The atmosphere at the Boerne ISD Convocation on Friday, Aug. 2, was nothing short of electric.
The palpable buzz of excitement, anticipation and joy among teachers, administrators and staff created an almost tangible energy. Cheerleaders rallied the crowd with enthusiastic cheers while the band’s energetic tunes filled the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable welcome to the nearly 1,600-strong Boerne ISD team.
Each school’s employees sat together, united in spirit with matching T-shirts and, in one case, matching headgear. As each school was introduced, a huge roar filled the auditorium.
Dr. Kristin Craft, Boerne ISD superintendent, took the spotlight to celebrate the district’s many achievements. The 2024-25 school year is her first as a district superintendent.
She announced that in 2023, both Boerne and
at Oak Hills Church.
Star photo by Cori Smelker Champion high schools were recognized as top schools by U.S. News & World Report. She highlighted the influx of families moving to Boerne, drawn by its small-town charm and expressed a commitment to preserving this unique community feel.
“Academically, we had an outstanding year. Our CMR (contract monitoring review) growth has improved every single year for the past four years,” Craft said. “We had 1,300 AP students take over 3,000 exams, with 953 students scoring in the top percentile.
“This early readiness for college is evident and makes a significant difference for our families, saving them half a million dollars in college tuition,” she added.
Craft also pointed out the district’s remarkable success in industry-based certifications, with 644 certifications earned — an impressive 33% increase from the previous year.
She concluded her address with a metaphorical reflection.
“Every person in our community is a puzzle piece. When I consider how all the pieces fit together, it reminds me of assembling a puzzle — starting with the frame and then developing a plan,” she said. “Based on feedback from every group, we’ve identified crucial areas of focus that are vital to our future.”
As a result of this collective effort, the team spent the summer delving into its core values, defining what they mean in the context of Boerne ISD. Four core values were established to serve as the bedrock for Boerne’s future:
• Every Child, Every Day • Respectful Relationships • Integrity • Commitment to Service Keynote speaker Stephen Mackey, a motivational speaker and dynamic leader, took the stage to offer inspiration. With a blend of wry wit and humor, Mackey encouraged everyone, from the superintendent to facilities managers, that their work transcends mere employment; it is a profound calling.
“On days when it’s hard, remember your purpose,” Mackey urged. “If you give your best, it makes a difference. It’s not about competition but about community and caring for every child.
“Our commitment to service and the value of one community are crucial. The work you do shapes the future of our students. The community — leaders, volunteers, and the board of education — plays a vital and integral role in raising children. You are all essential to this process,” he said.
The morning’s events concluded with a heartfelt tribute to Vicky Weber, who has dedicated 50 years to teaching since she started in 1974.
Reflecting on her career, Weber said, “I keep coming back because I love my kids and the people I work with, including my principals. As a teacher with years of cherished memories in education, I’ve witnessed countless moments of growth in students.”
The morning concluded with the elementary school choir singing a rousing rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’” as the employees left the Oak Hills Church auditorium to return to their classrooms and begin preparations for the new school year.
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