The July 21 meeting of the Blanco ISD board of trustees included a presentation by each campus’ principal recapping the state of each campus and the areas they will seek to improve in the 2025-26 school year.
The reports covered test score results, with an emphasis on if students “meet or master” grade level performance. Principal Jake Raley of Blanco High School reviewed the numbers in multiple subjects, including English, algebra, U.S. history and biology. The results of the SAT tests were an area of concern. Raley reported that 22% of BHS juniors who took the test were deemed college ready and 47% of the students were deemed college ready in reading and writing. He stated that these statistics definitely caught the administration’s attention, and the campus will implement strategies to improve those numbers. These strategies include SAT test preparation, increased rigor in classes and increased professional development for staff.
College readiness can be shown by the SAT, ACT or TSI tests, and students can also gain CCMR (College, Career and Military Readiness) points by taking dual credit courses, scoring three or higher on an AP exam, earning an associate’s degree while attending high school, earning an IBC (Industry Based Certification) or enlisting in the military. Last year, 91 of the 94 graduates earned a CCMR point, which is 97% of the graduating class. The state average is 76%. Raley emphasized that the IBC programs are important to the school, with 54 graduates earning an IBC and “leaving Blanco High School with a plan.”
Blanco Middle School Principal Jordan Leverett focused on the improvement in math and English Language Arts (ELA) scores over prior years, particularly the increase in math and ELA scores in the sixth grade. He emphasized looking at prior test score histories to ensure students are placed in the right level for math classes, noting that last year some students who were in advanced math classes would likely have performed better placed in a regular math class. He also mentioned the challenging nature of the social studies test, which includes questions about the 8th Amendment and details about early U.S. government. Leverett also recapped the extracurricular accomplishments of BMS including sports rankings, art awards and band recognitions. Leverett also touched on improvements in student progress for accountability, and advocacy in student-parent-teacher conferences.
Incoming Blanco Elementary School Principal Suzie Seabolt stressed the importance of data. She said “it ultimately starts with the littles” when referring to STAAR test scores in later grades. She gave a review of the information from the prior administration, including the receipt of seven educational foundation grants, the success of Running Club and Student Council, as well as hosting academic UIL for the year. Seabolt emphasized that collaborative planning is key with each grade being a “stepping stone” and making sure they aren’t reinventing the wheel or redoing efforts, but ultimately creating a strong foundation for middle school and beyond.
The board approved an amendment to the interlocal cooperation agreement between the district and the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office for the school resource officer. The total salary for three SROs for the 2025-2026 budget year, from Oct. 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2026, is $261,466.83.
Blanco County will pay 20 percent of the salaries ($52,293.36) while Blanco ISD will cover the remaining 80 percent of the salaries ($209,173.46) plus equipment costs and maintenance.
The school calendar was reviewed, and the first day of instruction is Wednesday, Aug. 13. Multiple policy items were voted on, including the cell phone/ personal electronics policy. Meal prices for the coming school are increasing slightly with the lunch price for K-12 increasing to $3.25 from $3.15, and the adult price increasing to $5 from $4.35. Breakfast prices were not increased. Teacher turnover from last year to this year was low, with only one teacher departing from the elementary and middle schools, and two from the high school.
Certificates of substantial completion for 2022 bond projects, including the Education Center for the Arts, gym and security and access control were approved. These totals were $21,133,212 and $2,440,671 respectively.
There is a special board meeting set for Wednesday, July 30 regarding the issuance of the 2025 bond proceeds. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 18.
