE.
🇺🇸 Honoring Our Heroes | 2025 Wall of Honor Inductees 🇺🇸
Lobo Nation, we are proud to recognize our 2025 Longview ISD Wall of Honor inductees—two outstanding Lobo graduates who have served our country with courage, commitment, and deep sacrifice.
These incredible individuals were honored Friday night during the Lobo Football game for their service to our nation and their lasting impact on our community.
🟢 Dustin Wayde Cason – LHS Class of 2005
Dustin served as an Army Ranger in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of E-5 and completing seven years of honorable service. A two-time Purple Heart recipient, Dustin’s bravery and leadership left a powerful legacy. Though he is no longer with us, his service and sacrifice continue to inspire.
🟢 Marcus Williams – LHS Class of 1986
Marcus served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, completing six deployments and participating in major operations aboard the USS John F. Kennedy and USS Kearsarge. A decorated veteran, Marcus now continues his mission by serving fellow veterans through the North Texas VA Healthcare System.
We are proud to call these men Lobos and even prouder to celebrate their legacy.
Please join us in thanking Dustin, Marcus, and all the veterans who were in the stands Friday night.
Your service protects our freedom—and we are forever grateful.
Lobo Nation, we are proud to recognize our 2025 Longview ISD Wall of Honor inductees—two outstanding Lobo graduates who have served our country with courage, commitment, and deep sacrifice.
These incredible individuals were honored Friday night during the Lobo Football game for their service to our nation and their lasting impact on our community.
🟢 Dustin Wayde Cason – LHS Class of 2005
Dustin served as an Army Ranger in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of E-5 and completing seven years of honorable service. A two-time Purple Heart recipient, Dustin’s bravery and leadership left a powerful legacy. Though he is no longer with us, his service and sacrifice continue to inspire.
🟢 Marcus Williams – LHS Class of 1986
Marcus served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, completing six deployments and participating in major operations aboard the USS John F. Kennedy and USS Kearsarge. A decorated veteran, Marcus now continues his mission by serving fellow veterans through the North Texas VA Healthcare System.
We are proud to call these men Lobos and even prouder to celebrate their legacy.
Please join us in thanking Dustin, Marcus, and all the veterans who were in the stands Friday night.
Your service protects our freedom—and we are forever grateful.
The Big Green Marching Machine earned silver at the UIL State Military Marching Championship in Waco! 🥈💚🎶
With four straight state finals appearances and 76 consecutive Division I ratings, Longview High School Big Green Marching Machine is showing Texas what excellence looks like. 👏💚
With four straight state finals appearances and 76 consecutive Division I ratings, Longview High School Big Green Marching Machine is showing Texas what excellence looks like. 👏💚
📰 Superintendent Engages Student Advisory Councils
Dr. Sheppard met with middle and high school student advisory members to discuss 2024 Bond updates, one-to-one technology, and campus safety with new Chief of Safety, Ben Kemper. 💚
Dr. Sheppard met with middle and high school student advisory members to discuss 2024 Bond updates, one-to-one technology, and campus safety with new Chief of Safety, Ben Kemper. 💚
🚨 NEW CHIEF OF DISTRICT SAFETY 🚨 Longview ISD proudly welcomes Chief Benjamin Kemper, a Longview High School graduate and former Assistant Police Chief with the Longview Police Department. Chief Kemper brings nearly 24 years of law enforcement experience and a deep commitment to his hometown schools. He’ll lead districtwide safety operations and the launch of the new Longview ISD Police Department — ensuring every campus is a safe place to learn and grow. 💚💛
🎉 HISPANIC HERITAGE CELEBRATION AT THE ESC! 🇲🇽🇨🇴🇨🇺🇪🇸🇵🇷
The celebration featured student performances from ETMPA, Johnston McQueen, Ware, Hudson Pep and Ned with guest speaker Catalina Lopez.
The celebration featured student performances from ETMPA, Johnston McQueen, Ware, Hudson Pep and Ned with guest speaker Catalina Lopez.
🎉 Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Longview, TX honorees!
The Rotary Club of Longview recognized two outstanding members of the Lobo family for their excellence in academics and education. 💚🐺
📚 Student of the Month:
Longview High School senior Kennedi Simmons was honored as the October Student of the Month! Kennedi is the daughter of Ms. Kristi Simmons and plans to attend Texas A&M University to pursue studies in pre-veterinary medicine. She was presented with the award by Rotarian Ms. Ava Welge.
🍎 Teacher of the Month:
Ms. Jessica Hicks, fourth-grade math and science teacher at Johnston McQueen Elementary School, was named the Rotary Club’s Teacher of the Month. She received her award from Rotarian Mr. Gordon Northcutt.
👏 Join us in celebrating these incredible Lobos for their hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence — both in and out of the classroom!
The Rotary Club of Longview recognized two outstanding members of the Lobo family for their excellence in academics and education. 💚🐺
📚 Student of the Month:
Longview High School senior Kennedi Simmons was honored as the October Student of the Month! Kennedi is the daughter of Ms. Kristi Simmons and plans to attend Texas A&M University to pursue studies in pre-veterinary medicine. She was presented with the award by Rotarian Ms. Ava Welge.
🍎 Teacher of the Month:
Ms. Jessica Hicks, fourth-grade math and science teacher at Johnston McQueen Elementary School, was named the Rotary Club’s Teacher of the Month. She received her award from Rotarian Mr. Gordon Northcutt.
👏 Join us in celebrating these incredible Lobos for their hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence — both in and out of the classroom!
🎉 STATE FAIR CHAMPION! 🎉 Congratulations to Longview High School senior Brynn Woods, who was named Grand Champion in the State Fair of Texas Job Interview Contest! 🏆
Brynn earned a scholarship, buckle and banner — plus Big Tex Scholar honors — representing the nation’s largest FFA chapter with more than 1,300 members! 💚💛
After hosting 44 bands for the Region 21 UIL Marching Contest, enduring a rain delay, and performing late into the night, the Big Green Marching Machine earned a ANOTHER Division I rating — advancing to State and marking 76 consecutive years of first division excellence! 👏💛💚
Our Longview ISD Esports teams represented us proudly at the Region 7 Esports Event in Kilgore! 🎮🏆
High School Esports Team — 4th overall!
Middle School Teams — Judson, Forest Park, and Foster — 5th place finish!
We’re so proud of our students for their teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship on the digital stage. 💚🐺
Check out the full story from KLTV here 👉 https://www.kltv.com/2025/10/13/east-texas-middle-schoolers-kick-off-2-day-e-sports-competition-kilgore/
We’re celebrating the incredible staff who make Longview ISD such a special place! 💚 Our Lobo family came together for the annual Staff Tailgate, featuring grilled hotdogs from our amazing BBQ Team, refreshing drinks from AT&T’s Hydration Station, and plenty of fun, laughter, and teamwork before the big game. 🏈
A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us — your dedication and spirit are what make Longview ISD truly shine. 💛
A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us — your dedication and spirit are what make Longview ISD truly shine. 💛
