V
“Our students deserve our very best, every single day.” ― Dr. Marla Sheppard
THE
ongview
Vol. IV, Autumn 2024
Sharing the important news from Longview Independent School District
Trustees select firms for 2024 bond projects The Longview ISD Board of Trustees approved two architectural companies, as well as two construction companies to work on completing part of the 2024 Bond.
ARCHITECTURE
oice
The architectural DLR Group was approved to design the new Career-Technical Education campus, the multipurpose extracurricular facility, and the natatorium. The GFF Design Group will design the early childhood center and transportation facility. Dr. Wayne Guidry, Guidry, Assistant Superintendent of Finance stated the selection committee, comprising four members with over 100 years of combined experience in school business and maintenance, evaluated the firms Bond||Continued to page 7 Bond
TAX RATES LOWERED
Teacher pay increased throughout district
T
he district is projecting a balanced General Operating budget of $99,082,160, a Debt Service of $38,930,800, and a Food Service Budget of $7,046429, according to Dr. Wayne Guidry,, LISD Assistant Superintendent Guidry of Finance. This total brings the official budget to $145,059,38 $145,059,38.. “The budget includes 4 percent staff raises, including for contracted custodial staff, and increases ultimately saving taxpayer starting pay to $53,820 “The budget includes dollars over the long term.” for teachers, nurses, and 4 percent staff raises, Longview ISD’s 2024-25 librarians,” he stated. including for contractbudget includes payments on Dr. Guidry noted that ed custodial staff, and 2024 Bonds, as well as existthe Debt Service fund increases starting pay ing debt. While many disshows a planned use of to $53,820 for teachers, tricts are forced to use their $5,585,000 from its fund fund balances to cover unexnurses, and librarians.” balance. pected shortfalls, Dr. Guidry Dr. Wayne Guidry “This is not a reactive clarified that Longview ISD measure, but a delibis not in this position. erate strategy to ensure the district’s “We are strategically deploying the long-term financial health,” he explained. “By proactively paying down debt, we’re reducing future interest obligations, Budget||Continued to page 6 Budget
New facility for Early Childhood to be built near Estes The location for the new Early Childhood Learning Center has been selected. It is located off of Melba Street in south Longview, the former Jodie McClure Elementary School was built in 1956 and demolished in 2010 after school officials found that renovations would be too costly. Those students were then dispersed among the Bailey (formerly South Ward), Ned E. Center||Continued to page 6 Center
The 2024 school year started str ong, the futur e is exciting. .
Dr. Marla Sheppard is the new Longview ISD Superintendent of Schools.
See opinion on Page 2
See Sheppard on Page 3
The district continues its partnership with local nonprofit, Thrive Longview.
See Partner on Page 4
The Big Green Marching Machine is raising funds to perform at Pearl Harbor.
See Perform on Page 5