Big news from our choir program! 🎶👏
Our students earned Sweepstakes at the UIL Concert & Sight Reading Evaluation, the first time in school history that our program has received this honor at any level!
This achievement is even more impressive considering the challenges they faced this year, including schedule changes and limited rehearsal time. Through it all, these students stayed committed and delivered a performance they can be incredibly proud of.
We are so proud of their hard work and dedication, and we appreciate the continued support of our fine arts programs.
#HerdProud #hisdrockstars
Our students earned Sweepstakes at the UIL Concert & Sight Reading Evaluation, the first time in school history that our program has received this honor at any level!
This achievement is even more impressive considering the challenges they faced this year, including schedule changes and limited rehearsal time. Through it all, these students stayed committed and delivered a performance they can be incredibly proud of.
We are so proud of their hard work and dedication, and we appreciate the continued support of our fine arts programs.
#HerdProud #hisdrockstars



What is a Homestead Exemption and how does it work ?
A homestead exemption is a property tax benefit that lowers the taxable value of your primary home, which can reduce how much you pay in property taxes.
Where do I go to apply or check mine?
In Hereford, you’ll go through the Deaf Smith County Appraisal District.
You can apply, check your status, or download forms online or in person:
140 E. 3rd St., Hereford, TX
Or visit: www.deafsmithcad.org
What are the exemption amounts?
Standard Homestead = $140,000
Age 65+ or Disabled = $200,000 plus a tax ceiling (freeze) on school taxes
Who qualifies?
You must own and live in the home as your primary residence
Additional exemptions may apply for seniors, disabled individuals, or veterans
Applying is free
Once approved, it usually stays in place as long as you live in the home
It can also limit how much your home’s taxable value increases each year
If you own your home, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check, you could already qualify and not even know it!
A homestead exemption is a property tax benefit that lowers the taxable value of your primary home, which can reduce how much you pay in property taxes.
Where do I go to apply or check mine?
In Hereford, you’ll go through the Deaf Smith County Appraisal District.
You can apply, check your status, or download forms online or in person:
140 E. 3rd St., Hereford, TX
Or visit: www.deafsmithcad.org
What are the exemption amounts?
Standard Homestead = $140,000
Age 65+ or Disabled = $200,000 plus a tax ceiling (freeze) on school taxes
Who qualifies?
You must own and live in the home as your primary residence
Additional exemptions may apply for seniors, disabled individuals, or veterans
Applying is free
Once approved, it usually stays in place as long as you live in the home
It can also limit how much your home’s taxable value increases each year
If you own your home, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check, you could already qualify and not even know it!


The Spirit Stick has made its way over to HCAL! 🎉
Talk about a campus full of school spirit. The halls have been decked out in full rockstar fashion since before the first bell rang! 🎸⭐
Our students and staff are true rockstars, working hard, completing their programs, with many of them getting ready to walk the stage in May.
Congratulations, HCAL! 👏
#hisdrockstars #HerdProud
Talk about a campus full of school spirit. The halls have been decked out in full rockstar fashion since before the first bell rang! 🎸⭐
Our students and staff are true rockstars, working hard, completing their programs, with many of them getting ready to walk the stage in May.
Congratulations, HCAL! 👏
#hisdrockstars #HerdProud
Town Hall meetings about the bond are coming soon!
Join us on April 7 and April 20 for an opportunity to hear a detailed breakdown of the bond and ask questions.
📍 Hereford Civic Center
🍽 Meal provided at 5:30 PM
🕕 Meeting begins at 6:00 PM
To help us plan for food, please RSVP to karaesquivel@herefordisd.net
Both meetings will be livestreamed, and we will share the link closer to the dates.
#HISDBond2026
Join us on April 7 and April 20 for an opportunity to hear a detailed breakdown of the bond and ask questions.
📍 Hereford Civic Center
🍽 Meal provided at 5:30 PM
🕕 Meeting begins at 6:00 PM
To help us plan for food, please RSVP to karaesquivel@herefordisd.net
Both meetings will be livestreamed, and we will share the link closer to the dates.
#HISDBond2026


The HISD Bond website is officially LIVE! 🎉
You can now find everything in one place, including project details, FAQs, and an important tax calculator to see how it may impact you.
Reminder: homeowners age 65+ with a homestead exemption will not see a tax increase due to the state cap.
Visit 👉 herefordisdbond.com to learn more.
You can now find everything in one place, including project details, FAQs, and an important tax calculator to see how it may impact you.
Reminder: homeowners age 65+ with a homestead exemption will not see a tax increase due to the state cap.
Visit 👉 herefordisdbond.com to learn more.


You may have seen that the HISD Board of Trustees called a school bond election following a recommendation from the HISD Facilities Committee, but what is a school bond?
A school bond is funding approved by voters that helps school districts construct new buildings, expand existing campuses, and improve facilities to support student learning.
#HISDBond2026
A school bond is funding approved by voters that helps school districts construct new buildings, expand existing campuses, and improve facilities to support student learning.
#HISDBond2026


We’re BACK from Spring Break and rolling into the week with some BIG wins! 🚌🎉
Shoutout to our amazing bus drivers Lucia Marquez, Esther Aguellon, Amanda Cisneros, and Teresa Aguellon for representing us at the PAPT Bus Road-eo in Canyon! And a huge thank you to bus aide Josh Torres for stepping up to volunteer
🥇 Lucia Marquez took 1st place
🥈 Esther Aguellon earned 2nd place
Both are headed to STATE on April 25 in Houston… let’s go!!!
We are so proud of this team for driving excellence every single day. Welcome back, and let’s have a great week!
Shoutout to our amazing bus drivers Lucia Marquez, Esther Aguellon, Amanda Cisneros, and Teresa Aguellon for representing us at the PAPT Bus Road-eo in Canyon! And a huge thank you to bus aide Josh Torres for stepping up to volunteer
🥇 Lucia Marquez took 1st place
🥈 Esther Aguellon earned 2nd place
Both are headed to STATE on April 25 in Houston… let’s go!!!
We are so proud of this team for driving excellence every single day. Welcome back, and let’s have a great week!


☀️🌴 Spring Break is here! 🌴☀️
Just a reminder that Hereford ISD will be on Spring Break March 16–20. We hope our students, staff, and families enjoy a week of rest, fun, and making great memories.
Have a safe and relaxing break, and we’ll see everyone back soon! 😎🌼
Just a reminder that Hereford ISD will be on Spring Break March 16–20. We hope our students, staff, and families enjoy a week of rest, fun, and making great memories.
Have a safe and relaxing break, and we’ll see everyone back soon! 😎🌼

Hereford ISD’s School Board has called for a $150 million bond for the May 2026 election. This bond will fund the construction of a new high school, install safe rooms at every campus, and demolish Stanton to make room for field relocation.
This proposal is the result of months of community collaboration through the Facility Planning Committee, which included citizens, city leaders, board members, teachers, and parents. The Committee collected data, evaluated needs, and planned to put together a bond package that addresses priorities determined to be the most critical by the Committee.
The Facility Planning Committee’s final report was presented to the Board, and after careful review, the following items will be included in the bond referendum for Hereford ISD citizens to vote on:
Bond Referendum Proposes to Focus on:
-Construction of a new high school
-Safe rooms for every campus
-Demolition of Stanton and relocation of fields
The District’s financial advisor has determined that financing $150 million in bonds would result in a 35¢ projected tax rate impact. More information, including details on how this could affect you, will be available on the District’s website.
We encourage every citizen to be informed about the bond. Your voice matters, and it’s important to ask questions and participate in the process. Remind your friends, neighbors, and family to stay involved. Early voting begins April 20, with Election Day on May 2, 2026.
Additional resources, including a tax-impact calculator, will be posted on the District’s website to help property owners understand exactly how the bond will affect them.
This proposal is the result of months of community collaboration through the Facility Planning Committee, which included citizens, city leaders, board members, teachers, and parents. The Committee collected data, evaluated needs, and planned to put together a bond package that addresses priorities determined to be the most critical by the Committee.
The Facility Planning Committee’s final report was presented to the Board, and after careful review, the following items will be included in the bond referendum for Hereford ISD citizens to vote on:
Bond Referendum Proposes to Focus on:
-Construction of a new high school
-Safe rooms for every campus
-Demolition of Stanton and relocation of fields
The District’s financial advisor has determined that financing $150 million in bonds would result in a 35¢ projected tax rate impact. More information, including details on how this could affect you, will be available on the District’s website.
We encourage every citizen to be informed about the bond. Your voice matters, and it’s important to ask questions and participate in the process. Remind your friends, neighbors, and family to stay involved. Early voting begins April 20, with Election Day on May 2, 2026.
Additional resources, including a tax-impact calculator, will be posted on the District’s website to help property owners understand exactly how the bond will affect them.

Huge congratulations to this incredible group of students! 🎓✨
Each of these students has earned over 15 hours of Dual Credit and is now on track to receive a FREE associate degree through Amarillo College as part of the very first cohort selected for Badger Bound!
So what is Badger Bound? It is an amazing scholarship opportunity that covers tuition, books, and required materials, allowing students to earn a FREE associate degree or up to 45 credit hours.
We are so proud of these trailblazers who are setting the standard for future classes:
Adriel Alvarez
Audrina Alvarez
Evelyn Alvarez
Zackery Burkhalter
Victoria Castro
Marlee Cruz
Jose De Luna Brizuela
Izak Dominguez
Melany Dominguez
Jacquelin Enriquez
Alyson Fernandez Morales
Adda Flores
Jaslin Gonzalez Rodriguez
Johan Grotegut
Josef Grotegut
Mikhael Ceasar Lim
Jacquelin Macias
Eduardo Martinez
Natalie Martinez
Daniel Moreno
Rose Murillo Cota
Dayami Naranjo
Yaretzi Pacheco
Daksh Patel
Kalub Ramirez
Ava Reyes
Brianna Rodriguez
Carlos Rodriguez
Luz Rodriguez
Rosalia Salas
Jorge Salazar
Keziah Salinas
Jesus San Miguel
Sandra Sebastian Gaspar
Melanie Soto
Araceli Toscano
Leonardo Tovar
David Varela
Marissol Villeda
Valerie Vitela
#HerdProud
Each of these students has earned over 15 hours of Dual Credit and is now on track to receive a FREE associate degree through Amarillo College as part of the very first cohort selected for Badger Bound!
So what is Badger Bound? It is an amazing scholarship opportunity that covers tuition, books, and required materials, allowing students to earn a FREE associate degree or up to 45 credit hours.
We are so proud of these trailblazers who are setting the standard for future classes:
Adriel Alvarez
Audrina Alvarez
Evelyn Alvarez
Zackery Burkhalter
Victoria Castro
Marlee Cruz
Jose De Luna Brizuela
Izak Dominguez
Melany Dominguez
Jacquelin Enriquez
Alyson Fernandez Morales
Adda Flores
Jaslin Gonzalez Rodriguez
Johan Grotegut
Josef Grotegut
Mikhael Ceasar Lim
Jacquelin Macias
Eduardo Martinez
Natalie Martinez
Daniel Moreno
Rose Murillo Cota
Dayami Naranjo
Yaretzi Pacheco
Daksh Patel
Kalub Ramirez
Ava Reyes
Brianna Rodriguez
Carlos Rodriguez
Luz Rodriguez
Rosalia Salas
Jorge Salazar
Keziah Salinas
Jesus San Miguel
Sandra Sebastian Gaspar
Melanie Soto
Araceli Toscano
Leonardo Tovar
David Varela
Marissol Villeda
Valerie Vitela
#HerdProud

The HISD Board of Trustees officially approved “Calendar B” at Monday night’s board meeting for the 2026–2027 school year.
Calendar B received the majority vote in both the staff and community surveys. We appreciate everyone who took the time to provide feedback and be part of the process. Your input matters!
Calendar B received the majority vote in both the staff and community surveys. We appreciate everyone who took the time to provide feedback and be part of the process. Your input matters!


Big time results in Dallas! 🔥🛠
Our welding students competed at Universal Technical Institute and showed out in a big way! 💪
🏆 1st Place – Kevin Garcia | $7,000 scholarship
🏅 5th Place – Emiliano Garcia | $2,000 scholarship
🏅 7th Place – Diego Gonzalez | $2,000 scholarship
We are incredibly proud of these students for representing our program with skill, focus, and determination. Hard work pays off, and this team proved it! 👏🔥
Our welding students competed at Universal Technical Institute and showed out in a big way! 💪
🏆 1st Place – Kevin Garcia | $7,000 scholarship
🏅 5th Place – Emiliano Garcia | $2,000 scholarship
🏅 7th Place – Diego Gonzalez | $2,000 scholarship
We are incredibly proud of these students for representing our program with skill, focus, and determination. Hard work pays off, and this team proved it! 👏🔥



Parents and Guardians,
This is a friendly reminder that school will be in session next Monday, March 2nd. The original staff development day was moved to the fall semester to account for mandatory training requirements.
Please make plans for your student to attend. You can view the updated school calendar at herefordisd.net. Have a great day!
This is a friendly reminder that school will be in session next Monday, March 2nd. The original staff development day was moved to the fall semester to account for mandatory training requirements.
Please make plans for your student to attend. You can view the updated school calendar at herefordisd.net. Have a great day!
Following our commitment to transparency, we want to show you exactly where the VATRE funds have gone, down to the penny.
After the VATRE passed in November 2025, the district received $1.5 million, with the majority of those funds coming from the state. This amount was less than the originally projected $1.9 million due to the tax rate already being compressed by the state.
To date, the district has spent $679,681.08 on retention stipends, providing $1,000 to every staff member except the Superintendent.
The remaining balance is $820,318.92. Possible future uses of these funds include an additional retention stipend for returning staff in August 2026 and potentially increasing base salaries for our lowest paid staff.
We are incredibly grateful to our community for voting FOR this VATRE. These funds are allowing us to give back to the staff members who are truly the backbone of our district.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Superintendent Dr. Carter at ralphcarter@herefordisd.net.
After the VATRE passed in November 2025, the district received $1.5 million, with the majority of those funds coming from the state. This amount was less than the originally projected $1.9 million due to the tax rate already being compressed by the state.
To date, the district has spent $679,681.08 on retention stipends, providing $1,000 to every staff member except the Superintendent.
The remaining balance is $820,318.92. Possible future uses of these funds include an additional retention stipend for returning staff in August 2026 and potentially increasing base salaries for our lowest paid staff.
We are incredibly grateful to our community for voting FOR this VATRE. These funds are allowing us to give back to the staff members who are truly the backbone of our district.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Superintendent Dr. Carter at ralphcarter@herefordisd.net.


Happy School Counselor Appreciation Week! 💛✨
School counselors are the heart of our campuses and the ultimate student cheerleaders 📣
They help students discover their abilities, strengths, interests and talents 🌟
They partner with parents as they navigate the challenges of raising kids in today’s world 🤝
They focus on building strong academic, career and social emotional skills 📚💭
And they work alongside teachers and staff to create a school environment where students can dream big, set healthy goals and believe in themselves 💫
We are so thankful for the compassion, guidance and encouragement our counselors give every single day. Thank you for helping our students grow into their best selves 💙
School counselors are the heart of our campuses and the ultimate student cheerleaders 📣
They help students discover their abilities, strengths, interests and talents 🌟
They partner with parents as they navigate the challenges of raising kids in today’s world 🤝
They focus on building strong academic, career and social emotional skills 📚💭
And they work alongside teachers and staff to create a school environment where students can dream big, set healthy goals and believe in themselves 💫
We are so thankful for the compassion, guidance and encouragement our counselors give every single day. Thank you for helping our students grow into their best selves 💙

⭐ District Rockstar Spotlight ⭐
Our next District Rockstar is our athletic trainer, Sarah Baulch, and if you know her, this one’s no surprise.
Sarah is always going the extra mile for our students. She’s in the athletic training room before the sun comes up, helping kids get ready for the day, working through injuries, setting up ice baths, and doing whatever needs to be done before heading off to teach her kinesiology classes at the high school.
She’s even started a podcast with her students all about sports medicine and kinesiology, giving them real world experience and a behind the scenes look at the field. Sarah also pushes her students to compete in national sports medicine competitions, where they continue to earn recognition year after year.
And when the school day ends, Sarah’s day is far from over. You’ll find her right back at the fieldhouse or on the sidelines taking care of our athletes, making sure they’re healthy, safe, and ready to go. She’s the biggest supporter on the sidelines and truly cares about every single one of our students she works with.
Sarah is the true definition of a Rockstar, and we’re proud to recognize her this month.
Thank you, Sarah, for everything you do! 🌟
Our next District Rockstar is our athletic trainer, Sarah Baulch, and if you know her, this one’s no surprise.
Sarah is always going the extra mile for our students. She’s in the athletic training room before the sun comes up, helping kids get ready for the day, working through injuries, setting up ice baths, and doing whatever needs to be done before heading off to teach her kinesiology classes at the high school.
She’s even started a podcast with her students all about sports medicine and kinesiology, giving them real world experience and a behind the scenes look at the field. Sarah also pushes her students to compete in national sports medicine competitions, where they continue to earn recognition year after year.
And when the school day ends, Sarah’s day is far from over. You’ll find her right back at the fieldhouse or on the sidelines taking care of our athletes, making sure they’re healthy, safe, and ready to go. She’s the biggest supporter on the sidelines and truly cares about every single one of our students she works with.
Sarah is the true definition of a Rockstar, and we’re proud to recognize her this month.
Thank you, Sarah, for everything you do! 🌟



Out of an abundance of caution and due to the extreme cold expected tomorrow, Hereford ISD will not have school.
Wind chills are forecasted to be in the single digits, and road conditions remain slick and are expected to stay slippery throughout the night. We are also mindful of heating limitations at our high school campus. Additionally, many of our staff members commute from out of town, and ensuring the safety of both our students and staff is always our top priority.
We appreciate your understanding as we make decisions with the well-being of our school community in mind. Please take precautions during this extreme weather, stay safe, and stay warm.


Weather Closure Notice
Out of an abundance of caution due to the winter storm warning, including the threat of freezing rain and expected snowfall, there will be no school tomorrow, Friday, January 23, 2026.
District staff will continue to monitor weather conditions, road safety, and campus parking lots throughout the weekend. Based on snowfall amounts and overall conditions, a decision regarding school on Monday will be communicated by Sunday afternoon.
Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.
Out of an abundance of caution due to the winter storm warning, including the threat of freezing rain and expected snowfall, there will be no school tomorrow, Friday, January 23, 2026.
District staff will continue to monitor weather conditions, road safety, and campus parking lots throughout the weekend. Based on snowfall amounts and overall conditions, a decision regarding school on Monday will be communicated by Sunday afternoon.
Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.


📣 Facilities Committee Meeting Reminder
Tomorrow, January 22, we will be hosting a Facilities Committee meeting at the HISD Administration Building. A meal will be provided at 5:30 pm, and the meeting will begin promptly at 6:00 pm.
This meeting is extremely important as it will help determine whether or not we move forward with a potential school bond. We will be presenting estimated costs and financial information and taking an in depth look at the current condition of our high school.
We are needing input from our families, community members, business owners, taxpayers, and staff. No matter how you feel, whether you are for or against, your voice matters. We want to hear your thoughts so our district can make the most informed decision possible.
We encourage you to attend and bring your family, friends, and neighbors. Please RSVP to Kara Esquivel at karaesquivel@herefordisd.net so we can have an accurate count for the meal.
We hope to see you there.
Tomorrow, January 22, we will be hosting a Facilities Committee meeting at the HISD Administration Building. A meal will be provided at 5:30 pm, and the meeting will begin promptly at 6:00 pm.
This meeting is extremely important as it will help determine whether or not we move forward with a potential school bond. We will be presenting estimated costs and financial information and taking an in depth look at the current condition of our high school.
We are needing input from our families, community members, business owners, taxpayers, and staff. No matter how you feel, whether you are for or against, your voice matters. We want to hear your thoughts so our district can make the most informed decision possible.
We encourage you to attend and bring your family, friends, and neighbors. Please RSVP to Kara Esquivel at karaesquivel@herefordisd.net so we can have an accurate count for the meal.
We hope to see you there.

🎉 It’s School Board Appreciation Month! 🎉
These amazing individuals donate their time, heart, and energy to help make the best decisions for our students and our district. We are so grateful for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to education. Thank you, school board members, for all you do for our schools and our kids.
#HISDRockstars #HerdProud
These amazing individuals donate their time, heart, and energy to help make the best decisions for our students and our district. We are so grateful for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to education. Thank you, school board members, for all you do for our schools and our kids.
#HISDRockstars #HerdProud

