The Hempstead ISD Board of Trustees met on Monday, March 23, 2026.
During the board meeting, Hempstead ISD Superintendent Herbert O’Neil provided his monthly Superintendent’s Report, provided Bond 2024 updates, and celebrated the March Students, Campus Teachers, and Support Staff of the Month.
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: Armani Lenton-Veavea
Pre-K 4: Bryce Alfaro
Hempstead Elementary School
K: Ivan Ramirez
1st: Eli Sanchez
2nd: Kamila Sanchez
3rd: Dylan Martinez
4th: Alayiaa McDade Jones
5th: Carlee Thompkins
Hempstead Middle School
6th: Isabella Grimaldo
7th: Taylor Uvalle
8th: Lesley Rodriguez-Molina
Hempstead High School
9th: Jermiah Haynes
10th: Ivan Hernandez
11th: Israel Harris
12th: Aylheen Lozano
Employees Recognized
Hempstead Early Childhood Center
March HECC Teacher of the Month - Lori Bowen
March HECC Support Staff of the Month - Rebbecca Venegas
Hempstead Elementary School
March HES Teachers of the Month - Valorie Minor
March HES Support Staff of the Month - Ayesha Smith
Hempstead Middle School
March HMS Teachers of the Month - Sandra Smith
March HMS Support Staff of the Month - Derrericka Smith
Hempstead High School
March HHS Teacher of the Month - Patrick Vogel
March Support Staff of the Month - Marcellette Jeffery
Operations Employee of the Month
Mike Wilke, Maintenance
Superintendent’s Higher Heights Award
Each month, Superintendent O’Neil selects someone who has made a significant difference or contribution to Hempstead ISD. The award is available to employees, community members, businesses, volunteers, and students. This month, the Superintendent's Higher Heights Award recipients are Hempstead Middle School, 6th Grade Team:
Karen Toliver
Zaland Swain
Jonathan Knowles
Jessie Ziesmann
The sixth-grade core team is a pivotal transition year as students move from the structure of elementary school to the increased independence of middle school. These teachers understand the importance of this shift and work intentionally each day to guide students academically while also helping them adjust to routines, expectations, and multiple teachers.
Trustees Approve Action Items
The Hempstead ISD Trustees approved the following action items:
Approved Budget Amendment #4.
Approved an addition to the Hempstead ISD Employee Handbook regarding service
credit for employees transitioning to Third Future Schools.
The March Board meeting will be held on Monday, April 20, and will begin at 6 p.m. in the Hempstead ISD Administration Building Board Room.