Superintendent Message
As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to begin by expressing my gratitude to the community of Blanco for the support you have shown to our school district. Whether it is championing the Blanco Education Foundation or packing the stands at a sporting event, I am grateful for your support of our students and staff.
We have had a whirlwind of activity this fall—athletic events, band competitions, FFA contests, musical performances, and many other activities. Blanco ISD has a lot to offer the students of our community, and I congratulate all those who have represented the Blanco Panthers with pride. You have laid a great foundation for others to emulate. As UIL Academics and the basketball season begin, I want to wish all coaches and students the best of luck. I know you will make our district and community proud.
In recognition of Veterans Day, our campuses had the pleasure of hosting many of our local veterans. Students led several activities to celebrate and thank veterans for their service to our country. It is important to remember that we cannot rightfully celebrate the joy of freedom without remembering the great price that our veterans paid.
In an effort to ensure maximum safety and security for our students and staff, we have formed a partnership with the Blanco Police Department. With approval from the City Council and the BISD Board of Trustees, we now have a full-time police officer on our campuses during school hours. In addition to making rounds on our campuses, this School Resource Officer (SRO) will provide advice with regard to safety procedures and evaluate the effectiveness of our overall emergency operations plans. On days when we are not in school, you may see him patrolling the streets of Blanco. We are thankful to the City of Blanco for partnering with us in this endeavor.
On a financial note, the district has been able to raise its cash reserves to a more healthy level, and recently received a positive audit. Along with this encouraging trend, the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) released its preliminary report where Blanco ISD is recognized for achieving a perfect score. In light of these results, we believe the district has attained financial stability, and this secure footing will allow us to address the needs of our school district. We will continue to plan for improved technological resources, maintenance and repair of aging buildings, sustainable cost-of-living increases and benefits for staff, and the needs related to the projected population growth in our community.
Finally, the Blanco Education Foundation continues to raise funds for innovative education grants, and community support has been amazing! BEF recently completed the “Founder’s Drive” where they raised over $37,000, and are currently focused on establishing a grant application process for staff members. We are excited about the great opportunities that the Blanco Education Foundation is providing for our staff and students.
At this time of year, we are reminded of how much we have to be thankful for. My wish for you this Thanksgiving is that you find yourself surrounded by those you love. As a reminder, BISD will be closed all next week for the Thanksgiving break.
As we look back on the past with pride, we will look forward to the future with promise.
Clay Rosenbaum
Superintendent, Blanco ISD
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