HISD board hears thoughts on renovation
The Hallettsville ISD Board of Trustees met in a regular meeting Monday evening hearing from superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Bludau on her thoughts on renovating the restrooms and concession stand at the baseball/softball complex.
Bludau said she had thoughts about applying for GVE C , LCRA, and other local grants, but found out the City of Hallettsville plans to apply for a Texas Parks and Wildlife Grant for City Park improvements.
HISD was invited by City Administrator, Grace Ward, to apply for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Grant along with other organizations that utilize the park property.
However, Bludau said the TPW grant, if received, would not be awarded until 2026 with possible completion in 2027.
Due to the lateness of possibly receiving the Texas Parks and Wildlife Grant, Bludau said she is thinking of going with the original plan of applying for grants from the Dickson-Allen Foundation, GVEC, LCRA and possibly the EDC.
Board vice-president Brian Henneke, suggested applying for grants as soon as possible to address concerns about the restrooms.
“My thoughts in applying directly from the District for those grants is to see if we could get them approved and complete renovation of the restrooms and concession stand in the fall and be ready to go for the spring of next year,” Bludau said.
Bludau told the board she has letters of support from Sacred Heart, Sacred Heart Booster Club, HISD, the Hallettsville Booster Club, the City of Hallettsville, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Hallettsville Little League for the LCRA, GVEC, and Dickson-Allen Grant applications.
“The restrooms and concession stand are in dire need,” Bludau said. “It’s a mess, especially during big tournaments and otherwise.”
Agenda Items
The board approved new course offerings at Hallettsville High School for the 2025-26 school year.
Hallettsville High School principal Mason Briscoe said the only new course will be Intro to Culinary.
The board also approved an early dismissal at noon during the last week of school for this year.
Recognitions
Prior to the start of the board meeting, the 2025 Certified Nursing Assistants were recognized.
Also, a group of 4th graders, known as the Recycling Club along with their sponsor, Debbie Higgins were introduced to the board.
Hallettsville Elementary principal Stephanie Grahmann said the Recycling Club gives up their recess time every Wednesday to collect the teacher’s blue recycling bins.
Grahmann said they take the bins to the larger recycling bins at the back of the school.
“It has been making a big impact at HES,” Grahmann said.
Reports
The board heard reports including instructional and technology as well as Briscoe informing the board of events and banquets that are coming up at the end of the school year.
In addition, a Junior High construction update and facilities report was presented.
Hallettsville ISD chief financial officer Farrah Jernigan, reported the district has collected 96.45% of the taxes through March and amounts to $9,308,250.28 collected.
In other action taken by the board:
• Approved calling for request for proposals for backup battery solutions.
• Approved the 2025-2026 Special Education Interlocal agreement.
• Approved the Instructional Materials Allotment and TEKS Certification for 2025-2026.
Board president Brian Smith presided over the meeting with board members Brian Henneke, Holly Cliffe, Justin Smith, Ryan Bludau and Dennis Herring Jr. present for the meeting.