The Hempstead ISD Board of Trustees met on Monday, August 18.
During the board meeting, Hempstead ISD Superintendent Herbert O’Neil provided his monthly Superintendent’s Report. His report highlighted back-to-school professional development, introduction to new district administrators, and legislative updates.
Hempstead ISD welcomed new district leaders:
Christian Dolan, Hempstead High School Assistant Principal
Seem Ahuja, Hempstead Elementary School Assistant Principal
Brittany Walker, Hempstead Elementary School Assistant Principal
The meeting kicked off with a public hearing for the 2025-2026 budget and tax rate. During the meeting, the Hempstead Independent School District Board of Trustees approved the 2025-2026 budget, which includes raises for all staff. In order to prioritize compensation, the budget reflects a slight planned deficit. This decision was made deliberately, recognizing the importance of investing in district staff while maintaining a strong overall financial position. The district has adequate reserves to responsibly manage the shortfall.
Additionally, the Board of Trustees approved a maintenance and operations tax rate of $0.7552 per $100 valuation along with an interest and sinking rate of $0.3208 per valuation, making for a total tax rate of $1.0760 per $100 valuation.
The M&O portion of the tax rate funds the day-to-day operations of a district, while the I&S rate funds the district’s debt payments, including bonds.
The Board also approved districtwide pay raises for employees who have been continuously employed since January 6, 2025. Key highlights of the approved compensation plan include:
Teachers with 1-2 years of experience will receive a 2% raise
Teachers with 3–4 years of experience will receive a $4,000 raise.
Teachers with 5 or more years of experience will receive an $8,000 raise.
Hourly staff will receive a 4% raise based on the midpoint of their pay scale.
All administrator and professional staff will receive a 2% raise based on the midpoint of their pay scale.
The approved plan comes on the heels of House Bill 2, passed during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, which earmarked funding for teacher raises across the state.
Information Items
A Bond 2024 update was provided by project managers from Gallagher Construction during the meeting.
Hempstead Early Childhood Project has received notice to proceed, construction fencing installation is complete, and is awaiting a partial permit from the City.
The Elementary and Middle School Projects bidding phase has been completed.
There is an ongoing VE process
The HVAC design project is coming soon
Trustees Approve Action Items
The Hempstead ISD Trustees approved the following action items:
Approved final budget amendment (#8).
Approved the adoption of the 2025-2026 Budget for Hempstead ISD.
Approved Ordinance to set the 2025 Tax Rate.
Approved the employee compensation increase for the 2025-2026 school year.
Approved the 2025-2026 Property/Casualty Insurance.
Approved purchase over $50,000 (BOND Track and Field Equipment).
Approved 2025-2026 T-TESS Appraisal Calendar.
Approved 2025-2026 T-TESS Appraisers.
Approved 2025-2026 Student Code of Conduct.
Approved Resolution for 2025 and 2026, designated Non-Business Days pertaining to the Texas Public Information Act only.
Approved update to Policy EFB (Local) - ALT.
The September Board meeting will be held on Monday, September 15, and will begin at 6 p.m. in the Hempstead ISD Administration Building Board Room.