Since joining Boerne ISD, what steps have you taken to learn more about our community?

Throughout the spring, I spent a lot of time in Listen & Learn sessions. I had already developed a deep appreciation for Boerne during my interview process, but getting to know more of our community was a great learning experience. We had incredible participation and during over 40 sessions that I held with staff, students, parents, business partners and community members, I heard so many stories, traditions, hopes, dreams and points of pride. It’s clear that maintaining our small-town feel is very important, and ensuring strong academic outcomes and responsible planning for our growing district are top priorities. Through these sessions, we developed my priorities for this school year.

Dr. Craft’s Early Priorities:
Early matters, and a strong start delivers lasting impact. As educators, we know that the critical shift from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” happens in 3rd grade. Early foundational skills are critical for future success and teachers are working extremely hard to ensure that every child is on grade level in Reading and Math at the end of pre-k, kindergarten and 1st and 2nd grades. We recognized a need to create comprehensive, coordinated and collaborative services to students with complex needs. We are developing a “System of Care” framework to support the safety, health, engagement and enrichment of these students and their families. For our older students, college and career readiness are top-of-mind, and making sure that students have all the support needed to excel in high school and beyond is our mission. Teachers and leaders examine and work on early indicators with a goal of 100% of our students meeting college or career readiness indicators. And, as we orient ourselves to the future, we are engaging in long-term planning. This requires intentional collaboration, and Boerne ISD is fortunate to have such passionate and involved parents and community members. Conversations with these folks revealed growing concern over cell phone usage by middle school students. We sent a survey to these parents over the summer and quickly realized that this concern was shared and that we had support from parents on creating limitations regarding cell phone use. We want our kids to be kids as long as possible, which means real, face-to-face conversations throughout the day.

These are incredible goals to create in such a short time! What other infrastructural changes are you implementing?

We are fortunate to have wonderful buildings and great resources in Boerne ISD. While we build for the future, we remain committed to ensure our legacy buildings are well maintained and can be adapted to meet the needs of modern learning. We are renovating libraries, creating flexible learning spaces, integrating technology, and implementing sustainable practices to be more environmentally responsible and enhance student learning. Boerne ISD also prioritizes safe and secure learning environments, including each school having a School Resource Officer as well as making various security improvements like secure entry points, visitor check-in systems, perimeter fencing and other measures that allow everyone within our buildings to focus on the important teaching, learning and growth they’re doing together.

When it comes to curriculum, we are focused on allowing students to engage in hands-on, real-world learning that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Our approach to learning is personalized, interdisciplinary, and aimed at preparing all students for whatever challenge they tackle next. By leveraging data to assist teacher teams in tailoring educational experiences to student needs and learning styles, we promote and enhance their learning. BISD schools are integrating subjects across the curriculum to enhance relevance and encourage students to think critically about real-world issues. Job-embedded trainings such as instructional training and professional learning communities, along with workshops on modern teaching methodologies, technology integration and instructional strategies, support teacher teams.

You’ve quickly become known for bringing a fresh approach to BISD. What new initiatives and experiences can students and families look forward to?

Well, that’s great to hear! It’s truly a collaborative effort, and our staff are implementing several exciting initiatives designed to enhance educational opportunities and better prepare students for their future careers. In addition to our established Cybersecurity Early College, we kicked off our second Pathway to Technology Early College High School Health Services at BHS. The program is aimed at bridging the gap between high school and higher education, and allows students to earn college credit — up to an Associate’s Degree — while gaining hands-on experience in the health science field. We are partnering with San Antonio College and healthcare providers so that students can access internships and real-world learning experiences that align with industry standards, setting them on a path to successful careers in healthcare. We also launched a real estate program of study designed to prepare students for careers in the real estate sector. This program provides foundational knowledge of real estate principles and guides students through the licensing process. BISD in responding to the growing demand for professionals in real estate by equipping them with both the educational and practical skills necessary for success. Spanish immersion at Cibolo Creek Elementary School is available for English-proficient students. Students learn core subjects in Spanish, fostering bilingualism and biliteracy with the goal of preparing our students for a globalized world where language skills are extremely valuable. And, we are expanding Project Lead the Way curriculum at the elementary level to underscore BISD’s commitment to STEM education. This hands-on, project-based curriculum encourages creativity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. By introducing this program earlier, BISD aims to spark students’ interest in the STEM fields early on.

What would you like the community to know about your approach to managing the district’s path forward?

The future of BISD is rooted in our Strategic Plan, which sets clear goals and a bold path for the next five years. By 2028, every student will engage in innovative learning experiences that prepare them for college, careers or military service. We believe in fostering a culture where 100% of staff are dedicated to professional growth, ensuring our budget fully supports the needs of the district. Most importantly, we want our families and community to feel deeply valued and to know they are essential partners in building a foundation of trust and success for our students.

What has surprised you most about Boerne?

Moving to Boerne from Houston has been such a refreshing experience. Boerne reminds me so much of the small town in Iowa where I grew up. The Boerne community has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, and my family felt an immediate sense of warmth and connection when moving here. Our early experiences reaffirmed that calling Boerne home was the right decision.

What’s one thing that might surprise the community to learn about you?

Despite an unpredictable and demanding schedule, I am committed to working out in the morning. I have tried CrossFit, cycling and Pilates classes around Boerne. Currently, my husband and I are part of a 5:15am gym workout class. My motto is: Win the morning, win the day!