Herbert O'Neil
Superintendent
Dear Team Hempstead,
I recently read a friend's post on social media that the week after a week off is often tougher than a regular week. I do not know if there is sound research behind that, but I thank you for a good return after Spring Break. Last week, I had the opportunity to visit some of your classrooms and it is always great to see student engagement and learning taking place. I have spent some time looking at data from our last interim assessment and there are many areas of growth to celebrate as well as areas that we are still working towards mastering. Regardless of where you fall, growth must take place. As we countdown to STAAR exams, know your student’s growth target and do everything you can to ensure they hit it. Remember, all students want to learn even if they don’t act as if they do. I am thankful that you educate our students without excuse. Keep those high expectations and never tolerate excuses. Thank you for expecting the best of your students each day.
As we approach the May 4, 2024 bond election, I want to take a moment to remind everyone of the importance of maintaining neutrality and professionalism in our roles as educators and staff members. Our community relies on us to provide a safe environment for learning, and we must uphold these principles during this critical time.
With that in mind, I'd like to clarify what you can and cannot do regarding the bond election:
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Get to Know the Bond Proposal:
Talk about it with family, friends, etc. outside of the scope of your professional duties and when you are not viewed as a representative of the district. After work, you can express a position. Visit hempsteadisd.org/bond2024 for more information.
Understand the Process:
The proposal was recommended by a committee of community members, district students, and staff after months of work.
Share the Facts:
Educate people with factual bond information any time you want.
Encourage People to Vote:
Don’t encourage them how to vote.
Know the Bond Information Resources:
Who to call, what content is online, available print materials, etc.
Vote:
Exercise your right as a citizen to vote in the upcoming bond election. Your voice matters, and your vote can make a difference. Check your registration status.
RULE OF THUMB:
After a school bond election is called, district employees are not allowed to use district-owned resources to advocate support or opposition for the bond. District-owned resources include your paid time, as well as all district equipment (telephones, computers, printers, copiers, internet access).
However, you can share FACTS at ANY TIME. District employees can advocate for the bond on their own time outside of their job duties during non-paid hours.
WHAT YOU CAN NOT DO:
Advocate During Work Hours:
You can share facts only.
Spend or Authorize the use of District Money for Political Advertising
Conduct Political Advertising on District-Owned Resources
Includes creating or forwarding pro-bond literature should be on campus or at district functions.
Be Afraid to Share Factual Info
Talk about the bond and educate people on the facts, but only advocate after hours.
WHAT IS POLITICAL ADVERTISING?
A communication that advocates a particular outcome of an election. It can be a communication in almost any written or broadcast form, such as a billboard, flyer, newsletter, poster, television or radio advertisement, email, or website.
I urge each of you to approach the bond election with integrity and professionalism. By adhering to these guidelines, we can ensure that our schools remain places of unbiased learning and growth for all students. Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to our district's mission.
We have a short week this week! Make every day, every minute, and every second count. We are getting closer to the finish line so keep pushing even harder. Your tenacity and focus is what will take us to #HigherHeights. Have a great week!
With Bobcat Pride,
Herbert O’Neil
Superintendent
Hempstead ISD
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