Rich Sena, a trustee for the Boerne ISD School Board, has announced his re-election campaign, highlighting his commitment to fiscal stewardship and educational excellence during a period of significant community growth. In an interview on the Vote Like a Texan platform, Sena detailed his tenure's focus on the district's 11,200 students and the financial strategies that have defined his service.
Boerne ISD is an A-rated district, one of only 31 out of over 1,200 in Texas to consistently achieve this rating, and the only one in the San Antonio area with more than 1,000 students. Sena attributes this success to strong community support, effective governance, and a dedicated focus on teacher development. His institutional knowledge, having served multiple terms and worked with three superintendents, positions him as a steward of this established excellence.
A cornerstone of Sena's record is fiscal responsibility. Under his tenure, the district has realized over $85 million in taxpayer savings through proactive bond refinancing and early debt payoff. Specific actions included paying off the 1999 and 2002 bonds and refinancing at lower rates. Furthermore, the 2022 bond projects have been completed under budget, demonstrating continued prudence in financial management.
In educational innovation, Sena championed the implementation of the P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) program. This initiative allows students to graduate high school with an associate's degree, providing a significant head start on higher education and saving families thousands of dollars in future college costs. The district also maintains a strong focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE), contributing to a College, Career, Military Ready (CCMR) rate of 95%, which is well above the state average.
Sena has been an active advocate for teachers and local control. He testified in Austin for teacher retention allotments and supported local initiatives for competitive wages. A significant policy achievement was his role in eliminating the Robin Hood tax, which had previously diverted over $120 million from Boerne ISD to the state. This ensures local tax dollars remain within the community, a critical factor as the district operates with approximately $3,000 less per student than the state average.
Looking ahead, Sena anticipates managing modest growth to integrate new community members while preserving the district's culture. His platform emphasizes the continued expansion of academic options and maintaining the district's high standards. The full interview detailing these accomplishments and plans is available on the Vote Like a Texan platform.
