BISD Board President Kristi Schmidt and Secretary Rich Sena Make the Case for Re-Election

With the May 2 school board election just days away, Boerne Independent School District Board President Kristi Schmidt, who represents Place 6, and Secretary Rich Sena, who represents Place 7, released a joint statement outlining their accomplishments and goals for the next term.

The two trustees, who bring more than 15 years of combined service to the board, said their focus remains on academic excellence, responsible financial management, and protecting the values that matter to Boerne families.

"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 academic performance as proof that the board's approach is delivering results.

"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. "We have done that while receiving less per-student funding than the average Texas district."

Under their leadership, Boerne ISD has compiled one of the strongest records among public school districts in Texas:

• An A rating every year since the TEA accountability system began, making BISD one of only 31 districts statewide, and the only medium-large district in the San Antonio area, to achieve that mark
• $85 million saved through bond refinancing, early debt payoff, and disciplined financial management, with more savings expected as additional bond series become eligible for refinancing
• A 95 percent College, Career, and Military Readiness rate among graduates, compared with the state average of 82 percent
• Two P-TECH academies launched, 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
• Elimination of $120 million in Robin Hood recapture after a seven-year advocacy effort that included legislative testimony and trips to Austin, helping keep local tax dollars in Boerne
• Fifteen consecutive Superior ratings from the Texas Financial Integrity Rating System, even as many districts across the state face budget shortfalls
• A 33 percent reduction in the M&O tax rate since 2019 and 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 said. "The progress we have made reflects the work of the board, administrators, teachers, and the community."

Schmidt and Sena said their next term would focus on four priorities:

• Expanding career and technical education by building on the success of P-TECH and exploring additional pathways tied to workforce opportunities, dual credit, and industry certifications
• Continuing to improve efficiency after the district identified $1.5 million in central office and administrative reductions last year and redirected those funds to classrooms
• Supporting teacher recruitment and retention through higher pay and continued investment in staff
• 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 also noted their longstanding involvement in the community outside of 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, 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.