John Kelly, Ph. D.

Student achievement

We want to close the remaining achievement gaps between economically disadvantaged students and the rest of the population.  Although all of Boerne ISD’s test scores for these special population students are above state averages, they are not yet where they can be.   

Overall, BISD passing rates on TAKS tests are very high - 90 to 98 percent passing in each subject.  However, in a high performing district, it is also relevant to look at the number of students who do more than pass by achieving a commended (perfect or near perfect score) on these exams.  The most difficult exam questions are those that measure higher order thinking skills; thus a high score is meaningful.  As a way of gauging our progress, we will pay more attention to this “commended” stat.  Currently, 20 percent of our students are commended on all TAKS tests taken. 

Teacher salaries

BISD competes with other districts to recruit and retain top teaching talent.  Although great strides were made last year with an unprecedented 11 percent increase in pay, we continue to strive to find a combination of salary and benefits that compete better with San Antonio districts.  Each $1,000.00 increase in teacher salaries costs Boerne ISD approximately $500,000.00, making teacher salaries the biggest item in the budget. 

Security

In our modern era, we’re all more concerned about student security on our campuses.  We are trying to build in cost effective measures that enhance our present efforts realizing that most or all Boerne parents do, not want to see each of our schools surrounded by high fences and barbed wire. 

Technology

One example of progress in this area is our piloting of an on-line grading program that we hope to install district wide next year.  Our goal is to make available 24/7 a child’s regular grades on-line for viewing by their parents.   The newer software also allows teachers to input grades from wherever they are, a capability strongly desired by many teachers who often grade at night in their homes.

Construction

Much work must take place this next school year as we ready for the opening of Champion High School in August 2008 and renovated BHS school in 2009.  Decisions on design elements, school choice, attendance boundaries, staffing, program changes, etc. will require much pre-planning.