bus drivers

The Hempstead ISD Board of Trustees met on Monday, February 26. The pledges were led by Hempstead Elementary School second-grade students. 

During the board meeting, Hempstead ISD Superintendent Herbert O’Neil recognized Black History Month, February Students and Staff of the Month, Campus Counselors for National Counseling Week, District School Bus Drivers for Love the Bus month, and provided academic and extracurricular activity updates. Additionally, he provided information about the May 4, 2024 bond election.

Students Recognized

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

Jose Escobar - Pre-K3

Eli Sanchez - Pre-K4

Hempstead Elementary School

Brylynn Prochaska - K

Morgan Herndon - 1st Grade

Gonzalo Gudino - 2nd Grade

Julian Zamora - 3rd Grade

Emma Fullen - 4th Grade

Kadron Lang - 5th Grade

Hempstead Middle School 

Michaela Burkey - 6th Grade

Braylon Allen - 7th Grade

Alyssa Lindsey - 8th Grade

Hempstead High School 

Naima Wilder - 9th Grade

Oziria Gillum - 10th Grade

Owen Murray - 11th Grade

Anayanzeth Salinas Vargas - 12th Grade

Employees Recognized

Monthly Staff Recognitions

Hempstead Early Childhood Center 

February HECC Teacher of the Month - Everett Waddel

February HECC Support Staff of the Month - Rebecca Venegas

Hempstead Elementary School 

February HES Teacher of the Month - Lisa Marsh

February HES Support Staff of the Month - Mayda Ibarra

Hempstead Middle School 

February HMS Teacher of the Month - Sandra Smith

February HMS Support Staff of the Month - Barbara Reid-Gooden

Hempstead High School

February HHS Teacher of the Month - Cori Gurka

February HHS Support Staff of the Month - Diana Duncan

During the meeting, HHS senior and Hempstead Watermelon Queen Hailey Anhorn was joined by members of the Watermelon Queens Court to present a book donation to Hempstead Early Childhood Center principal Keri Houston. 

The following information items were presented at the monthly board meeting. 

Hempstead ISD Executive Director of Teaching & Learning, Emily Vermeulen, presented a strategic plan update for Goal 1. Goal 1 of the five-year strategic plan, Learning & Leading to Higher Heights, focuses on ensuring Success for All Learners.

Hempstead ISD will provide the tools and resources to support effective teaching and learning that fosters communication, engagement, and critical thinking.

Vermeulen presented action steps that will help the District implement strategies created to achieve Goal 1. Several strategies are ongoing and have been implemented this Fall. Some of these strategies are to:

  • Create engaging environments for students across all levels that lead to hands-on real-world application 

  • Create a plan for ensuring each student is provided customized learning opportunities 

  • Develop and implement high-quality curriculum frameworks that facilitate vertical alignment and address literacy and numeracy to provide rigorous learning experiences

Trustees Approve Action Items

During the February board meeting, Hempstead ISD Trustees approved the following action items:

  • Discussed Senate Bill 763 and approved any update to Local Policy pertaining to it.

  • Approved renewal Resolution for the 2024-2025 Truancy Prevention Grant/Office of the

  • Texas Governor.

  • Approved Resolution of a Fair and Transparent Accountability System.

The March Board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 25, in the Administration Building Board Room.