HISTORIC MOMENT

Groundbreaking on $456.2M bond projects fast approaches

T he Longview community made history by voting in favor of a $456.2 million bond that promises to transform the educational landscape for students and families in Longview Inde- pendent School District. As district leaders finalize plans and prepare to break ground on projects, the excitement and gratitude for this monumental step forward are pal- pable across the community.

MOMENT OF UNITY

On May 4, 2024, Longview voters approved all five propositions of the bond package, marking a turning point in the district's mission to provide exceptional learning environments and opportunities for its students. The overwhelming sup- port reflects a shared vision for the future of education in Longview, a commitment Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard calls "an incredible testament to the strength and unity of our community."

“This bond represents so much more than just bricks and mortar—it represents our collective belief in the potential of every child in Longview ISD,” Dr. Sheppard said. “The trust our voters placed in us is humbling, and we are dedicated to honoring that trust by delivering on our promises.”

PREPARING FOR PROGRESS

Since the bond's approval, district leaders and architects have been working diligently behind the scenes to en

District leaders drive bond projects to shape future

With $456.2 million approved in the May 2024 bond election, Longview ISD is embarking on a historic transformation of its facilities, ensuring students and staff benefit from cutting-edge resources. A team of seasoned leaders is at the helm, charged with turning the community’s vision into reality.

The bond package includes five propositions designed to address aging facilities, expand educational opportunities, and enhance athletic and extracurricular programs. Projects range from a new Early Childhood Center to a multipurpose indoor facility, extensive renovations to athletic stadiums, and even a new Aquatics Center.

The district’s leadership has assembled an expert team to oversee these ambitious projects.

Key cabinet hirings to take District to next level

The Longview ISD Board of Trustees ap- proved the hiring of three executive cabinet positions following their regular meeting on Monday, October 21, 2024.

Dr. Marla Sheppard, Superintendent, said these staff changes, "Reflect our district's commitment to assembling an elite leadership team to guide the district's continued growth

These bond projects will re-shape our District

Technology transforms Longview ISD

By Benjamin Wood Chief Technology Officer

Hello Longview ISD Community, My name is Benjamin Wood, and I am honored to join Longview ISD as your new Chief WOOD Technology Of- ficer. Over the past week, I've had the privilege of meeting many incredible staff members and witnessing the passion and dedication that make this dis- trict such a vibrant community. Before joining Longview ISD, I served as the Coordinator of Digital Learning at Region 7 Education Service Center, where I led initiatives to inte- grate cutting-edge technology

into classrooms. My work fo- cused on empowering educa- tors with tools like artificial intelligence and personalized learning solutions to create in- novative teaching experiences. Prior to that, I was the Director of Technology at Chapel Hill ISD, where I oversaw IT infra- structure, cybersecurity, and strategic technology planning to support both educators and students. These roles, along with my teaching background in Career and Technical Educa-

tion, have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the transfor- mative power of technology in education.

At Longview ISD, my mis- sion is to ensure that technol- ogy serves as a seamless and inspiring part of our educa- tional ecosystem. From robust and secure infrastructure to innovative classroom tools, I am committed to fostering an environment where students and teachers can thrive. My goals include enhancing dig-

ital equity, streamlining our systems for better efficiency, and leveraging data to support informed decision-making.

Looking ahead, I'm excited to collaborate with our dedi- cated IT team, teachers, and administrators to turn these goals into realities. Whether it's supporting teachers with professional development, empowering students with advanced learning tools, or ensuring our systems run flawlessly, I am here to listen, learn, and lead.

Thank you for welcoming me to the Longview ISD family. I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming weeks and working together to en- sure that technology continues to enhance the amazing work happening in our district.

Warm regards, Benjamin Wood

District earns perfect score from TEA again

Longview ISD has once again achieved a perfect score on the Fi- nancial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) Report for the 2023-24 school year, earning the maximum score in all 21 evaluation categories. This marks another mile- stone in the district's longstanding tradition of excellence in financial management.

nearly every year," said Dr. Wayne Guidry, Chief Financial Officer. "This consistent performance reflects our commitment to financial trans- parency and our focus on maximiz- ing resources for the benefit of our students and staff."

"Since the program's creation, Longview ISD has received a Superior rating nearly every year,” said Dr. Wayne Guidry, Chief Financial Officer. “This consistent performance reflects our commitment to financial transparency and our focus on maximizing resources for the benefit of our students and staff.” The FIRST program, established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), evaluates school districts across multiple metrics, including budget planning, debt management, and

The FIRST program, established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), evaluates school districts across multiple metrics, including

overall fiscal responsibility. The system is de- signed to ensure accountability and encour- age best practices in financial stewardship among Texas public schools. "Achieving a Superior rating is more than just a score-it's a reflection of our district's dedication to sound financial management and strategic resource allocation," added Dr. Guidry. "Our community can rest assured that every dollar is being used responsibly to support student achievement and operation- al efficiency."

LONGVIEW INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

2024-25 First Semester Honor Roll

Jullieany Sofia Lopez Aleman

LONGVIEW INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

2024-25 First Semester Honor Roll

TCU experience: Journey into finance

By William Hilton Longview High School Senior

This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the TCU High School Investors Challenge Camp, a program hosted by the Neeley School of Busi- ness at Texas Christian University. As someone who had always been intrigued by the world of finance but had no real experience in investing, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from the camp. I knew it would involve learning about investing, but I didn't anticipate just how much hands-on experience and practical knowledge I would gain in such a short period.

From the moment I arrived, I was im- mersed in a world of finance, surrounded by like-minded peers who shared my curiosity and enthusiasm about the stock market. Let me lead you through my experience, highlighting the activities I took part in, the

knowledge I gained, and how the camp has shaped my understanding of investing and personal finance.

INTRO TO THE STOCK MARKET

The first few days of the camp were ded- icated to building a foundation of financial knowledge. We began by learning about the stock market-how it works, why it exists, and how investors use it to buy and sell shares of companies. The instructors, who were TCU professors and experienced professionals in the finance industry, broke down complex concepts into digestible pieces,

making them easy to understand even for someone like me who was new to investing.

One of the key takeaways from the first sessions was understanding the difference between stocks, bonds, and other investment vehicles. I learned that stocks represent ownership in a company, while bonds are es- sentially loans to companies or governments that pay interest over time. Mutual funds and ETFs, which pool together money from many investors to buy a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds, were also discussed in detail. This initial exposure to various in- vestment options helped me understand the different ways I could approach building an investment portfolio.

The instructors didn't just lecture us; instead, they made sure we were engaged by asking questions, using real-world examples, and offering scenarios where we could apply what we had learned. I remem- ber feeling amazed at how intricate and interconnected the financial markets were,

HANDS ON EXPERIENCE

One of the most exciting and valuable parts of the camp was the stock market simulation. As part of this hands-on experience, we were each given a virtual portfolio with a set amount of "money" to invest. The goal was to build and manage our portfolio as effectively as possible over the course of the week.

The simulation was run in real-time, SO we had to make investment decisions based on the latest market data, news, and trends. Each day, we would receive updates on how our in- vestments were performing, and we could choose to buy, sell, or hold stocks based on market con- ditions. This aspect of the camp was especially engaging because it mirrored real-world investing, where markets fluctuate, and de- cisions need to be made quickly.

During this part of the camp, I learned how to analyze com- panies for investment potential. We were taught how to look at financial statements, such as balance sheets and income state- ments, to understand a compa- ny's financial health. For exam- ple, we analyzed revenue growth, debt levels, and profit margins to determine whether a stock was a good buy. I had never really thought about investing in such a data-driven way, but the sim- ulation made it clear that suc- cessful investing requires careful research and decision-making.

It was also during the simula- tion that I first encountered the challenge of balancing risk and reward. In the beginning, I took a more conservative approach, investing in established compa- nies with stable returns. How- ever, I quickly realized that I needed to take calculated risks in order to see significant gains. By the end of the camp, I had gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of diversification- spreading investments across different asset types and sectors to reduce risk.

LEARNING STRATEGIES

In addition to the stock mar- ket simulation, we were intro- duced to different investment strategies, such as value in- vesting, growth investing, and income investing. These strat- egies provided frameworks for making decisions about which stocks to buy and how to man- age a portfolio over time.

I was particularly intrigued by value investing, a strategy popularized by Warren Buffett. This approach involves buying

stocks that appear underval- ued compared to their intrinsic worth. Through discussions and examples, I learned how val- ue investors look for "bargain" stocks by evaluating metrics like price-to-earnings ratios and comparing them to industry averages.

Growth investing, on the oth- er hand, focuses on companies that are expected to grow at an above-average rate compared to other companies. Learning about these different approach- es was enlightening, and it allowed me to see that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to investing. The right strategy depends on an investor's goals, risk tolerance, and market outlook.

Another key part of our learning focused on market psychology and how emotions play a role in investing. We discussed how fear and greed can drive market behavior, and how biases like overconfidence and herd mentality can influ- ence decisions. Understanding these psychological factors was eye-opening because it made me realize how important it is to remain level-headed and stick to a sound strategy, espe- cially during market volatility.

RISK MANAGEMENT

One of the most important lessons I took away from the camp was the concept of risk management. We spent a lot of time discussing how to balance risk and reward in a portfolio and the role of diversification in mitigating risk. I learned that while higher-risk investments might offer higher returns, they also come with the potential for significant losses. Understand- ing this trade-off is critical for making informed investment choices.

We also spent a significant amount of time discussing the ethics of investing. We learned that investing isn't just about making money-it's also about making responsible choices. Ethical investing, or socially responsible investing (SRI), involves considering the impact of investments on the environ- ment, society, and corporate governance. This was an import- ant discussion for me because it reminded me that financial decisions should not be made in a vacuum; they have real-world consequences.

TEAMWORK, COMPETITION

were divided into teams and worked together to manage our virtual portfolios. The team as- pect added an element of friendly competition, as we competed against other teams to see who could generate the best returns. Working in teams allowed me to collaborate with others, share ideas, and learn from my peers. It was interesting to see how different people approached the same problem, and the diversity of strategies made the experience even more enriching.

LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE

Looking back, attending the TCU High School Investors Challenge Camp was one of the most rewarding experiences of my high school career. The camp gave me a deep understanding of how investing works, from the basics of the stock market to more advanced strategies and ethical considerations. I left the camp not only with a stronger grasp of financial concepts but also with the confidence to start managing my own investments in the future.

The knowledge and skills I gained from the camp have already started to shape my personal finance decisions. I feel more equipped to make smart, informed choices about my savings and investments as I prepare for college and beyond. More than anything, the camp ignited a passion for finance and investing that I plan to explore further in the years to come. Attending the TCU High School Investors Challenge Camp has been a transforma- tive experience, and I highly recommend it to any high school student interested in finance, investing, or simply improving their financial literacy. The lessons learned at the camp are not only applicable to the world of investing but also to every- day life, helping me think more critically about money and the choices I make.

BOND |Continued from page 1

sure every dollar is spent responsibly and every project is executed with precision. Detailed plans are being finalized for the various projects included in the bond, with input from stakeholders such as teachers, parents, and community members.

"This phase is about careful planning and collaboration," said Longview ISD Chief Financial Officer Wayne Guidry. "We want our community to know that we're being thoughtful about every deci- sion, ensuring these projects will have a lasting impact."

The district has also formed a bond ad- visory committee composed of community members, business leaders, and parents to oversee the planning and construction process. This group will play a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the implementation phase.

WHAT THE BOND WILL BRING

The projects included in the bond pack- age are wide-ranging and designed to address both immediate needs and long- term goals for Longview ISD students:

Modernized Learning Environments: Renovations to Longview High School and other campuses will provide state- of-the-art classrooms and facilities that support 21st-century learning.

Career & Technology Education: A new, second structure will be built, allow- ing the CTE classes to have more space. Due to the current lack of space, some classes take place in the main building of the high school. Construction is expected to start in the third quarter of this year, as of the December Board meeting.

Enhanced Early Childhood Education: A new Early Childhood Center will pro- vide a modern space for the youngest learners, while the current facility will be repurposed for special education and technology services. Construction is ex- pected to start in the third quarter of this year, as of the December Board meeting.

Athletic Excellence: A multipurpose athletic facility will serve all sports and student activities, providing much-needed resources such as batting cages, weight rooms, and a golf simulator. Construction is expected to start in the third quarter of this year, as of the December Board meeting.

Upgraded Stadiums: Improvements to Lobo Stadium and Judson Middle School Stadium will enhance the experience for athletes and fans alike, with updated LED lighting, storage, and restroom facilities.

State-of-the-Art Aquatics Center: The new natatorium will feature 20 25-meter lanes, a diving well, and spectator seat- ing, ensuring LISD students have access to a top-tier swimming facility. Con- struction is expected to start in the third quarter of this year, as of the December Board meeting.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE

As groundbreaking on these projects approaches, the excitement among stu- dents, parents, and staff is growing.

"It's inspiring to know that our commu- nity came together to invest in something that will benefit generations to come," said Dr. Sheppard. "This bond is about giving our students the tools, facilities, and opportunities they deserve to reach their full potential."

Community members can expect to see the first signs of construction activity in early 2025, with updates and progress reports shared regularly through the dis- trict's website and social media channels.

GRATITUDE FOR A SHARED VISION

For many in the Longview community, the bond's passage represents a deep com- mitment to the district's future. Longtime resident and parent, Maria Gonzales, said, "This bond is proof of what we can achieve when we work together. Our kids deserve the best, and now they'll have it."

Dr. Sheppard echoed that sentiment, adding, "This is a once-in-a-generation op- portunity to make a difference in the lives of our students and our community. To ev- eryone who voted, supported, and believed in this vision-thank you. Together, we are building a brighter future, piece by piece."

LOOKING AHEAD

As Longview ISD prepares to break ground, the district remains focused on its mission to provide every child with every chance for success. The projects funded by this bond will not only benefit current students but will also serve as a legacy for future generations.

"This bond is about more than construc- tion; it's about creating opportunities," Dr. Sheppard said. "From modern class- rooms to world-class athletic and fine arts facilities, these projects will ensure that Longview ISD remains a place where stu- dents can dream big and achieve more."

With construction set to begin soon, the district is ready to turn its vision into reality, ensuring that the district remains a source of pride for students, families, and the entire community.

Longview ISD Foundation holds annual raffle

Each year the Longview ISD Founda- tion, Inc. holds a raffle in conjunction with its Lamplighter Awards banquet.

Tickets are one (1) for $5.00 or three (3) for $10.00. When buying a ticket, one can check the item he or she hopes to win, spreading tickets among the items or put- ting all tickets on one item.

The Foundation will hold three separate drawings on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the 25th annual Lamplight- er Awards banquet at Pinecrest Country Club. Winners need not be present to win.

Information about the raffle is also on the Foundation's website at lisdfounda tion.org.

To purchase raffle tickets, contact Kay Ray, Foundation director, at 903-452-7015 or or purchase from any gray@LISD.org Foundation board member. Raffle tickets are also available for purchase from Kacy Swaim in the Longview ISD Community Relations Department at the LISD Ed- ucation Support Center, 814 S Eastman Street, and at Henry and Moore Jewelry in the shopping center adjacent to Hobby Lob-

To purchase raffle tickets, buyers may also text Kay Ray or email her exactly which items to check on their raffle tick- ets and then pay by Venmo at Kay Ray@ besmart1, which will legally and securely transfer money to the Foundation.

The 2025 Lamplighter Awards Raffle items are:

Ladies Vahan 14K gold and sterling sil- ver hoop style earrings with sparkling di- amonds (.15 ct diamonds total weight) and Vahan's trademark Moire' beaded pattern. Donated by Henry and Moore Jewelry.

Retail value: $2,350.00

Dine Across Longview Gift Card Bas- ket – $25 gift cards to Longview's favorite eateries plus a four-course luncheon for ten in the Lobo Bistro prepared by the culinary arts instructors and students. Retail val- ue: $800.00

Original "My Peoples" 12 X 12 acrylic and oil pastel painting titled "What Resolu- tions?" by Lisha & Alex Mack (2019 LHS grad & current LISD employee) and signed coffee table book telling the story of "My Peoples" Art featuring the first 100 paint- ings. Retail value: $350.00

New district app offers real-time communication, info

Longview ISD has unveiled a new mobile app aimed at enhancing communication with families and streamlining access to vital information.

The free app, available on both the Play Store and App Store, introduces several fea- tures to keep parents informed about their children's education.

REAL-TIME UPDATES

Parents can now receive live feed updates with the latest district and school news, in- cluding urgent announcements. The app also provides easy access to upcoming school and district events.

PUSH NOTIFICATIONS

Critical updates and urgent communications will be sent directly to users' devices, ensur- ing timely delivery of important information.

'ROOMS' FEATURE

A key addition to the app is the "Rooms" feature, which offers:

• Two-way messaging between parents and teachers, staff, and coaches
• Classroom announcements about coursework, materials, and important updates
• Automatic translation of messages into the user’s preferred language

FAMILY ACCESS

Parents will receive invi- tations to access Rooms via email or text. After creating a login, users can access Rooms from the bottom right corner of the app screen. Families

with multiple children in the district will be able to view information for all their stu- dents within the Rooms fea- ture.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more details about Rooms, parents can visit the FAQ page at shorturl.at/ tFCtC. The district encour- ages families with questions or those needing assistance to contact their student's campus directly.

Say "hello" to Parent-Teacher Chat

brate the great things hap- pening across the district. This multi-channel approach ensures that all community members, regardless of their preferred communication method, can stay connected to the district's efforts.

The district's bond leader- ship team, made up of com- munity members, staff, and industry experts, is working diligently to ensure that proj- ects are completed on time

and within budget. Regular monthly updates presented to the board will also be made available on the website, add- ing another layer of account- ability and transparency.

For more information on Longview ISD's bond projects, visit LISD.org/ bond2024. Together, the district and its community are building a brighter future for students-one project at a time.