With October being National Principal Month, Livingston ISD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Pack recognized the district’s principals during the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Livingston Independent School District.
Those principals recognized include: Livingston High School Principal Justin Turbeville, Livingston Junior High Principal LaMona Coleman, Timber Creek Elementary Principal Sheri Murphy, Creekside Elementary Principal Deanna Willmann, Cedar Grove Elementary Principal Myra Kerscher and Pine Ridge Primary Principal Erin Barnes.
This month’s student spotlight was on Creekside Elementary School with various students being recognized, including members of the student council, the A-honor roll students and two students who were named outstanding bus leaders – Haley Salazar and Brancie Williams.
The Livingston High School tennis team – the undefeated district champion – was also recognized.
In action items, the board approved adopting written methodology to demonstrate compliance with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA); approved the quarterly investment report; and approved a resolution from the Polk Central Appraisal District (CAD) for the purchase of land. Though it is Polk CAD purchasing the land, law requires each taxing entity within the jurisdiction of Polk CAD to sign off on it.
Commenting that it is hard to believe he is nearing completion of his first six months in the district, Pack reported that the roar is coming back strong. “Students are engaged and teachers are energized. We’ve made big changes with one goal – that Livingston ISD will be the best district in Texas,” Pack said.
Chief Academic Officer Dr. Marley Morris reported that the district improvement plan has been completed, in addition to individual campus improvement plans. Principals from each campus gave brief reports on their campuses strengths, opportunities for improvement and measures for success.
Morris also presented the annual bilingual report, remarking that the district has 65 certified ESL (English as a second language) teachers.
“It’s been an amazing fall. It’s been great, a lot of packed venues,” Athletic Director Tucker Carter said of fall sports. He said football players, cheerleaders, band members, Emerald Belle members and volleyball players are going to the elementary campuses on Fridays to greet students and increase school spirit and that he is very proud of that. He commented on the success of the boys cross country team, as well as the girls volleyball team which is 8-2 in district and has already secured a playoff spot. He said there are three district football games left and that he is proud of the kids and their fight. “Of 275 competing, we had a 94% pass rate at the last grade check,” Carter said.
Assistant Athletic Director Heather Mosser reported on the Kinder Lion Pep Rally in which 265 kindergarten students attended. She also talked about Best Buddies Night.
The board entered into an executive session to deliberate multiple items. Upon return to open session, the board voted to propose termination of a teacher’s contract. The board also approved two new contracts at Livingston Junior High. The EIC policy for class rank was approved. Ten professional full-time employee positions and 10 full-time paraprofessional positions were approved. The board also authorized the superintendent to establish the Livingston Education Foundation and partner with Foundation Innovation.
There was discussion about roofing and building repairs, as well as out-of-district transfers, but no action was taken.
The board approved the consent agenda, which included approval of the minutes of the previous board meetings, approval of personal property donations and approval of student overnight trips.
