Hollingsworth gives Republican women update on school district

Bandera ISD Superintendent Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth spoke to a sparse crowd at the Bandera County Republican Women’s Club (BCRW) on July 1.

Hollingsworth gave a presentation that covered the demographics of the district: 63 percent white, 33 percent Hispanic, 2.4 percent multi-racial, 1.9 percent Black/Asian/Pacific Islander and 54% economically disadvantaged.

He noted that 15 percent of the district’s 2,218 students are served by Special Education services and that 1,293 students (duplicated count) participated in 27 different UIL sponsored extracurricular activities.

“Our kids are really, really involved. Students who are involved are always more successful, and attend better,” he remarked, adding the Class of 2021 earned $500,000 in scholarships.

The average SAT score for the 2021 graduating class was 996. This score was an average score for all students in the Class of 2021.

The average ACT score was a 23.

Dr. Hollingsworth noted that graduates could finish high school with up to 57 college credit hours through dual credit classes sponsored by Alamo Community Colleges.

Hollingsworth also mentioned that students can earn certificates in high need, high skill areas during high school to prepare them for the world of work immediately after graduation. He was particularly proud of the Nursing Assistant Program and the Naval Junior ROTC program.

Hollingsworth also spoke about the National Champion Academic Decathlon Team and the State winning Texas Association of Future Educators Team.

He noted that during the upcoming 2021-22 school year, no online learning would be offered, and Bandera ISD would return in entirety to in person learning.

While masks will not be required, they will be allowwed; hand washing will continue to be emphasized.

The district ended the year with 91 percent of students doing in-person learning and only 9 percent participating in online learning.

BCRW President Caro lyn Rutherford gave a report from Dede Skoglund about the school supply drive. She emphasized the report from Legislative VP Susan Junker reminding club members to keep up with the Special Legislative session that begins on July 8.

Rutherford also encouraged members to turn in their volunteer hours to VP for Campaigns Susan Real.

There was no Treasurer Report presented.

In New Business, President Rutherford outlined the timeline for the club Nominating Committee and called for volunteers to serve as chairman or a committee member.

The next club meeting will be on August 5 where Hunter Beaton, founder of Day One Bags, will speak.