The Longview ISD Board of Trustees met in a special session Monday evening and approved a wide-ranging slate of actions supporting district finance, staffing, and academic performance.
Board members greenlit the district’s second bond sale from the 2024 voter-approved package, approved a teacher compensation increase under new state law, clarified eligibility policy for extracurricular participation, and received multiple academic and operational reports.
Bond sale approved for long-term stewardship
Trustees approved the sale of $101.2 million in school building bonds—marking the second installment from the $456.2 million bond election approved by voters in May 2024.
While most districts might tread carefully during an uncertain bond market, Longview ISD’s decision to move swiftly is rooted in strategy, not urgency.
“We're not rushing. We're optimizing,” said Mr. Doug Whitt of SAMCO Capital, the district’s financial advisor. “This allows us to preserve valuable hold-harmless revenue from the state and secure competitive rates while the window is open.”
The move positions Longview ISD to access critical funding ahead of looming changes to the state’s homestead exemption laws. According to Whitt, failure to act by August 2025 could cost the district significant state revenue due to changes in how school tax rates are offset.
Dr. Wayne Guidry, Chief Financial Officer, emphasized that the district is neither overleveraged nor exposed.
“This sale doesn't raise taxes. It doesn’t overcommit the district,” he said. “It reflects smart sequencing and a strong cash position that allows us to move with confidence rather than hesitation.”
Whitt added that Longview’s credit rating remains in the AA category and that the bonds will be sold via a competitive public bid—a method that encourages maximum market participation and lowest-possible interest rates.
Minimum teacher salary raised to $55,000
Board members also approved raising the district’s minimum teacher salary to $55,000 beginning with the 2025–2026 school year—a significant step in Longview ISD’s ongoing effort to stay competitive in recruiting and retaining quality educators.
The change comes as part of a broader compensation adjustment aligned with House Bill 2, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature. In addition to the new starting salary, returning teachers will receive tiered pay increases based on experience:
$1,500 for first-year teachers
$1,535 for second-year teachers
$2,500 for teachers with 3-4 years
$5,000 for teachers with 5 or more years
Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard emphasized that this move is the beginning—not the conclusion—of the district’s compensation efforts.
“Longview ISD is doing everything it can to support staff while maintaining a balanced budget,” she said. “This raise is a critical first step, and we’re continuing to evaluate additional compensation adjustments ahead of the full budget adoption in August.”
The newly adopted pay scale extends through 25+ years of experience, with a top base salary of $70,975. Teachers holding a master’s degree receive a $1,000 stipend, while those with a doctorate qualify for an additional $1,500.
District leaders are currently analyzing pay structures across all employee groups to ensure that future adjustments reflect both market realities and internal equity.
Board reaffirms participation standards for enrolled students
In a unanimous vote, trustees passed a resolution clarifying that only students fully enrolled in Longview ISD schools are eligible to participate in UIL (University Interscholastic League) extracurricular activities.
The decision comes as a response to recent legislative changes allowing homeschooled students to participate in public school UIL activities, pending district discretion.
“This isn’t about turning anyone away,” said Dr. Guidry. “It’s about preserving equity for students who meet academic, attendance, and conduct requirements daily under campus supervision.”
The policy ensures that all students representing Longview ISD meet the same rigorous standards and accountability measures, maintaining program integrity and consistent oversight.
New maintenance vehicle purchase
The board authorized the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD work truck for the district’s maintenance fleet. The vehicle will replace one totaled earlier this year.
The purchase will come from Peters Chevrolet at a price of $56,968.74—the lowest bid submitted through the TIPS Purchasing Cooperative. The district also received a $20,000 insurance reimbursement toward the cost.
“We’re not buying bells and whistles here,” said Mr. Samuel Kington, Chief of Facilities & Operations. “We’re replacing a core vehicle that keeps our maintenance teams mobile and efficient.”
Academic report shows math gains
Data Coordinators Ms. Latitia Wilson and Ms. Tracey Fernandez presented an update on preliminary STAAR results and accountability trends for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Highlights included:
A six-point increase in 3rd grade math, with districtwide math gains across elementary and middle school
Improvement in 8th grade reading, up six points from the previous year
Solid performance in science and social studies
Continued challenges in English I, English II, and 7th grade reading
Declining outcomes among emergent bilingual students in secondary literacy, despite gains at the elementary level
ETMPA shows room for improvement
Dr. KaLinda Bass-Barlow, Executive Director of AMI/USA (the American branch of Association Montessori Internationale), delivered an independent evaluation of East Texas Montessori Prep Academy (ETMPA), offering both affirmation and constructive critique.
While commending the school’s mission and strong community presence, Dr. Bass-Barlow found inconsistent fidelity to core Montessori practices. Her evaluation covered four critical domains—environment, instructional practice, leadership alignment, and staff readiness—assigning each a score of 2 out of 4.
“Montessori is more than materials. It’s a method. And right now, that method is only partially realized on this campus,” she told the board.
She emphasized the dedication and care shown by ETMPA staff but urged the district to provide more rigorous professional development, clearer implementation expectations, and stronger systems of instructional feedback.
“There is passion and love for children here. That’s not in doubt,” she said. “But the district must consider investing in deeper training, more intentional feedback, and clear guidance to ensure this campus fully lives up to the Montessori model.”
District leaders have indicated that ETMPA will receive focused support and coaching during the 2025–2026 school year as part of a broader effort to strengthen early childhood programming.
For more info
Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center (1301 E. Young Street). The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. Jul 21, 2025.
For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees please click here.