Yale Fellows Share Report to HISD Board

The May 12 Hearne ISD Board meeting featured several highlights with one being most arresting–four of its teachers sharing their experiences at Yale University.  These “Ivy Leaguers”  comprise the largest group of Texas teachers to take advantage of a unique opportunity offered by Yale–a chance to strengthen their instructional skills with all the resources Yale has to provide–including one of the biggest university librarians in the world and some of the most prestigious university educators. 
All four–Debra Jenkins, a 4-year Yale veteran, Willie Keener and Raymond Marshall, each with 2 years of Yale training, and Vickie Young Weatherspoon, the newbee with one year’s training, said they not only benefited from the training but their students did as well. Mr. Keener said his art classes had quadrupled since he initiated what he had learned.
Some students and parents were also able to attend sessions–an eye-opening experience for all.
The additional training came at no cost to Hearne. Yale paid to provide these benefits. The veteran of the group, Debra Jenkins, now serves Yale and Texas educators by serving on the selection board reviewing applications for the program. 
In addition to the Yale Fellows report, the Board received a follow-up on its bond projects.  The District will begin paving the new parking lot as soon as the ground dries enough to take the soil samples–a necessary precondition to paving. Dr. Johnson reported that, after receiving prohibitively high bids to rebuild the press box, the District has decided to do what it can inhouse, using District employees. Board member Jannifer Taylor asked that the PA system be replaced with any renovation and Superintendent Johnson agreed that a new PA was called for.
Mr. Jay Davis reported that asbestos removal in the elementary school gym and the old nursing home was scheduled for one day in May (gym) and a second in June (nursing home).  The old nursing home will be demolished and the space used for bus parking, but, said Davis, the district does plan to construct a building on that spot in the future.
Other on-going projects include new HVAC systems for the elementary school (currently enroute), new instructional materials and technology for the coming year, and a new convection oven for the high school kitchen remodel.  New weight equipment for the high school weight room will be ordered shortly.
Going back to the elementary school gym, the Board learned in its workshop session prior to the meeting that renovating the gym as planned might not be the best idea. The district’s architect, Ben McMillan, reported that renovation may cost more than the gym is worth.  Built in the 1960’s, the district may well learn that the substructure and elements within it–the plumbing, for example–may present some very expensive problems. Then, after the renovation, the district would still have an older gym that might still cause problems in the near future. McMillian suggested the District build a new one.  Dr. Johnson assured the board that they would not have to make a decision immediately. 
The Board also adopted the District’s curriculum for 2025-2026, including Bluebonnet Math, a program recommended by the state which includes state reimbursement for the program if adopted.  Bluebonnet will become the 6th grade through high school program, and it is quite similar to a program previously used, said Dr. Loyde, so teachers should find it easy to use. 
Dr. Loyde also pointed to the success of On Ramp, a program that allows students to take classes for both high school and college credit through the UT system. It is taught by both University of Texas professors online and by Hearne High School teachers in the classroom.  Hearne students can earn up to 31 hours of college credit and get a sjump start on their college careers, saving a lot of money as well. 
Hearne ISD continues to face challenges to its finances, according to Director Wilson.  The appraisal district is overdue giving Hearne its estimated tax revenue for the ‘25-’26 year, making budgeting impossible.  In addition, Hearne’s  lower average daily attendance (ADA) will lower the revenue the state will pay the district.  
Wilson also reported that the likely increase in state funding for per child will probably be about $395, but the state will mandate a percentage go to teacher salaries. 
Looking forward, Superintendent Johnson reminded the Board of upcoming award ceremonies for students who have done well this year and high school graduation on May 23.