Superintendent Sheppard reflects on a year of connection,
growth, and excellence

By Joycelyne Fadojutimi/www.infinitieplusmag.com

“I want everyone — teachers, principals, parents — to feel their voice matters in decision-making. When we work together, we win together.”
Dr. Marla Sheppard, LISD Superintendent.

When Dr. Marla Sheppard, Longview Independent School District superintendent arrived in the district a little more than a year ago, her first goal wasn’t about test scores, buildings, or programs, it was about people.

Over the past year, she has made that happen. From football games and parent nights to cultural celebrations and community meetings, Sheppard has worked tirelessly to build relationships that form the foundation of trust. “I want people to feel comfortable giving feedback, both the praise and the tough stuff,” she explained. “That’s how we grow as a district.”

Surprise: The reality behind the school bond
One of the biggest surprises of her first year wasn’t about people, but about process. Sheppard quickly discovered that many community members expected to see new buildings rise soon after a bond approval. “People thought once the bond passed, buildings would go right up. But there’s a whole process, design, community input, permitting that can take a year or more before construction even begins,” she said with a smile. “I don’t think people realize how long the design and permitting stages take. There’s so much happening behind the scenes before we can even break ground.” Hence, this realization has led to a stronger emphasis on communication and transparency. “We’ve learned that we need to share progress often and clearly, even when it’s still on paper,” she added.

A refined vision
Dr. Sheppard’s vision for the district has always centered on helping every student reach their full potential. A year-plus in, that vision has evolved — not in purpose, but in precision. “I’ve always believed in preparing kids for college and careers,” she said. “Now, I am even more focused on the how, making sure students don’t just plan for the next step but actually take it.” To achieve that, Superintendent Sheppard and her team are emphasizing three main priorities this year:

1. Writing: Strengthening communication skills essential for college and career
   success.
2. College and career readiness: Giving students early exposure to higher education through campus visits and mentorships.
3. Achievement, Customer Service, and Excellence (ACE): This means striving for quality and care in every aspect of district life, from classroom learning to community communication. “Excellence has to be in everything we do,” Sheppard emphasized. “From how our schools look to how we greet parents; it all matters.”

Measuring what really matters
Academic progress, Sheppard explained, is carefully tracked. Every six weeks, students take common assessments, and teachers use the data to tailor instruction and interventions.

But wait, that is not all.

Superintendent Sheppard is listening, learning, and leading.
Beyond academics, the district conducts annual community surveys to gauge satisfaction and identify ways to improve. Listening and learning is important to Sheppard. For this reason, listening, not just hearing, remains central to her leadership philosophy. “That’s how you build trust,” Sheppard said. “You listen to understand, not just to respond.”

Communications and connections
There is more. According to Sheppard, the district has made major strides in communication this year, rolling out the Apptegy platform to keep families informed and updating social media channels regularly. Events like the State of the District, Hispanic Heritage Month, and new Parent Advisory Groups have created new opportunities for community voices to be heard.

The road to becoming a “Premier District”
It is important to note that when Sheppard first arrived in the district, she set a magnificent goal: to make Longview ISD a ‘premier’ district, not just a good district, or an “A” district, but a great one in everything, period. “We were a solid B district, and that’s something to be proud of,” she said. “But ‘premier’ means excellence everywhere — in academics, athletics, fine arts, and how we serve people. It’s about continuous improvement.”

Equally important, inside the district, she is working to foster a deeply collaborative
culture. “I want everyone — teachers, principals, parents — to feel their voice matters in
decision-making,” she said. “When we work together, we win together.”

Projections
In the next three to five years, Dr. Sheppard envisions a district transformed with

• Five new completed school buildings
• Stronger academic outcomes
• Higher SAT and ACT scores
• More college scholarships for graduates

In addition, she foresees a deeper community involvement through mentorships,
internships, and expanded after-school programs. Her ultimate goal is, “No child falls
through the cracks on our watch.”

Community, the heart of success

Of course, Superintendent Sheppard knows that every big goal comes with its challenges. “Everything that can be your biggest win can also be your biggest challenge,” she reflected. “But we can do hard things, especially when we do them together.” She believes the district’s greatest strength lies in its people. That being the case, she reminds people that lasting change requires community involvement. The community will play a vital role in achieving that success. “We need people to get involved; mentor a student, offer an internship, support our College Trunk Program, which provides supplies and soon laptops for college-bound students who need them,” she said. “When the community shows up for our kids, amazing things happen.”

As Superintendent Sheppard looks ahead, her message is clear: Excellence is not a destination, but a daily commitment built on strong, purposeful commitment. The district’s future will be built not just on buildings and data, but on relationships, shared responsibility, and the belief that excellence is within reach for every student.