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 schools
• Open parking at Hereford High School
• New principals, assistant principals, and counselors
• Schedule changes at HPA & Junior High
• The new Herd Roundup after-school program
• What campus leaders are most excited for this year
• Important 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 schools
• Why your vote matters more than ever
• Special considerations for seniors and ag-exempt properties
• How the community can stay informed

Be 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 too

Available on all major podcast platforms.