The leadership class of the Bulverde Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce spent Dec. 13 learning about education in Comal County.

Comal ISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Walker updated the group on the current status of the school district, upcoming school boundary changes and the proposed return to a seven-class period schedule next year at Smithson Valley High School and Canyon High School. Walker also updated them on the schools being remodeled and the new schools being built.

Frank Baker, vice president of the school board and representative for District 3, educated the leadership class on how school board members are elected, what the minimum qualifications are and how they work with the District office and Dr. Walker to make the district work efficiently.

The leadership class then loaded a school bus and traveled from GVTC to Smithson Valley High School. Chris Trotter, principal of SVHS, took the group on a tour of the school and discussed different career training programs that are available. They visited with Scott Stoore, technology graphics, Ben Brooks, health science technology, and were entertained by Perry Dean’s choir.

They enjoyed hot chocolate and biscotti provided by the Family and Consumer Science Hospitality department. Trotter discussed the school policies and TAKS scores while the class enjoyed lunch prepared by Chef Mike’s Catering and provided by Sam Robert’s Photography.

The class then traveled to Smithson Valley Middle School where Principal Link Fuller and Communities in School coordinator, Gwen Cunningham, joined the group.

Cunningham enlightened the group on the many wonderful ways that CIS assists the at-risk children at SVMS.

Fuller talked about the improvements that have taken place at SVMS.

William Serrano, manager and trainer at Anytime Fitness, educated the group on ways to reduce stress and relax muscles in the neck, back and shoulder areas.

The group also learned about classes available at the Central Texas Technology Center just northeast of New Braunfels. Buddy Watson, a technical trainer, discussed several of the different programs that are available free to anyone. The CTTC also offers a wide range of academic, technical and continuing education programs to include the granting of associate degrees through the colleges of the Alamo Community College District.

Mechelle Salmon with Bulverde Spring Branch EMS discussed the specialized training that is provided at the EMS location on U.S. Highway 281. Through the training department they instruct future EMT’s from various communities around Texas.