Though an outside study indicated that most elementary campuses in Longview Independent School District need improved learning environments, Pinewood Park International Education Magnet School might be the main catalyst.
Under a bond proposal to be decided May 10, Pinewood Park would be razed and the first- through third-grade students there would go to a larger new K-5 campus. Some might also be enrolled at an expanded South Ward Elementary School.
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News-Journal Photo | If the Longview Independent School District bond passes in May, Pinewood Park International Edcucation Magnet School will be razed, and students will be moved to a larger campus. Some students may also be enrolled at South Ward Elementary School.
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The $266.9 million bond would affect the whole district, with five new elementary and three new middle schools. It also calls for expansions at South Ward, Doris McQueen Primary and Longview High School.
About three months before district officials began publicly discussing the bond idea in 2007, Pinewood Park was rated unacceptable by the state because of a 27 percent passing rate on the mathematics portion of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. A rate of 45 percent is required for an acceptable status.
When the ratings were first released, Superintendent James E. Wilcox blamed the level of instruction at Pinewood Park and made some personnel changes, including a new principal. Last week — as third-graders sat down to take their first TAKS of the year — he added that a lack of classroom space at Pinewood Park continues to provide challenges.
At less than 500 square feet, on average, the classrooms are well below the minimum state standard of 800. A 2007 facilities study concluded that classroom renovation at Pinewood Park is impractical because of the existing dimensions and projected expense. The study was conducted by Paul Trautman on behalf of the Texas Association of School Board Administrators.
Trautman also wrote that the small classrooms have forced teachers to use the corridors for small group and individual instruction.
Classrooms aren't the only cramped areas at Pinewood Park, Trautman said. The library and administrative offices were deemed too small. The nurse's clinic is about 6 feet wide by 12 feet long — the size of a large closet or small kitchen — and has room for only one bed.
"Yesterday I had five sick ones in here at once," said Jo Davis, the school's licensed vocational nurse. "That happens about once or twice a week."
Principal Robin Slayton said she deals with old plumbing and an "antique" electrical system on a daily basis and continues to seek improvements, such as more secure fencing around campus. Slayton said she is also seeking approval to enclose an outdoor play pavilion to create more indoor space.
"We are overcrowded," said Wilcox. "There is no place else to put these kids, which is why we're are looking at new campuses with larger classrooms that can accommodate more students and promote an updated curriculum."
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About Pinewood Park International Education Magnet School
Built: 1959; library built in 1967
Classrooms: 24
Portable classrooms: 6
Classroom square feet: less than 500, on average
Campus land acres: 3.5
Enrollment: 278
Source: LISD; Texas Association of School Administrators Facilities Study
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What voters will consider May 10
Five new elementary schools: $99.7 million
Additions at South Ward Elementary and Doris McQueen Primary schools: $21.3 million
Three new middle schools: $107.1 million
Additions at Longview High School: $34.7 million
Districtwide technology: $4 million
Total proposal: $266.9 million
Source: Longview ISD
New K-5 elementary schools voters will consider
Classroom square feet: Between 750 and 900
Occupancy: 684 students with maximum of 760 students
Campus land acres: At least 15
New elementary schools would each have a gymnasium and 35 classrooms with a maximum student capacity of 760.
Three new elementary schools would be planned for occupancy by August 2010. Two others would be planned for opening in August 2011.
Estimated cost: Between $19.2 million and $20.7 million
*District officials have not confirmed which campuses would be consolidated.
Source: Huckabee Architectural Firm; Longview ISD
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About the series
Series: The Longview News-Journal's Longview ISD series looks at schools that could be affected by a possible bond election.
March 2: Mozelle Johnston Elementary/Doris McQueen Primary School
Today: Pinewood Park International Education Magnet School
March 16: Ware Elementary School and neighborhood schools concept
