The Hempstead ISD Board of Trustees met on Monday, October 16. The pledges were led by Hempstead Elementary School fifth-grade students from Ms. Donald’s class.
During the board meeting, Hempstead ISD Superintendent Herbert O’Neil celebrated the Hempstead ISD students who participated in the Waller County Fair, recognized the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations across the district, the cross country students who competed at the district meet, honored the principals for National Principals Month, and concluded his updates with a legislative update. October Students of the Month
Our campuses have selected one student of the month from each grade level to be recognized for their excellence, efforts, and achievement in being outstanding students on campus.
Hempstead Early Childhood Center
Pre-K 3: Isaac Rodriguez
Pre-K 4: Christelle Catap
Hempstead Elementary School
K: Legend Dominguez
1st: Julian Martinez
2nd: Jayden Waddel
3rd: Gloria Nunez
4th: Ruby Lampley
5th: Melanie Orozco
Hempstead Middle School
6th: Stormi Boulds
7th: Eathn Lopez
8th: Jayden Hunter
Hempstead High School
9th: Anthony Melchor
10th: McKayla Houston
11th: Chaniah Bennett
12th: Damarion “Honey” Smith
October Bobcat Alumni Trailblazer
During the Board Meeting Charli Villarreal, Hempstead High School alum, was recognized as the October Bobcat Alumni Trailblazer. Villarreal graduated from Hempstead High School in 2015 and for the last three years, she has been serving as the HHS color guard coach. She participated in color guard during her time at HHS and explained that she simply volunteers to provide a space for students interested in color guard and hopes to motivate them to not be afraid to go after their goals. Last year, she helped coach the color guard team and they went to nationals for the first time in the team’s history. She hopes to lead them to Nationals again this year.
Special School Supplies Donation
The Prairie View A&M University Staff Council presented a collection of school supplies for Hempstead ISD students at the October board meeting.
Employees Recognized
October Superintendent’s Higher Heights Award Recipient
Superintendent O’Neil named Hempstead Early Childhood Center pre-k teacher, Sandra Lozano, as the October Superintendent’s Higher Heights Award recipient of the month.
Operations Employee of the Month
Chief Operations Officer, Eric Mullens, named Hempstead ISD food service employee, Carmela Pena, as the October Operations Employee of the Month. Pena received a certificate for her work ethic and dedication to the students and staff of Hempstead ISD.
Monthly Staff Recognitions
Hempstead Early Childhood Center
October HECC Teacher of the Month - Veriana Trujillo
October HECC Support Staff of the Month - Leslie Rossiter
Hempstead Elementary School
October HES Teacher of the Month - Martha Arredondo
October HES Support Staff of the Month - Shakita Garvie
Hempstead Middle School
October HMS Teacher of the Month - William Wright
October HMS Support Staff of the Month - Mercedes Silva
Hempstead High School
October HHS Teacher of the Month - Carson Groves
October Support Staff of the Month - Seretta Madison
The following information items were presented at the monthly board meeting.
Three representatives from the 2023 Hempstead ISD Long Range Facility Planning Committee presented a recommendation for the Board of Trustees based on their cumulative work reviewing the 2022-2023 Hempstead ISD educational facility assessment. Over the last three months, the committee made up of Hempstead ISD community members, including students, parents, teachers, staff, business leaders, retired educators, clergy, and civic leaders, met to discuss the future of our district facilities. The Board gave the committee a charge to:
Develop a recommendation for a long-range facility plan to be adopted by the Board;
Use data presented in the Educational Facility Assessment, along with relevant financial, demographic and instructional program information to make informed decisions;
Prioritize the needs of ALL Hempstead ISD students and make decisions that will enable all students to attain their maximum potential and prepare them for success;
Create a physically safe and effective environment where students can learn and teachers can teach at higher levels.
To view more information about the Long Range Facility Planning Committee's work visit hempsteadisd.org/lrfpc.
Hempstead ISD Chief Communications Officer, Valonia Walker, APR, presented a strategic plan update for Goal 5. Goal 5 of the five-year strategic plan, Learning & Leading to Higher Heights, focuses on communicating to build trust.
Hempstead ISD will prioritize effective communication in order to build lasting relationships with families and the community.
Walker presented action steps that will help the District implement strategies created to achieve Goal 5.
Trustees Approve Action Items
During the October board meeting, Hempstead ISD Trustees approved the following action items:
Approved Region 4 EALS Service Agreement (purchase over $50,000)
Approved E-Rate project replacing district switching and network infrastructure (purchase over $50,000).
Approved the 2023-2024 District Improvement Plan.
Approved the 2023-2024 Hempstead ISD Early Childhood Center Improvement Plan.
Approved the 2023-2024 Hempstead ISD Elementary Campus Improvement Plan.
Approved the 2023-2024 Hempstead ISD Middle School Campus Improvement Plan.
Approved the 2023-2024 Hempstead ISD High School Campus Improvement Plan.
The November Board meeting will be held on Monday, November 13, and will begin at 6 p.m. in the Administration Building Board Room.