A public hearing was held concerning the LISD Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas FIRST Accountability Rating (FIRST) in accordance with law.
Financial accountability is rated with A=Superior, B=Above Standard, C=Meets Standard, and F=Substandard Achievement. Schools are required to conduct a hearing and to discuss the indicators on the report and the overall rating of the district. Districts were evaluated on information derived primarily from their annual audit reports and from PEIMS data submissions.
Levelland ISD reportedly scored a 100 out of 100 which earned an “A” or “Superior” rating on the 2024-2025 School FIRST.
Addressing the consent agenda, the board considered for the LABC playground shade structure. A proposal from USA Shade, RGH Landscape Inc. was received for $9,862.57. The plan was approved.
In other business, the board approved amending the current District of Innovation Plan to include an exemption from TEC Chapter 26A as it pertains to district policies. The reasoning is by exempting out of the current requirements, the district will be able to continue following established grievance procedures as outlined in previous policy, which allows the district to hear and consider parent and employee complaints in an orderly and responsive manner and resolve concerns in a timely manner. As requested, Levelland ISD’s District Advisory Committee approved the proposed plan on Dec. 2.
In other action, the board approved a Nov. 30 financial report as presented by Teresa Montemayor.
The board also approved and authorized an agreement between LISD and Live Oak Public Finance, LLC for municipal advisory services to survey financial resources, service debt, attend meetings when necessary to discuss financing or provide an explanation of the bond process, provide advice related to the development, implementation and issuance of debt management, interest rates or bidding conditions favorable to the district.
Quarterly reports for tax reconciliation collections, investment, workers compensation and cafeteria ending Nov. 30 were also presented by Montemayor.
Trustees approved some policy changes for compensation and benefits on leave and absences.
LISD Terri White gave a report on the PSAT/ NMSQT testing. There were 17 students – five for10th grade and 12 for 11th grade on Oct. 8 -9; PSAT given to three students on Oct. 15. December EOC testing included English 1, 27 testers; algebra 1, 11 testers; US History, eight testers; biology, one tester; and English II, 11 testers. The ACT is scheduled for March 25.
Dr. Heseman shared information on the superintendent goals which included improving student academic achievement and student performance across all campuses with a focus on reading and math. The SMART target includes increasing the percentage of students approaching gradelevel expectations on STAAR by 5% in reading and 5% in math districtwide.
Dr. Heseman also reported on fund raising approvals: -LISD softball team will sell beanies and caps throughout the season with profits going towards travel and equipment needs; -LHS Esports will seek a business sponsorship to support the level up tournament on March 28, 2026, to pay for awards and prizes for competitors, with sponsorships ranging from $250 to $500; and -LHS baseball will be doing an Hour-A thon through Adrenaline Fundraising with process going towards tournament fees, baseballs for season and equipment.
The athletic department reported there were 11 students who made volleyball Academic All District. In football All District, there were six players making first team, 10 players making second team, and nine players on the honorable mention list. There were two state and regional cross country qualifiers.
Rodney Caddell presented personnel resignations and auxiliary new hires. Resignations included Rosa Trevino, part time teacher at Capitol; Rubie Hernandez, Life Skills TA, LMS; Cristien Holguin, 7th grade math, LMS; Marco Morgan, teacher/boys coach, LMS; and Trevor Mills, custodian, LISD maintenance.
New hires for LISD included Vannessa Davila, Life Skills TA, LABC; Maliri Marsh, SPED Instructional Aide, LMS; Chad Fulford, Bus Aide, LISD transportation; and Shannon Fulford, Bus Aide, LISD transportation.