Election
BY JARRETT WHITENER
KEY: *Incumbent
Boerne ISD board of trustees, Place 7
Rich Sena* Occupation & experience: Boerne ISD trustee, member of finance, legislative advocacy & facilities committees, longtime community volunteer, father and ... senaforbisd.com
Michael G. Ethridge Occupation & experience: Publisher, The Kendall Gentleman; small business owner; community leader; youth mentor; media strategist www.michael4bisd.com
What do you see as the greatest challenge in Boerne ISD? We have interrelated challenges. Financially, state funding formulas result in BISD having $3000 less per student than the average Texas school district. We do more with less, and we do it well. Growth is a challenge – preparing for the future while retaining the character and values that make Boerne special.
The biggest challenge facing Boerne ISD is managing rapid growth while protecting what makes our schools strong. Enrollment continues to climb, and every decision about facilities, staffing and budgets must keep students first. We need thoughtful planning that maintains academic excellence without losing the community culture families expect from Boerne ...
Being a high-growth area, how do you plan to approach growth discussions for Boerne ISD? We have a demographer who provides us annually with valuable data; I am very well versed with this information. Our long-range planning committees constantly review and research important educational goals. When needed, we form citizen committees that represent a broad spectrum of residents to make recommendations to our board.
Growth should be approached with long-term planning and transparency. The district must clearly communicate enrollment projections, facility needs, and financial implications before decisions are made. I support responsible planning that prioritizes classrooms and teachers first, while ensuring taxpayers understand how growth decisions affect both educational quality and future tax burdens.
Public education is a large conversation across the state, especially regarding funding. How do you plan to ensure financial responsibility in Boerne ISD? Our district has received a Superior Rating from the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas every year that I have been a trustee. We balance our budgets and have the recommended fund balance. We consistently look for ways to maximize efficiency and reduced administrative overhead $1.5 million this year alone. Financial responsibility starts with treating taxpayer dollars with respect. Every budget decision should ask whether it directly benefits students and classrooms. Trustees must ask tough questions, demand transparency, and avoid unnecessary spending. My focus will be on careful oversight, long-term planning, and ensuring resources are directed toward teachers, academics and …
How do you plan to support Boerne ISD staff during your time as trustee? By continuing my previous work. I lead our Legislative Advocacy Committee, advocating for a state-funded teacher retention allotment to improve compensation. I testified multiple times in support of the bill that passed. We’ve increased professional development and implemented leadership training programs to promote internal growth and additional career paths.
Great schools depend on great people. Supporting staff means ensuring teachers have the resources, respect, and compensation they deserve. Trustees should listen to educators, remove unnecessary bureaucracy, and prioritize budgets that support classrooms. When teachers feel supported and valued, students benefit, and the entire district becomes stronger.
Boerne ISD has received “A” ratings six years in a row. What are your plans to ensure educational excellence across the district? We can never rest on our laurels; continuous improvement is our motto. Our team is constantly reviewing relevant data to focus on increasing student achievement. We are reviewing potential Career and Technical Education additions to our curriculum to maximize opportunities for our students. We strive for and expect excellence.
Boerne ISD’s success didn’t happen by accident. It came from strong teachers, supportive families and high expectations. My goal is to protect that culture while preparing students for the future. That means maintaining academic rigor, expanding workforce and career pathways and ensuring every student graduates ready for college, career or …
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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BOERNE - FAIR OAKS RANCH EDITION
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