Boerne ISD Maintains Top A-Rating Despite Funding Challenges, Highlighting Educational Excellence

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 accomplishments 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, spending roughly $10,000 per student compared to local private schools that charge between $18,000 and $30,000. Sena emphasized that efficiency has been crucial, noting that the administration identified $1.5 million in efficiencies and reductions in central office and administrative overhead, redirecting funds directly to classroom support.

Despite the funding gap, BISD graduates 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. The A-rating has persisted even as enrollment grew from 7,200 students in 2014 to more than 11,200, requiring deliberate investment in teachers and campus leadership.

Sena attributed the success to a supportive community, good governance, and focused leadership, contrasting Boerne’s approach with districts statewide that experience infighting and division. 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 connected financial discipline with academic results, stressing the importance of teacher development, recruitment, and retention.

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, who testified before the Texas Senate Education Committee in support of the teacher retention allotment that secured raises of up to $5,000 for educators statewide, stated, ‘As the only A-rated medium-large district in our area, our staff deserves it.’ 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/.

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