Hereford ISD could face a budget shortfall of $200,000 to $400,000 next year if the VATRE does not pass. Rising inflation and state funding compression mean the district has fewer resources to cover the same costs. Each year, tight budgets require us to carefully manage programs, staff, and resources, and any additional shortfall puts even more at stake.
This potential gap could impact areas across the district, from classroom materials to support programs that help students succeed. While the district will continue to prioritize spending, the reality is that not passing the VATRE would make it even harder to maintain current services and resources. Understanding the numbers and how they affect our schools is important for the community as we plan for the year ahead.
Interested in learning more about our school finances? We are having a public meeting on Monday, October 20th to be fully transparent about our district finances, talk more about the VATRE, and give the community the opportunity to ask questions and get informed. Look at for more information for Hereford Proud Ambassadors!
This potential gap could impact areas across the district, from classroom materials to support programs that help students succeed. While the district will continue to prioritize spending, the reality is that not passing the VATRE would make it even harder to maintain current services and resources. Understanding the numbers and how they affect our schools is important for the community as we plan for the year ahead.
Interested in learning more about our school finances? We are having a public meeting on Monday, October 20th to be fully transparent about our district finances, talk more about the VATRE, and give the community the opportunity to ask questions and get informed. Look at for more information for Hereford Proud Ambassadors!
Our Culinary Arts students participated in the Martha’s Home Fundraiser in Amarillo this weekend, where they served up delicious homemade fudge! We’re proud of their hard work and community spirit.
You’re invited to Hereford Proud Ambassadors on Monday, October 20th, 2025 at 6 PM at the Hereford Civic Center. This night is all about open and transparent conversation about HISD finances. We will share what the district has been spending money on, what it takes to run a school district, and answer any questions you may have.
We will also discuss the upcoming VATRE election and provide clear information so you can understand how it impacts our schools and community. Dinner and childcare will be provided, and this free event is open to everyone so bring a friend or your family. join the conversation and consider becoming a Hereford Proud Ambassador.
Can’t attend in person? No worries! The meeting will be livestreamed, and comments will be open so you can submit your questions and participate online.
Please rsvp to Eden Saenz: edensaenz@herefordisd.net if you are planning to attend the in person event.
We will also discuss the upcoming VATRE election and provide clear information so you can understand how it impacts our schools and community. Dinner and childcare will be provided, and this free event is open to everyone so bring a friend or your family. join the conversation and consider becoming a Hereford Proud Ambassador.
Can’t attend in person? No worries! The meeting will be livestreamed, and comments will be open so you can submit your questions and participate online.
Please rsvp to Eden Saenz: edensaenz@herefordisd.net if you are planning to attend the in person event.
Homeowners age 65 and older are protected by the state’s tax ceiling, which means your school taxes will not increase above your current frozen rate even if the VATRE passes. This ensures that the tax rate for seniors stays the same and does not exceed the state-mandated limit.
To help everyone understand how the VATRE could affect their school taxes, the district website includes a tax calculator. You can enter your information and select the option for homeowners 65 and over to see exactly how the election would impact your school tax. This makes it easy to plan and see the protections in place for senior homeowners.
Visit www.herefordisdvatre.com to try the calculator and get all the details.
To help everyone understand how the VATRE could affect their school taxes, the district website includes a tax calculator. You can enter your information and select the option for homeowners 65 and over to see exactly how the election would impact your school tax. This makes it easy to plan and see the protections in place for senior homeowners.
Visit www.herefordisdvatre.com to try the calculator and get all the details.
Did you know?
If the VATRE passes, it would bring in about 1.9 million dollars each year for Hereford ISD. The best part is that about 71 percent of that money would come from the State of Texas, not local taxpayers.
How does that work?
When a school district passes a VATRE, the state provides additional funding to match local tax dollars. This means most of the new money would come from the state’s education funds already set aside for schools.
Why is this important?
It allows Hereford ISD to access state money to help with things like building maintenance, staff support, and student programs without the community paying for all of it locally.
To learn more, visit www.herefordisdvatre.com
If the VATRE passes, it would bring in about 1.9 million dollars each year for Hereford ISD. The best part is that about 71 percent of that money would come from the State of Texas, not local taxpayers.
How does that work?
When a school district passes a VATRE, the state provides additional funding to match local tax dollars. This means most of the new money would come from the state’s education funds already set aside for schools.
Why is this important?
It allows Hereford ISD to access state money to help with things like building maintenance, staff support, and student programs without the community paying for all of it locally.
To learn more, visit www.herefordisdvatre.com
The Spirit Stick is on the move!
HPA has claimed the stick for October thanks to their amazing school spirit and incredible homecoming float. Tierra Blanca is ready for revenge and the competition is heating up across the other campuses. No matter what, we think they are all #HISDRockstars!
HPA has claimed the stick for October thanks to their amazing school spirit and incredible homecoming float. Tierra Blanca is ready for revenge and the competition is heating up across the other campuses. No matter what, we think they are all #HISDRockstars!
Did you know?.
The upcoming VATRE election would generate approximately $1.9 million per year for Hereford ISD and the state would fund about 71% of that amount.
A VATRE (Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election) is required by the State of Texas for school districts to access certain funds already available through the state. If approved, the additional revenue would help Hereford ISD address maintenance needs, staff support, retention efforts, and other district priorities.
To learn more about the VATRE and to find the tax calculator, visit www.herefordisdvatre.com
The upcoming VATRE election would generate approximately $1.9 million per year for Hereford ISD and the state would fund about 71% of that amount.
A VATRE (Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election) is required by the State of Texas for school districts to access certain funds already available through the state. If approved, the additional revenue would help Hereford ISD address maintenance needs, staff support, retention efforts, and other district priorities.
To learn more about the VATRE and to find the tax calculator, visit www.herefordisdvatre.com
Reminder! There will be an early out this Friday for all campuses and no school on Monday! We hope everyone has a safe and restful weekend.
Hereford High School student Rose Murillo has been awarded the Top Scholarship at the 2025 Mexican American School Board Association Conference for her breathtaking artwork titled “Field of Endless Dreams.”
Her stunning piece was showcased at the conference and admired by attendees from across the nation. Rose’s incredible talent, creativity, and dedication have earned her this prestigious recognition and award.
She will also be recognized at the upcoming Hereford ISD Board Meeting for her outstanding achievement. Rose was one of several HHS students who submitted artwork for this competition. We are so proud of the talented students we have at HISD!
Her stunning piece was showcased at the conference and admired by attendees from across the nation. Rose’s incredible talent, creativity, and dedication have earned her this prestigious recognition and award.
She will also be recognized at the upcoming Hereford ISD Board Meeting for her outstanding achievement. Rose was one of several HHS students who submitted artwork for this competition. We are so proud of the talented students we have at HISD!
Our littles are having great time learning about our local emergency departments! Thank you Hereford Fire Department and HRMC EMS for coming out to Tierra Blanca!
The VATRE Website is LIVE! If you want to know more about the upcoming VATRE Election, you can check out the website at www.herefordisdvatre.com. This website also houses a tax calculator where you can go find out how much the VATRE will affect your taxes if you are a homeowner!
#HISDVATRE
#HISDVATRE
The deadline to register to vote for the upcoming election is October 6. Make sure your registration is up to date and be ready to share your voice by visiting https://www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/
On November 4, Hereford ISD will hold a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE). This election lets voters decide whether the district can adjust its Maintenance and Operations tax rate. The results will directly impact district resources, including teacher support, classroom materials, and student programs.
For more information, visit https://www.herefordisd.net/o/hisd/page/vatre-election-2025 or contact Dr. Carter at ralphcarter@herefordisd.net.
For more information, visit https://www.herefordisd.net/o/hisd/page/vatre-election-2025 or contact Dr. Carter at ralphcarter@herefordisd.net.
Our September HISD Rockstar is Patrick Morrow. If you have been to the varsity gyms at HJH, you have probably seen Mr. Morrow cheering on the Herd at every sport. What you may not always notice, but certainly benefit from, is the pride he takes in keeping our facilities in top shape.
The gyms are always spotless, the floors polished to a shine, and every single chair lined up with care. That is thanks to Mr. Morrow’s dedication. He does not look for recognition. Instead, he simply wants to ensure that our students and guests have the best experience possible.
After every home game you can still find him working, picking up leftover trash and making sure everything is put back in order. He is often one of the last people to leave the building. His work ethic, humility, and pride in being part of Hereford ISD make him the perfect example of a Rockstar.
Mr. Morrow has been with the district since 2018 and his commitment has never wavered. Please join us in thanking him for all the hard work he does to support our students, staff, and community.
#HerdProud | #HISDRockstars
The gyms are always spotless, the floors polished to a shine, and every single chair lined up with care. That is thanks to Mr. Morrow’s dedication. He does not look for recognition. Instead, he simply wants to ensure that our students and guests have the best experience possible.
After every home game you can still find him working, picking up leftover trash and making sure everything is put back in order. He is often one of the last people to leave the building. His work ethic, humility, and pride in being part of Hereford ISD make him the perfect example of a Rockstar.
Mr. Morrow has been with the district since 2018 and his commitment has never wavered. Please join us in thanking him for all the hard work he does to support our students, staff, and community.
#HerdProud | #HISDRockstars
Our After School Programs are already full of fun and creativity this year! From Lego challenges and pickleball to art, writing practice, and so much more, there’s something for everyone. It’s not too late to join! Visit https://www.herefordisd.net/page/herd-round-up
for details
for details
You're invited to Hereford Proud Ambassadors on Monday, October 20th, 2025 at 6 PM at the Hereford Civic Center. We will be discussing HISD Finances and the upcoming VATRE election. Dinner and childcare will be provided. This free event is open to everyone so bring a friend, bring your family, and join the conversation!
Reminder, this Friday will be a half day of school for all HISD campuses. Please check your campus release times and make any necessary transportation arrangements. Thank you for helping us ensure a smooth and safe dismissal!
Want to get more involved with HISD? 🌟 Join our School Health Advisory Committee! Help plan wellness events, have a voice in school health policy, and play a part in increasing parent engagement across the district. Our next meeting is September 23rd at 8:30 AM at the Hereford Civic Center. For more info, email Bena Glasscock at benaglasscock@herefordisd.net
✨ 32 Aikman Eagle 4th and 5th graders proudly joined students from across the region to sing the Star-Spangled Banner and open the Amarillo Symphony’s Symphony Under the Stars concert! 🌟🎶
🇺🇸 HCAL and the Daycare came together to honor 9/11 with a heartfelt flag ceremony. Students watched as the flags were raised and lowered to half-staff, followed by pledges, a moment of silence, and the national anthem. A powerful reminder of the significance of this day. ❤️🤍💙
