Welcome to HISD Unscripted!
Go beyond the classroom and into the heart of Hereford ISD with HISD Unscripted—the official podcast for all things Hereford ISD! From inspiring student and staff stories to in-depth conversations about academics and community impact, this is where real stories meet real conversations.
What to Expect:
Exclusive interviews with students, educators, and community leaders
Insightful discussions on education, innovation, and student success
Behind-the-scenes access to Hereford ISD events and initiatives
A deeper look at the people and programs shaping the future of HISD
Join us as we bring authentic, unscripted conversations to life—because HISD is more than a district; it's a community.
Subscribe now and be part of the story!
HISD Unscripted | Ep. 19 - “Inside Curriculum: Growth, Accountability, and the Work Behind Student Success”
Episode 19 of HISD Unscripted features Hereford ISD’s curriculum team in a conversation about accountability, instruction, classroom progress, and the work being done every day to support students and teachers.
Kara Esquivel is joined by Chris Norton, Jennifer Jolly, and Tessa Stow to break down what accountability ratings actually mean, why state assessments have become increasingly rigorous, and how the district is focusing on student growth while continuing to raise expectations.
The episode also explores classroom innovation, technology use, teacher support, AI in education, and the importance of community partnership in helping students succeed.
It’s an encouraging and informative look at the heart of teaching and learning in Hereford ISD.
12 Feb 2026
HISD Unscripted | Ep. 18 - “High School Facilities Talk: VATRE Update, Bond Facts, and What’s Being Discussed”
In Episode 18 of HISD Unscripted, Dr. Ralph Carter and Kara Esquivel address community questions and clarify ongoing discussions about Hereford ISD facilities, school finance, and long-range planning.
At the time of this recording, the Board has not called for a bond and no final decisions have been made. This episode is part of an informational effort to share facts from public meetings and Facilities Committee discussions.
They recap the 2025 VATRE and how tax compression affected revenue, explain how those funds are being used for staff support and retention, and discuss why facility needs are being talked about now. The conversation also covers ongoing issues at the current high school, why renovation is complex, how bond funds are issued and repaid, and the work underway to improve district accountability.
The next Board meeting is February 12 at 6:00 PM at the Administration Building and is open to the public.
12 Jan 2026
HISD Unscripted | Ep. 17 - “New High School Conversations: Facts, Options, and What’s Next”
Host Kara Esquivel interviews Dr. Ralph Carter, Chad Jones, and Rob Sidebottom about the future of Hereford High School, exploring facility challenges and long-term planning in this informational conversation.
Kara Esquivel and Kyla Kenworthy explore Hereford ISD's mental health support using grant funding, addressing crisis counseling, vaping awareness, and parent education in this episode.
13 Nov 2025
HISD Unscripted | Ep. 15 – "After the VATRE: What’s Next for HISD?"
Kara Esquivel and Superintendent Dr. Ralph Carter discuss Hereford ISD's plans following the VATRE passage, including staff surveys, compensation approaches, and facility planning, emphasizing transparency and community involvement.
10 Oct 2025
HISD Unscripted | Ep. 14 – Understanding VATRE Priorities and Community Questions
Kara Esquivel interviews Brandy Murillo and Dr. Ralph Carter about Hereford ISD's VATRE, which highlights how revenue sustains the M&O budget and supports academics, maintenance, and safety.
1 Oct 2025
HISD Unscripted | Ep. 13 – Understanding the VATRE Ballot Language
David Faltys, a financial advisor, discusses the HISD's VATRE, explaining ballot language calculations, revenue projections from golden pennies, and the impact of state aid in this interview.
11 Aug 2025
HISD Unscripted | Ep. 12 - Back to School 2025: Big Changes, New Faces, and What You Need to Know
Host Dr. Rick Cruz interviews Hereford ISD administrators about significant back-to-school changes including HB 1418, new leadership, and program updates for the 2025-2026 school year.
19 Jul 2025
Episode 11 – Understanding the VATRE: What It Means for Hereford ISD
Chad Jones, David Faltys, and Robb Sidebottom clarify the Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election for Kara Esquivel, detailing its potential benefits for Hereford ISD without increasing taxes for many residents in this interview.
3 Jul 2025
HISD Unscripted | Ep. 10 – Phones Down: What Texas’ New Cell Phone Law Means for Schools
Dr. Carter and Principal Cuca Alonzo examine Texas House Bill 1481, which bans student cell phone use in public schools, and discuss the implications for Hereford ISD in this interview episode.
27 Jun 2025
HISD Unscripted | Ep. 9 - Beyond the Ballot: What the VATRE Means for Hereford ISD
Superintendent Dr. Carter explains the Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election and its critical impact on Hereford ISD's funding, programs, and staff salaries, emphasizing local control and long-term financial sustainability in this episode.
23 Jun 2025
HISD Unscripted | Ep. 8: Caring for Our Own: The Story Behind HISD’s New Daycare
Dr. Ramon Garza and Esmeralda Guzman discuss Hereford ISD's new staff daycare, explaining its planning and purpose to support staff and students with caregiving responsibilities in this interview.
15 May 2025
HISD Unscripted | Ep. 7: How WT Services is Helping HISD Stay Connected
Episode 7 of HISD Unscripted is out now! This week, we’re joined by Bennie Gonzalez and Vanessa Gonzalez from WT Services, one of Hereford ISD’s longest-standing community partners.
We talk about the history of WT Services, how they stepped up during the pandemic to support students and staff, and the continued impact they have on our district today—from providing free WiFi at Whiteface Stadium to annual scholarships for HHS seniors.
And don’t miss the scoop on the newest project: 📺 The Herd Channel—Channel 200 on WT Services cable—is now live, bringing HISD content straight to your TV!
🎧 Tune in on all major podcast platforms and YouTube to hear how local partnerships are making a big difference.
8 May 2025
HISD Unscripted | Ep. 6: Fueling the Summer: Meals, Snack Pak 4 Kids & Community Support
Episode 6 of HISD Unscripted is live! This week, we’re serving up a conversation all about student nutrition and community support! 🍽️
We’re joined by Karen Esquivel, Director of Child Nutrition, and Candy Greening, Senior GM of Food Services, as they give us the inside scoop on the Summer Feeding Program—where it will be offered, what times, and who it’s for.
PLUS: Kara Esquivel drops an exciting announcement—Snack Pak 4 Kids is back for the 2025-2026 school year! AND there’s a brand-new opportunity for Hereford families you won’t want to miss. 👀
📍 For more info on the Summer Feeding Program, visit: 👉 herefordisd.net/page/food-services (http://herefordisd.net/page/food-services) 🧃 Click on the “Summer Food Program” link 🍽️ Additional resources: squaremeals.org (http://squaremeals.org) or just dial 2-1-1
🎧 Tune in now on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Facebook!
Episode 5 of HISD Unscripted is here! This week we’re talking about student health, family fun, and how our community comes together to support both.
We sit down with Bena Glasscock and Amalia Mata to learn more about S.H.A.C. (School Health Advisory Committee)—what it is, why it matters, and the role it plays in promoting wellness in our schools.
Then we spotlight two exciting events coming up: the Family 5K Fun Walk/Run and the Community Fair—great opportunities to get active, get involved, and support our students.
👕 Want a Family 5K T-shirt? Order here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesTR-1iGQobzYDTp-357QLMDjwTAmpO0BAcmBrCU8s-BJG9w/viewform (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesTR-1iGQobzYDTp-357QLMDjwTAmpO0BAcmBrCU8s-BJG9w/viewform)
🤝 Want to sponsor or participate as a business or organization? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmGu200TEKR2pWs8JcFdNuroJlXzy08Fbj58IYc8mdW-GX9Q/viewform (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmGu200TEKR2pWs8JcFdNuroJlXzy08Fbj58IYc8mdW-GX9Q/viewform)
🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Facebook!
#HISDUnscripted #HerefordISD #SHAC #Family5K #CommunityFair #GoHerd
Episode 4 of HISD Unscripted is now live! This week, we’re talking about a challenge that affects every public school in Texas—unfunded mandates.
We’re joined by Danielle Bartels, CFO of Hereford ISD, and Superintendent Dr. Ralph Carter as they break down what unfunded mandates are, how they impact our district financially, and why this matters to parents, staff, and the community.
It’s a tough conversation—but an important one.
🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms and YouTube. 📩 Have thoughts or questions? Email us at hisdmedia@herefordisd.net (mailto:hisdmedia@herefordisd.net) or message us directly.
17 Apr 2025
HISD Unscripted | Ep. 3: CTE & Whiteface Ford Partner for Student Success
🎙️ Episode 3 of HISD Unscripted is now live! This week, we’re shining a light on an incredible partnership between CTE at Hereford ISD and Whiteface Ford.
We sit down with Bena Glasscock and Jon Galland to talk about how this collaboration is giving students real-world experience through internships—and even leading to full-time jobs right out of high school.
It’s all about opportunity, workforce readiness, and building strong community ties.
🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Facebook! 📩 Got questions or ideas? Email us at hisdmedia@herefordisd.net (mailto:hisdmedia@herefordisd.net) or message us anytime.
#HISDUnscripted #HerefordISD #CTEWorks #StudentSuccess #CommunityPartners #GoHerd
10 Apr 2025
HISD Unscripted | Ep. 2: Attendance
Episode 2 of HISD Unscripted is live! This week, we’re talking about student attendance—how it impacts district funding and why it matters for students' long-term success. Every day counts. 📚 Let’s work together to help our students thrive! Got questions, concerns, or suggestions? We want to hear from you! 📧 Email us at hisdmedia@herefordisd.net (mailto:hisdmedia@herefordisd.net) or message us on any of our platforms. 🎧 Catch the episode on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Facebook, YouTube, (http://rss.com)and right here on rss.com.
1 Apr 2025
HISD Unscripted | Ep. 1: Understanding the VATRE – Why It Matters
In this debut episode of HISD Unscripted, we’re breaking down the VATRE (Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election)—what it is, why it matters, and how it impacts Hereford ISD. We’ll discuss the key points you need to know and why staying informed is so important for our schools and community. This is just the beginning of the conversation, with more discussions to come in future episodes.
Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the conversation!
Who has been a guest on HISD Unscripted
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dr Ralph Carter
Chad Jones
Rob Sidebottom
Brandy Murillo
David Faltys
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
10
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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