HISD Unscripted

HISD Unscripted | Ep. 19 - “Inside Curriculum: Growth, Accountability, and the Work Behind Student Success”

Episode 19 of HISD Unscripted features Hereford ISD’s curriculum team in a conversation about accountability, instruction, classroom progress, and the work being done every day to support students and teachers. Kara Esquivel is joined by Chris Norton, Jennifer Jolly, and Tessa Stow to break down what accountability ratings actually mean, why state assessments have become increasingly rigorous, and how the district is focusing on student growth while continuing to raise expectations. The episode also explores classroom innovation, technology use, teacher support, AI in education, and the importance of community partnership in helping students succeed. It’s an encouraging and informative look at the heart of teaching and learning in Hereford ISD.

HISD Unscripted | Ep. 18 - “High School Facilities Talk: VATRE Update, Bond Facts, and What’s Being Discussed”

In Episode 18 of HISD Unscripted, Dr. Ralph Carter and Kara Esquivel address community questions and clarify ongoing discussions about Hereford ISD facilities, school finance, and long-range planning. At the time of this recording, the Board has not called for a bond and no final decisions have been made. This episode is part of an informational effort to share facts from public meetings and Facilities Committee discussions. They recap the 2025 VATRE and how tax compression affected revenue, explain how those funds are being used for staff support and retention, and discuss why facility needs are being talked about now. The conversation also covers ongoing issues at the current high school, why renovation is complex, how bond funds are issued and repaid, and the work underway to improve district accountability. The next Board meeting is February 12 at 6:00 PM at the Administration Building and is open to the public.

HISD Unscripted | Ep. 17 - “New High School Conversations: Facts, Options, and What’s Next”

HISD Unscripted returns for 2026 with Episode 17, focused on a major topic in Hereford: the future of Hereford High School. Host Kara Esquivel is joined by Dr. Ralph Carter and Gallagher Construction representatives Chad Jones and Rob Sidebottom for an informational conversation about current facility challenges, long-term planning, and what it takes to explore options responsibly. Important: Hereford ISD has not called for a bond. This episode is simply part of the district’s effort to have open conversations, provide facts, answer questions, and involve the community.. Topics include the age and condition of the existing high school, why certain repairs still must happen while students are there, how school funding differs between M&O and I&S, and early community survey results. To learn more or get involved with future conversations, contact Kara Esquivel at karaesquivel@herefordisd.net [karaesquivel@herefordisd.net].

HISD Unscripted | Ep. 16 – "Grant Services: Counseling, Prevention, and Parent Support"

Kara Esquivel and Kyla Kenworthy discuss Hereford ISD’s mental-health and prevention efforts through the Stronger Connections and Youth Prevention Universal grants. The episode covers crisis counseling, early intervention, vaping awareness, parent-education nights, monthly meetings, and how counselors support students alongside campus counselors. Kyla also explains how community organizations can request presentations and how donations help meet student needs like snacks, supplies, and clothing. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Facebook!

HISD Unscripted | Ep. 15 – "After the VATRE: What’s Next for HISD?"

Now that Hereford ISD’s VATRE (“Vader”) has passed, what happens next? In this episode, Kara Esquivel and Superintendent Dr. Ralph Carter walk through the next steps: staff surveys on how to use the new funds, possible approaches to compensation, the idea of a community oversight committee, and long-term facility planning, including the needs at Hereford High School and the impact of rising construction costs. They also revisit state funding “compression” and emphasize ongoing transparency and opportunities for community questions. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Facebook!