October 2026 Parent Newsletter

On the cover: On Oct. 2, NISD will hold its 15th annual Districtwide Decision of Respect Signing Day for students K-12 and staff to promote anti-bullying in our schools. Trustees are asked to sign the Decision of Respect certificate as a sign of support for the program, with the Superintendent signing on behalf of the staff. 

Warren High School carpentry teacher Chase Haecker received a surprise $75,000 check after being named one of 25 winners of the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence.

The national award recognizes outstanding skilled trades educators and has awarded more than $2 million to teachers across the country.

Haecker brings industry experience and a passion for hands-on learning to his classroom, where students earn industry certifications and gain real-world experience through partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Marek Brothers.

His students also give back to the community by building storage sheds for the Alamo Housing Authority and bunk beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Haecker’s recognition celebrates the lasting impact he is making by helping students build skills—and bright futures.

Pictures from the surprise presentation found here.

Understanding the two parts of the tax rate

Proposition A is a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) that asks voters to consider a three-cent increase in the Maintenance and Operations tax rate. This would generate approximately $45.5 million annually to help fund daily operations such as salaries and utilities. 

The remaining three propositions are bond packages (Propositions B, C, and D) totaling just over $886 million. These packages would finance capital expenses such as construction and renovations with no change to the NISD Interest and Sinking tax rate. 

For an average taxable value home in NISD ($215,210), the actual tax increase from Prop A is $5.98 per year due to recent taxable value decreases. Props B, C, and D have no impact on the existing NISD tax rate. 

Watch this video for a more in-depth explanation of the tax rate impacts regarding the upcoming bond and VATRE election. 

Dolly spotted in halls of Northside

On Sept 25 (also known as 9-2-5), many staff members were “tumbling out of bed and stumbling to the kitchen to pour themselves a cup of ambition” as they donned blonde wigs, lots of pink, and fringe to celebrate the day. In addition, in keeping with Dolly’s love of reading and her Imagination Library initiative, many campuses handed out books to every student on campus. 

Pictures found here.

Hatchett students are cashing in on good behavior

Students at Hatchett Elementary have been demonstrating outstanding citizenship throughout campus and earning Hatchett Dollars for their positive choices. This week, they had the exciting opportunity to redeem their hard-earned dollars at the Hatchett Store! We are proud of our students for showing responsibility, respect, and kindness each day. Their commitment to being positive leaders helps make Hatchett Elementary a great place to learn and grow.

The Northside Education Foundation (NEF) has announced its 2026 Pillars of Character, honoring seven exceptional Northside Independent School District (NISD) alumni whose lives and careers reflect the values Northside strives to instill in every student.

The honorees will be celebrated at the NEF Pillar Recognition and Banquet on Nov. 18 at the Boeing Center at Tech Port. The annual event brings together approximately 700 business partners, community members, and educators for an evening of music, a lively live auction, and, most importantly, a celebration of the Northside community.

Learn about each of this year's Pillars and more about the NEF Pillar Recognition here.