Congratulations Sullivan Wilke,
State 4A High Jump Champion!

This weekend Sullivan Wilke represented the Bandera Lady Bulldogs at the 2019 UIL State Track and Field Meet held at the University of Texas in Austin on Saturday. Wilke competed in the 4A Girls State High Jump competition for her very first time.  Wilke was with 8 other young ladies that were the best of the best in the State of Texas.   The opening height was 5'0" and all 9 jumpers cleared the height.  Going into 5'2" two girls went out at that height and Wilke and the other girl from our Region were the last two that had not cleared the current height.  On each of their last attempts they cleared 5'2".  The bar went up to 5'4" and 7 girls still remained with some big jumpers still in the competition.  After each of their first attempts all 7 girls missed with Wilke barely clipping the bar with her calf.  With a few adjustments and mental focus back into the second attempt Wilke was the only competitor that cleared the bar.  Anxiousness and excitement started buzzing on the field as 6 girls went into their last attempt at 5'4" and Wilke being the only one having cleared the height. Wilke kept her cool as the final jumper attempted her last jump, and she missed it.  That is when Wilke realized she was the 2019 4A State Champion. Congratulations to Sullivan Wilke, state 4A High Jump Champion.

BHS Academic Decathlon Team Places 2nd in National Competition 

Congratulations to the Academic Decathlon Team for their 2nd place finish at national competition held in Minneapolis Minnesota. The team of Carma  Cloudt, Davis McMullan, Luke Bitzkie, Catherine Martin, Ethan Ellingson, Triniti Campbrell, Ashley Abitz, Hannah Bates and Scott Love had the highest score for a team that had never competed at national competition and received the "Rookie of the Year" award, they then placed second in Superquiz, and second overall score. Additionally, Ashley Abitz was the highest scoring varsity competitor in the division, receiving a gold medal and a scholarship for her "first in the nation" ranking.

Bitzkie Becomes Chief Academic Officer 

Mr. Gary L. Bitzkie will take on the role of Chief Academic Officer for Bandera Independent School District. Mr. Bitzkie has served BISD since 1998 as assistant principal of Bandera Middle School, principal of Bandera Middle School, principal of Bandera High School, Curriculum Director, and Personnel Director. Prior to coming to Bandera, Mr. Bitzkie worked as a science teacher and coach in Southwest ISD and as an assistant principal in Pleasanton ISD. In his new role, Mr. Bitzkie’s primary responsibility will be to oversee all things related to academics and learning. He will work closely with Superintendent Dr. Jerry D. Hollingsworth to supervise directors, principals and campuses. In addition, Mr. Bitzkie will continue to oversee Human Resources.  Mr. Bitzkie’s new role is not an additional position, but a change in our existing administrative structure.

Mr. Bitzkie earned a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Texas A&M Kingsville in 1995 and holds certifications in biology, physical education and mid-management. Mr. Bitzkie and his wife, Jennifer, have two married children and a new granddaughter.

“I have a deep commitment to serving BISD community, and I am looking forward to seeing our community’s vision and core values take shape in the lives of our students,” remarked Mr. Bitzkie.

“Gary Bitzkie is a tremendous school leader.  He understands our community, has built deep relationships here, and knows exactly how to support principals and teachers for success.  He understands what makes great schools and great classrooms. He will continue to be one of our district’s strongest assets,” shared Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth, Bandera ISD superintendent.

Thank you BISD Board Members 2019 for all your time and hard work.