Today marks a major moment in the history of Leverett’s Chapel ISD.
In November 2024, with the full support of our Board of Trustees, we began the process of
establishing our own school district police department. What followed was a long and
challenging journey. There were obstacles. There were setbacks. There were moments where it
would have been easy to stop. After months of work, we were denied in 2025. That moment
tested our resolve.
But we did not stop.
Through persistence, countless conversations, letters, and coordination at every level, we
continued to push forward. Mr. Gary Guthrie and I remained committed to the vision because we
believed in what this would mean for our students, our staff, and our community.
Today, that work has paid off.
Earlier this month, Leverett’s Chapel ISD Police Department was officially approved as a law
enforcement agency. On April 17th, Mr. Gary Guthrie was appointed as Chief of Police. On
Tuesday, April 28th, that appointment was officially approved by TCOLE.
At this moment, I am proud to officially announce the establishment of the Leverett’s Chapel
ISD Police Department and the appointment of Chief Gary Guthrie.
This is more than a department. This is a commitment to our students and our community.
This department provides a dedicated law enforcement presence on our campus each day. It
ensures faster response times in emergency situations. It strengthens relationships with our
students and staff. It allows us to be proactive in our safety planning and preparedness. In a rural
district like ours, minutes matter, and this ensures we are ready.
Of all the accomplishments we have achieved as a district, this stands as one of the proudest. Not
because it was easy, but because it was not; it took grit, leadership, and a shared belief that our
students deserve the very best.
This work was not done alone. It took the support and guidance of strong leaders who believed in
what we were trying to accomplish. Dr. Paul Thompson, TEA Senior School Safety Agent and a
proud graduate of Leverett’s Chapel. Chief Bill Avera, Chief of Police and Emergency Manager
for Jacksonville ISD and Executive Director of the Texas School District Police Chiefs’
Association, shared his experience and helped us navigate the path forward. Jennie Jones and her
office at TCOLE worked alongside us and supported this effort from start to finish. Gregory Stevens, Executive Director of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, for his careful consideration as we worked through each step. Representative Joanne Shofner and her office also played a vital part in our establishment. Each of these individuals made a meaningful impact in helping us reach this point.
A special thank you to our Board of Trustees for their vision and support. And finally, to Chief
Guthrie: thank you for your resolve and dedication to LCISD in ensuring the vision became a
reality.
This is a great day for Leverett’s Chapel ISD.
This is a great day for our students.
This is a great day for our community.
Small school. Big dreams. Bold futures.
Go Lions!
Respectfully,
Matthew L. Everett
Superintendent of Schools
Leverett’s Chapel ISD