Volume IX, Issue 3 (March 1, 2024)

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” ―Fred DeVito

THE ongview THIS

THEIR YEAR THIS IS THEIR YEAR

IS

Seniors celebrate final year of high school

Longview High School seniors convened for an annual celebration honoring their hard work and accomplishments.

As the school year winds down, these students are preparing for graduation and the next chapter in their lives.

Lobo Nation applauds the dedication demonstrated by these seniors throughout their high school careers and wishes them the best as they move forward. We are confident that they will achieve great things and make our community proud.

Find out more about the five propositions for the

Lobos led the way during the annual Lobo Relays placing in top spots.

media posts that you may have missed.

longview kite festival

Pack up your kites and lawn chairs and head to Lear Park for a day of fun in the sun! The Longview Kite Festival is Wednesday, April 13 at the Lear Soccer Fields (100 H.G. Mosley Parkway) from noon to 4 p.m. There will be arts and crafts, fun activities and local food vendors on-site to sell food at their vendor prices for everyone to enjoy!! We are hoping for sunny skies so be sure to apply sun block and bring your sunglasses! We will see you there at our FREE Annual Kite Festival!

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!

Brought to you by:

julie woods & associates real estate firm

PANHANDLE DONATIONS

Longview FFA will have a trailer leaving on April 12 at 8 a.m. to take necessities to the panhandle for victims of the ongoing wildfire. The drop off location will be at the back of the CATE building by the greenhouses! Please email kbarbee@LISD.org, lpross@ LISD.org, or cfaul@LISD.org so we can make sure the garage door is open for dropping off items!

Necessities needed:

case(s) of water, Gatorade, baby wipes, eyes drops, money donations (Venmo @firerelieffund), canned goods (canned meat), non perishable items (granola bars, peanut butter crackers, chips), flashlights, first aid kit, tools, sanitation and personal hygiene, phone chargers, portable chargers, blankets, medical supplies, baby supplies, clothes, pet supplies, shoes

Fencing Supplies: wire, pliers,T-Post, gloves, fence stretcher

Longview FFA will also have two students, Maggie Mayes & Trent Keenbaugh, traveling to the Panhandle on April 13. They will be taking a trailer of feed and hay! If you would like to donate feed/hay/money, please contact us on the Longview FFA Facebook and we will get you in touch with them!

INCASE U MISSED T I YO

CELEBRATING HISTORY CELEBRATING HISTORY

Black History Month celebrated at campuses

Throughout February, Longview ISD campuses did their part to learn and pay tribute during Black History Month.

Here are just a handful of some of the activities that campuses took part in:

FOREST PARK

The Forest Park Soaring Sisters hosted a breakfast for the campus staff on the 1st of February as they started celebrating the month. The Soaring Sisters were able to showcase their hostessing skills as well as express appreciation to their teachers and staff for all the hard work and care they have shown to Forest Park students.

JOHNSTON-MCQUEEN

Pleasant Hill Quilters came by JMQ to talk to fourth and fifth graders. They discussed how quilts were made to carry secret messages for fleeing enslaved people who sought freedom. They also shared stories and songs to help explain it further. The entire campus had “African American and the Arts!”, with showcase throughout the entire campus.

NED E. WILLIAMS

Ned had a great turnout for their program, with over 300 people showing up to support it!

CLARENCE W. BAILEY

Bailey had a red carpet that students, performing as famous black historical figures, would walk down, while also giving a short biography about who they were dressed as.

JL EVERHART

Everhart held a program that saw students and staff perform on stage in front of a captivated audience.

WARE

Ware hosted a program, Harriet Tubman: Take my Hand and Follow Me. Both students and staff worked hard on the presentation.

FOSTER

Foster Middle School celebrated the month with various events that took place over the course of a week. Of the several events that took place, it saw the students take part in a Black History Wax Museum featuring students honoring icons past and present and paying tribute to the Divine Nine Sororities and Fraternities.

JUDSON

Students led a celebration of African Americans that have contributed to the arts and society.

CHARTERS

Heather Downs teaches IB math with success

By Christy Triece Guest Writer

DOWNS

Meet Heather Downs, IB Diploma Programme Math teacher at Longview High School. Mrs. Downs teaches four junior and senior level courses: AP and IB Calculus, IB Analysis and Approaches, and IB Applications and Interpretations. In her classroom is a comfy seating area and a large “graduation wall” full of commencement invitations, photographs, graduation announcements, thankyou notes, and art work of students that she has prepared well for college.

Both IB AI and AA cover

the same five topics of math: geometry and trigonometry, statistics, numbers and algebra, calculus, and functions, and at a “very rigorous” level. “The difference between the two,” Mrs. Downs explains, “is essentially how they cover the topics. Applications and Interpretations is your real-world mathematics where you’ll find really long word problems,”

and this focus could be advantageous for careers in business, finance, or accounting. In the Analysis and Approaches classes, she says, “The kiddos are going to be more mathematically minded, so since it’s geared more toward analysis,” STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) oriented careers may appeal to them.

One thing Mrs. Downs appreciates about IB is the way they grade their exams. She says that “IB lends a lot of effort to allowing the student to show what they know as opposed to putting so much emphasis on the correct answer.” For example, “the AP Calculus exam is half multiple choice on scantron,” whereas the IB Calculus exam has no multiple choice and IB “divides their points into method points and accuracy points.” Hypothetically, if a question were worth 3 points, 2 points would be awarded “if the student showed that he understood how to do the problem,”she explains.

IB exams given in May of the senior year for all her courses are termed external assessments, but at this time

TCIS|Continued to page 12

Bilingual education has many benefits

By Dr. Brian Ziemer ETAA CEO

Texas is a mighty state, a vast area where diversity plays out on a grand stage.

It is not surprising, then, that as demographic and ethnic trends in Texas have taken shape over the past generation, Texans are increasingly aware that acquiring skills in both English and Spanish is not only helpful, but necessary and valuable. This is why Longview ISD and its charter partners are preparing to offer

enhanced bilingual programs for our Kindergarteners and First Graders next school year. But does bilingual education actually empower students? Are there real advantages of bilingual education?

The answer is yes! Let’s

look at three benefits: brain development, social relationships, and academic success.

How does bilingual education strengthen growing brains in young learners? The U.S. Dept. of Education has compiled many research stud -

ies examining the effects of bilingual learning. In a 2017 summary, USDE observed that, “Individuals who are bilingual switch between two different language systems. Their brains are very active and flexible. Research also shows that, compared to their non-bilingual peers, bilingual people have an easier time understanding math concepts and solving word problems; developing strong thinking skills; using logic; and focusing, remembering, and making decisions.”

Why is this true? The overall research consensus is that language learning uses both sides of the human brain, the

ETAA|Continued to page 8

Lobo FFA students steer towards wins at cattle competition

On Feb. 27, we had 12 dairy cattle judgers compete at Houston. Our senior team of high schoolers competed well including Alleigh Phillips, Joscelyn Rice, Trisha Dhana, Ava Phillips, Addison Fields, Kaylee Swaim and Elda Gomez. While the junior team placed 12th with Frances Wilson ranking as a 9th high individual! The rest of the team was Larissa Rodriguez, Zoie Eschenfelder, J’Kaylah Alexander, and Zoe Gonzales.

ZIEMER

The Rotary Club honored a Longview High School senior and a Ware East Texas Montessori Academy teacher Tuesday as the student and teacher of the month for February 2024.

Taylor Tatum, a Longview High School senior, was named student of the month during the club’s weekly meeting Tuesday. Rotarian Ava Welge

Academy physical education teacher and P.E. club director She-Ron DeLoach as the teacher of the month. Rotarian Gordon Northcutt presented the honor to Ms. DeLoach.

Longview ISD is so thankful for the Rotary Club’s faithful support of our students, staff, and programs over the years, and their excellent work for our Longview community!

Board approves calling bond election

During their regular meeting Monday, Feb. 12, the Longview ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved calling a May 4 bond election for five propositions totaling $456.2 million to fund district projects that will address aging buildings, Career and Technical Education, safety and security, a new bus barn, an early childhood center, stadium renovations, and a natatorium.

It has been 16 years since the last major investment in Longview ISD. In May 2008, Longview residents approved a bond to construct new elementary and middle school campuses. Since then, no major renovations have been made to the facilities included in the 2024 bond proposal.

“This bond proposition is largely in thanks to the work from our board and staff at the district, and I want to thank them for identifying these areas that need to be addressed,” said Board President Mr. Michael

Tubb. “We are committed to being good financial stewards on behalf of our taxpayers while meeting the critical facility needs of LISD students and staff. These bond propositions focus on safety and security, as well as renovations to aging infrastructure and athletic facilities. I encourage all voters to learn more about the facts behind the bond propositions so they can make an

informed decision.”

Texas school districts do not receive state funding for renovating or building new schools. Instead, they must receive funds through school bond elections. Registered voters residing within the Longview ISD boundaries will be asked to consider five bond propositions that would generate funding for safety and securi-

ty updates, renovations and updates to existing facilities, a multi-purpose facility, and athletic facility renovations.

The projects are broken down into the following five propositions:

PROP A: $237.7M

• Address Aging Buildings

• Longview High School

• Coliseum improvements

• District-wide renovations

• Energy efficiency upgrades

• Early Graduation High School

• New Career & Technical Building

• Safety and Security updates

• New LISD Bus Barn

PROP B: $76.5M

• New Early Childhood Center

• PFK renovated for new offices

PROP C: $79.1M

• Multi-Purpose Facility

Bond|Continued to page 17

Leadership changes at Bailey, Bramlette

Longview ISD is announcing some key leadership changes within two of our elementary school campuses.

Mrs. Nikita Mumphrey, principal of Bramlette STEAM Academy, has tendered her resignation after fourteen years of dedicated service. Mumphrey, who has been at the helm of Bramlette for eight years, previously contributed as an administrator and classroom teacher for six years.

The district expresses its gratitude for her commitment to education and wishes her well in her future endeavors.

East Texas Advanced Academies is pleased to announce that Mrs. Julie Hope, former principal of Bailey Elementary, is transitioning to Bramlette STEAM Academy, bringing her wealth of experience from

nine years as a principal and sixteen years as an administrator and classroom teacher.

Dr. Brian Ziemer, ETAA CEO, said Mrs. Hope’s leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of Bramlette.

“Mrs. Hope’s reputation for loving students and staff makes her exactly the right leader for Bramlette, and we look forward to working with her,” he said.

In a strategic move to support the launch of a new dual-language program at Bailey Elementary, Longview ISD is pleased to welcome Mrs. Sue Wilson out of retirement. Wil-

son, who previously served as the principal at Hudson PEP Elementary for 18 years, and boasts 46 years of experience as an administrator and classroom teacher, will step in as interim principal at Bailey.

“Of course, we are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Sue Wilson back into the district and have every confidence that she will

provide excellent leadership at Bailey in the interim,” said Dr. James Wilcox, Superintendent of Schools.

Longview ISD is committed to providing the best educational experience for its students. These leadership changes reflect the district’s dedication to ensuring a smooth transition and continued excellence in education.

Longview Gaming & Esports

HOPE WILSON

Alex, Lisha Mack present published book to Board

During the February Board of Trustees Meeting, LHS alumna Alex Mack and her mother Mrs. Lisha Mack presented during the Superintendent’s Report the book that they published entitled “My Peoples,” an abstract art and narrative collaboration. Alex, currently attending college at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, has been creating her “My Peoples” art since age 2.

Additionally, the Superintendent’s Report included the monthly District Services summary; updates to the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) administrative guidelines, the RAPTOR safety data report with the latest visitor management system statistics; the most recent campus data monitoring analysis, which tracks key performance indicators including student attendance, discipline, and academic growth; as well as departmental reports from LISD’s public school charter partners and the LISD Office of Innovation update.

Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox also honored the Top 6 finalists in Elementary UIL Academics from ETAA campuses.

TRUSTEES APPROVE DISTRICT CALENDAR

The Longview ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the 2024-25 District Calendar, selected a superintendent search firm, called a bond election, and various other agenda items during their regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 12.

Classes will begin Aug. 12, 2024, and end May 23, 2025. Commencement ceremonies are tentatively set for May 16, 2025.

Dr. James Hockenberry, Assistant Superintendent of District Services said that, although this calendar is now in place, should the need arise, “the administration will consider all the various factors and possibly make amendments or modifications at a later date.”

“But, for the foreseeable future, this is the district calendar we’ll work from for the 2024-25 school year,” he added.

Important dates for next school year include:

• Aug. 12 – First day for students

• Sept. 2 – Labor Day (observed)

• Nov. 25-29 – Thanksgiving Break

• Dec. 23-Jan. 3 – Winter Break

• Jan. 20 – Dr. Martin Luther King Day (observed)

• March 10-14 – Spring Break

ETAA |Continued from page 5

left analytical side and the right creative side. Just like music and sports, language learning puts the entire brain to work! How can bilingual education help kids form strong social ties? Texas A&M University’s Education Dept. considered this question in a 2021 article. Among other benefits, TAMU found that “Exposure to two languages encourages students to develop an appreciation for the differences in cultures. Bilingualism is more than just the ability to speak more than one language — it’s

• April 18 – Good Friday (observed)

• May 23 – Final day of school

• May 26 – Memorial Day (observed)

• May 27-28 – Bad weather makeup days (if needed)

STAAR testing dates include the weeks of Dec. 3-13, April 8-30, and May 1-2 with STAAR makeup dates on June 17-27.

SEARCH ON FOR NEW SUPERINTENDENT

Later, board members received presentations from Arrow Educational Services, JG Consulting, and Leasor-Crass Firm before unanimously approving the hiring of Georgetown-based JG Consulting for $20,000.

The amount will be a flat fee, with JG Consulting covering any and all expenses related to the search and contracting process.

“We are very pleased to have selected JG Consulting after thoroughly reviewing proposals from multiple highly qualified firms,” said Board President Mr. Michael Tubb. “They have significant experience with superintendent searches around the state, and we are confident they will help us select the next leader to carry this district into the future.”

Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox announced last September that he would retire as superintendent in December 2025.

During the Jan. 9 regular meeting, trustees discussed the superintendent

a multicultural approach to interpersonal interactions that can dramatically improve an individual’s social skills.

Bilingual education helps students effectively connect with people of different cultures and backgrounds, increasing their ability to empathize with others and promoting emotional intelligence.”

Bilingual education thus creates the very student village we strive for: a community where kids feel understood, accepted, and included.

Finally, does bilingual edu-

transition process during closed session, including authorization to seek proposals from search firms, as well as assignments, duties, and responsibilities of administrative personnel. The board approved a request for proposals from firms to be considered upon returning to open session.

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. March 18, 2024.

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

cation truly help kids perform better in school? Waterford Early Learning has been studying this question for more than 40 years. In a 2019 summary of research studies, Waterford observed that, “In school and beyond . . . bilingual students usually have stronger working memories and attention spans . . . outperforming monolingual students on tasks that require executive control, [which] refers to self-discipline, perseverance, and other skills that help students achieve their goals. When combined

with the higher abstract thinking skills these students develop, bilingual students often have the intellect and motivation to take on complex school assignments.”

Clearly, bilingual education will help us build kids with stronger brains, deeper friendships, and better grades. Join us on this exciting journey of language learning! The outcome will be a Texas-sized success!

— Brian Ziemer, Ph.D., CPA is East Texas Advanced Academies CEO and Chief Learner. East Texas Advanced Academies is an SB 1882 Partnership of Longview ISD

JMQ shows appreciation for bus drivers

During the last week of February, fourth and fifth grade students from Johnston-McQueen showed their appreciation for district bus drivers by creating beautiful works of art for them. Awesome job!

Students excel on the track RUNNING TO SUCCESS SPORTS

The annual Lobo Relays saw athletes from across East Texas come and compete at Longview High School on Thursday, March 7. After being moved up a day to avoid bad weather, a cloudy day saw some drops of rain but held off long enough for the Lobos to score some great wins!

Hard work pays off, and these Lobos are proof of that. With over 10 teams that took part, the JV boys came in 1st place, and JV girls came in second! Varsity boys came in 6th, and Varsity girls came in 1st! Amazing job!

JV BOYS

100M Dash — Jailynn Taylor, 1st; Michael Fitzpatrick, 8th; J’Anthony Adams, 17th; J’khari Crockett, 18th; Jakyris Starnes, 20th; Bradley Williams, 21

200M Dash — Se’kemian Moore, 8th; Trevian Nightingale, 18th; Robert White, 15th; Trevian Nightingale, 18th; Javier Glave, 22; Que Craig, 23; Kebrayln Durden, 25th

400M Dash — De’Je’Un Owens, 8th; Isaiah Moyer, 12th; Trey Hamilton, 14th; Jamayis Morrow, 15th; Chacne Leblanc, 19th; Elijah Lemons, 20th

800M Run — Diego D’arbell, 4th

1600M Run — Aaron Ashley, 5th

110M Hurdles — Houston Rowe, 2nd; Jaden Tyeskie, 3rd

300M Hurdles — Houston Rowe, 1st; Kyan Choice, 14th

4x100M Relay — Jace Peterson, Maverick Rowe, Jailynn Taylor, Michael Fitzpatrick, 1st

4x200M Relay — Jace Peterson, Maverick Rowe, Jailynn, Jaz Jones, 1st

4x400M Relay — Houston Rowe, Jaz Jones, Trey Hamilton, Michael Fitzpatrick, 1st

Long Jump — De’Je’Un Owens, 2nd; Se’kemian, 12th

Field|Continued to page 19

Thank you

Lobos helping those in need in Panhandle

By Lorena Rivas KLTV

LONGVIEW — With many families displaced and livestock killed, people in the panhandle need basic necessities.

“It’s very heartbreaking knowing that could’ve happen anywhere and it’s happening to people that I love,” said Ms. Blake Barbee an agriculture teacher at Longview High School.

Ms. Barbee is seeing the impact the Smokehouse Creek wildfire is having on her community.

“2 previous students that got deployed to the fire, they’re firefighters right now,” said Ms. Barbee, “actually taking baby wipe baths because it’s too hard to get out of the fire and somewhere else.”

As an agricultural teacher, she understands the important role the panhandle plays.

“Some of our largest dairies in the state of Texas are located in the panhandle, as well as cotton farmers a lot of cotton land up there,” said Mrs. Barbee.

That’s why she is gathering donations and bringing them back home.

“I know my friends and family back home if East Texas was on fire they will be doing the exactly same thing,” said Ms. Barbee.

Her students also stepped into action.

Mrs. Downs’ AA and AI senior students are working on their internal assessment called an Exploration, which ends with a 12-15 page essay.

“Essentially, what IB wants is for them to find mathematics in something that is meaningful to them.” She tells them, “Find something you enjoy, and then let’s explore the math in that.” Students have researched a variety of topics; some traditional, such as the history of a mathematical concept like the 4th dimension, others more unusual, such as the modeling of a golf ball. This student used mathematical modeling to create equations measuring the flight of a golf ball when different clubs were used. “They would film it in real time, then plot points, and then model it,” she recalls. “Another student actually made a quadratic model of his dive into a swimming pool” describing the parabola/ arch of his dive. Many students prefer a more “straightforward approach;” however,

“We want to be the hands of Christ going out there and going what we have,” said Maggie Mayes a student at Longview High School.

Mayes and her friend Trent Keebaugh will make a separate trip to distribute hay and ranching supplies.

“The donations will go further from what we can comprehend,” Keebaugh a student at Longview High School.

That East Texas support, already making an impact in the panhandle.

“Some of the volunteers we have there right now are from East Texas, some of the donations we are getting are from East Texas,” said John Hall the spokesperson of Texas Baptist Men.

Texas Baptist Men are a group of volunteers that provide disaster relief.

DOWNS

Mrs. Downs encourages students to “have fun with it.” One of her favorites was when a girl who loved zombie movies researched how realistic a scene in the film World War Z was. To combat the zombies, a character had to break into the CDC.

The student researched the design of the CDC and the types of viruses kept there, and used probability theory to analyze the realism in the scene. Mrs. Downs remembers, “It was a really neat and interesting paper to read.” This project begins in the fall with the rough draft due at Thanksgiving. Mrs. Downs returns these to students in January with editorial comments and the final copy is due in early March.

Kudos to Heather Downs for her devotion to her students’ success. Longview ISD is fortunate that Heather Downs and other IB teachers of such expertise and excellence have dedicated their lives to preparing their students for bright futures.

“We are providing access to showers, we are providing laundry.. diesel full get more hay in the area,” said Hall.

Hall says most of the places affected are ranching communities.

“Those folks who still have

cattle living, they have no way of feeding them, that’s why we are bringing their hay,” said Hall.

Right now, they’re asking people to donate hay to be able to send to the panhandle.

“We know that in hard times, Texans come together,” said Hall.

The organization has 60 volunteers on the ground right now and expects that number to grow to one hundred by the end of this week.

Here’s how to don ate to them:

• If you want to schedule a pickup or learn more about other ways to help them you can contact communications@tbmtx. org

• If you want to donate basic necessities to Ms. Barbee you can email her at kbarbee@LISD. org

CHOOSE R LONGVIEW SCHOOL

LOBO GARDEN

Latest news from the garden

By James Beasley Coordinator

There is an old saying about the month of March that reminds us of how unpredictable spring weather can be.

BEASLEY

The old-timers used to say that if March “came in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb”. Although this old wise tail still holds credence (including myself) with some folks, I like to remember March as the month of windy days where kids can be seen flying kites in open fields.

In fact, it was Benjamin

Franklin himself that invented an early version of kite surfing when he was a young boy. In a series of letters to his French translator Jacques Barbeu-Duborg, Franklin shared his thoughts about the art of swimming. In one quote he wrote “[that while lying on his back in the water] and holding the [kite string] in my hands, I was drawn along the surface of the water in a very agreeable manner” (Benjamin Franklin). Regardless of what memories of March you may have, we all know that things start happening fast in the garden as the warmer months approach. Towards the end of February, the garden team planted four rows of potatoes, three rows of lettuce, and started all tomato and pepper seedlings in the

greenhouse. One of the goals this year is to grow every plant in the garden from seeds. By growing them ourselves we

are not only saving the district money, but we are certain of the types of plants we are going to get.

Tony Baker brings curiosity to the garden

By James Beasley Coordinator

In terms of enjoyment after work, Mr. Tony Baker often finds tinkering to be very relaxing. Starting in his early childhood, Mr. Baker has had an innate curiosity about what makes things function the way they do.

Whether it’s trying to figure out how some electronic devices work, or studying ways to make electric racing cars go faster, Mr. Baker has always had the mind to know. He also enjoys working with electricity, evolving technologies and spending time with family and friends.

Did you know?

1. Plants grow in response to certain external stimuli known as Tropisms.

2. Gravitropism for example is a plant’s response to gravity. The roots grow towards the pull of gravity, while the shoots will grow towards the light known as phototropism.

3. Other plant tropisms include Thigmotropism (response to touch like a Venus fly trap), Hydrotropism (response to water), and thermotropism (response to temperature).

BAKER

OBITUARIES

Longview ISD offers our most sincere condolences to our extended Lobo family

Cheryl Buchanan

BUCHANAN

Ms. Cheryl Lynn Buchanan, was born on August, 21,1960 in Longview, Texas to Willie D. Cox and Sarah Willams. She was preceded in death by her father, Willie Cox; and sisters, Janis Cox and Rhonda Cox.

Cheryl was a student of Longview ISD. She graduat-

Robert Claer

Bob went to be with the Lord the morning of February 7, 2024 with his wife by his side. He was born in Longview, Texas on November 1, 1939 to Robert Claer Sr. and Myrtle Claer. Bob was a graduate of Pine Tree High School and Texas Tech University. He began a career in education teaching Economics at Longview High School, then transitioned to the business world and began working at Stroh’s Brewery where he retired after a lengthy career. Bob also had a love for horses and being outdoors. This love of the outdoors translated into a part time lawn care business after his retirement from Stroh’s, which kept him busy for a number of years.

After retirement, Bob met and married the

Tracy Robertson

Mr. Tracy Robertson was born on March 28,1972, in Longview, Texas to Wilma Morgan and James Roberson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilma Morgan and James Roberson; cousin, Debbie Johnson; and special cousin, Gerald Johnson.

ed from Longview High School in May of 1978.

She was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church, where she was a member of the choir.

She is survived by her mother, Sarah Cox; two daughters, Tamika Buchanan (Jerome), Ambereshia Green; grand-children, Jamarrius, Janleel, Jaylan, Journei and Bailee; sisters, Willie Ruth Cox(Victor), Barbara Johnson(Eugene), Lisa Davis(Rodnick),and Michelle Mays (David); and brothers, Barry Cox(Kambry). She also leaves her significant other of 23 years, Leslie Chalmers.

love of his life, Nancy. He and Nancy loved traveling and took many trips together spanning from the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park to Branson Missouri. He and Nancy have resided in Kilgore and have been members of Highland Park Baptist Church in Kilgore since they were married. His life was evidence of his faith, and he loved his family, friends and church family dearly.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Robert Claer Sr. and Myrtle Claer. Those left to cherish their memories of Bob include his wife of over 25 years Nancy Claer; son Garrett “Rob” Claer; sister Cheryl Losure and husband Bob; additional family Lucas and Jennifer Wood, Chad Wood, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arabella of Kilgore, Kindful Health Hospice of Tyler, or Highland Park Baptist Church in Kilgore.

Tracy received his education through Longview ISD.

To cherish his memories, Tracy leaves his wife, Jimmillia Nelson; three children, Lavelirena Morgan (Shay), Jeremiah Morgan(JT), and Ja’Kameron Morgan (Fella); step--son, Ja’Brycelyn Deckard; two sisters, Pennie Roberson and Mary Williams; special cousin, Paul Morgan; three grandchildren, Omari Howard, A’Zariah Morgan, and Ja’Brylie Deckard; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew, friends, and co-workers.

Thank you for taking care of our Lobo family in their time of need.

Sheronne Carlin

CARLIN

Sheronne Carlin, 76, of Longview TX, passed away on February 24, 2024, in Longview, TX. She was born on July 4,1946, in Gilmer, TX. Sheronne, a beloved wife, mother, and homemaker, dedicated over 20 years of her life to the art of beautifying others as a beautician. She was known for her loving nature and her commitment to her family.

She is survived by her husband, John Carlin; sister, Terry Hidalgo; daughter, Kim Lindsay; son, Joe Lindsay (Shannon); daughter, Shannon Ross Peek; grandchildren, Corey, Shelby Jo, Ross (Whitney), Joseph, Morgan (Rachel), and Jessie. Sheronne was preceded in death by her mother, Eldeen Gable (Fred); father, Melvin Futrell; brother-in-law, Phillip Hidalgo; and nephew, Christopher Hidalgo.

Sheronne attended Longview High School and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints. In her free time, she enjoyed being a homemaker and had a passion for classic cars.

A ceremony in Sheronne’s honor will be held in the garden at Welch Funeral Home in Longview, TX. Welch Funeral Home in Longview, TX, is assisting the family with the arrangements for Sheronne Carlin’s passing.

A Life Celebration® funeral service for Sheronne Carlin, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2024, at The Cammack Family Welch Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 29, 2024, in The Garden Court of The Cammack Family Welch Funeral Home.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

CLAER

PUBLIC NOTICES

Special board meeting set for April 15

Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center, (1301 E. Young St.) but often set special-called meetings at various locations around the district.

The next meeting is tentatively sched -

uled for 6 p.m. on Monday, April 15. The next regular board meeting is tentatively set for Monday, May 13, at the ESC building.

For more information about the LISD meetings go to LISD.org . Agendas and

Minutes can also be found at the website, as well as information on financial transparency.

Information about the areas of the district as well as about the Trustees can also be found online.

District seeking architectural firm for various projects

The Board of Trustees of the Longview Independent School District is seeking to retain an architectural firm with the qualifications and staff resources necessary to perform planning, designing, bidding and construction oversight phases of projects that could be possibly approved in a May 2024 bond election. In addition

the District is looking for a firm with the capability to provide value added services including, but not limited to structural engineering, security consultation, technology consultation, interior design, etc. Therefore, it is the intent of the Board to obtain information in the request for qualifications that addresses these options.

BOND |Continued from page 7

• Tennis/Soccer/Baseball/Softball PROP

D: $21M

• Renovations to Lobo Stadium/Judson Stadium PROP E: $41.9M

• Natatorium (Aquatics Center)

Safety is the number one priority for Longview ISD and is the driving force behind this bond proposal, said Dr. Wayne Guidry, Assistant Superintendent of Finance.

“We hope that residents will take the time to learn more about the projects proposed, our tax rates, and the other issues on the ballot, and ask questions before casting their vote in this election,” he said.

Any LISD resident who is registered to vote may cast a ballot in this election. Voters will be asked to vote on each separate proposition. The deadline to register to vote in the May election is April 4.

Residents can register for the first time, update their registration, or simply check to see if they are registered at GreggCountyVotes.com or VoteTexas.gov. You may also visit any LISD campus to pick up a voter registration application.

Early Voting is April 22-30 and Election Day is Saturday, May 4.

The LISD total tax rate has decreased by more than 37 cents over the last 6 years, resulting in the current tax rate of $1.1422.

If voters approve all five propositions, the estimated impact would be $0.83 per month, or $10 per year, for a $200,000 home in Longview ISD.

If voters approve $237.7 million for Proposition A in May, the estimated impact would be $0.43 per month for a home valued at $200,000 in Longview ISD. If voters approve $76.5 million for Proposition B in May, the estimated impact would be $0.14 per month on the same home. If voters approve $66 million for Proposition C in May, the estimated impact would be $0.14 per month. If voters approve $21 million for Proposition D in May, the estimated impact would be $0.04 per month. If voters approve $41.9 million for Proposition C in May, the

Proposals not received by the specified deadline will not be considered. The District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to accept the proposal considered in the best interest of the District. For additional information or copy of specifications, email Amanda Taylor at adtaylor@lisd.org.

estimated impact would be $0.08 per month.

Compared to 15 other surrounding school districts, Longview ISD has one of the lowest debt-to-assessed value ratios at 1.8 percent. Additionally, LISD received a near-perfect score from the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), which holds school districts accountable for their financial management.

Longview ISD will schedule informational meetings and be in the community to share more project information and answer questions. Dates and details for those meetings and general bond information will be shared through the district’s regular communication channels.

In 2019, Texas Legislators passed a new law as part of House Bill 3 that requires all bond propositions for any school district to have the phrase “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE’’ on all ballot language for bond propositions. Due to this requirement, all voters will see this statement on the official ballot language, even if the tax dollar amount is frozen and will not exceed the tax ceiling.

For more information, v isit www.LISD.org/bond or call Longview ISD Community Relations at 903-381-2235.

Nonprofit donates guitars to students

By Una Stanisavljevic CBS19

LONGVIEW — Twelve lucky fifth graders at Longview ISD’s Johnston-McQueen Elementary School got a special surprise this Tuesday afternoon.

This is the fifth year the Chinn Guitar Project has gifted students’ guitars at this school.

Co-founder Ken Chinn says donating guitars started when her daughter was in the hospital. There, they were introduced to music therapy.

While the hospital didn’t have any guitars, Chinn decid-

FIELD |Continued from page 11

Shot Put — Jamarion

George, 4th

Discus — Noah Farr, 3rd; Isaiah Nelson, 5th; K’emion Dobbins, 10th

Triple Jump — Se’kemian Moore, 7th

High Jump — K’emion Dobbins, 3rd; Jordan Hobbs, 5th; Steve Dzudie, 9th

Pole Vault — Evan McBride, 3rd; Cameron Whatley, 6th; Key’marion Pickron, 10th

JV GIRLS

100M Dash — Makenah Roach, 2nd; Lynda Lister, 4th; Shaqualyn Elam, 5th; Jakayla Curry-McKinley, 7th; Asia Allen, 14th; Addison Fields, 26th

200M Dash — Kora Ottun, 11th; Jakayla Curry-McKinley, 14th; Jailiyah Rockmore, 20th

400M Dash — Peyton Bourgeois, 3rd; TaShia Reed, 8th; Kora Ottun, 9th; Asia Allen, 20th

800M Run — Carlisle Land, 5th; Havana Tipton, 8th

3200M Run — Carlisle Land, 1st

100M Hurdles — Semia Mitchell, 10th; J’Niya Willis, 16th; Cordaysha Simmons, 19th

300M Hurdles — Semia Mitchell, 8th; Cordaysha Simmons, 16th; J’Niya Willis, 19th

400x100M Relay —TaShia Reed, Shaqualyn Elam, Lynda Lister, Samiya Galvan, 1st 4x200M Relay — Makenna Thomas, Samiya, Galvan, Jailiyah Rockmore, Makenah Roach, 2nd

4x400M Relay — Peyton Bourgeois, Sydney Guidry, Havana Tipton, TaShia Reed, 4th Long Jump — Samiya Galvan, 4th; Addison Fields, 12th; J’Niya Willis, 22nd

Shot Put — Trinity Huey, 1st Discus — Treszhure Williams, 1st; Amya Powers, 2nd High Jump — Auburn Sheppard

ed to donate a dozen of them to the hospital. Ever since then, Chinn has been on a mission to change people’s lives with one guitar at a time.

“Everybody is happy, they are very thankful, just does your heart good to see these kids have something they may otherwise not be able to afford or get,” Chinn Guitar Project Co-founder Ken Chinn says.

Over the span of 11 years, the Chinn Guitar Project has given nearly 2,000 guitars away across East Texas and even the country to veterans and missionaries.

VARSITY BOYS

100M Dash — Javante Barnes, 6th; Jaborian Wilder, 16th; Javion Robertson, 20th; Davis Justice, 22nd

200M Dash — Jaborian Wilder, 7th; Deandre Drish, 7th; Javion Robertson, 19th 400M Dash — Jasper, Stansell, 3rd, Chris Wilder, 8th; Bryce Fuller, 14th

800M Run — Caden Hardison, 2nd

1600M Run — Caden Hardison, 3rd

3200M Run — William Hilton, 8th

110M Hurdles — Isiah Horton, 6th

300M Hurdles — Isaiah Horton, 13th

4x200M Relay — Mason Washington, Deandre Drish, D’Kirian Allen, Jaborian Wilder, 6th

4x400M Relay — Jasper

Stansell, Chris Wilder, Mason Washington, D’Kirian Allen, 2nd

Long Jump — Kam White, 2nd; Justice Davis, 5th; Deandre Drish, 15th

Shot Put — DK Nelson, 7th; Dhaizon Buchanan, 8th

Discus —Donavan Denmark, 6th; Kasen Brooks, 10th; Daryl Dolly, 12th

Triple Jump — Tim Hutchins, 11th

High Jumps — Rob Blandburg, 1st; Javion Robertson, 3rd; Dekaylen Reese, 9th Pole Vault — Jake Lundy, 2nd

VARSITY GIRLS

100M Dash — Taylor Woods, 6th; Lailah Horton, 12th; Kennedy Bailey, 13th; DMiyah Brown, 16th

200M Dash — DaNaucia Johnson, 2nd; Amiya Pruitt, 16th; DMiyah Brown, 22nd

400M Dash — DaNaucia Johnson, 2nd; Kennedi Simmons, 4th

800M Run — Ana Acosta, 3rd

300M Hurdles — T’Asia McGee, 1st; Brianna DZudie, 2nd; Aiyana Hawkins, 4th 4x100M Relay — Amiya Pruitt, T’Asia McGee, Rayvin Stansell, Taylor Woods, 4th 4x200M Relay — Kayla Lewis, Amiya Pruitt, Rayvin Stansell, Taylor Woods, 1st 4x400M Relay — Rayvin Stansell, DaNaucia Johnson, Kennedi Simmons, Ana Acosta, 1st

Long Jump — Lailah Hor-

ton, 4th; T’Asia McGee, 6th; Kennedy Bailey, 11th

Shot Put — Jada Owens, 1st

Discus — Jada Owens, 1st; Ryan Roberts, 2nd

Triple Jump — T’Asia McGee, 3rd; Kayla Lewis, 5th

High Jump — Reagan Roberts, 7th

Pole Vault — Aiyana Hawkins, 1st