The Review - Longview Public Schools - March 2025
- Looking Ahead with Superintendent Dr. Karen Cloninger
- Keeping our schools safe: A shared commitment
- Career Success at Longview Public Schools
- Memorial Stadium Modernization
- School & Student Achievements
- Graduation 2025
- Enroll in Kindergarten Today!
- Apply Now for Kinder Bridge
- Stay in touch with Longview Public Schools!
Looking Ahead with Superintendent Dr. Karen Cloninger
Hello Longview,
As we move into the second half of the school year, with spring just around the corner, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made together and share our plans for the future.
In my first six months as your new superintendent, I have had the privilege of meeting many of you — community leaders, families, students, staff, and administrators. Through these connections, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the pride our community holds in its traditions, schools, and people. I’ve been truly inspired by the dedication and passion that drives our district, and I’m excited to continue this journey alongside you.
Entry Plan Findings
During the first six months, I focused on understanding and appreciating the unique strengths of our district and community. Key to our success is the fact that we have caring, student-focused staff who are dedicated to supporting every learner. We have an incredibly supportive community, and there is a strong sense of pride in our schools and the long-time traditions. Our academic and extracurricular programs provide students with opportunities to excel academically while participating in activities, clubs, or sports that align with their unique talents and interests.
During this time, I also identified areas for growth and improvement. We need to refine our student support systems to ensure that strategies to improve both behavior and academics effectively addresses the needs across our entire district. Staff recruitment and retention in some specialized fields is an area that is critical to providing the best education for our students, and we must plan for the long-term financial sustainability of our district, especially as we deal with aging facilities.
Looking Ahead
In the coming months, our focus will be on the launch of a comprehensive strategic planning process that engages multiple stakeholders in the process and design outcome. We will be asking questions like: What should the profile of a Longview Public Schools graduate look like in order to be prepared for the future?
This work will start this spring and continue into the next year to ensure that students, staff, parents, and community members all have a voice in our final strategic plan. This process will ensure that our identified strengths continue to get the attention and resources needed for sustainability while creating a plan to identify and implement our next steps for improvement.
Keeping our schools safe: A shared commitment
The safety and security of our students and staff remain a top priority for the district. In recent years, we’ve taken significant steps to enhance campus security, including installing perimeter fencing, creating secure front entrance vestibules, expanding campus camera coverage, and providing ongoing staff training focused on safety and security best practices.
Looking ahead, we are committed to exploring and investing in new security systems and tools that further strengthen our campuses. However, we know that the foundation of a safe school environment is built on strong relationships and student engagement.
Our staff work hard every day to build positive connections with students and encourage their involvement in school activities, including sports, clubs, and leadership opportunities. When students are connected and feel a sense of belonging, our schools become a safer, and more supportive learning environment.
We value your partnership in keeping our schools safe. Please encourage your student to speak up if they ever see or hear something concerning by reporting it to a trusted adult. Working together, we can create supportive, welcoming schools where every student thrives.
Career Success at Longview Public Schools
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is all about giving students the tools they need to succeed in the real world. CTE programs combine hands-on training with classroom learning to prepare students for post-secondary education, careers, or a combination of both. In Longview Public Schools, students have the opportunity to explore a variety of CTE courses, such as culinary arts, construction trades, robotics, healthcare, business, and digital media production. These courses not only teach practical skills but also help students discover their passions and prepare for in-demand jobs. We work closely with local businesses and industries to align our courses with their needs, ensuring students gain relevant skills for the workforce.
To highlight the impact of CTE, we’ve connected with graduates who participated in these programs to learn where they are now and how CTE helped them reach their goals.
Cole Kotera
Cole Kotera, a 2018 R.A. Long graduate, researched his career and found the trades made the most financial sense. He chose Perry Technical Institute’s Instrumentation program, graduating in 2020. Soon after, he was hired by Advanced Electrical Technologies in Longview as an instrumentation tech. This led him to start the Commercial/Industrial Electrical Apprenticeship through Electrical Management Group of Washington (EMGOW). Now in his final months of the four-year apprenticeship, he will soon take his journeyman test.
When asked why he chose to become an electrician, Cole said, “I was drawn to the industry because it pays well and there is always a need for electricians. It also helped to know people who were electricians and see the opportunities they have had in this trade.”
Cole advises students considering the trades to take as many CTE classes as possible. “These classes help students explore their interests and build lifelong skills that make them more employable.”
Elle Keele
Elle Keele, a 2022 Mark Morris graduate, was drawn to the trades when she learned she could earn a living wage while working toward her journeyman card. She originally wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse but didn’t want to take on college debt. She is in her second year of EMGs Commercial/Industrial Electrical Apprenticeship, and is employed by Advanced Electrical Technologies in Longview.
Elle credits the six CTE courses she took in high school for sparking her interest in becoming an electrician. When asked what advice she’d give to those considering a trade, Elle said, “Don’t settle. Research each trade to find a pathway that works for you. There are many options in the trades and many different paths.” She also encourages students to seek guidance from their schools, crediting Longview’s Pre-Apprenticeship Teacher, Mr. Kell, for helping her enter the electrical apprenticeship.
Isaac Brill
Isaac Brill, a 2018 R.A. Long graduate and IT Specialist for Longview Public Schools, started his career path in high school, where he took computer science and Microsoft Academy classes. These classes inspired him to pursue a career in information technology.
After high school, Isaac attended Perry Tech’s Information Technology program. While a degree isn’t required for IT work, certifications are essential—especially CompTIA A+, Network+, and Cisco CCNA. After graduating, he landed an IT job with a nearby school district before being hired at Longview Public Schools.
When asked what advice he’d give students considering a career in IT, Isaac said, “Enroll in CTE classes and a personal finance class, build a simple website to use as a portfolio to showcase your work, and get accepted into a low-cost/high-reward college or trade school. Lastly, and most importantly, ensure that your work is always honest and good. Integrity never steered anyone wrong.”
Noah Mejia
Noah Mejia, a 2019 Mark Morris graduate, thought he would always go to college, but during his junior year he had a change of heart. He was introduced to the Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Mark Morris and joined a field trip to the NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center in Portland. It was at that point he knew he wanted to become an electrician.
Noah learned he could get into the IBEW electrical apprenticeship by becoming a material handler at JH Kelly in Longview. He set his sights on that goal and was hired by JH Kelly straight out of high school. Shortly afterwards, he entered the indoor electrical apprenticeship and is now in his fifth and final year of the program.
His advice? “Don’t be intimidated by the five-year program, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t get into the apprenticeship on your first try – it’s competitive but worth it.” He also recommended students take the Pre-Apprenticeship Program and math classes.
Memorial Stadium Modernization
The district is making significant improvements to Memorial Stadium, thanks to the generous support of Longview voters who approved the replacement capital projects and technology levy in April 2022.
Phases one and two of the modernization are now complete, featuring a new turf field for soccer and football, an upgraded running track, enhanced shot put and pole vault areas, and a state-of-the-art scoreboard. These upgrades have already improved the experience for athletes, students, and fans alike.
Looking ahead, phase three of the project will focus on upgrading the stadium structure. Planned improvements include a new roof, fresh paint, bird netting, refinished seating, concrete repairs, a safety railing for the stadium stands, and an expanded ticket booth entrance. Additionally, the locker room facilities will be upgraded to better serve our student-athletes and coaches.
Construction for phase three is set to begin in May 2025, with completion expected in time for the 2025-26 school year. We are excited about the continued transformation of Memorial Stadium and appreciate the community’s support in making these upgrades possible.
School & Student Achievements
- R.A. Long Recognized for Positive School Culture
- Discovery High School & Longview Virtual Academy Students Succeed
R.A. Long Recognized for Positive School Culture
R.A. Long High School has been honored by the Association of Washington Student Leaders and the Association of Washington School Principals for its efforts in building a welcoming and supportive environment. The school’s initiatives, like the two-day “Jack Camp” for freshmen and engaging events such as kickoff assemblies and open house nights, help students and families feel connected from the start. These programs ensure every student learns about school resources, safety, and academic success. Congratulations to R.A. Long for creating a community where students thrive!
Discovery High School & Longview Virtual Academy Students Succeed
Matthew Clark – Longview Virtual Academy (LVA)
Matthew joined LVA as a senior, overcoming challenges with attendance and credits from other schools. Through hard work and determination, he caught up quickly and is now set to graduate early, with plans to attend Job Corps for career training.
T-Fisann Ceasar – Discovery High School
T-Fisann is working hard to create a better future for herself, her family, and her native Chuukese community. She has been accepted to Eastern Washington University and is committed to pursuing her dreams with focus and dedication.
Madison (Max) Drew – Discovery High School
Max arrived at Discovery credit deficient but has worked diligently to get back on track to graduate with her peers in June. Alongside academic success, Max has excelled in the arts, creating incredible works that showcase talent and resilience.
Graduation 2025
Enroll in Kindergarten Today!
Research shows that children who attend kindergarten are more likely to succeed academically and socially in later years. It provides the stepping stone for a smooth transition into elementary school and beyond. By enrolling your child in kindergarten, you’re giving them the tools, experiences, and support they need to thrive in school and life. It’s the first step toward a bright and promising future!
Register early to ensure your child attends your neighborhood school. Kindergarten spots open on a first-come-first-served basis. Children must be five years old on or before Aug. 31, 2025 to be registered.
Click here to access the kindergarten registration forms, fill them out and deliver them to your neighborhood school office or complete the registration process online.
Apply Now for Kinder Bridge
Kinder Bridge is a free, full-day pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) program offering young learners a valuable start to their educational journey. By enrolling your child in a free, full-day Pre-K program, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of learning, curiosity, and success. It’s an investment in their future that pays off both academically and socially.
If your child would benefit from pre-kindergarten early learning, but the cost has been an issue, we encourage you to apply today. To apply for the Kinder Bridge program your child must be four years old by August 31, 2025.
Click here to fill out an application or visit.
Stay in touch with Longview Public Schools!
There are many ways you can get the most recent news on Longview Public Schools. From our app to Skyward, you can keep yourself updated. See this link for all of our communications options.