👋 Here are some SHOUT OUTS for the month!
- Shout out to Harts Bluff Elementary’s Teacher of the Year, Ms. Danna Ellington! Danna is the definition of a passionate, student-centered educator and a true leader on our campus. Her unwavering commitment to helping students grow—not just academically, but as confident, joyful individuals—sets her apart. With a special gift for igniting a love of reading, Danna creates a classroom culture where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of greatness. She leads with heart, inspires with purpose, and lifts all of us around her. Congratulations, Danna—you are so deserving of this honor. Thank you for being the light you are at HBE!
- Huge shout out to Harts Bluff Elementary’s Employee of the Year—Mrs. Laura Brown! If you’ve ever worked with the elementary on anything, then you’ve had the pleasure of working with the one and only Mrs. Brown. She is the glue that holds us together—our queen of calm, command, and “I’ve already handled it.” Laura somehow knows what we need before we even realize we need it. Whether it’s solving a last-minute issue or prepping for a big event, she keeps us all on track with grace, humor, and love. Mrs. Brown is an irreplaceable part of our team, and we’re beyond grateful for her. We love you, Mrs. Brown!
- Shout out to our incredible HBE Lead Teachers—Mrs. Gonzales, Ms. Dorsey, Mrs. Clay, Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Ellington, and Mrs. Sharp! These powerhouse women keep communication flowing and our campus running smoothly. From leading unit and lesson internalization to supporting their teams through planning and problem-solving, they’ve taken on their roles with grace and grit. Their ability to build strong relationships and lead with both heart and clarity makes all the difference. We are so grateful for your leadership, your willingness to step in wherever needed, and the positive impact you make every single day. Thank you for all you do!
- Shout out to the Middle School Teacher of the Year – Cassandra Hofmann! Cassandra goes above and beyond in her role as 7th grade math teacher, as well as, campus testing coordinator. Thank you for the positive role model you are for our students.
- Shout out to the High School Teacher of the Year – Brandon Pettey! Brandon is in his second year at HBECHS and is doing a tremendous job building positive relationships with our students and helping them achieve their goals.
- Shout out to the Secondary Paraprofessional of the Year - Yessenia Marquez! She does an outstanding job in the front office handling anything that comes her way with a professionalism and customer service that is representative of our mission of service at HBECHS.
Dear Harts Bluff ISD Community:
As we come to the close of another school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many accomplishments we’ve achieved together and to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and partnership.
This year has been filled with remarkable growth, learning, and resilience. From academic milestones and fine arts achievements to athletic victories and community service projects, our students have continued to make us proud in every corner of the district. Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance are a testament to the values we hold dear in our schools and community.
To our incredible staff—teachers, support personnel, administrators, and volunteers—thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students. Your passion and dedication make a lasting difference in the lives of those you serve, and your efforts do not go unnoticed.
As we celebrate the end of this school year, I want to offer a special recognition to the Class of 2025. To our graduating seniors: congratulations! You have reached an important milestone, and we could not be prouder of all that you have accomplished. Whether you are headed to college, the workforce, military service, or another path, you carry with you the skills, character, and experiences that will serve you well in the years ahead. We are confident that you will go on to make a positive impact in the world.
To our families, thank you for entrusting us with your children. Your involvement, encouragement, and partnership play a vital role in their success, and we are honored to walk alongside you in their educational journey.
As we look ahead to a new year, we remain committed to our mission of preparing all students for both educational and personal success. I encourage everyone to take time this summer to rest, recharge, and make lasting memories with loved ones.
Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable summer break. Congratulations again to our graduates, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall!
Dr. Bobby G Rice
Superintendent
From our friends at Texas Association of School Administrators
Senate Amends HB 2 on Floor and Passes to Third Reading
Late last night, the Texas Senate voted to advance HB 2, the major public school funding bill, to third reading. The Senate must vote on it one more time before sending it to the House, where members may agree with the Senate's changes or call for a conference committee to be formed to further negotiate on the bill. Due to the negotiations between the chambers that occurred in the weeks leading up to the announcement of the compromise bill, we expect the House to concur and send the bill to the governor. See a statement released by the lieutenant governor's office yesterday.
As amended on the Senate floor, HB 2 provides $8.5 billion in new funding to public schools, including:
- $4.2 billion for teacher compensation through a new teacher retention allotment that provides, in districts with more than 5,000 students, $2,500 for teachers with 3-4 years of experience and $5,000 for teachers with 5+ years of experience. For districts with 5,000 or fewer students, the allotment would provide $4,000 for teachers with 3-4 years of experience and $8,000 for teachers with 5+ years of experience.
- $500 million for non-administrative staff pay raises provided through a $45 per student in adjusted average attendance for teachers not eligible for the retention allotment, counselors, librarians, nurses, teacher assistants, custodians, food service staff, bus drivers, administrative assistants, and other support staff.
- $1.3 billion for a new fixed cost allotment provided on a $106 per-enrolled-student basis to help pay for utilities, transportation, fees for hiring retired teachers, health insurance premiums and other employee benefits, etc.
- $677 million for early learning programs.
- $430 million in additional school safety funding to increase the per-student allotment from $10 to $20 and to increase the per-campus allotment from $15,000 to $33,540.
- $850 million increase for special education to include a move to an intensity-based model of funding.
- $200 million for charter facilities.
- $300 million for an increase to the small- and mid-size school allotment.
- $153 million for career and technical education.
- $135 million for teacher preparation and certification initiatives, as the bill requires that all teachers in foundation courses will need to be certified by the 2029-30 school year.
Funding that would otherwise go toward future golden penny yield increases will be redirected to provide a $55 increase to the basic allotment. HB 2 also ties the basic allotment to property value growth going forward.
District runs are not yet available.
Review/download the bill (prior to Senate floor amendments).