At last week’s Board of Trustees meeting, the administration recommended another pay increase package, and the Board unanimously approved it. This marks our 10th consecutive pay increase — all while maintaining a balanced budget through conservative, forward-thinking financial leadership.
Pay Increase Highlights:
Teachers – $3,500 pay increase for all certified teachers and specific non-certified teachers, including CTE.
Instructional Assistants – $1,750 pay increase.
All Other Job Roles – 5% pay increase.
First-year teacher pay increased to $56,000.
The Board also approved a $50 increase in the district’s contribution toward TRS health insurance, increasing the monthly contribution from $400 to $450 to help offset rising TRS insurance costs.
We are proud to continue investing in the incredible people who make a difference for students every day.
We originally shared this video last Thursday at our most recent Board of Trustees meeting- we hope you enjoy it at the link here: https://youtu.be/Fsjn1vgK1oc
And Seniors, we are going to miss you!!
Remember, #OnceAHornetAlwaysAHornet
#Classof2026
#WeAreHuntsville
#HornetProud
#BuildingChampions
#HomeSweetHuntsville
YOU ARE INVITED...
Please Join Us in Celebrating and Honoring Dr. Scott Sheppard, Superintendent of Schools for more than eight years of outstanding leadership, dedication, and service to Huntsville ISD.
We invite you to a Retirement Reception on Thursday, May 21, 2026. This Come & Go Reception will be from 4 PM to 7 PM in the Cafetorium at Mance Park Middle School, 1010 8th Street.
Throughout his time with Huntsville ISD, Dr. Sheppard has made a lasting impact on our schools and community through a steadfast commitment to student success, educational excellence, and meaningful relationships. His leadership has helped shape the future of our district while positively influencing the lives of countless students, staff members, families and citizens.
As he begins this exciting new chapter, we invite you to join us in expressing our gratitude, sharing lots of memories, and celebrating a remarkable career devoted to public education and service.
Everyone is welcome! We hope you can stop by for this special occasion. Light refreshments will be served. Please use the Cafeteria side entrance & parking lot by the gyms.
CALENDAR REMINDER:
The LAST DAY OF SCHOOL for HISD is next THURSDAY, May 21st! Students will have an EARLY RELEASE at 1:15 PM. *HHS students will follow final exam schedules.
Bus routes will run earlier than normal, so parents should adjust their plans to accommodate the earlier drop-off time.
To read complete media release visit the district website at https://www.huntsville-isd.org/article/2903879.
We are so proud of these outstanding graduates and grateful to the families, teachers, staff, scholarship presenters, local organizations, and community partners who continue to support and invest in our students.
A special congratulations to our Huntsville High School academic Top 10, listed in alphabetical order:
Cy Brown, Lucio Estrada, Maximilian Godwin, Harbor Hoke, Aubrie Jaeger, Lucy Jones, Greyson Lutterschmidt, Simon Mitchell-Yellin, Fredrick Oladele, and Luke Sanchez
Valedictorian: Luke Sanchez
Salutatorian: Simon Mitchell-Yellin
We also proudly recognize Mikhil Patel for earning perfect attendance from 9th through 12th grade — an incredible achievement!
The pledges were led by Luke Sanchez, Senior Class President, and Zyla Louther, Senior Class Vice President.
A huge thank you to our scholarship presenters and supporters:
Elaina Gonzalez from Texas A&M University presented the Terry Scholarship to Luke Sanchez. This is a full-ride scholarship!
Chris Garcia, Yuliana Garcia, and recent HHS alum Traevon Johnson from Sam Houston State University presented the SHSU Smith-Hutson Scholarship to Lanie Culak, Sophie Ervin, Shaun Johnson, Ty Johnson, Alena Monjaras, Moises Ochoa, Ciera Stewart, and Kameron Vickery. This is also a full-ride scholarship — and Huntsville High School had the most recipients of any high school this year!
The Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award was awarded to Zyla Louther and Luke Sanchez.
United States Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Awards, presented by Sgt. Mark Villanueva, recognized:
Music Excellence Award
Lucy Jones
Bryson Thomas
Distinguished Athlete Award
Jazlyn Hill
Fredrick Oladele
Academic Excellence Award
Trinity McMichael
Greyson Lutterschmidt
We were also proud to celebrate a bounty of national and local scholarships awarded to members of this incredible class. These honors represent hard work, leadership, service, talent, perseverance, and the strong support of a community that believes in its students.
To the Class of 2026: good luck on your final exams — and we cannot wait to celebrate you at graduation!
Huntsville High School Graduation
Saturday, May 23
10:00 AM
Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum
Once a Hornet, always a Hornet.
More photos can be found here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/9og5KyQ4DcEbycUeA
#HornetProud
#ClassOf2026
#WeAreHuntsville
Professional District Support Person of the Year — Christie Moorman
District Professional Campus Support Person of the Year — Jacqueline Dawson
District Support Person of the Year — Richard Williamson
Campus Support Person of the Year — Lexus Fletcher
Counselor of the Year — Tiffany Matchett
Instructional Assistant of the Year — Carolyn Sockwell
Elementary New Teacher of the Year — Audrey Whitley
Secondary New Teacher of the Year — Madeline Ames
Elementary Teacher of the Year — Ana Mejia
Secondary Teacher of the Year — Jacob McGinty
Please find the link to all of our photos from the evening’s festivities here:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPSDzneJkCYuoKuRNcCV5qsGLtMhk1MN_fAndN7TcIuj26TUPLfWdcB1J1ZmMFXQw?key=c1h5R3hiRHZ0cXI2dnF2MTA1SS13bVhUU2E2Z1J3
#WeAreHuntsville
#HornetProud
#BuildingChampions
#EmployeeoftheYear
#TeacheroftheYear
#RookieoftheYear
The Performing Arts Center provides additional seating, and we welcome community members to attend as we celebrate several student and staff recognitions. The agenda is also scheduled to include the introduction of the lone finalist for Huntsville ISD’s next superintendent.
Because this is an official Board of Trustees meeting and a matter of public record, the meeting will begin promptly at 6 p.m. We encourage guests to arrive early to allow time to park, enter, and find a seat.
We hope to see you there!
#StingEmHornets
#WeAreHuntsville
#HornetProud
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM HISD TRANSPORTATION:
Bus Registration for this CURRENT 2025-2026 school year is closing! We will not accept any new bus registrations or route changes for CURRENT students after tomorrow, Friday, May 8th. The only registrations accepted after the cut-off will be for brand new students to the district. So if your child is a current student needing to ride, or a current registered bus rider needing to make changes, you will need to take care of this important matter before tomorrow's cut-off. If you have any questions, please contact us immediately.
Thank you!
2026-2027 Student Registration is NOW OPEN!
HISD Student registration is officially open for all NEW and RETURNING students!
Please note: Bus sign-up form will not open until June 1st, 2026.
You can access the HISD registration via our bio or head to huntsville-isd.org.
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¡Ya están abiertas las inscripciones para el ciclo escolar 2026-2027!
¡Las inscripciones para estudiantes del HISD están oficialmente abiertas para todos los estudiantes nuevos y antiguos!
Nota: El formulario de inscripción para el autobús escolar estará disponible a partir del 1 de junio de 2026.
Puedes acceder a las inscripciones del HISD a través de nuestra biografía o visitando huntsville-isd.org.
HEAP 2026 - There’s still time to register!!!
Are you looking for a fun summer activity for your child? Look no further! Sign them up for the HEAP program— the Huntsville ISD/City of Huntsville Summer Recreation Program.
We offer a variety of exciting activities for children ages 6 to 13, including Arts and Crafts, Fun With Foods, Mad Science, Archery, and Team Sports.
There are 2 sessions available for registration: Session 1 runs from June 1st to June 11th, and Session 2 is from June 15th to June 25th.
The cost is $50.00 per session. Registration is currently open and can be completed at https://jrfballard2.wixsite.com/heap.
If you need further information, please contact Luther Joiner II at ldjoiner@huntsville-isd.org with any questions.
Student registration for the 2026-2027 school year opens Thursday, May 7!
This applies to both NEW and RETURNING students.
Keep an eye out for the HISD website on Thursday for the Student Registration link.
# BuildingChampions
Thank you for your patience, your care, and for keeping our community moving.
#BusDriverAppreciationDay #BuildingChampions #HornetProud
Huntsville Hornets Wrestling Team and Huntsville Lady Hornet Basketball were recognized for their respective accomplishments during the March Board of Trustees Meeting.
The Huntsville Hornets Wrestling Team had 5 state qualifiers. Shonterrius Parish, Krystina Baldwyn, Rita Igbokwe, Lanie Nye, and Fred Oladele made their impact this season, showing how Huntsville ISD is Building Champions. Great job, Hornets!
Huntsville Lady Hornet Basketball had two of their athletes be honored with THSCA Academic All-State. Jazlyn Hill and Alyvionia Winn. Great job, ladies, and being a great example of what it is to be a student-athlete!
#HornetProud
#BuildingChampions
Our Special Olympic athletes and Unified Basketball Team were recognized during the March Board of Trustees Meeting.
Hornet Unified Basketball won the Regionals to make it to State. The Hornets competed in the State Tournament in San Antonio. While they came up short, we are still proud of all their accomplishments. We can't wait for next year's season!
Our Special Olympics was recognized during the March Board of Trustees Meeting. We wanted to highlight our athletes Connor Gilbert and Kiana Syphrett, for competing fall and winter in 2 events Bocce Ball and Bowling. Kiana placed 1st place in Area 6 in Bocce Ball, 2nd place in Area 6 and 4th place in the East Region in Bowling. Connor placed 3rd in Area 6 in Bocce Ball, 1st place in Area 6 and 1st place in the East Region in Bowling. Congratulations, Connor and Kiana!
Great Job Hornets!
#HornetProud
#BuildingChampions
The Huntsville Hornets Swim was recognized during the March Board of Trustees Meeting for being State Qualifiers and THSCA Academic All-State Recipients. Greyson Lutterschmidt - THSCA Academic All-State recipient 1st Team, Simon Mitchell-Yellin- THSCA Academic All-State recipient Elite, Maximilian Godwin (Max) -THSCA Academic All-State recipient 1st Team, Eloyfrancisco Pinango - state qualifier, Nathan Jacobe - state qualifier.
Hornets Swim team's 200 Freestyle Relay ranked #12 at State and finished #7. The State team consisted of student athletes Simon Mitchell Yellin, Greyson Lutterschmidt, Maximilian Godwin, and Eloyfrancisco Pinango.
School records were also broken. Greyson Lutterschmidt broke the school record at the Regional meet with a time of 21.94 seconds and went on to break his own record at State with a time of 21.84 seconds in the Men's 50 Freestyle.
Coach Walker and Hornets Swim, congrats on a great season!
#HornetProud
#BuildingChampions
Sarah Kovalcik was awarded the Educator of the Month for March and was recognized during the March Board of Trustees Meeting. Kovalcik joined Huntsville ISD in January of 2023 as a PE Teacher at our former Gibbs PreK Center. She is now the PE Coach at Estella Stewart Elementary. She is a CKH (Capturing Kids Hearts) Traction Leader. Coach K is always very professional, motivated, thoughtful, and creative, and brings energy and Inspiration to all. We are so Thankful that she chose to Build Champions at Estella Stewart Elementary. We are proud to recognize her as the Huntsville ISD Educator of the Month for March.
Michael Watkins was awarded the Employee of the Month of March. Watkins joined Huntsville ISD after a 24-year career with New Waverly ISD. Watkins is the Custodian at Estella Stewart Elementary, and he takes great pride in his work and the appearance of the school. Watkins is always willing to go the extra mile. Huntsville ISD appreciates Michael for taking care of our Champions at Estella Stewart Elementary, and we are proud to name him HISD Employee of the Month in March.
#HornetProud
#BuildingChampions
#employeeofthemonth
#EducatorOfTheMonth
We want to thank the Samuel Walker Houston Elementary Student Council for doing an excellent job with the Pledges at the March Board meeting.
SWHE was also recognized for being named the 2025-2026 MTSS Momentum Award by Branching Minds! SWHE was selected as a winner in the MTSS PBIS Implementation category for its dedication to having high-quality, consistent implementation of a schoolwide system that improves behavior and school culture.
As an MTSS Momentum Award recipient, SWHE received a $300 gift card and an MTSS Momentum School Banner to display on campus. To find more information, visit the Branching Minds website and social media platforms, and listen to their podcast Schoolin' Around-The Three Big Rocks of PBIS: Expectations, Relationships, and Cultures. To hear our very own SWHE Assistant Principal, Anthony Williams, talk about how SWHE is Building Champions.
Great Job SWHE!
#HornetProud
#BuildingChampions
#wearehuntsville
#branchingminds
A massive Thank You to our incredible Administrative Professionals. Your dedication and commitment to our students, staff, and families keep us moving forward every single day. We truly couldn’t do it without you!
#AdminProfessionalsDay #BuidlingChampions
This, the last home game of the season, is also the final home game Dr. Sheppard will attend as Superintendent. The team wanted to take a moment to recognize & honor a tremendous leader, dedicated educator, and proud Hornet! Thank you Dr. Sheppard!
#HornetProud
#BuildingChampions
#HomeSweetHuntsville
