GUEST COMMENTARY
Boerne ISD is an exceptional school district. As I begin my 30th year in Texas public education, I can say that without hesitation.
And today, I’m writing to you plainly — we need your help.
This fall, Boerne ISD will be sharing more about a plan to address one of the most pressing challenges we face: our ability to recruit and retain the high-quality teachers and staff who make our district one of the best in Texas.
At its core, this plan is about one thing -- investing in the people who serve our students every single day.
Boerne ISD is the ninth- lowest funded school district in the state. And, even after the recent funding increase from the state, our teachers still earn significantly less than their peers in neighboring districts.
That’s why last year alone we lost more than 100 respected educators, many of them to districts just a few miles away that are able to pay more.
We are the largest employer in Kendall County and our 1,700 employees pour $ 5 million into our local economy every month. But their impact goes far beyond school walls.
Our teachers are some of the most dedicated I’ve seen in my three decades in education, showing up each day to inspire students in the classroom and then showing up again after-hours as coaches, youth group leaders, volunteers and community organizers.
They are our neighbors, our friends and the parents of the children your kids sit next to in school. They serve on local boards, coach Little League, lead Scout troops and give back in countless ways that make Boerne stronger.
These individuals are not just educators. They are the heart of this community. And yet, they remain some of the most underpaid in our region.
As your superintendent, I understand our teachers must make decisions based on what is best for their families, just as we all do. But I’m committed to doing everything I can to change the conditions that force them to make that choice in the first place.
The solution we’re exploring would allow Boerne ISD to access additional funding, much of it from the state, that is only available if voters take action. Nearly 37 percent of the revenue generated through this approach would come from the state, not local taxpayers. And 100% of it would stay right here in Boerne ISD.
For homeowners ages 65 and older with frozen property taxes, this plan would not increase their tax bill. For others, the estimated 3-cent increase would generate $4.8 million annually for Boerne ISD, which would help protect classroom instruction, support teachers and keep local tax dollars working right here in our community.
The return on that investment is unmist akable. It’s our teachers. It’s the people who choose to come back each day to teach algebra, welding, AP English and life lessons. It’s the staff members who help students feel safe, known and capable. I t ’s the future of Boerne. Boerne ISD has earned a reputa tion for excellence because our people care deeply about our kids and our community. We are at a critical moment, and the decisions we make now will shape the future of this district for years to come.
Since becoming superintendent in 2024, I’ve committed to transparency and open communication. That won’t change. In the weeks ahead, I’ll be sharing more details about our plan, what it could fund and how it could affect you.
But today, I ask for something simple: listen, learn and talk with us. Ask questions. Join the conversation.
We need your help. We need your voice. And we need your support to keep Boerne ISD strong.
Dr. Kristin Craft is superintendent of schools for Boerne ISD.
Boerne ISD is the ninth-lowest funded school district in the state. Last year alone we lost more than 100 respected educators to districts just a few miles away that are able to pay more.
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