The Bandera County Retired Teachers Association (BCRTA) welcomed Bandera Superintendent Gary Bitzkie to its first meeting of the new year on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Mayan Ranch. Thirty retirees gathered to hear a report on district activities.
First Vice President Linda Hunt opened the meeting with a welcome, invocation, and pledges to the flags. Superintendent Bitzkie, who has served in his role for several years, then provided an update on the state of the school district.
Bitzkie began by discussing the district’s four-day school week program, which he said has been well-received by parents and staff. Many employees have shared that the revised schedule has improved their work-life balance and contributed to better student focus. Higher student engagement and cost savings were noted as additional benefits of the program.
Fifteen students were recognized for advancing to statewide competitions, while 25 students participating in the college credit program were named to either the Dean’s List or the President’s List at San Antonio College.
The superintendent also announced that Bandera, a Guardian District, has secured a third school resource officer through an interlocal agreement with the Bandera County Sheriff’s Department.
Additionally, the district has implemented a New Pathways program through the P-TECH vocational coursework strand.
In 2024, 167 students graduated from Bandera High School. The district enrolled 2,255 students, including 128 gifted and talented students, 184 English as a Second Language students, and 337 special education students.
Bitzkie highlighted other district offerings, noting that Bandera High School has 11 clubs, eight fine arts classes, 34 career courses across eight career clusters, and 70 certifications available for students.
After Bitzkie’s presentation, members reviewed and approved the minutes, treasurer’s report, and membership report. As of January, the BCRTA has 96 members.
Committee reports followed. Hunt announced that the February newsletter would be sent out on Feb. 1. Legislative Chair Denise VanDyke provided an update on the Windfall Elimination Provision, encouraging members to create an account on the Social Security website for more information.
Health and Safety Chair Anna Montague gave a brief report, while Second Vice President Tracy Thayer shared details on the BCRTA’s Christmas book distribution. The organization provided 600 books to third,
program. fourth, and fifth graders countywide during the holidays. In 2025, the program will focus on Pre-K through second- grade students.
Hunt also reported on the club’s peanut butter drive, which benefited the Snakpaks4Kids program for food-insecure children. The group collected 60 one-pound containers for distribution. She reminded members to catalog their volunteer hours and submit them to Secretary Sarah Baxter.
Red Shirt Day is scheduled for March 26. District Legislative Officer Richard Herbst is working to secure buses from Boerne and Bandera for the trip to Austin. Retirees will have the opportunity to meet with legislators and advocate for retiree issues, including a proposed cost-of-living supplement to pensions.
The Scholarship Committee, chaired by Treasurer Sharon Anderwald, is seeking volunteers. Currently, the organization has enough funds to support 1.5 scholarships. The 2025 scholarship applications, identical to last year’s, are already available through high school counselors.
The next BCRTA meeting will take place on Monday, Feb. 19, at 10:30 a.m. at the Rodney Camp Pavilion in Medina. Lunch will be self-pay.
