The Board of Trustees of the Livingston Independent School District adopted the 2025-2026 budget and the 2025 tax rate – down from .92 last year to .89 this year – during its regular meeting Monday.
Though public hearings were held to receive comments from citizens on the budget and tax rate, no one addressed the board.
Chief Financial Officer Darla Dear reported that the district has a balanced budget and that revenues are increasing as a result of new state money coming in following this year’s legislative session.
“Every dollar does have strings attached,” Superintendent Dr. Jeff Pack said of the new state money, adding that “because of the good stewardship of the board,” the district is in good shape financially.
The investment policy for the 2025-2026 fiscal year was reviewed and approved, with Dear reporting that it is in compliance.
The board approved adoption of the revised local policies EFB and FNCE, which deal with the library and personal communication devices, respectively.
During the June 16 board meeting, Trustees Mandi Murphy Pipes and Kevin Grimm were appointed to serve as delegate and alternate for the Texas Association of School Boards Convention Sept. 11-14 in Houston. However, Pipes’ July 21 resignation from the board moved Grimm up to delegate, leaving a vacancy for the alternate position. The board approved Trustee Megan Murphy Rowe to serve as alternate.
Chief Academic Officer Dr. Marley Morris reviewed the 2024-2025 accountability ratings recently released by the Texas Education Agency. Pine Ridge Primary and Timber Creek Elementary each received “A” ratings – the third year in a row for Timber Creek. Cedar Grove Elementary received a “B+” rating, having improved on every single thing.
Assistant Athletic Director Heather Mosser reported that “Project Restore the Roar” is completely underway and that the district has rolled out its first-ever digital ticketing operation through the Hudl Fan app. Mosser also reminded everyone of “Meet the Lions” slated for 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at Lion Stadium in which the following programs will be recognized: athletic trainers, cheer, cross country, Emerald Belles, football, Royal Brigade, tennis and volleyball.
James Guest with Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, the district’s delinquent tax collection firm, reported that tax collections for the past year were just over $1.3 million.
Livingston High School Sophomore Cameron Ivory was recognized during Monday’s meeting. Ivory was selected as a recipient of the UIL Outstanding Performer 2025 Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest from approximately 100,000 students participating, quite a feat considering only 2-3% of solo performances were recognized as outstanding. He received a gold medal for his achievement.
Also receiving recognition were the Livingston Junior High art and cheer programs.
Discussion items included the 2025-2026 LISD Student Handbook, legislative updates and the open trustee seat resulting from Pipes’ resignation. The handbook – with the summary of changes – was made available for review. Following a brief discussion regarding some of the changes made during the 89th legislative session, the board chose September 8 at 6 p.m. for an online training. Previously, the board has often chosen to appoint a former member to fill an unexpired term, an approach that provides the advantage of bringing in someone who already has the necessary experience and training which otherwise comes at a cost to the district. The board will consider taking action regarding the vacancy at the Sept. 15 meeting.
Although the board entered into an executive session, no action was taken upon return to open session.
The consent agenda – which included personal property donations, the financial statement report and minutes from previous board meetings – was approved as presented.
