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Superintendent Message Vol. 3 Issue 1 - October 2019


Posted Date: 10/02/2019

Superintendent Message - October 2019


I want to begin by celebrating BISD’s success on the Texas Education Agency’s accountability rating system. Districts are given a rating based on a letter grade similar to the grade a student receives. Blanco ISD received an “A” rating, or a score of 94. This rating places BISD in the top 3 districts in our education service center region. The rating system consists of three components: Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing the Gaps. Congratulations to the staff and students of Blanco ISD!


As a district, we continue to keep an eye on our enrollment and projected growth. We currently have 1037 students in our district. There are 354 at the high school, 243 at BMS and 440 at Blanco Elementary. At this time last school year, we had 1020 students.


On a financial note, the BISD Board of Trustees approved a $12.7 million dollar working budget for the 2019 – 2020 school year. I am happy to report that our tax rate will decrease to $1.1262 per $100 value. We will continue to strive to ensure that Blanco ISD has a solid financial foundation for many years based on sound fiscal decisions. We know that our taxpayers support our schools, and we take that financial responsibility very seriously.


The 2019 Blanco Education Foundation (BEF) awarded over $12,000 in grants to teachers in the district this spring. The grant recipients have put their proposals into action and many students are reaping the benefits. I would like to thank our generous donors who made these grants possible. The foundation will continue their fund raising efforts. Individuals and/or businesses interested in promoting academic excellence in our community may contribute any amount to the foundation.


As you are probably aware, TxConnect Parent Portal is a program that allows you to monitor your student’s grades, attendance, and other information via the internet. It is available to all BISD parents/guardians. If you have not subscribed and would like to, it is available by visiting our website (blancoisd.org) and scrolling down to STAY CONNECTED TO BISD. Directions can be found by reading the “Full Article”.


Homecoming Week is scheduled for October 7 to 11, culminating in a district matchup with the Sonora Broncos. Homecoming is a time for mums, pep rallies, parades, campus activities and football. It is also a time to welcome back our alumni. Blanco alumni and community members are invited to join us in celebrating Homecoming by attending the Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, October 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the square, followed by a pep rally at Panther Stadium. The game between the Panthers and Broncos will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 11.


Since receiving the proceeds of the voter approved 2019 Bond Series, the District has made headway in several key project areas. Student furniture, band instruments, visitor ID software upgrades and technology devices have been purchased with bond funds. A white activity bus to facilitate small group transportation for students was purchased and delivered. In terms of facilities, bond funds have been crucial in helping with securing new benches for students at the fieldhouse, AC unit replacements and repairs to the elementary cafeteria roof. Projects that are currently in development include remediation of drainage issues at the football field and elementary school, improved walkway connection between elementary buildings and the cafeteria, and improved security upgrades at all three campuses.
As we look back on the past with pride, we look forward to the future with promise.


Sincerely,
Clay Rosenbaum
Superintendent of Schools