Wilson Elementary opening among Boerne ISD highlights

JEFF B.FLINN

Viola Wilson Elementary threw open its doors to approximately 450 students Monday as the Boerne ISD began a new school year.

Principal Lizeth Thompson, new to Boerne ISD from a principalship at Lake Travis Elementary School, secured the privilege of having her name linked to the school as its lead principal on opening day.

The school, at 1313 Homestead Ridge in Boerne, is named for Viola Alvina “Olie” Wilson, a first-grade teacher in Boerne whose career in education spanned over 40 years.

Wilson attended the Balcones School and returned to teach there after graduating from Southwest Texas Normal School (now Texas State University). When she retired in the ‘70s, she was teaching third-generation Boerne children.

The new school year also marks the opening of two other district buildings or projects approved as part of the 2022 bond issue, as well as elementary library renovations and upgrades at Boerne Stadium.

The George and Baudelia Mitchell Learning Center and the P-TECH Health Science Pathway addition at Boerne High School are open and receiving students.

Later this fall, the new PTECH addition at Champion High School, as well as the Aquatics Learning Center, will open.

Library renovations at Cibolo Creek, Curington, Fair Oaks Ranch and Kendall elementaries are scheduled to be completed and opened after the holiday break, early in 2025.

Previously completed 2022 bond projects include upgrades at Boerne ISD Stadium, including the new turf field with expanded practice space containing therma-cool pellets, which can reduce the field temperature by as much as 25 degrees. A new track with expanded practice areas, new visitor bleachers and concrete pad, sidewalks and ADA improvements round out the stadium improvements.

Additionally, HVAC deferred maintenance was completed as was the complete replacement of the fire alarm and PA system at Boerne High School, Champion High School and Boerne Middle School North. Tennis court lighting was installed at both high schools. The district-wide furniture replacement also was completed.