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, stated that the rating reflects a community-wide commitment to high standards across all 13 campuses.
The district's results are particularly notable given its financial constraints. 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. "That's a million and a half dollars that could go directly to the classroom to support our mission of educating our kids," Sena said.
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 held even as the district has managed significant growth, expanding from 7,200 students in 2014 to more than 11,200 currently.
Sena attributed the sustained success to several factors, including a supportive community that values education, good governance, and focused leadership. "We have to keep our eyes focused on the children," he said. 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 now face budget shortfalls. Sena connected financial discipline with academic results, stating, "Educating our students - that is our why."
The district has supported its mission through teacher development, recruiting, and retention efforts. 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. "As the only A-rated medium-large district in our area, our staff deserves it," Sena said.
Sena is running for re-election alongside Board President Kristi Schmidt on a platform of academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and preserving community values. Early voting for the May 2 election begins April 20, with information available at https://www.senaforbisd.com/.
