Today is the last day of early voting for the November election! Polls will be open until 7pm this evening so make sure you go out and vote! Deaf Smith County residents can vote at the Deaf Smith County Courthouse. Residents outside of DSC can find their polling locations at votetexas.gov 🗳️🇺🇸
Keep our kids safe! Texas law requires safe gun storage to prevent accidents and unauthorized access. Parents can learn more about responsible storage and safety resources at www.texas.gov/gun-safety
The VATRE would help us continue funding our already successful Career and Technical Education programs and even open the door for new opportunities.
That means:
🔧 More program options for students to explore careers early
🎓 More industry certifications and licenses before graduation
💼 More hands-on experiences that prepare students for real-world jobs
🤝 More connections with employers, colleges, and professionals
CTE changes lives and with the VATRE, we can keep growing these life-changing programs that give students a head start on their futures.
That means:
🔧 More program options for students to explore careers early
🎓 More industry certifications and licenses before graduation
💼 More hands-on experiences that prepare students for real-world jobs
🤝 More connections with employers, colleges, and professionals
CTE changes lives and with the VATRE, we can keep growing these life-changing programs that give students a head start on their futures.
The VATRE would help Hereford ISD continue providing unique learning opportunities for our students. Programs like our Student Media Team, Herd Round Up After School Program, and resources like our Daycare rely on district funding to operate at their best.
With this support, we can continue to fully fund these programs, give students the experiences they deserve, and provide the community with valuable resources that make our schools stronger.
With this support, we can continue to fully fund these programs, give students the experiences they deserve, and provide the community with valuable resources that make our schools stronger.
The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot in Texas is October 24th. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked on or before November 4th by 7 p.m. To find out if you qualify for a mail-in ballot, visit https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqabbm.shtml
At last night’s meeting, our community asked us to repost this flyer that highlights exactly where the money from the VATRE will go. This has been one of the biggest questions we’ve received, and we want to be completely open and transparent.
During the meeting, Dr. Carter reiterated that this funding is specifically meant to serve the needs of our teachers and students. This money is not for capital projects like new buildings or facilities.
Dr. Carter also shared that if the VATRE passes, a community committee will be formed. It open to anyone who would like to participate, to help hold the district accountable as funds are spent and to be a community voice on issues in our district that need attention.
We encourage everyone to watch the video from last night’s meeting on the Hereford ISD YouTube page. It answers many of the questions and concerns that have been brought up in our community so far. As always, if you have questions,
We have some super fun fall activities lined up in our Herd Round Up After School Program! From games and crafts to learning and teamwork, there is something for everyone. For more information on the after school programs at our four elementary schools, visit https://www.herefordisd.net/page/herd-round-up
🗳️ Early voting begins today! Hereford voters can cast their ballots now through October 31st at the Deaf Smith County Courthouse. Mark your calendars, Election Day is November 4th. For more information, visit VoteTexas.org
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/
