HISD Unscripted

Hereford ISD
  • 5.0 (3)
  • EDUCATION

Welcome to HISD Unscripted! Go beyond the classroom and into the heart of Hereford ISD with HISD Unscripted—the official podcast for all things Hereford ISD! From inspiring student and staff stories to in-depth conversations about academics and community impact, this is where real stories meet real conversations. What to Expect: Exclusive interviews with students, educators, and community leaders Insightful discussions on education, innovation, and student success Behind-the-scenes access to Hereford ISD events and initiatives A deeper look at the people and programs shaping the future of HISDJoin us as we bring authentic, unscripted conversations to life—because HISD is more than a district; it's a community. Subscribe now and be part of the story!

  1. HISD Unscripted | Ep. 14 – Understanding VATRE Priorities and Community Questions

    3D AGO

    HISD Unscripted | Ep. 14 – Understanding VATRE Priorities and Community Questions

    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!

    29 min

  2. OCT 1

    HISD Unscripted | Ep. 13 – Understanding the VATRE Ballot Language

    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!

    16 min
  3. HISD Unscripted | Ep. 12 - Back to School 2025: Big Changes, New Faces, and What You Need to Know

    AUG 11

    HISD Unscripted | Ep. 12 - Back to School 2025: Big Changes, New Faces, and What You Need to Know

    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.

    29 min
  4. Episode 11 – Understanding the VATRE: What It Means for Hereford ISD

    JUL 19

    Episode 11 – Understanding the VATRE: What It Means for 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

    16 min
  5. HISD Unscripted | Ep. 10 – Phones Down: What Texas’ New Cell Phone Law Means for Schools

    JUL 3

    HISD Unscripted | Ep. 10 – Phones Down: What Texas’ New Cell Phone Law Means for Schools

    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.

    21 min
  6. HISD Unscripted | Ep. 9 - Beyond the Ballot: What the VATRE Means for Hereford ISD

    JUN 27

    HISD Unscripted | Ep. 9 - Beyond the Ballot: What the VATRE Means for Hereford ISD

    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: hisdmedia@herefordisd.net 📲 Message us on Facebook or your favorite platform 🌐 Info page coming soon!

    19 min
  7. HISD Unscripted | Ep. 8: Caring for Our Own: The Story Behind HISD’s New Daycare

    JUN 23

    HISD Unscripted | Ep. 8: Caring for Our Own: The Story Behind HISD’s New Daycare

    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!

    20 min
  8. HISD Unscripted | Ep. 7: How WT Services is Helping HISD Stay Connected

    MAY 15

    HISD Unscripted | Ep. 7: How WT Services is Helping HISD Stay Connected

    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.

    17 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to HISD Unscripted! Go beyond the classroom and into the heart of Hereford ISD with HISD Unscripted—the official podcast for all things Hereford ISD! From inspiring student and staff stories to in-depth conversations about academics and community impact, this is where real stories meet real conversations. What to Expect: Exclusive interviews with students, educators, and community leaders Insightful discussions on education, innovation, and student success Behind-the-scenes access to Hereford ISD events and initiatives A deeper look at the people and programs shaping the future of HISDJoin us as we bring authentic, unscripted conversations to life—because HISD is more than a district; it's a community. Subscribe now and be part of the story!

Information

  • Creator
    Hereford ISD
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Hereford ISD 2025
  • Show Website
    HISD Unscripted