The Hardin ISD Board of Regents, Superintendent Scott Mackey and members of the Hardin community gathered on Monday, August 19, to celebrate the completion of the renovation of the Hardin High School gymnasium. The celebration took place as attendees toured the newly renovated facility prior to the start of the HISD Board of Regents meeting, marking a significant milestone for the school and the district.

Originally built in the 1990s, the gym had seen little improvement over the years, making these renovations long overdue. Extensive upgrades were completed over the summer at a cost to the district of $86,000, with an additional $30,000 to $40,000 provided by generous donations from the Hardin community.

Among the many improvements are new bleachers, fully funded by Hardin ISD. These bleachers, with expanded seating, now comply with the American Disabilities Act, ensuring seniors and disabled sports fans can safely enjoy events. Other improvements include freshly painted building sections, updated restrooms, a state-of-the-art sound system, new entrance signage, large-screen TVs installed in the Hornet Hive area, and decorative window film that filters sunlight and reduces energy costs.

Superintendent Mackey expressed his gratitude for the community’s support in making this project a reality.

“The gym has been a long time coming, having seen little improvement since it was built in the 1990s. We thank the community for their support in making this project a reality. It will be a great thing for our students, faculty, staff and community. It is a joy to open these upgraded facilities to all,” Mackey said.

Looking to the future, Mackey announced that in the coming months the district plans to add a mural to the Hornet Hive area of ​​the gym to further enhance the space and build 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 increase in costs due to inflation.

“Funds are tight right now in all Texas school districts. We are still educating the same number of children, with fewer resources,” he explained.

The renovation project was made possible through contributions from various community members and local businesses. Texas First Bank provided the sound system, while Joey Scheffler and Abacus Plumbing contributed to other improvements. Other donors included Second District Commissioner Greg Arthur and his family, who made the entrance signage, as well as Shamrock Vacuum, Curtis & Son, Walmart of Liberty, Sherwin-Williams of Liberty, Earthscapes of Texas, the Lady Hornets, the HHS Student Council, the Hardin Athletic Booster Club, several anonymous donors and numerous plank project supporters.