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 have
• The VATRE is about local control and financial sustainability
• It'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!