The Board of Trustees of the Livingston Independent School District approved the 2024-2025 Audit Report as presented by Eric A. Carver of Carr Riggs & Ingram during its regular meeting Tuesday. “I’ve been through a lot of audits, but this is the first time I’ve ever been audited,” LISD’s Chief Financial Officer Darla Dear said as she introduced Carver.
Carver explained that Carr Riggs & Ingram is a national firm with about 5,000 employees. Having recently bought out Axley & Rode, he said the firm provides a lot more services and now has access to security services and data analytics, among other things.
“We’re still the same people doing the same things,” Carver said, adding that the firm issued a clean, unmodified opinion in the district’s 2024-2025 Audit Report, which is “the highest level of assurance we can give you.”
The board approved the purchase of new band uniforms, as the last time uniforms were purchased was 10 years ago and the last time hats were purchased was 20 years ago. Band Director Emily Albert said the new uniforms are an updated take of traditional uniforms that are more heat-conscious and health-conscious as students typically wear them during the hottest part of the year.
The board also approved the purchase of 36 Chromebook carts for the junior high campus – 33 for classrooms and three for the library. Whereas previously both high school and junior high school students were issued Chromebooks and allowed to take them home. However, due to the large number of work orders coming from the junior high regarding wear and tear and damage to the computers, it was decided that the junior high students will no longer be allowed to take them home. This decision necessitated having a place to store and charge the Chromebooks. Each cart will hold 30 Chromebooks and the carts have a lifespan of seven to eight years and possibly longer, according to Technology Director Chris Rodriguez.
Also approved was the quarterly investment report.
Following an executive session, the board reconvened and approved a teacher’s professional contract; approved the superintendent evaluation instrument; approved a list of architectural firms; and voted to not approve the statutory resolution regarding SB 11 which relates to a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious text in public schools.
“It’s been a very productive 2025 and we’re continuing that into 2026. We’re seeing great things in the classrooms. We’re starting to see steel coming in for the stadium. There are lots of great things going on in LISD,” Superintendent Dr. Jeff Pack said during his administrative update.
Pack also read a proclamation from County Judge Sydney Murphy in recognition of January being School Board Appreciation Month.
Assistant Athletic Director Heather Mosser also presented an administrative update, adding that Athletic Director Tucker Carter was at a soccer game.
“Our boys basketball team is killing it this year. Our girls basketball team is doing phenomenal, sitting in second place right now at five and one. We’re expecting both boys and girls basketball teams to advance,” Mosser said, adding that soccer, powerlifting, golf and track are all either underway now or about to begin. “We did a volleyball clinic for our littles, a basketball clinic, and have a soccer clinic coming up. It takes time to grow our kids.”
Cedar Grove Elementary School was selected for the monthly student and staff recognition. Principal Myra Kerscher thanked the board for the new awning at her campus. She reported that her campus has started “of the month” recognitions for students and staff. Kerscher also reported that Teacher Paula Faith has started an honor choir at Cedar Grove and the choir sang two songs to honor the school board during School Board Appreciation Month. Also recognized was the new elementary art program directed by Jennifer Grimm.
It was reported at the December meeting that the district would soon begin a new recognition program called Lion LEADERS. Pack reported the district had 67 nominations that were narrowed down to one staff member, one parent or community leader and one student. The inaugural recipients were Timber Creek Elementary Principal Sheri Murphy, Danielle Houston and LHS Student Makayla Brooks, respectively.
The board approved the consent agenda which included the following: minutes from the previous board meetings; financial statement report; personal property donations; overnight trips; annual purchasing co-op information; and agreement with Thompson & Horton LLP.
