“My vision for Livingston ISD is for us to be the best and I truly believe we’re on that path,” Superintendent Dr. Jeff Pack said on the eve of his one-year anniversary with the district during the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Livingston Independent School District Monday.
“This past year has not been without its challenges. We didn’t just get through it, we grew through it. What has never wavered is my belief in this district. I’m excited about where we’re going and what we’re doing. There was talk about restoring the roar. I believe we’ve done that and more. There is a broad range of student success happening throughout the district,” Pack said, as he thanked the board, staff and community.
The board approved the purchase of 70 smartboards which will replace projectors in the district and also approved the purchase of laptops for teachers. Pack explained that both of these purchases were already budgeted and are part of a rotating “refresh cycle” implemented by Chris Rodriguez, the district’s director of technology.
The board also approved the purchase of an intercom system to replace the outdated one on the high school campus. In addition to being a two-way intercom, the system also controls the bells and clocks. No longer working and now obsolete, parts can no longer be obtained to repair it.
Two revised local policies, EIC and DEC, were approved. One has to do with the way grade point averages are calculated and the other has to do with contracts that are non-Chapter 21 contracts. In both instances, Pack said the policies were being revised to match the practice.
The quarterly investment report was also approved.
The board entered into an executive session to discuss the superintendent’s evaluation and contract, administrator contracts and revised superintendent hiring authority. Upon return to open session, the board approved a one-year extension of the superintendent’s contract and a base salary increase equal to the percentage given to teachers and staff, to be determined at a later date.
The board approved delegating to the superintendent final authority to employ all contractual personnel, except those personnel who will receive a Chapter 21 Certified Administrator contract from March 17, 2026 until October 1, 2026.
The board also approved contracts for the following new administrators for the 2026-2027 school year: Scott Merry, LHS principal; Bethanie Wheeler, LHS associate principal – academics; Brian Williams, LHS assistant principal; Joseph Gross, LJH assistant principal; Christopher Draper, LJH assistant principal; Dr. Janie Snyder, Timber Creek Elementary principal; and Cody Thompson, Creekside Elementary assistant principal.
LISD Athletic Director Tucker Carter introduced Maddy Allen, who he said has now entered the category of Livingston legend status.
“Maddy Allen is a powerlifting state champion in the 181 pound weight class. She now holds all of our school records, three out of four regional records and the state record for total weight lifted in the 181 weight class at 1,140 pounds. She squatted 470 pounds, bench pressed 270 pounds, and deadlifted 400 pounds. She was also academic all-district and a THSWPA second team academic all-state. She has represented our school and community with class.
“I am excited to talk about all of the success that we have had in the athletic department from the last board meeting until now. We broke 14 school records on the girls side in powerlifting. We also had three boys qualify for state – Sam Champagne, Roman Ontiveros and Ty Thomas. Ty had our best finish on the boys side, finishing in fourth place. We also broke nine school records on the boys side. We had 12 kids on the academic all-district list. We had three girls on the THSWPA academic all-state teams – Maddy Allen, Shelbie Sandoval and Hailey Smith.
“Soccer finished up having competitive seasons. Both the boys and the girls made the playoffs. Both groups ended up losing in the bi-district round. We are excited about the future of both groups as we move from a five-team soccer district to a nine-team district.
“Tennis had a historic season this year. We were the district champions on all three levels – beginner, JV and varsity. In the district finals we finished first and second in boys and girls doubles. Both championship matches were an all Livingston match. All of our varsity district medalists advanced to the regional finals in Bryan. Unfortunately, our season ended there, but there is still plenty to celebrate in our tennis program. Also, tonight we host our first ever junior high tennis matches. We are pumped to get those kids out there competing.
“Golf – what a run these kiddos had representing the green and white this year. Our girls team made up of Maddie Akers, Kaitlyn Ogden, Luisa Perez, Madilyn Slocomb and Bayleigh Sturm were the district runner-up and were regional qualifiers. Maddie Akers was the district champion, bringing home a gold medal. She also just solidified a spot at the state tournament May 4-5. Our boys team which consisted of Brayden Akers, Landon Galloway, Ryan Munson, Henry Pedigo and Jacob Wood were the district champions and regional qualifiers. Brayden Akers was the district champion and regional champion shooting a first round 64. He will represent our district at the state tournament April 27-28.
“Track is still going for our girls and just finished up on our boys side. On the boys side, we were the district champions in the 4x4 relay. We ended up taking 13 boys to the area meet. We had area qualifiers in the long jump, high jump, 400, 800, 4x1 and 4x4. We took 10 girls to the area track meet this past week and we had a great day. Our 4x2, 4x4 relays and we have an individual running the 200 next week at the regional track meet in Bullard.
“Last but not least we have softball and baseball. Softball just finished the regular season with a 25-6 record. We finished third in a very tough softball district. We have a playoff warm-up game tonight versus Central Heights at home. Our round one playoff game is at 6 p.m. on Thursday in New Caney versus Houston Northside. Also, softball was presented with a Chevy Spotlight Award from Inside High School Sports Houston for their success on and off the field. They highlighted our softball program and the work they do with our youth and our best buddies program.
“Baseball is currently sitting at 21-6 overall and in first place in district play. This is the last week of district as we play Tarkington at home right now and at Tarkington on Friday. We will have playoff information to share shortly. Hopefully we are gearing up for an exciting playoff run. Also, coach David Miller has been selected as the coach of the west team in the Southeast Texas Coaches Association all-star game on June 10.
“Lastly, today we hosted a signing day ceremony for five student athletes who have committed to get an education and continue their playing career – Brayden Akers, golf, Jacksonville College;
Brooke Anderson, softball, San Jacinto College; Jaykwon Farr, McPherson College; Isaiah Frank, Howard Payne University; and Rudy Marquez, Angelina College,” Tucker said.
Students and staff of Creekside Elementary School were recognized. Principal Deanna Willmann introduced Emma Ramos who, as part of a class project, wrote a letter to the fourth-graders telling them what to expect as a fifth-grader. She also recognized Tara Clough whose fifth grade class recently conducted a math issues competition project. Willman also recognized the Creekside students who will be participating in a talent show that will be open to the public on May 8. Two of the students performed a duet.
Two high school students were recognized – Makayla Brooks from the debate team and Alexis from NJROTC. Brooks said the students are not just finding their voices, but learning how to use them. Alexis said participation in the program has truly changed her life.
Pack recognized this month’s Lion LEADERS – Student Honoree Luisa Perez, Community Member Honoree Tara Ellis and Staff Honoree Rebecca Carney. 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.
The board approved the consent agenda which included minutes of the previous board meetings, the financial statement report and overnight trips.
