BISD Board President Schmidt and Secretary Sena Outline Accomplishments and Priorities Ahead of School Board Election

With the May 2 school board election approaching, Boerne Independent School District Board President Kristi Schmidt and Secretary Rich Sena released a joint statement detailing their accomplishments and goals for another term. The trustees, who have more than 15 years of combined service, emphasized their focus on academic excellence, responsible financial management, and protecting community values. "We are parents, educators, volunteers, and neighbors who care deeply about this community," Sena said. "Our service goes beyond board meetings because we believe in supporting Boerne in every way we can."

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 noted. "We have done that while receiving less per-student funding than the average Texas district." Under their tenure, Boerne ISD has achieved an A rating every year since the TEA accountability system began, making it one of only 31 districts statewide and the only medium-large district in the San Antonio area to accomplish this. The district has also saved $85 million through bond refinancing, early debt payoff, and disciplined financial management, with additional savings expected as more bond series become eligible for refinancing.

The district reports a 95 percent College, Career, and Military Readiness rate among graduates, surpassing the state average of 82 percent. Two P-TECH academies have been launched—one in health careers at Boerne High School and one in cybersecurity at Champion High School—putting over 200 seniors on track by 2028 to graduate with both a diploma and an associate degree at no added cost to families. A seven-year advocacy effort, including legislative testimony and trips to Austin, resulted in the elimination of $120 million in Robin Hood recapture, helping keep local tax dollars in Boerne. Boerne ISD has also earned fifteen consecutive Superior ratings from the Texas Financial Integrity Rating System, even as many districts statewide face budget shortfalls, and achieved a 33 percent reduction in the M&O tax rate since 2019 along with the second-lowest Interest and Sinking tax rate among 17 fast-growth districts in the San Antonio-Austin corridor.

"Strong schools are built through teamwork, commitment, and responsible stewardship," Sena stated. "The progress we have made reflects the work of the board, administrators, teachers, and the community." Schmidt and Sena outlined four priorities for their next term: expanding career and technical education by building on P-TECH success and exploring additional pathways tied to workforce opportunities, dual credit, and industry certifications; continuing to improve efficiency after identifying $1.5 million in central office and administrative reductions last year and redirecting those funds to classrooms; supporting teacher recruitment and retention through higher pay and continued investment in staff; and preserving Boerne's Hill Country character while managing continued enrollment growth. "We have led this district through a period of extraordinary growth, adding nearly 4,000 students while maintaining academic excellence, keeping taxes low, and expanding student opportunities," Schmidt said. "That takes experienced leadership and a board committed to working together."

Both trustees highlighted their community involvement beyond school board service. Sena serves on the board of the Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center, teaches Sunday School at Currey Creek Church, and has been active with Boerne Sunrise Rotary and the Kendall County Republican Club. Schmidt, a former BISD teacher, volunteers through First Baptist Church Boerne and serves on the board of LKCK. "We respectfully ask for the support of our community as we continue working to build on Boerne ISD's legacy of excellence," they said in the joint statement. Early voting runs April 20 through April 28, with exact dates and times available here, at the Fair Oaks Ranch City Police Department headquarters and the Kendall County Annex across from Boerne High School. On Election Day, May 2, voters may cast ballots at Boerne City Hall or the Fair Oaks Ranch Police Department.