Board Meeting Recap

The Burnet CISD Board of Trustees convened on Monday, March 23 for their regular March meeting. Below is a brief summary to keep you informed of board activities. Complete minutes from each meeting are publicly posted upon approval for your reference.

Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by students from RJ Richey Elementary.

RECOGNITIONS
The Board celebrated the achievements of several outstanding individuals and groups from Burnet CISD, including:

• BHS Students of the Month: Honored for their exceptional accomplishments.
• BCISD PCAT Bus Driver of the Year

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS

• Monthly Financial Reports: Mr. Goehring provided updates on the district’s financial health, covering tax collections, fund balances, and utility expenditures.
• Mid-Year District and Campus Improvement Plans Update: Dr. Jones and campus administrators reviewed progress on previously-shared strategies as evidenced by teacher feedback and student performance.
• Report on SB 546: Mr. Goehring and the director of Transportation updated the board on SB 546, which requires all school buses must be equipped with three-point seatbelts for all passengers by September 1, 2029. 

CONSENT AGENDA
The Board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which included:

• Approval of Board Minutes from the 2/23/26 and 3/9/26 meetings
• Expenditures in Excess of $25,000
• Acceptance of Donation
• Approval of 2026-2027 Academic Calendar 
• Ratification of the 2026-2027 Certification of Provision of Instructional Materials Survey

BUSINESS ITEMS

• Approval of 3rd Quarter Budget Amendment: The Board approved the Budget Amendment for the 3rd Quarter of the 2026-2027 School Year. 
• Approval of Major District Purchases: The Board approved several major purchases supporting transportation, safety, athletics, and technology infrastructure across the District. These investments include replacing aging school buses, expanding the District’s police department fleet, upgrading the Bulldog Stadium scoreboard, and enhancing network infrastructure and connectivity through E-Rate supported services. The bus replacements and stadium scoreboard will be funded using the remaining 2021 Bond funds designated for transportation and athletics, respectively. Collectively, these purchases reflect the District’s ongoing commitment to maintaining safe operations, reliable systems, and quality experiences for students and the community while continuing to plan for long-term operational needs.
• Approval of District Vendors: The Board approved recommended vendors for painting/drywall services and concrete/asphalt services as part of the District’s annual Request for Proposals (RFP) process. This process ensures compliance with state procurement requirements while allowing the District to efficiently complete maintenance and facility projects throughout the year. Approving multiple vendors in each category provides flexibility, promotes competitive pricing, and supports timely project completion as needs arise.
• Approval to Grant a Drainage/Public Utility Easement to the City of Burnet at RJ Richey Elementary: The Board approved a drainage and public utility easement to the City of Burnet at RJ Richey Elementary. This agreement allows the City to assume responsibility for maintaining the area, including managing water flow and clearing debris. The easement will improve drainage function on District property while also enhancing the overall appearance and long-term maintenance of the site.
• Election of Place 5, Region 13 Board of Directors: The Board cast their ballots of Place 5 of the Region 13 Board of Directors.
• Approval of RJ Richey Elementary School Principal: The board named Dr. Donna Brady as the next principal of RJ Richey Elementary. Dr. Brady has been serving as interim principal since January.
• Personnel: Mrs. Gilmore provided a report on professional hirings, resignations, and transfers.

SUPERINTENDENT COMMUNICATION
Dr. Aaron Peña provided an overview of the upcoming April Board meeting, which is expected to include the swearing-in of the new BCISD Police Chief—an important step in establishing the District’s police department. The meeting will also include presentations on planned summer maintenance projects and summer school opportunities for students.

Dr. Peña also reported that Bond 2026 informational presentations are progressing well. Community members are asking thoughtful questions, and there is a growing understanding that the proposed bond is structured to be implemented without an increase to the debt service tax rate.

The next regular Board meeting will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the BCISD Board Room.