With the May 2 school board election approaching, Boerne Independent School District Board President Kristi Schmidt and Secretary Rich Sena have outlined their accomplishments and priorities in a joint statement. The trustees, who bring more than 15 years of combined service, emphasized their focus on academic excellence, responsible financial management, and protecting community values.
Schmidt pointed to the district’s sustained academic performance as evidence of effective leadership. ‘Boerne ISD has maintained its A rating from the Texas Education Agency while also expanding programs such as our P-TECH academies in health careers and cybersecurity,’ Schmidt said. The district has achieved an A rating every year since the Texas Education Agency accountability system began, making it one of only 31 districts statewide and the only medium-large district in the San Antonio area to maintain that distinction.
Financial management has been another key achievement under their leadership. The district has saved $85 million through bond refinancing, early debt payoff, and disciplined financial practices, with additional savings expected. They also eliminated $120 million in Robin Hood recapture after a seven-year advocacy effort that included legislative testimony and trips to Austin. The district has achieved fifteen consecutive Superior ratings from the Texas Financial Integrity Rating System and reduced the M&O tax rate by 33 percent since 2019.
Student outcomes have shown significant improvement, with a 95 percent College, Career, and Military Readiness rate among graduates compared to the state average of 82 percent. The district has launched two P-TECH academies—one in health careers at Boerne High School and one in cybersecurity at Champion High School—putting more than 200 seniors on track by 2028 to graduate with both a diploma and an associate degree at no added cost to families. Information about early voting dates and times is available here.
Looking ahead, Schmidt and Sena identified four priorities for their next term: expanding career and technical education by building on P-TECH success and exploring additional pathways; continuing efficiency improvements after identifying $1.5 million in administrative reductions last year; supporting teacher recruitment and retention through higher pay; and preserving Boerne’s Hill Country character while managing enrollment growth that has added nearly 4,000 students.
‘Strong schools are built through teamwork, commitment, and responsible stewardship,’ Sena said. ‘The progress we have made reflects the work of the board, administrators, teachers, and the community.’ Both trustees highlighted their community involvement beyond school board service, with Sena serving on the board of the Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center and teaching Sunday School, while Schmidt volunteers through First Baptist Church Boerne and serves on the board of LKCK.
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