The Board of Trustees of the Livingston Independent School District welcomed two new administrators to the district during its regular meeting Monday. Dr. Marley Morris is the new chief academic officer and Brian Kroeger is the new director of personnel.
Morris, the new chief academic officer, brings over 25 years of experience in public education, having served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and most recently as the senior director of secondary curriculum and instruction at Galena Park ISD. In that role, he led initiatives that generated over $940,000 in additional annual funding through strategic Career and Technical Education course alignments and introduced the district’s first elective fair, engaging thousands of students and parents.
Morris’ career is marked by a commitment to expanding educational opportunities. While principal at Crosby High School, he implemented dual credit and MECA courses, revamped off-campus CTE programs, and established student engagement initiatives like Cougar’s Crest and the Shattered Dreams program. He has also contributed at the state level, serving as an advisor for the Texas Education Agency’s Career and Technology Division and as past-president of the Career and Technical Association of Texas. He holds a doctor of education from Sam Houston State University and has completed leadership programs through TASB and Region IV ESC.
Kroeger, the new director of personnel, brings a wealth of experience in human resources leadership, having served most recently as the executive director of human resources in Splendora ISD since 2014. In that role, he led initiatives to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers, oversaw staffing and compensation planning, and managed compliance with FMLA, workers’ compensation, and employee records systems. He is widely respected for his collaborative approach and his commitment to cultivating a positive district culture.
Prior to his work in human resources, Kroeger held several campus and district-level leadership roles, including director of student accelerated services, assistant principal, district test coordinator, and administrator for both DAEP and REACH Academy. His well-rounded background gives him a strong understanding of the operational and instructional needs of a school district. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University and a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts with a minor in English from Southwest Texas State University. He was recognized as the 2023 Dr. Mary Hopkins Personnel Administrator of the Year by the Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators, where he currently serves as legislative chair.
The board approved renewal of the workers compensation coverage. “It did go up – a little less than $2 million – but that is because of our increase in payroll,” Superintendent Dr. Jeff Pack said.
Trustees Mandi Pipes and Kevin Grimm were appointed to serve as delegate and alternate, respectively, for the Texas Association of School Boards Convention Sept. 11-14 in Houston.
The board also approved the sale of some athletic equipment as surplus.
An executive session to consult with its attorney and hold two level three hearings on employee grievances was on the agenda. Upon return to open session, the board approved upholding the administration’s level two decision issued May 9. The board also affirmed its decision to terminate an employee’s probationary contract.
During the superintendent’s report, Pack said summer school is underway. Reporting on a recent site visit at the new stadium, he said the project is on track for summer 2026 completion. Work is underway on the foundation for the concession stand and the next step is the installation of piers for the press box.
Athletic Director Tucker Carter reported that the district’s athletic department is fully staffed at the moment with good coaches and high energy. Reporting on the ongoing summer strength and speed camp, he said an average of 170 to 210 students are attending every morning and about 20 coaches are showing up every day and coaching. Anticipation is growing for the fall, he said.
The parade of champions video was presented. It may be viewed on the district’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
The consent agenda – which included minutes from the previous board meetings, financial statement report, overnight trips and board meeting dates for the 2025-2026 school year – was approved as presented.
