Longview breaks ground on new high school facilities

LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, Longview district leaders celebrated the beginning of construction for three new buildings and finally bringing the project to life after voters approved a $456,000,000 bond in 2024. The district is waiting on permits from the city to continue with construction plans, the estimated completion date is 2027.

The three projects include: A Multi-Purpose Facility, a Natatorium and a Career and Technology Center. The Multipurpose Center will feature air-conditioned practice fields, a batting cage and a Lobo Gift Shop. Every aspect of this building will be student-operated, from the concessions to the outdoor garden maintenance. In fact, there will even be a fully student-operated bank.

Additionally, the Career and Technology Center will be expanded all the way past the current parking lot. It will offer new engineering classrooms, mock court room experiences, and a nursing facility.

“The big picture here is making sure that our kids have enough exposure so that when they leave Longview, they know exactly what they want to do and they’ll be steps ahead of everyone else,” Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard said. “We want our kids to excel in every area. We want them to be academically strong. We want them to be athletically strong, musically strong.”

Students will also be able to earn their truck drivers certification and CDL from the new center.

“Longview High School will be the place where your child will have the opportunity to be whatever they want to be,” Longview High School Principal Shameika Allen said.