The Levelland ISD school board met this past Wednesday for their regular meeting to hear reports and approve resolutions, financial and budget proposals.
The board approved the Parent & Family Engagement Policy presented by Joanna Runckles which is required by the Every Student Succeeds Act. All school districts receiving Title 1, Part A funds are required to have written policy establishing the district’s expectations and describe how to meet the required components.
As per a request from the Hockley County Extension Service, the board approved recognizing Hockley County 4-H as an approved extracurricular activity of Levelland ISD as well as the designated Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service employees as adjunct faculty members for the upcoming school year to include Amber Lambright, Ashley Hanson, Wes Utley and Kerry Siders.
Concerning a designation of nonbusiness days for the 2026 school year, and after reviewing the school calendar, the board approved a resolution designating the 2027 dates of Jan. 1, March 18-19, Nov. 24, Nov. 26, Dec. 2224, and Dec. 27-28 as non-business days.
The board approved a softball and tennis locker and team room project. Currently, the softball teams changes in a facility located near the gymnasium requiring athletes to travel to and from practices and games. Constructing a dedicated locker room past center field at the softball field will provide a safer, more convenient and functional space. The project will also benefit the tennis program by incorporating a multi-purpose room for tournaments that provides a climate- controlled area for athletes to rest, meet and prepare between matches on hot or cold days.
Teinert Construction provided a layout and estimate of $672,890 for the project.
In accordance with Texas Education Code, a Safe and Supportive School Program (SSSP) team must be established to serve each campus in a campus in a school district. The team is multidisciplinary and composed of individuals with a broad range of expertise to implement the district SSSP. The board approved (ABC) Ashley Howard, Amy Pebsworth, Chloe Winegeart, Brianna Robinson and Morgan McAlister; (Capitol) Joanna Runkles, James Daniel, Barbara Utley, Michelle Tate, and Linda Johnson; and (South) Shana Flemming, Gracie Ruiz, Andrea Curl, Corina Villasenor and Morgan Combs.
Other campus SSSP teams include (LMS) Jason Atcheson, Bradley Brunson, Mandi Leach, America Rios, Seth Rose and Kathryn Shepherd; (LHS) Craig Black, Sid Gerber, Brian Luna, Kim Moreno and Robyn Parkinson; (Districtwide) Rodney Caddell, Joshua Rincones, Rey Nino, Paul Lopez and Laurie Jones.
The board approved a resolution which will serve as LISD’s annual renewal regarding the provision of armed security officer on each LISD campus. LISD’s Guardian Program meets the requirements as an acceptable alternative as per guidelines. All campuses have trained and district-approved personnel who are designated Guardians.
Texas law requires that all school districts adopt an integrated pest management program which addresses protocol. The board approved an appointed to IPM coordinator to implement the program.
In other action, the board approved a budget amendment as required by TEA. Presented by CFO Teresa Montemayor, a report showed the budget amounts esti-mated expenditures and increased revenue to offset the increase of expenditure and/or protect the ledger against any journal entries that may result from preparation for the financial audit.
Montemayor also presented the financial report ending July 31, which was approved.
In other business, the board approved submitting a waiver request to TEA regarding required staff development minutes. The waiver would allow LISD to address requirements with applicable state requirements. The board also approved the District Improvement Plan for 2026-2027, using the EOC/STAAR data, accountability information and other feedback sources and establishing the five pillars of academic excellence, personal integrity, critical thinking, purposeful direction, and community and belonging.
An overview of the LISD accountability results was presented highlighting student growth during the 20252026 school year. South and Capitol elementary schools had an overall rating of C; Levelland Middle School had an overall score of D; and Levelland High School had an overall rating of A. Levelland ISD had an overall rating of B, with a scaled score in student achievement of C; school progress, C; academic growth, C; relative performance, C; and closing the gaps, B.
Superintendent Dr. Don Heseman reported that fund raising approvals were given to LHS YELL to sell Pep Rally/ Spirit team items such as bottled water throughout the year, with funds going towards classroom activities, and LHS FFA to sell Fresh Country Fruit, meat and smoked meats from Sept. 7 to Sept. 28, with funds going towards FFA activities.
Asst. Superintendent Rodney Caddell reported the Student Health Advisory Council held meetings on Aug. 18, 2025, Nov. 5, 2025, March 11 and May 6. Topics covered included AED monthly checks, safety and security, seasonal ailment updates, epinephrine auto injectors, medical consent forms, medical exemptions, breathing treatments, mental health training, CPR summer training, cardiac teams and Stop the Bleeding training.
The LISD enrollment report showed 2,405 students on the first day of school, down by 170 student compared to the previous school year.
New professional hires included Susan Wolverton, science teacher at Capitol Elementary; Yvette Bautista, LHS athletic trainer, non-certified contract; and Donald Worth, LMS science and boys coach. There were six at-will employment agreements; nine auxiliary new hires; one change of assignment; and four resignations.
The uncertified and atwill teachers report for LISD 2026-2027 indicates there are 17 returning uncertified teachers with a bachelor’s degree and in an alternative certification program; 15 at-will new uncertified teacher with a bachelor’s degree and in an alternative certification program; and eight new at-will uncertified teachers working towards a bachelor’s degree but not in an alternative certification program.