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David Stelmazewski, superintendent of Boerne Independent School District since 2011, Monday announced his intention to retire at the close of the 2016-17 academic year.
Stelmazewski, 65, said he first mentioned to the Boerne ISD Board of Trustees in December that he was considering retirement and wanted to work with them to develop a strategy for a smooth leadership transition. Together, Stelmazewski and the trustees determined a January announcement would be the initial step in that transition process.
"There is a beautiful verse of Scripture that says, 'To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.' I know in my heart that this is the time for me to retire as superintendent of the best school district in Texas," Stelmazewski said.
In his five and a half years as superintendent, Stelmazewski led two successful bond initiatives that have facilitated the district's response to rapid enrollment growth while also significantly enhancing classroom technology and reinforcing security on all campuses. Those bonds, together totaling $274.5 million, provided funding for a new and expanded Fabra Elementary School, renovations and expansions at the eight other district schools, and three new campuses that will come online in the next three years.
Donna Sharp, president of the Board of Trustees, and her fellow board members accepted Stelmazewski's resignation, noting that the superintendent's leadership has been transformative for the district and established a standard of excellence that will resonate in the community for generations.
"David is a visionary," she said, "a man of character and a man of his word. He is also a man of action. Anytime he has seen a need in our district, he has acted on it.
"I was privileged to work with him as a member of the community committee that planned the 2013 bond. It was because of his vision and leadership in that process that I was eager to become more involved in the district and serve on the school board.
"It was very clear then – just as it is clear today – that deep in his heart he has a passion for public education and a desire to move this district forward."
Sharp said that the board has initiated the process of finding Boerne ISD's next superintendent, which will include working with a consultant to identify qualified candidates for the position. She anticipates a series of meetings that will include the opportunity for public input on the superintendent search. According to a preliminary timeline, the board would like to name a new superintendent and allow time for an overlap in service with the incumbent prior to Stelmazewski's June 30 retirement.
| "David is a visionary, a man of character and a man of his word." |
Stelmazewski arrived in Boerne in 2008, serving as the first principal of the newly opened Boerne-Samuel V. Champion High School. Under his leadership, Boerne-Champion quickly rose among the state's leading academic campuses; the school attained Exemplary status in state accountability ratings in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Guided by his unofficial credo – "Do what is in the best interest of the kids." – Stelmazewski has encouraged continuous improvement districtwide and innovative instruction throughout Boerne schools. Teaching and learning, he believes, extend well beyond results of standardized tests.
"If we do what is right for the students and prepare them for the world they will face after graduation," he said many times, "then we have done our jobs."
Stelmazewski also has made it a priority to be visible on the campuses and in the community during his tenure as superintendent. The community partnerships he has helped foster have strengthened school-based programs, led to new levels of cooperation with local governmental entities, and helped create an environment of success for district support groups such as Boerne Education Foundation and the campus PTOs.
With his retirement, Stelmazewski closes out a career in public education that began in 1974 at Woodlawn High School in his home state of Illinois, where he served as teacher, coach and athletic director.
He followed his old college coach from Eastern Illinois University, Don Eddy, to Texas where he served as teacher and coach at John Jay High School. Stelmazewski transitioned to public school administration when he became assistant principal at another Northside ISD campus, Tom C. Clark High School.
Prior to his arrival in Boerne, Stelmazewski served as principal of McCollum High School in San Antonio's Harlandale ISD for seven years. He also served a three-year term as principal of Kingsborough Middle School in Harlandale.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time of service in Boerne ISD," Stelmazewski said. "I cannot imagine a better way to crown a career in public education than having the privilege of working with the teaching professionals and administrative leaders in Boerne ISD, serving the students and families of this district.
"I'm looking forward now to spending more time with my own family and being more involved as a granddad to my amazing grandchildren."
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