HISD board tackles long agenda
The Hallettsville ISD Board of Trustees met in a regular meeting Monday evening and took on a long list of agenda items.
The board approved a policy related to student use of personal communication devices that are required by HB 1481 from the 89th Texas Legislature regular session.
The bill, which was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, prohibits students in Texas public schools from using personal communication devices during the instructional school day or while on school grounds.
Hallettsville High School principal Mason Briscoe said the bill includes devices like cell phones, Apple watches, and air pods.
Prior to approving the policy, the board discussed matters concerning monitoring students as well as consequences and other factors that may arise during the school year.
The board also addressed a policy related to non-enrolled students, (home schooled) participation in UIL activities as contemplated by Senate Bill 401.
Regarding this policy, the board voted to decline any non-enrolled student being allowed to participate in UIL activities at HISD, unless the law specifies it.
The board approved stadium rental agreements for non- playoff and playoff games as well as Sacred Heart School and the Hallettsville Youth Football Association as discussed in the meeting.
In regards the agenda item of a district-wide copier/printer lease agreement, the board approved an agreement with Xerox.
Also, the board approved to purchase 425 refurbished chromebooks from Vivacity at $139 for each unit at a total of $125,975. The chromebooks would be purchased on a four year lease agreement of $35,056.75 per year.
The board approved meal and milk prices for the 2025-26 school year. The price per meal will be the same as the previous year.
The TASA/TASB school board convention will be held in September and the board appointed Jon Lamson to serve as a delegate for the school district.
Reports
The district’s executive director of student services Trina Patek reported on the Learning Acceleration Support Opportunities (LASO) Cycle 3 Strong Foundations planning and implementation grant awards as well as the STAAR/ EOC scores. Patek said the final report will be released in August.
Hallettsville Jr. High principal Marisa Maes reported on the progress of the bond building project at HJH. She said the mini-gym should be completed by the start of school, but the new classroom wing is expected to be completed in January.
Hallettsville ISD chief financial officer reported on the district insurance program and also said 97.84 of the taxes have been collected through June amounting to $9,434,685.20.
Recognitions
Prior to the start of the meeting the Camp Invention teachers, leaders in training and leader interns were recognized.
In addition, the Lavaca Medical Center was recognized for performing all athletic physicals for students at HISD.
In other action taken by the board:
• Adopted the HISD Professional Development Policy.
• Approved an emergency electrical repair at the Junior High through Command Electric using bond funds.
• Approved bond proposition B expenditure for door access control and security cameras and environmental sensors at the Junior High for the new building from Bestline/Verkada.
• Approved moving bond subsidy funds.
• Approved Region 3 ESC contracted services for 2025-26.
• Tabled moving graduation to one week earlier and will address it prior to the 2026-27 school term.
• Approved the T-TESS appraisal calender for the upcoming school year.
• Approved the acceptable use policy and management of technology resources.
• Approved the 2025-26 HISD board operating procedure.
Board president Brian Smith presided over the meeting with board members Holly Cliffe, Ryan Bludau and Dennis Herring Jr. present. Board member Jon Lamson attended via zoom.