HISD Unscripted

Episode 19 of HISD Unscripted features Hereford ISD’s curriculum team in a conversation about accountability, instruction, classroom progress, and the work being done every day to support students and teachers.Kara Esquivel is joined by Chris Norton, Jennifer Jolly, and Tessa Stow to break down what accountability ratings actually mean, why state assessments have become increasingly rigorous, and how the district is focusing on student growth while continuing to raise expectations.The episode also explores classroom innovation, technology use, teacher support, AI in education, and the importance of community partnership in helping students succeed.It’s an encouraging and informative look at the heart of teaching and learning in Hereford ISD.

In Episode 18 of HISD Unscripted, Dr. Ralph Carter and Kara Esquivel address community questions and clarify ongoing discussions about Hereford ISD facilities, school finance, and long-range planning.At the time of this recording, the Board has not called for a bond and no final decisions have been made. This episode is part of an informational effort to share facts from public meetings and Facilities Committee discussions.They recap the 2025 VATRE and how tax compression affected revenue, explain how those funds are being used for staff support and retention, and discuss why facility needs are being talked about now. The conversation also covers ongoing issues at the current high school, why renovation is complex, how bond funds are issued and repaid, and the work underway to improve district accountability.The next Board meeting is February 12 at 6:00 PM at the Administration Building and is open to the public.

HISD Unscripted returns for 2026 with Episode 17, focused on a major topic in Hereford: the future of Hereford High School.Host Kara Esquivel is joined by Dr. Ralph Carter and Gallagher Construction representatives Chad Jones and Rob Sidebottom for an informational conversation about current facility challenges, long-term planning, and what it takes to explore options responsibly.Important: Hereford ISD has not called for a bond. This episode is simply part of the district’s effort to have open conversations, provide facts, answer questions, and involve the community..Topics include the age and condition of the existing high school, why certain repairs still must happen while students are there, how school funding differs between M&O and I&S, and early community survey results.To learn more or get involved with future conversations, contact Kara Esquivel at [email protected].

Kara Esquivel and Kyla Kenworthy discuss Hereford ISD’s mental-health and prevention efforts through the Stronger Connections and Youth Prevention Universal grants. The episode covers crisis counseling, early intervention, vaping awareness, parent-education nights, monthly meetings, and how counselors support students alongside campus counselors. Kyla also explains how community organizations can request presentations and how donations help meet student needs like snacks, supplies, and clothing.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Facebook!

Now that Hereford ISD’s VATRE (“Vader”) has passed, what happens next? In this episode, Kara Esquivel and Superintendent Dr. Ralph Carter walk through the next steps: staff surveys on how to use the new funds, possible approaches to compensation, the idea of a community oversight committee, and long-term facility planning, including the needs at Hereford High School and the impact of rising construction costs. They also revisit state funding “compression” and emphasize ongoing transparency and opportunities for community questions.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Facebook!

Host Kara Esquivel talks with HISD Board President Brandy Murillo and Superintendent Dr. Ralph Carter about the district’s VATRE. The conversation covers how VATRE revenue supports the M&O budget, district priorities such as academics and campus maintenance, and examples of needs discussed by the guests—including HVAC, technology, safety, tutoring, and CTE programs. The episode also references a public website with a tax impact calculator and FAQ at https://herefordisdvatre.com/ and mentions the counties included in the discussion.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Facebook!

HISD Unscripted features a conversation with David Faltys, Financial Advisor with Government Capital Securities and retired superintendent, about the district’s VATRE.The episode explains how ballot language is calculated, how current-year school finance formulas may differ from that calculation, the projected revenue associated with three golden pennies, and how state aid factors into those projections. The conversation also notes a planned district tax impact calculator for individual estimates and references statewide propositions related to homestead exemptions.Listeners are directed to district materials and county election authorities for official information.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Facebook!

With just one week to go before the 2025–2026 school year, HISD Unscripted sits down with administrators from across Hereford ISD to share what’s new, what’s changing, and what parents and students need to know.This episode covers:House Bill 1418 and the new statewide cell phone ban in schoolsOpen parking at Hereford High SchoolNew principals, assistant principals, and counselorsSchedule changes at HPA & Junior HighThe new Herd Roundup after-school programWhat campus leaders are most excited for this yearImportant registration and socioeconomic form reminders🎙 HISD Unscripted — real conversations, real people, real Hereford ISD.

On this episode of HISD Unscripted, host Kara Esquivel is joined by Chad Jones (Gallagher Construction), David Faltys (Government Capital Securities), and Robb Sidebottom (Gallagher Construction) to explain the upcoming Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE). They break down school finance, tax compression, staff salary challenges, and how Hereford ISD can benefit from this election—without raising taxes for many in our community.Topics covered:What VATRE is and how it supports schoolsWhy your vote matters more than everSpecial considerations for seniors and ag-exempt propertiesHow the community can stay informedBe sure to subscribe, share, and stay engaged as we continue to share what’s happening in Hereford ISD.#HISDUnscripted #VATRE #SchoolFinance #HerefordISD #EducationMatters

New Law. Big Changes. Let’s Talk About It. Episode 10 of HISD Unscripted is here, and this one’s all about Texas House Bill 1481—the new law banning student cell phone use in public schools.Dr. Carter and HHS Principal Cuca Alonzo walk us through what this means for Hereford ISD. From what’s banned to how it’ll be enforced and what exceptions exist, this episode is packed with important info for families, staff, and students.✅ When the law takes effect ✅ Exceptions for medical or special needs ✅ What happens if a student violates the rule ✅ How HISD is preparing—and how parents can tooAvailable on all major podcast platforms.

In this week’s episode of HISD Unscripted, Superintendent Dr. Carter and hosts Kara and Adam continue the conversation on the Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE)—what it is, how it impacts our district, and why it’s critical for Hereford ISD’s future.🔍 Topics Covered:✅ What is a VATRE? A refresher on what it means and how it allows districts to recapture funding through local voter approval.✅ Tax Rate Breakdown & History Dr. Carter explains how our M&O rate has been compressed since 2018—and what that means for HISD's funding and long-term planning.✅ Why a VATRE Matters Now • Sustaining vital programs • Providing competitive staff salaries • Managing the impact of rising homestead exemptions and unfunded mandates✅ How Funds Would Be Used • Supporting new programs like the HISD Staff Daycare • Maintaining CTE pathways and adding more student offerings • Helping retain and recruit staff through competitive compensation✅ A Strategic Move, Not Just a Temporary Fix • The VATRE allows HISD to capture up to 12 cents, which can be used gradually over time • These funds cannot be taken away once approved by voters✅ Upcoming Community Involvement A committee is forming on July 10 at 6 PM to help advocate, ask tough questions, and prepare voters with accurate information.📢 Key Takeaways:HISD is not asking for more—we’re asking to preserve what we haveThe VATRE is about local control and financial sustainabilityIt's a long-term plan to keep HISD strong for students, staff, and the entire community💬 Get Involved:Have questions? Want to join the July 10 committee or learn more?📧 Email: [email protected] 📲 Message us on Facebook or your favorite platform 🌐 Info page coming soon!

Episode 8 of HISD Unscripted is now live! You’ve probably heard the buzz—and it’s true! Hereford ISD is launching a staff daycare, and in this episode, we’re sharing how it all came together.We’re joined by Dr. Ramon Garza and Esmeralda Guzman to talk about the planning, the purpose, and the impact this will have—especially when it comes to supporting our staff and students who may have caregiving responsibilities.From helping with teacher recruitment and retention to providing them with much-needed support within our district, this is a major step forward for our Hereford ISD family.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Facebook!

Episode 7 of HISD Unscripted is out now! This week, we’re joined by Bennie Gonzalez and Vanessa Gonzalez from WT Services, one of Hereford ISD’s longest-standing community partners.We talk about the history of WT Services, how they stepped up during the pandemic to support students and staff, and the continued impact they have on our district today—from providing free WiFi at Whiteface Stadium to annual scholarships for HHS seniors.And don’t miss the scoop on the newest project: 📺 The Herd Channel—Channel 200 on WT Services cable—is now live, bringing HISD content straight to your TV!🎧 Tune in on all major podcast platforms and YouTube to hear how local partnerships are making a big difference.

Episode 6 of HISD Unscripted is live! This week, we’re serving up a conversation all about student nutrition and community support! 🍽️We’re joined by Karen Esquivel, Director of Child Nutrition, and Candy Greening, Senior GM of Food Services, as they give us the inside scoop on the Summer Feeding Program—where it will be offered, what times, and who it’s for.PLUS: Kara Esquivel drops an exciting announcement—Snack Pak 4 Kids is back for the 2025-2026 school year! AND there’s a brand-new opportunity for Hereford families you won’t want to miss. 👀📍 For more info on the Summer Feeding Program, visit: 👉 herefordisd.net/page/food-services 🧃 Click on the “Summer Food Program” link 🍽️ Additional resources: squaremeals.org or just dial 2-1-1🎧 Tune in now on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Facebook!

Episode 5 of HISD Unscripted is here! This week we’re talking about student health, family fun, and how our community comes together to support both.We sit down with Bena Glasscock and Amalia Mata to learn more about S.H.A.C. (School Health Advisory Committee)—what it is, why it matters, and the role it plays in promoting wellness in our schools.Then we spotlight two exciting events coming up: the Family 5K Fun Walk/Run and the Community Fair—great opportunities to get active, get involved, and support our students.👕 Want a Family 5K T-shirt? Order here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesTR-1iGQobzYDTp-357QLMDjwTAmpO0BAcmBrCU8s-BJG9w/viewform🤝 Want to sponsor or participate as a business or organization? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmGu200TEKR2pWs8JcFdNuroJlXzy08Fbj58IYc8mdW-GX9Q/viewform🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Facebook!#HISDUnscripted #HerefordISD #SHAC #Family5K #CommunityFair #GoHerd

Episode 4 of HISD Unscripted is now live! This week, we’re talking about a challenge that affects every public school in Texas—unfunded mandates.We’re joined by Danielle Bartels, CFO of Hereford ISD, and Superintendent Dr. Ralph Carter as they break down what unfunded mandates are, how they impact our district financially, and why this matters to parents, staff, and the community.It’s a tough conversation—but an important one.🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms and YouTube. 📩 Have thoughts or questions? Email us at [email protected] or message us directly.

🎙️ Episode 3 of HISD Unscripted is now live! This week, we’re shining a light on an incredible partnership between CTE at Hereford ISD and Whiteface Ford.We sit down with Bena Glasscock and Jon Galland to talk about how this collaboration is giving students real-world experience through internships—and even leading to full-time jobs right out of high school.It’s all about opportunity, workforce readiness, and building strong community ties.🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Facebook! 📩 Got questions or ideas? Email us at [email protected] or message us anytime.#HISDUnscripted #HerefordISD #CTEWorks #StudentSuccess #CommunityPartners #GoHerd

Episode 2 of HISD Unscripted is live! This week, we’re talking about student attendance—how it impacts district funding and why it matters for students' long-term success. Every day counts. 📚 Let’s work together to help our students thrive! Got questions, concerns, or suggestions? We want to hear from you! 📧 Email us at [email protected] or message us on any of our platforms. 🎧 Catch the episode on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Facebook, YouTube, and right here on rss.com.

In this debut episode of HISD Unscripted, we’re breaking down the VATRE (Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election)—what it is, why it matters, and how it impacts Hereford ISD. We’ll discuss the key points you need to know and why staying informed is so important for our schools and community. This is just the beginning of the conversation, with more discussions to come in future episodes.Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the conversation!