Over the last year, Boerne ISD has improved staff retention and reduced the number of open positions from more than 60 in September 2024 to less than 10 as of Sept. 3.
Chief Human Resources Officer Jill Rhodes Pruin discussed staff positions during the Sept. 15 board of trustees meeting, including custodians, bus drivers, food service employees, teaching assistants, teachers and speech and language therapists.
“These are some areas where we know we have had some challenges with staffing in the past,” she said.
The details: Rhodes Pruin said district staff is focused on improving retention and ensuring staff stay with the district each school year.
This strategy includes offering paid teacher residencies and promoting teacher assistants to full-time teaching positions. The district also offers a teacher pathway program, which is being developed to guarantee student teaching opportunities for BISD graduates who pursue a career in education.
Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries unveils new 8,000 square foot facility
A local Hill Country nonprofit just got a big upgrade with the addition of a brand-new building in Boerne.
The full story: Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries, located at 38 Cascade Cavern, unveiled a new 8,000-square-foot Vision Center in July.
The new facility is being used for multi-purpose activities, including youth education programs, community volunteering events and training for clients and volunteers, according to the nonprofit’s website.
It can seat up to 300 individuals for meals and has a new commercial kitchen.
About the program: Communications Director Debi Watson told Community Impact that a summer youth program has already been held in the new space, called the Summit Leadership Academy.
Vivo Infusion acquires Vista Visionary Infusions of South Texas
Vista Visionary Infusions of South Texas has been acquired by Vivo Infusion, a national company with over 90 locations in the U.S.
The gist: Vivo Infusion provides infusion therapy, using an intravenous, or IV, line to deliver medication directly into a patient’s bloodstream, according to the company's website. Common conditions treated by Vivo include autoimmune disorders, neurological conditions, immune deficiencies, oncology treatments and migraines.
According to its website, Vivo Infusion provides skilled infusion nurses and advanced practitioners to administer each treatment, offers nationwide access to care, features private suites, complimentary Wi-Fi and a calm environment for receiving treatment. Patients can also utilize patient care navigators who will help guide them through scheduling, insurance coordination, education and financial assistance.
20 years strong: Community Impact celebrates anniversary through state-wide company gathering
Since 2005, Community Impact has delivered trusted news and local information to communities across Texas. Privately owned by John and Jennifer Garrett of Round Rock, it now reaches 2.5 million mailboxes and 270,000 inboxes in 40 markets.
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Community Impact is looking back on two decades built on passion, integrity and innovation—while also focusing forward on deeper reader connections and future growth.
The framework: To recognize 20 years of success, Community Impact held a conference and celebration called The Gathering. The event united employees from across the company for two days of training, collaboration and connection.
“Our belief is that leadership from internal top performers and external experts helps us be the modern local news company we want to be,” Founder and CEO John Garrett said.
Eligible K-12 students receive free school meals after legislature approves funding
This school year, students who are eligible for reduced-price meals can receive free breakfast and lunch at public schools across Texas.
The overview: During the recent legislative session, state lawmakers approved $19.8 million to cover the cost of reduced-price meals for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
What parents should know: Eligibility for free school meals is determined based on a family’s income through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
Families can contact their school district to fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. Students who are deemed eligible for reduced-price meals will receive them at no cost through the 2026-27 school year.
What they're saying: “Kids who would have paid a small fee for meals will now receive them at no cost,” said Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas. “[School] is where we know so many kids get their meals—it is a guaranteed place for kids to have access to free and nutritional meals.”
