The Board of Trustees of the Livingston Independent School District approved contracts for three new administrators following an executive session during its regular meeting Monday. Dr. Melissa Jensen was hired to be the Career and Technical Education Director; Valerie Summers was hired to be Livington Junior high school principal; and Jeremy Holliefield was hired to be Cedar Grove Elementary School assistant principal.
The board approved the purchase of a new phone system for the school district. According to LISD Director of Technology Chris Rodriguez, the present system is “very, very antiquated.” Rodriguez said the district has used the same system for multiple yeas and the last update was five years ago. He added that this was a budgeted item.
Additionally, the board also approved the replacement of flooring in various district locations. This is an annual expense that was also included in the budget.
Administrative updates were provided by the superintendent and the athletic director.
“We’ve accomplished a lot this school year and I’m really proud of everything we’ve accomplished. I’m looking forward to next year. The biggest thing recently is the formation of a strategic planning team which has met three times and will meet six more times. I’m very pleased with the turnout,” Superintendent Dr. Jeff Pack said. “May was jam-packed. We have the academy graduation Thursday at 6 p.m. and the high school graduation Friday at 6 p.m. We look forward to celebrating the class of ’26.”
“Wow! What a year!” Athletic Director Tucker Carter said, adding that the district started athletic events the first week of school and is still playing athletic events the last week of school. Carter said the baseball team finished the season 25 and 8 and the softball team finished an incredible run and was even able to host two home games during the playoffs.
“Any time anyone asks me how to describe Livingston in one word, I say ‘community,’” Carter said, stating how proud he is. He added that the summer strength and speed camp starts June 1 with all coaches participating and that students will have the opportunity to work skills stuff afterward.
“I feel like we’re building some great men and women,” Carter said, as he expressed his appreciation to the school board, superintendent, teachers, kids, parents and community for the successes.
Pack recognized this month’s Lion LEADERS – Student Honoree Madison Evans, Community Member Honoree Helen Wiggins and Staff Honoree Bria Morris. The Lion LEADERS recognition program was introduced in January. It is designed around the LEADERS acronym, with each letter representing a valued attribute that the honorees possess. These include: leadership in action, exceptional service, advocacy for students, dedication to the community, ethical character, resilience in the face of challenges and service beyond self. The program’s review team reads and reviews nominations monthly and selects individuals who best represent at least two of the attributes from the Lion LEADERS framework.
Several student groups from Livingston High School and Cedar Grove Elementary School were recognized. LHS Principal Justin Turbeville recognized members of the FFA program who just completed a successful year winning many accolades. Additionally, CGE Principal Myra Kerscher recognized three teachers – Mr. Glaeser, Mrs. Myers and Mrs. Bates – as well students who participated in the recent fair in which they created science and social studies projects.
The Texas Association of School Boards recently announced the selection of 50 journalists for the 2026 TASB Media Honor Roll, a program that recognizes Texas journalists for fair, accurate and balanced reporting on public education. One of those 50 is Emily Banks Wooten of the Polk County Enterprise who was recognized during the meeting. Pack said he nominated Wooten for her balanced and accurate reporting of the challenges and successes the district faces.
Representatives of PBK Architects out of Houston made a presentation about their services. Though there are no specific projects in the works, a facilities advisory committee will most likely be formed in the fall to look at the current state of facilities and identify future needs. Danny Brewster, Cody Boyd, Briana Casey, Dayna Hernandez and Ryan Gregory each addressed the board, reviewing the various specialties the firm brings to a project.
“We are a full-service firm wanting to work with you. One firm keeps the continuity. We’re not here to get a project. We’re here to build a relationship,” Brewster said.
The board approved the consent agenda which included minutes from the previous board meetings, overnight trips and library book approval.
