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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — Founded in 2016
Longview grad rate ranked in top 10 in the U.S. Published Oct. 18, 2019 The 2016-17 school year saw a national rise in the percentage of seniors graduating on time from high school. At 85%, this was a 1% increase from the previous year and a 5% five years prior to that. Longview then has something to be proud of as the graduation rate for 2016-17 was 94.1%, securing a spot within the top 10. As reported by USA Today, Longview came in 9th place in the country, beating out several other Texas cities that made the top 50, including Tyler (91.9%, 39th place) and Texarkana (92.3%, 30th place). The only city within the state to outdo Longview was Wichita Falls (96.7%, 1st place). James Brewer, Principal of Longview High School, said he is not surprised by the ranking, “but that doesn’t mean we’re going to rest on our laurels.” “Any time you’re able to see where you measure up with other areas, it’s helpful, but ultimately that’s not our priority,” he said. “Yes, we are encouraged by the progress we’re making — and will continue to build upon that success — but what’s more important to us than any ranking, is how we are constantly finding the best ways to help our students and staff achieve the maximum level of success.” Dr. James Wilcox, Superintendent of
Schools echoed Brewer’s sentiment, adding that “100 percent is our goal.” “We understand the many challenges students face in reaching the final objective of graduation, and so we are always looking for how we can better serve the students in our care.” The data collected by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University
of Wisconsin Population Health Institute was compiled into the 2019 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps which 24/7 Wall St. reviewed to determine the high school graduation rates in U.S. Metro Areas. Adults in the U.S. are far more likely to get a job if they received a high school diploma according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Lobos receive college degrees before diplomas Published May 19, 2019 Longview High School Early College and dual-credit students have a lot to celebrate! On May 7th there was a reception held for the 55 Longview High School seniors with dual-credit hours and those receiving their associate’s degree, and on May 10th the 36 Early College Kilgore College graduates walked across the stage in Kilgore. “These students have worked so hard during their time at LHS and Kilgore College and they deserve to be celebrated,” said James Brewer, Longview High School principal. Two students had perfect 4.00 GPAs: Laura Martinez and Kimberly Diez. Six were inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society
for two-year schools: Martinez, Diez, Monica Lozano, Tania Piedra, Prisila Reyes, and Natalie Serrato. In just the 2018-2019 school year, 523 Longview High students were taking dual-credit classes, and 263 of those were seniors. A total of 6,531 semester credit hours were earned, averaging more than 12 hours per year each!
Carla Williams-Brown, assistant principal for the LHS Dual-Credit program, said these early graduates will be ready to transfer to four-year colleges with a Junior standing. “We are so proud of our students that have graduated from Kilgore College with 60 hours and either an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree,” she said. “Many others
will have accumulated at least 30 hours of core curriculum courses and will be classified as Sophomores. Still, others will have completed 12 or more hours of either academic transfer courses or workforce education courses, and they will be eligible to take part in Kilgore College’s new KC Connection program. Williams-Brown said the program allows students to continue next Fall semester with the continued reduced tuition normally reserved for dual-credit students only. “The reduction is 40 percent off regular tuition for as long as students continually register as full-time students,” she said. “Students will also apply for additional scholarships and financial aid to go with the reduced tuition.”
CHARTER |Continued from page 13 are most beneficial for the students in their care,” said Dr. Coleman. Passed in 2017 by the 85th Texas Legislature, under the leadership of Gov. Greg Abbott, Senate Bill 1882 creates new incentives for traditional public schools to partner with outside entities to improve student outcomes.
MOVING FORWARD
Longview ISD will work together in partnership to develop and maintain continuity of services for all district campuses, but Senate Bill 1882 will allow
additional innovation and training for educators. “We will collaborate with the various executive directors in order to continue the mission of providing the best services for all students in the greater Longview area,” said district Chief Financial Officer Joey Jones. Earlier this year Longview ISD began negotiations with four applicants: International Center for Academics & Technology (iCAT) and Lions Pride (Texas A&M-Commerce), in addition to LEAP
and TCIS. Dr. Coleman and LISD administrative staff have been evaluating the applicants since that time and brought a recommendation to the board on April 13th based on which partners “provided the right fit for our students, staff, and community.” For more information about the Longview ISD public school charter program please visit LISD.org/charters, call the LISD Department of Innovation at 903-381-2200, or visit the TEA website: TxPartnerships.org.
