“Our work ahead is ambitious, but with your continued partnership, the possibilities are boundless.” — Dr. Marla Sheppard

Vol. X, Winter 2025  |  Sharing the important news from Longview Independent School District

HISTORIC MOMENT

Groundbreaking on $456.2M bond projects fast approaches

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 as

Future | Continued to page 11

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

Cabinet Continued to page 9

OPINION

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 Technology Officer. Over the past week, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many incredible staff members and witnessing the passion and dedication that make this district 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 integrate cutting-edge technology

into classrooms. My work focused on empowering educators with tools like artificial intelligence and personalized learning solutions to create innovative teaching experiences. Prior to that, I was the Director of Technology at Chapel Hill ISD, where I oversaw IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and strategic technology planning to support both educators and students. These roles, along with my teaching background in Career and Technical Education, have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the transformative power of technology in education.

At Longview ISD, my mission is to ensure that technology serves as a seamless and inspiring part of our educational 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 digital equity, streamlining our systems for better efficiency, and leveraging data to support informed decision-making.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to collaborate with our dedicated 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 ensure 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 Financial 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 milestone in the district’s longstanding tradition of excellence in financial management.

“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 overall fiscal responsibility. The system is designed to ensure accountability and encourage 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 operational efficiency.”

Bond webpage relaunched, latest news

After the successful passage of its May 2024 bond election, Longview ISD is enhancing its commitment to transparency and community engagement as it embarks on several transformative projects. The bond, approved to address critical needs such as new facilities, technology upgrades, and campus improvements, is supported by a robust communication strategy to keep stakeholders informed every step of the way.

A key component of this effort is the district’s soon-to-launch webpage, LISD.org/bond2024, which will serve as a one-stop shop for all bond-related updates. Visitors can access detailed timelines, photos, videos, and monthly updates showcasing the progress of projects.

The webpage will also feature upcoming podcasts with Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard, providing insights into the district’s vision and the bond’s impact on students and families.

“Our voters entrusted us with this bond, and we’re committed to honoring that trust through transparent and accessible communication,” said Dr. Sheppard. “This bond represents an investment in our students’ future, and keeping the community informed and involved is critical as we make this vision a reality.”

In addition to the revamped webpage, Longview ISD is utilizing its quarterly community newspaper The Longview Voice, which is mailed directly to registered voters, to provide comprehensive bond updates. Each issue will highlight bond project progress alongside engaging stories that celebrate the great things happening across the district.

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.

Upcoming Dates

End of 4th 6 weeks February 21

Spring Break March 10-14 (District closed)

End of 5th 6 weeks April 11

Good Friday April 18 (District closed)

End of 6th 6 weeks May 23

Last day of school May 23

Memorial Day May 26 (District closed)

Bad weather days May 27-28

Juneteenth Holiday June 19 (District closed)

MORE INFO For a full list of sports events, campustevents/andimore go to LISD.org

2024-25 First Semester Honor Roll Students

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.

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,

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.

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.

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.

TEAMWORK, COMPETITION

Throughout the week, we

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.

New principals hired for Bailey, Judson

Two Longview ISD campuses welcomed new principals for the spring semester, with Dr. Derrick Estes stepping into the leadership role at Clarence W. Bailey Elementary and Mr. Danny Stanley taking the helm as interim principal at Judson Middle School.

Automotive program seeks donations

Longview High School Automotive Technology program is seeking donations for trucks/cars or car parts, 1996 or newer, to enable students to have hands-on experience in repair and rebuilding. Donations help to prepare students for a highly competitive technological work environment with real-world knowledge and proficiency. Please contact Raymond Bouis at rbouis@LISD.org for more information.

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.

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 multi-purpose 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.”

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.

Welcome to the official podcast of Longview ISD!

Hear from Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard as well as other employees and district partners about what’s going on at LISD. Just scan the QR code with your phone to find us on Spotify, Am- azon Music, iHeartRadio, and more!

Scan here to

listen to LoboCast

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 features to keep parents informed about their children’s education.

Parents can now receive live feed updates with the latest district and school news, including 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 invitations 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 students within the Rooms feature.

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

Communications & Community Relations

Our mission: Our true North is to amplify all district suc- cesses by empowring stake- holders with meanginful strategies that impact our community.