Roy McCoy roy@robconews.com Robertson County News Hearne Independent School District trustees received updates on construction, classroom instruction, college-credit programs and district finances during their July 13 meeting. With the start of school approaching, much of the discussion focused on whether district facilities will be ready for staff and students. The district’s HVAC project is expected to be completed by August 1, while the annual staff convocation is tentatively scheduled for August 3. The convocation date could change depending on construction progress. Work on the elementary gym also remains on schedule despite delays caused by rain. Trustees plan to tour the district’s bond-funded construction projects during their August meeting, giving board members an opportunity to see the work firsthand and review safety procedures. Architects also presented three possible designs for a vestibule at the district’s bus facility. No decision was made, as officials continue to review concerns involving the property’s floodplain. The district has also received the keys to a former dental office purchased through the bond program. Administrators are considering possible uses for the property, but the building will first be inspected for asbestos and other potential safety concerns. Beyond construction, trustees recognized Hearne ISD’s recent distinction from the Texas Art Education Association, which highlighted the success of the district’s art programs across grade levels. Administrators also reported that the staff development calendar has been completed with input from campus leaders and lead teachers. Training will focus on language development, reading and mathematics, while continuing to incorporate instructional materials from Region 6 and other education partners. Trustees also heard about major changes coming to the state’s teacher evaluation system. The updated system, known as T-TESS 2, will place more emphasis on what students are doing during a lesson. Evaluators will look at classroom discussions, group work, student participation and how teachers determine whether students understand the material. Professional responsibilities such as recordkeeping, teamwork, policy compliance and appropriate technology use will also receive greater attention. Administrators will need to complete new certification training before the revised system takes effect. The board also received encouraging results from the district’s honors and University of Texas OnRamps programs. More than 57% of honors students are first-generation college students, and the district reported a 98% course completion rate. OnRamps enrollment reached 281, including 93 students taking part for the first time. Students can earn college credit in courses such as college algebra, calculus, U.S. history and geoscience. District officials estimated the program saved students and families more than $84,000 in college costs. One former Hearne student entered college as a sophomore after earning 12 credit hours through the program. Financial matters were also reviewed during the meeting. Trustees received monthly payment reports and May tax collection figures, while June and July tax reports remained unavailable because of outside processing schedules. A financial reporting workshop is planned for July 30. Administrators said they are also working to make bond spending reports clearer and easier for trustees and residents to follow. The board authorized the superintendent to continue negotiating a grant-funded health partnership that supports staffing, instructional materials, professional development and student services. District leaders said the partnership could also help restore some of the after-school opportunities lost when the ACE program ended. Hearne ISD will continue using state-approved instructional materials in reading, math, science and social studies. Officials said the goal is to give teachers consistent, proven resources rather than frequently changing programs. Trustees also approved contracts with regional education service centers and outside vendors, along with up to $40,398.40 for fiber-optic and communication improvements. Other planned upgrades include cameras and controlled-access equipment at new gym facilities. The district is also moving from PowerSchool to Frontline for personnel management and service tracking. Administrators said they will continue watching operational costs, including color printing, and work to ensure contract renewals are properly documented.