The Hardin ISD Board of Trustees, Superintendent Scott Mackey, and members of the Hardin community gathered on Monday, Aug. 19, to celebrate the completion of the Hardin High School gym renovations. The celebration took place as attendees toured the newly upgraded facility prior to the start of the HISD board meeting, marking a significant milestone for the school and the district.
The gym, originally built in the 1990s, had not seen many improvements over the years, making these renovations long overdue. Over the summer, extensive upgrades were completed at a cost of $86,000 to the district, with an additional $30,000 to $40,000 provided through the generous contributions of the Hardin community.
Among the many enhancements are new bleachers, which were entirely funded by Hardin ISD. These bleachers, with expanded seating, are now compliant with the American Disabilities Act, ensuring that senior citizens and handicapped sports fans can safely enjoy events. Other improvements include fresh paint throughout the building, updated restrooms, a state-of-the-art sound system, new entryway lettering, large-screen TVs mounted in the Hornet Hive area, and decorative window wraps that filter sunlight and reduce energy costs.
Superintendent Mackey expressed his gratitude for the community’s support in bringing this project to life.
“It has been a long time coming for the gym, which hasn’t seen many improvements since it was built in the 1990s. Thanks to the community for all their support with helping us bring this project to life. It will be a great thing for our students, faculty, staff, and community. It is a joy to have these upgraded facilities for everyone to enjoy,” Mackey said.
Looking ahead, Mackey announced that in the coming months, the District plans to add a mural inside the Hornet Hive area of the gym, further enhancing the space and celebrating the school spirit.
Mackey also highlighted the financial challenges facing Texas school districts, noting that public schools have not received an increase in funding since 2019, despite an estimated 30 percent rise in costs due to inflation.
“Finances are tight for all Texas school districts right now. We still have the same number of kids we are educating, and we are doing it with less funding,” he explained.
The renovation project was made possible by contributions from various community members and local businesses. Texas First Bank provided the sound system, while Joey Scheffler and Abacus Plumbing contributed to other upgrades. Additional donors included Pct. 2 Commissioner Greg Arthur and his family, who provided the entryway signage, as well as Shamrock Vacuum, Curtis & Son, Walmart of Liberty, Sherwin-Williams of Liberty, Earthscapes of Texas, the Lady Hornets, HHS Student Council, Hardin Athletic Booster Club, several anonymous donors, and numerous supporters of the plank project.