Board Meeting Photo with HECC principal and Students of the Month with Superintendent O'Neil and Board Members

The Hempstead ISD Board of Trustees met on Monday, February 24. 

The Board of Trustees held a Public Hearing of the 2023-2024 Texas (TAPR). This document is compiled by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for every district and campus using PEIMS and Student Assessment Data. Hempstead ISD Chief Academic Officer Emily Vermeulen presented the report. 

Before the start of the February board meeting, Hempstead Elementary students led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the Texas Flag. During the meeting, the February Students, Campus Teachers, and Support Staff of the Month were celebrated. 

Students Recognized

Each campus selects 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: Julius Smith

Pre-K 4: Kilynn Denson

Hempstead Elementary School

K: Diana Acosta

1st: Cataleah Hernandez

2nd: Liam Maxwell

3rd: Robyn Knowles

4th: Keily Tapia

5th: Mahogany Woodard

Hempstead Middle School 

6th: D'Neyah Walker

7th: Daniela Lozoya

8th: Orlando Sanchez

Hempstead High School 

9th: Selvin Lopez

10th: Mia Gutierrez

11th: Damian Vega-Stephens

12th: LaDarian Mayo-Wheeler

Employees Recognized

Hempstead Early Childhood Center 

February HECC Teacher of the Month - Lori Bowen, PK Teacher

February HECC Support Staff of the Month - Minerva De La Riva, PK Bilingual Paraprofessional

Hempstead Elementary School 

February HES Teachers of the Month - Martha Arredondo, First Grade Teacher

February HES Support Staff of the Month - Dianne Pritchett, Paraprofessional

Hempstead Middle School 

February HMS Teacher of the Month - Karen Toliver, 6th Grade Math Teacher and Kingslea Hale, ELA Resource/Dyslexia Teacher

February HMS Support Staff of the Month - Madison Davis, Special Education Paraprofessional Chared Caldwell, ICS Paraprofessional

Hempstead High School

February HHS Teacher of the Month - Gabriel Arias, Theatre Teacher/Department Chair

February Support Staff of the Month - Emily Grennon, Registrar

Superintendent’s Higher Heights Award Recipient 

Hempstead Elementary School Assistant Principal Talia Grundy was named the February Superintendent’s Higher Heights Award Recipient. This award celebrates Hempstead ISD students, staff, and community members who go above and beyond to inspire students, support staff, and elevate the district’s mission of equipping students with the necessary tools to attain their maximum potential and prepare them for success in college, career, military, and life. 

Information Items

During the meeting, Hempstead ISD Chief of Staff and Chief Communications Officer Valonia Walker, APR, presented Strategic Plan Goal 5 updates. Goal 5 focuses on prioritizing effective communication in order to build lasting relationships with families and the community.

Hempstead ISD Coordinator of Advanced Academics and CTE, Tanya Simons, presented updates on the district CTE programs. 

The following action items were approved during the meeting:

  • Approved the renewed Resolution for the 2025-2026 Truancy Prevention Grant/Office of the Texas Governor.

  • Approved TASB Initiated Local Policy Update 124 as follows: CAA(LOCAL): FISCAL MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES - FINANCIAL ETHICS; CDA(LOCAL): OTHER REVENUES - INVESTMENTS; CY(LOCAL): INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY; DH(LOCAL): EMPLOYEE STANDARDS OF CONDUCT; EHB(LOCAL): CURRICULUM DESIGN - SPECIAL PROGRAMS; EHBB(LOCAL): SPECIAL PROGRAMS - GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS; FFG(LOCAL): STUDENT WELFARE - CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT; GKA(LOCAL): COMMUNITY RELATIONS - CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PREMISES.

  • Approved Budget Amendment #3. 

The March Board meeting will be held on Monday, March 24, and will begin at 6 p.m. in the Administration Building Board Room.