Volume VI, Issue 26 (November 14, 2021)

“You define your own life. Don’t let other people write your script.” ― Oprah Winfrey

Vol. VI November 14, 2021

Sharing the good news about Longview Independent School District

SHREK GOES GREEN LHS Theatre brings the ogre to the Longview stage

T

he Lobo Theatre group is putting on their final performance on Sunday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m.

The cast brings the popular animated hit to life! The performance is worth every penny of the $8 admission!

Find more photos on Pages 10 and 11.

Board adjusts staff ‘bonus’ pay The Longview Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a series of amendments to the Longview Incentive For Teachers (LIFT) program during their regular meeting Monday, Nov. 8th.

HOCKENBERRY Dr. James Hockenberry, LISD Assistant Superintendent of District Services, said

THE

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the purpose of these amendments is to provide a means by which the program can continue for the current school year, despite the complications caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

While the Texas Education Agency did not assign campus ratings or academic distinction designations to schools across the state, Dr. Hockenberry said enough data is available to calculate academic distinction designations using the Pay|Continued to page 13

Opinion In Case You Missed It

2 3

LoboView 5 Sports 9

Obituaries Social

14 16

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

OPINION

Online resources boost education

By Amber Perry Charleston Gazette Not all education systems are created equal. The ability of students to achieve higher levels of education is often dependent on the resources and infrastructure available in their home states.

Unfortunately, here in West Virginia, we are a distinct disadvantage.

Base on rankins published

by U.S. News & World Report, West Virginia falls in the bottom 20% of the country for fouryears graduation rates and is dead last for educational attainment. While this is a systemic issue, academic institutions within the state can do more to make higher education more attainable.

As a working mother who returned to school at BridgeValley Community College, transferred to West Virginia State University and eventually obtained a master’s degree in social work from Marshall

University, I understand firsthand how much harder some students must work to achieve their dreams through no fault of their own.

Thankfully, technological advancements make it easier for students of all backgrounds and from every state to access supplemental education materials online. Today’s students are gaining access to a growing repository of online resources that provides students with additional help outside of the classroom to level the playing field.

These resources range from educational YouTube channels, which provide succinct video lectures on nearly every subject, to apps like Brainly, which pair students with tutors online, to platforms like Chegg, which help students break down complex problem sets step by step. Despite the wide variety of these resources, these platforms all achieve a common outcome, providing much-needed support that multiplies a

student’s chances of academic success.

These resources are especially critical for nontraditional students, those students pursuing their education outside the traditional four-year path.

These include students who work full-time while attending school, older students returning to school and students who come from communities with limited resources, all of whom benefit from the flexibility and readily available support that online homework help resources provide. These resources augment, rather than replace, materials included in courses.

Despite the overwhelming value of these resources to students, many professors oppose their use. This is partially because of the false perception that many educators have of these resources.

Instead of seeing them as key forms of supplementary support, educators and academic institutions may perceive online resources as a slippery

slope toward academic dishonesty. There have been a few publicized cases where students have used online resources to cheat. However, these instances are limited and do not outweigh the immense value that these platforms provide for the students who need them.

Achieving succes in higher education is challenging, especially for students who hail from states and communities where resources are limited, and education infrastructure is weak. However, all students deserve a chance to suceed, and academic institutions should make it as easy as possible for every student, regardless of their background, to learn and thrive in higher education.

A good starting point is to encourage, rather than discourage, the use of supplementary online educational resources that can help level the playing field for students here in West Virginia and across the country.

— Amber Perry, of Charleston, is a political consultant and lobbyist.

Pandemic illuminates why arts are essential

By John Lithgow The Virginian-Pilot In June, the Department of Education issued a report documenting the effects of COVID-19 on American students. The report notes that the pandemic has deepened inequities in the education system and has been particularly harmful to the educational development of underprivileged and at-risk youth.

The report also states that “nearly all students have experienced some challenges to their mental health and well-being during the pandemic and many have lost access to school-based services and supports.”

The specific effects of the pandemic will only be understood over time, but it is clear even at this early stage of research that our nation’s children have suffered a great deal. Even those who did not contract the virus or experience its more immediate horrors will need new opportunities for community-rebuilding, self-expression and healing as they reenter their more traditional academic and social lives.

Creativity is a skill. of arts education in It is foundational. So the United States, and much can be built on to assess the need for creative writing, the greater support. visual arts, music, draWe were pleased ma and dance that will to be asked to chair a allow children not only distinguished commuto survive our tumulnity of 38 other artists, tuous times, but also to scholars and activists, thrive. It is a particular all of whom contributed LITHGOW misfortune, therefore, their time and experthat the pandemic tise to this multiyear struck during what may be a effort. historic low point in arts eduAlthough we did not predict cation. a pandemic, we understood at The National Endowment the outset that the arts, and for the Arts’ most recent Surby extension the skills and vey of Public Participation in capacities that the arts teach, the Arts found that after a were in jeopardy. We consulted steady trend of increased arts dozens of reports and all of the education in the 20th century, available data and focused our access to arts education has discussions on the challenges been declining for the past of access to arts education in three decades. In another public schools. national survey, more than The resulting report, “Art half of educators reported for Life’s Sake: The Case for that the arts were receiving Arts Education,” offers ample less instructional time and evidence for the attributes, valresources. Only 12% and 10% ues and skills that come from reported similar declines in arts education, including social English and math instruction, and emotional development, respectively. better school engagement, and In 2018, the American a more vital civic and social Academy of Arts & Sciences engagement. It also offers convened a Commission on concrete recommendations to the Arts to examine the state improve educational policy at

the local, state and national levels.

While 88% of Americans agree that arts education is an essential component of a well-rounded education, the arts remain undervalued among policymakers, who tend to treat them as a complement to other subjects, as electives, or as frills. They are none of these things.

Most troubling, declines in arts education continue to reflect the persistent inequities in our educational system.

Students in high-needs schools and historically underserved populations have been hit the hardest.

Solving these problems, which are so deeply embedded in the education system, will not be easy.

— John Lithgow is a Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor and author.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

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C I N ASEYOU MIS SED I T LHS Remind Groups

The College and Career Center at Longview High School communicates information to senior students and their parents about everything related to college admission, testing, recruiting, scholarships, financial aid, volunteer opportunities, and leadership opportunities as follows: through daily announcements at school through a written copy of the announcements posted on the Longview High School website on the College and Career Center’s website https://sites.google.com/lisd.org/ ccclhs/home, clearly noting if scholarship applications are paper or online only through Remind texts that are delivered immediately to anyone who has registered as a member of the Class of 2022 Longview High School secured the Remind service because it is the most effective, most direct method for communicating with students and parents. Each participant receives a text and can reply privately to the sender to ask questions or seek additional information. The codes as posted on the College and Career Center’s website for each class at Longview High School are: To the number 81010, text: Class of 2022 code: @g8d388 Class of 2023 code: @6b84kkb Class of 2024 code: @e8egke

Did we miss your district news?

Did we miss district campus or organization news? Send us the pertinent information to ask@LISD.org and we’ll include it in our next issue!

Health Insurance for Children

Do your children have health insurance? Children’s Defense Fund is an organization that is offering assistance, FREE OF CHARGE, to apply for or renew CHIP and Medicaid! Assistance by appointment only. Please contact one of our trained experts to schedule your appointment: (903) 253-8325 or email snegrete@childrensdefense.org.

Your Shot Texas

The Greater Longview United Way and Wellness Pointe are hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinics and awarding prizes to those who get their vaccine. For everyone who gets their COVID vaccine through Wellness Pointe will be entered into a drawing gift cards valued at $500. Please schedule your appointment through Wellness Pointe at https://wellnesspointe. org.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

LoboView strikes again, winning another award LoboFilm did it AGAIN! Last weekend “Shadow Walkers” screened at the 2021 Reel East Texas Film Festival in Kilgore. The film received two awards: Best Drama and Best of Fest in the High School category.

This weekend Shadow Walkers will screen at the 2021 Lone Star Film Festival in Ft. Worth.

Keep up the great work!

Lobo FFA keeps roping in the wins at competitions Longview District LDEs happened on Tuesday, Nov. 9, and the kids did some pretty great things!

Maggie Mayes — District Champion Job Interview, this is the First LDE District Champion since 2013 Luis Reyes — 2nd Place Spanish Creed, we would like to congratulate Luis Reyes for being the FIRST EVER Longview FFA Spanish Creed Speaker Greenhand Chapter Conducting — 2nd Place Greenhand Quiz Team — 3rd Place Greenhand Public Relations Team — 4th place Other teams that competed are: Radio Broadcasting, Ag Issues, Ag Advocacy, Senior Skills, Greenhand Skills, Senior Quiz, Senior Creed, Greenhand Creed Congratulations to all the hardworking students!

Next stop, Area!

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

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JOHNSTON-MCQUEEN

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

VETERANS DAY

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

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THANK YOU

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

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SPORTS

LOBOS DEFEAT BULLDOGS Longview defeated Magnolia with a strong lead, 45-24

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

GREAT WORK THEATRE

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

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SHREK IS AN ALL STAR

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

Page 13

PAY |Continued from page 1 state model and formulas for the 2020-21 school year.

As a result, the LIFT model calculations will be amended to include a slightly modified academic distinction designation model for the 2020-21 school year, and will add LISD’s kindergarten teachers to the LIFT Performance Award Model starting in the current school year. In addition, Dr. Hockenberry said appeals will now be addressed on a case-by-case basis and in a timely manner, not by the formal application of the current guidelines.

Based on current calculations, the amount of LIFT incentive pay could be more than $3 million once award amounts are finalized in December. The district utilizes the LIFT program in addition to the Texas Education Agency’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) funding sources to make this possible for our hard-working education professionals.

Longview ISD awarded more than $2.6 million in LIFT incentive pay for achieving teachers around this time last year, with a few of the very highest-performing teachers receiving nearly $30,000 in their December 2020 paychecks.

The program is 100 percent funded through local funds from the fund balance, as approved by the LISD Board of Trustees. The amount of incentive pay for Longview ISD teachers has increased dramatically since the $350,000 awarded in 2014-15.

Longview ISD was ahead of the curve in December 2012, when trustees first voted to implement a performance pay system for middle school reading and math teachers. Designed to help close the achievement gap between low socio-economic and middle-income students, today the Longview Incentive for Teachers (LIFT) Pay for Performance Program includes three award models, and has proven instrumental in retaining high-quality educators.

COVID CASES DOWN

Trustees also received an update on current COVID-19 cases in the district from Mr. Dennis Williams, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative and Pupil Services.

As of Monday, Nov. 8, there are only 13 active student cases and only 5 WILLIAMS active staff

cases. That is less than 1 percent of the LISD community. In addition, 78 percent of the teachers and staff of Longview ISD are currently vaccinated.

Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said the administration will continue to monitor cases in the district throughout the holiday season.

“While this latest development is certainly encouraging, we will remain vigilant in making data-based decisions for the children and employees in our care,” he added.

All COVID-related protocols are subject to change as directives are provided by governing authorities and/or health officials or as circumstances evolve. We will be sure to keep you informed on our district website, social media, and through all-calls/emails.

IMPROVEMENT PLANS

The board also approved the 2021-22 District Improvement Plan as well as Campus Improvement Plans for all Longview ISD schools.

Each school year the principal of each campus — with the assistance of a committee — must develop, review, and revise the campus improvement plan.

Dr. Craig Coleman, LISD Chief Innovation Officer, said the purpose of this plan is to align goals, objectives, and strategies in order to improve student COLEMAN performance on the state’s student achievement indicators for all student populations, “as well as improve performance on any other performance measures for special needs populations.”

“The plans include setting performance objectives, deter-

mining the resources needed to implement the plan, and setting timelines for reaching goals,” he said.

Mrs. Latitia Wilson, LISD Director of Planning & Analysis agreed, adding that the plan “serves as the blueprint for how the district and campuses WILSON will actually address the needs identified during the Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA).”

“The Texas Education Code also requires that the trustees ensure that the district and all campus plans be developed, evaluated, and revised annually for the purpose of improving the performance of all student groups,” she said.

CUSTODIAL SERVICES

Board members also received a presentation on custodial services from Mr. Dennis Williams, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative and Pupil Services.

Currently, the district con-

tracts with Southeast Services Corporation (SSC) to provide janitorial services to LISD campuses and facilities.

SSC employs 93 people and manages six additional employees who are Longview ISD retained employees, for a total of 99.

Mr. Williams provided a breakdown of the various benefits currently provided to custodial employees by SSC. “If the district chooses to go with in-house services, decisions will need to be made on benefits for these employees,” he said. “It is hard to determine what the cost would be, if the current SSC benefits were offered as a district.”

The latest proposed contract extension has a total cost of $2,998,972 and Mr. Williams estimated that initial start-up costs to bring custodial services back in-house would be at least $5 million.

“In addition, there are mitigating factors due to COVID-19 and the current economy,” he said. “This includes supply chain disruptions, worker shortages, and additional PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) needed when custodians have to clean areas where an infected person was known to have been.”

As this was only an information item, the board took no action at this time.

HUDSON PEP HONORED

Students, teachers, and families of Hudson PEP Elementary were also recognized for the campus being named a Top 5 elementary school in Texas by the U.S. News & World Report last month.

Hudson PEP Elementary is ranked 5th of 4,446 elementary Pay|Continued to page 15

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

OBITUARIES Longview ISD offers our most sincere condolences to our extended Lobo family ELAINE ALLEN Elaine Allen, 89, of Longview, passed away October 22, 2021.

Elaine Marie Petty was born September 15, 1932, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas to John Alonzo and Velma Teeter Petty.

A life-long learner, Elaine first attended Tyler High School then, following her family’s move to Longview in 1947, she graduated from Longview High School in 1948. She continued to peruse her education at Kilgore College, where she was a memALLEN ber of the world’s best-known collegiate drill team, the Kilgore College Rangerettes. Anyone who knew Elaine, knew how intelligent and inquisitive she was, so it’s no surprise that when she obtained her undergraduate degree from North Texas State College in 1951, she graduated cum laude. Elaine went on to receive her master’s degree in 1956, a time when fewer than 6% of American women held post-graduate degrees.

Elaine would go on to teach 6th grade in Tyler, Texas, within two weeks of graduating college and getting married. She would remain a teacher throughout her entire life, even when it ceased to be her main occupation. Her granddaughter recalls how she seriously considered questions and treated the conversations between the two of them like they mattered. She respected both her children grandchildren as people from a very young age; was always truthful with them and was very deliberate and considerate of the information she gave to those that were close to her.

Elaine was a devoted “documentarian of life”, who kept meticulous notes, journals, and just about any memento, piece of art, or paper clipping involving her children and grandchildren. She loved to travel to beautiful and interesting destinations across North America. The

CARLOS EDWARD LEE Carlos Edward Lee~ A CHRIST-centered Deacon, Courageous, Strong, Optimistic, Loving Father, Brother, Uncle, Loyal Friend, Powerful Man after GOD’s OWN HEART. God crafted Carlos Lee an amazing life to reflect His image. On November 26, 1961, Carlos - a bundle of joy - was born to Charles Henry Lee, Sr. and Bennie Jean Lee in Longview. He was the firstborn son and 4th child in the loving Lee family. As a dedLEE icated employee to Gene’s Grocery and Market for several years, Carlos learned the value of hard work at an early age. What is so miraculous about Carlos is his incredible skills to successfully balance many duties and obligations. During this time, Carlos not only worked hard, but he also “played hard” too as the Football Captain for the Longview High School Lobos. He treasured this special time in football. Carlos, player #55, was named “Hickory Nut” by his beloved coaches and teammates due to his incredible toughness, strong core, leadership and positive attitude.

Carlos victoriously graduated high school in 1980! His love and journey as a football player continued during his joyous time studying at Kilgore College. Here, Carlos gained another passion as the computer science field sparked his interest. After accomplishing his Computer Science Degree, Carlos forged ahead to completing his bachelor’s degree at The University of Texas at Tyler. While balancing his busy schedule as a student, he dedicated time as a caring Juvenile Detention Officer and committed Rockwell employee. As previously mentioned, Carlos was awesome at tackling many obligations, was trustworthy and gave his all to achieve anything. Most importantly during this time- in his early 20s- Carlos gained a personal and life-changing relationship with our LORD JESUS CHRIST as his Savior. His life continued to flourish after his outstanding and impressive experiences landed his employment at Eastman Chemical Company.Yet, while Carlos was living his best life, the LORD had a special gift for him…

Sheila Robinson. Carlos and Sheila officially met in the early 1990s at UT Tyler’s parking lot.

As their eyes met, Carlos offered to walk Sheila to her next class, but he knew their time together had just begun. He searched the parking lot area, in hopes of finding her car to place a romantic note to

refrigerator at her home could be found covered with magnets from her favorite spots. She loved the Texas Rangers and followed the team closely, watching almost every single game.

Elaine was unfortunately saddled with the grandmother moniker of “Moo Moo”. She was too gracious to balk at such an ungraceful name and was happy if it made her grandchildren happy. She would also answer to Mooskabear, after she was amused by a racehorse of that name the family saw at Louisiana Downs. Her grandchildren appreciated the fact their grandmother had such unique names.

Elaine was a long-time member of First Christian Church where she married Harry Allen August 25, 1951. Late in life she continued spiritual discussions with Outreach Minister, David Farmer.

Her children and grandchildren will miss her incredible thoughtfulness, insightful conversations, her delight in the ordinary, and how she could always be counted on to celebrate accomplishments (both big and small) of her family members. They will be sure to think of her when they sing “You are My Sunshine” and “Texas Our Texas” - and will be sure to belt out the final lines of “O Canada” whenever given the chance.

She is preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Kindle, dear parents, John and Velma, and husband, Harry Allen.

Elaine leaves behind her beloved family to cherish her memories; children, Kathy Elaine Allen Linton and her husband, Zeke and Steve Allen and his wife, Cindy, all of Longview; grandchildren, Chelsea Elaine Allen Koudelka and her husband, Kevin, of Dallas and John Allen and his wife, Caley, of San Antonio; nephew, Keith Kindle and his wife, Susan, of Aledo along with their children, Nancy, William and John; great-grandchildren; Eli Allen, Rowan Allen and Max Koudelka.

Private family graveside services were held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at Memory Park Cemetery in Longview. An online guestbook nay be signed online at www.raderfh.com. his crush… and at last… he found her Saab! Who knew such a spontaneous moment would blossom into a remarkable relationship? Love, Compassion, Commitment, Respect are among the precious characteristics that encapsulates it. On June 25, 1994, while surrounded by all their loved ones in Tyler, Carlos and Sheila Lee proudly exchanged their wedding vows. Although their honeymoon was celebrated in Jamaica, they collectively created a beautiful marriage that felt like they’ve been there every day.

While Carlos and Sheila enjoyed spending precious time together, the following year the LORD gifted them a daughter, Aliehs Lee, on April 23, 1995. As the Dyad became a Triad, the Lee family was inseparable. As a united family, the Lees joined Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and have been members for over 20 years. Also, Carlos enjoyed bonding times with his girls, whether teaching the Word of GOD, traveling the World, golfing, eating or simply playing UNO… Carlos treasured these special moments with his family. Carlos did not need much to be happy… and this is what we love most about him. If anyone needed someone to make their day, send words of encouragement and uplift you—Carlos was always there. Several of his personal accomplishments were serving a leadership role in his father-in-law’s church, the late Pastor Burl Robinson Sr., in Flint, Texas, a Deacon at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, a faithful servant in the Count Team and Baptism ministries and an inductee into the Kilgore College Hall of Fame along with the 1980 football team. Carlos, who we also called the “Walking Dictionary” (because he knew so much about everything) would tell us… “Do not be teary-eyed, for we will meet again soon in perfect Heaven with our LORD JESUS CHRIST”. We will always cherish his sparkle and blessing in our life. His legacy lives on and we honor the LORD for Carlos Lee. We are honored Carlos will rejoice in Heaven with those who went before him, such as his parents, grandmotherHazel Marie Cox- and other loving relatives. He leaves behind a strong legacy for all to remember him- his Wife, Sheila Robinson Lee, Daughter, Aliehs Lee, Siblings (Janis Lacy, (Archie), Paula Johnson, Lue Nettie Moore, Charles Henry Lee, Jr., Charlotte Lee, and Eva Lee) and many other family members and friends. Much Love Daddy-O. Celebration of Life Service were held on Wednesday, October 27th at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Dr. Tony Evans, Senior Pastor (Dallas, Texas). Final Earthly Resting Place will be at Cathedral In The Pines, Lake View Estates (Tyler, Texas).

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

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PUBLIC NOTICES LISD Board meeting set for April 12 Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center, but often set special-called meetings at

various locations around the district. The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, April 12.

For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees go to LISD.org.

Dyslexia testing changes increase access to services

By Ally Bolender Community Impact Changes to the way Texas public schools test dyslexic students came about this fall in part because of grassroots efforts from parents in districts such as Conroe ISD, officials said.

One of those parents, Shannon Vollaro, said her daughter was evaluated for dyslexia in elementary school at CISD but tested negative. Now a high school senior, her daughter continued to struggle until sixth grade, when she was tested again. The district notified her the test recognized her reading disorder, which was a different form of dyslexia, Vollaro said.

Because Texas did not require dyslexia to be tested

through special education testing, the test Vollaro’s daughter originally took was not in-depth enough to catch her specific reading disorder, Vollaro said. “[She] had to teach herself to read and write because she

was not taught the way she needed to be,” Vollaro said.

“She was already behind.”

The Texas State Board of Education unanimously voted Sept. 3 to adopt an amendment to the Texas Education Agency’s Dyslexia Handbook

aligning dyslexia testing guidelines with federal guidelines.

According to the SBOE, a more thorough evaluation for dyslexia will detect reading disorders or learning disabilities that would have otherwise gone undiagnosed.

PAY |Continued from page 13 schools in the entire state, and the only Top 10 elementary campus located in a largely economically-disadvantaged community. Not only that, but Hudson PEP was ranked the No. 2 magnet elementary in Texas, second only to the exclusive William B. Travis Vanguard Academy in Dallas ISD. Mrs. Sue Wilson, Principal of Hudson PEP Elementary, lauded the excellent educators on her campus who help create such a loving and high-achieving culture of excellence.

“It is an honor to work WILSON with master teachers that strive to ensure each and every student masters the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills,” she said. “The teachers are dedicated, our students are outstanding, and the parents/community work with us as partners in their child’s education.”

FINANCIAL DONATIONS

Board members also approved: a donation of $4,279 from the Lobo Baseball Booster Club for supplies and equipment; donations of $1,500 each from Lightspeed and Huckabee & Associates to sponsor the 87th Post-Legislative Summit; a donation of $1,500 from Raising Cane’s of Longview to sponsor the Lobo Live Spanish-language radio show; a donation of $1,000 from the Lobo Soccer Booster Club for supplies and equipment; a donation of $500 from Auto-

motive Electronic Solutions to sponsor the LHS Film Club’s participation in the FilmFest film festival in New York City; and a donation of authentic Japanese costumes valued at $350 from Stephen Lorenzo for the LHS Theatre Department.

IN OTHER BUSINESS

During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also: APPROVED the expenditures of $60,000 for the “Gaggle” software system. The software protects students and ensures their well-being by informing administrators of incidents of cyberbullying, self-harm, threats, or any inappropriate behavior taking place on district-issued devices and student emails. Funding for the software will come from Administrative & Pupil Services budget.

RECEIVED updates from Dr. Craig Coleman, LISD Chief Innovation Officer, on the district’s Office of Innovation and charter partners. Trustees were also presented a Quality Seats Analysis and Partner Monitoring Document from Mr. John Wink, Coordinator of Policy and New Schools, for the month of October; APPROVED the expenditures of up to $205,000 for Texas COVID Learning Acceleration Supports to Engage 2 Learn.

These funds come directly to Longview ISD from TEA who serves as the pass-through entity of funds from the U.S. Department of Education; RECEIVED updates from Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox on recent Senate Bill 1444 concerning Health Care Legislation in the State of Texas as well as how it

stands to impact employee benefits and the Teacher Retirement System; APPROVED the allocation of 1,708 votes to be divided between Mr. Vance Freeman (834 votes), Mrs. Julie Woods (834 votes), and Mr. Anthony Tanner (40 votes) for the Gregg Appraisal District Board of Directors; APPROVED the $185,721.64 purchase of Chromebooks and classroom computers for LISD Career and Technology Education. Start-Up Grant funds will be allocated for this purchase; RECEIVED an update on COVID-19 cases, the district Safety Report, and Facilities Update from Mr. Dennis Williams, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative & Pupil Services; APPROVED Minutes and Time Use Tracker for the Oct. 11th Regular Meeting and Minutes for the Oct. 25th joint board meeting; APPROVED a review of Investment Policy and Strategies for 2021-22; APPROVED the 2020-21 4th Quarter Investment Report; RECEIVED the Oct. 2021 Financial Statement; and APPROVED Budget Amendment No. 3.

FOR MORE INFO

Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center (1301 E. Young Street), but often set special-called meetings at various locations around the district. The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 13.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — November 14, 2021

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