During National Principals Month, we wanted to take a minute and highlight the leaders who are at the center of our BISD campuses.
Bandera ISD Board President, Mrs. Brittany Hicks recognizes the outstanding school principals here at BISD. “I feel so incredibly blessed to witness the leadership and compassion on a daily basis from our principals. They truly love all of our kids and their staff. We are a family in a small-town district creating a world-wide impact. Our BISD principals encompass this wholeheartedly.”
According to Mr. Gary Bitzkie, BISD Superintendent, "This district is proud to have these four individuals as the leaders on each of our campuses. They bring a multitude of experiences, knowledge and skills. Most importantly, they are servant leaders to our teachers, staff and students.”
Bandera ISD's Principals include: Ms. Dixie Moseley, Alkek Elementary; Mrs. Sarah Verstuyft, Hill Country Elementary; Mr. Patrick Sizemore, Bandera Middle School; and Dr. Kenneth Vogel, Bandera High School.
Ms. Dixie Moseley, principal at Alkek Elementary, is BISD through and through. Dixie joined Bandera ISD 25 years ago, straight out of college. This year will be her 4th consecutive year as principal at Alkek Elementary. Ms. Moseley says she has always wanted to be a principal because, “it is the best of both worlds for me; I get to help students and staff on a daily basis.” Her favorite part of being a principal is the family that is created at Alkek Elementary. The staff and students inspire her everyday to be a better leader! Ms. Moseley dedicates herself to Alkek Elementary and the community by sending parent newsletters, attending a variety of extracurricular events, and even coaching youth league teams! It is not very often that you can look around and not see Mrs. Moseley supporting her students and staff in any fashion. We are lucky to have such a dedicated employee in Bandera ISD! Outside of being a principal, Dixie says she loves to follow the Astros, travel and coach/watch her son in all of his events!
Mrs. Sarah Verstuyft, has been the principal at Hill Country Elementary for 2 ½ years. Before joining the BISD family, Sarah worked as a middle school teacher, middle school assistant principal and a correctional educator. Mrs. Verstuyft says she wanted to become a principal after three years of teaching. “I love improving my students within the classroom, but I also wanted to help an entire campus be successful!” Mrs. Verstufyt says her inspiration stems from giving back to the community that she is privileged enough to live and work in. Mrs. Verstuyft sees herself as a coach and motivator for her teachers and students and loves where her career journey has taken her! Sarah’s favorite part of being a principal at Hill Country Elementary is the people she works with. As the saying goes, “it takes a village,” rings true at HCE and Sarah is blessed to work alongside the best in the business. You can find Sarah throughout our Bandera community events and functions as a principal and a mom. “I am proud to work at BISD and am very proud to support my personal children and all students at BISD. I am happy my kids are fortunate enough to attend HCE and BHS and live in the great community of Bandera.” Outside of being a principal, Sarah says she loves to read and attend sporting events.
Mr. Patrick Sizemore, is going on his fifth year as principal at Bandera Middle School. Before joining the BISD family, Mr. Sizemore says he was a pre-vet major and then a chemistry major with plans to become a Veterinarian! After Sizemore became the Vice Principal at NISD Jordan MS, he became inspired by a new career path! When asked why he wanted to become a principal, Patrick said, “As a teacher I was interacting and working to change the lives of kids, but I was only engaging with 200 or so kids a year. In order to have a greater impact, I decided to work towards becoming a principal.” Working with teachers and seeing kids grow is Patrick’s favorite part of being a principal. “My mission as an educator stems from my faith in God. This is my calling, not just my career. The work we do is important and directly changes the lives of those we encounter.” Patrick’s inspiration comes from his family’s love and support and the commitment and hard work of his staff. Patrick’s dedication does not stop at Bandera Middle School, you can find him at BMS extracurricular games, Varsity Football games, fine arts events and so much more! Outside of being a principal, Patrick says he loves to spend time with family, hunt, golf and work around the house!
Dr. Kenneth Vogel, is going on 3 ½ years as principal for the Bandera High School. When asked why he wanted to become a principal, Dr. Vogel says, “After working as an adult probation officer and federal prison guard, it broke my heart to see so many young adults in deep trouble with the law. While my undergraduate degree is in Criminal Justice, I soon realized to truly make a difference and help young people turn their life around, I had to make a move to education. I enrolled and took teaching classes at UTSA, completed my teacher certification, and took a job in a high school behavior unit. I then further realized that high school administration was where the real life saving took place, so I earned a Master's degree in Education and became an assistant principal. Finally, I earned an Educational Doctorate, and became a head principal. I love helping young people find success and realize their dreams, and I know it’s my calling.” Dr. Vogel says his favorite part about being principal here at BISD is his Bulldogs! The teachers at BHS inspire Dr. Vogel daily. “I am routinely in awe of their efforts and successes,” Dr. Vogel says, “and I am continually impressed by these wonderful educators.” Bandera High School has experienced great successes all the way up to the national championships, and you can always be sure to see Dr. Vogel supporting his Bulldogs at community and school events no matter how far they are! Outside of being a principal, Dr. Vogel likes to travel Texas with his wife, Kassie; who also believes in the value of public education and attends all games, events and school concerts with him!
Our Bandera ISD principals model our core values in every aspect. These individuals have continued to lead their school and our district to great success despite current massive challenges facing school leaders and their students. Bandera ISD and the Bandera ISD Board of Directors would like to say thank you for setting the academic tone for your schools. It is your vision, dedication and determination that provides the mobilizing force for achieving student success. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!