Longview ISD held a series of well-attended groundbreaking ceremonies Thursday to mark the start of construction on three major 2024 bond projects: the Multipurpose Indoor Facility, the Career & Technical Education Center, and the Natatorium, all located on the Longview High School campus.
More than 100 community members, students, staff and dignitaries joined district leadership at the first stop — the future Multipurpose Indoor Facility — where the morning opened with welcoming remarks from Longview High School Principal Shameika Allen and an invocation by Thomas Norris, vice chair of the Bond Advisory Committee. The turnout reflected strong community support for the bond program and the expanded opportunities these new facilities will create for Longview ISD students.
The ceremony featured uplifting performances by students from J.L. Everhart Magnet Elementary School and the Longview High School choir, helping set the tone for the morning. Longview High School’s culinary arts students also provided hors d’oeuvres for guests, giving attendees a firsthand look at the hands-on learning experiences supported through the district’s career and technical education pathways.
Using gold shovels and symbolic green sand — a nod to Longview ISD’s signature color — district leaders, including the mayor of Longview, marked the official groundbreaking at the first site before boarding a school bus to continue the multi-stop event.
The second stop took attendees to the future Career & Technical Education Center, where district officials emphasized how the new facility will expand access to career-aligned programs. The center will feature industry-focused spaces such as updated labs, classrooms and a diesel mechanics bay, strengthening pathways in areas including health sciences, engineering, law enforcement, cosmetology, technology and skilled trades.
The morning concluded at the site of the new Natatorium, located across the street from the main high school campus. District leaders highlighted the importance of providing students with access to competition-standard swim facilities for the first time. The natatorium will include a full-size pool, spectator seating and updated locker rooms to support physical education, competitive swimming and community use.
Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard said the groundbreaking marks a meaningful moment for the district and for the community that supported these bond initiatives.
“This is a day our community can be proud of,” Sheppard said. “The bond our voters approved is transforming our schools, ensuring students have access to programs and facilities that prepare them for the future — right here in Longview.
“These facilities will give our students access to modern, high-quality spaces that support academics, athletics and future career pathways. Our community approved these projects with confidence, and we are committed to delivering facilities that meet the needs of both today’s students and generations to come.”
Principal Shameika Allen said the new buildings will support students across a wide range of programs and interests.
“Our students deserve facilities that match their potential,” Allen said. “This groundbreaking symbolizes not only growth in infrastructure, but growth in opportunity. Our students already work hard and achieve at a high level. These new spaces will match that level of ambition and allow programs at Longview High School to grow, innovate and serve even more students effectively.”
Paul Miller, representing PROCEDEO, the district’s project management partner, also shared his appreciation for the community’s support.
“We’re honored to help bring Longview ISD’s vision to life,” Miller said. “Today’s groundbreaking marks the start of something truly transformative — a future-focused investment that supports education, community and the Longview legacy.”
Together, the three facilities represent a major investment in the student experience:
Multipurpose Indoor Facility
A 120-yard indoor turf field with areas for athletic training, batting cages, golf simulators, multipurpose instruction and updated support spaces.
Career & Technical Education Center
A state-of-the-art facility with hands-on learning environments for programs including health sciences, engineering, cosmetology, law enforcement, diesel mechanics, robotics and other high-demand fields.
Natatorium
A competition-ready aquatic center offering a full-size pool, spectator seating, modern locker rooms and enhanced lighting and sound systems.
All three projects are funded through the 2024 bond program, approved by Longview ISD voters. Construction will soon be underway. Progress updates are available at longviewisd.com/bond2024.