Boerne Independent School District has maintained its top A-rating from the Texas Education Agency every year since the state's accountability system was established, a distinction held by only 31 of the more than 1,200 districts in Texas. BISD is the only medium-large district in the greater San Antonio area to achieve this consistent recognition. Board Secretary Rich Sena, who is running for re-election in the May 2 school board race, stated the rating reflects a community-wide commitment to high standards across all 13 campuses.
The district's results are particularly notable given the financial constraints under which they were achieved. Boerne ISD receives approximately $3,000 less per student than the average Texas school district under state funding formulas, placing it well below peer districts in per-pupil spending. The district spends roughly $10,000 per student compared to local private schools that charge between $18,000 and $30,000. Sena emphasized the district's efficiency, noting that administration identified $1.5 million in efficiencies and reductions in central office and administrative overhead, redirecting those funds directly to classroom support.
Despite the funding gap, BISD graduates students at a 95 percent rate of College, Career, or Military Readiness, far above the state average of 82 percent. The district outperforms neighboring competitors including Alamo Heights, Dripping Springs, and Lake Travis while serving a student population with higher rates of poverty than those districts. The A-rating has been maintained even as the district has managed significant growth, with enrollment climbing from 7,200 students in 2014 to more than 11,200 currently.
Sena attributed the sustained academic quality to deliberate investment in teachers and campus leadership, supported by a community that values education. The board has earned the Texas Financial Integrity Rating System's Superior rating for 15 consecutive years, even as nearly 60 percent of districts statewide face budget shortfalls. Sena testified before the Texas Senate Education Committee in support of the teacher retention allotment, which secured raises of up to $5,000 for educators across the state. Locally, a successful voter initiative last November raised starting wages for hourly district workers to $15 per hour and provided incremental raises for teachers.
Sena is running for re-election alongside Board President Kristi Schmidt, both seeking to continue their service on a platform of academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and preserving community values. Early voting for the May 2 election begins April 20, with locations including the Fair Oaks Ranch City Police Department headquarters and the Kendall County Annex across from Boerne High School. On Election Day, voters may cast ballots at Boerne City Hall or the Fair Oaks Ranch Police Department. For more information, visit https://www.senaforbisd.com/.
