From 11-win football season to coaching table tennis: records detail bizarre reassignment of Canyon HS coach
The agreement, which calls for coach Joe Lepsis to remain on “professional leave” from his position as athletic coordinator, caps off a bizarre departure for a coach who led the New Braunfels high school to an 11-win season in 2020.
Comal ISD in search of bus drivers as U.S. Department of Transportation announces waivers for a portion of commercial driver's license test
Though federal waivers are aimed at simplifying the licensing process for bus drivers, CISD officials say they are still in need of applicants for the positions.
communityimpact.comPreliminary Election Day totals show voter approval for Comal ISD Propositions A, B and E while C and D meet opposition
Proposition C would provide $61.49 million in funding for renovating recreational facilities, while Proposition D would provide $20.4 million for the construction and renovation of stadiums.
communityimpact.comComal ISD hopes multi-million dollar propositions pass for improvements, teachers’ pay
Comal Independent School District is hoping voters will approve a multi-million-dollar bond that would include building new schools and upgrading several infrastructure projects. As the second fastest growing school district in the nation, with a population of over 27,000 students, school officials say this bond package will target their concerns with growth and capacity.
'I'm pretty shocked': Comal ISD receives backlash on decision to not require masks on campus
On Tuesday night, Comal ISD sent a letter to parents and teachers regarding its face mask decision. While the choice falls on parents and teachers now, Comal ISD noted that quarantine protocols will still be in effect. A petition on change.org is asking the Comal ISD board of trustees to reconsider their decision. Comal ISD: we are not proud of you and we do not endorse you. Spring Break for Comal ISD begins March 15.
mysanantonio.comSan Antonio elementary school students’ ‘life lesson moment’ can teach us all about kindness, resilience
Fifth-grade student Lyla Harrington from Oak Creek Elementary was this year’s Comal Shake champion. Third-grade student Ethan Jaramillo from Indian Springs Elementary competed in the final round. SAN ANTONIO – Two San Antonio elementary school students learned a lot more than they anticipated after they took part in a Comal Independent School District conversation contest back in January. “This was a life lesson moment, for not only the two students, but for all of us witnessing it,” Schumann said. “You should try, try and try again.
These San Antonio-area schools, colleges announce changes, closures
SAN ANTONIO – Following last week’s icy conditions and power outages, schools are still announcing changes and closures this week. Great Hearts San Antonio Schools - Classes expected to resume on Monday, Feb. 22. Premier High School San Antonio Windcrest - Classes resuming on Monday, Feb. 22. Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD - All SCUC ISD campuses will be open on Monday, Feb. 22 for both In Person and at-home learning. South San ISD - South San ISD campuses and offices will be closed through Friday.
Comal ISD girls swim team competes, breaks records despite school bus burglary just before match
SAN ANTONIO – Thieves were proven to be no match for the Comal ISD Canyon Lake High School girls swim team this week. School officials say the team’s school bus was broken into and all of their belongings were stolen just before their regional meet on Thursday. The swimmers took a break from the pool for lunch, and their school bus was locked in the parking lot of the restaurant, the school district said. AdHowever, when they returned, they found one of the bus’ windows had been smashed and all of their belongings had been taken, according to Comal ISD. Though the bus was empty, our hearts are very full.”For leading her team through the crisis, head coach Kimberly Moses was named Coach of the Meet.
Comal ISD student’s artwork wins her $4,000 scholarship, will be shown at San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
The “Cowboy” painting by Smithson Valley High School sophomore Reagan Bolt earned a spot in the top 17 entries in the 2021 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Western Art Contest. SAN ANTONIO – A Smithson Valley High School student was selected as a winner of a $4,000 scholarship after she entered an original artwork for the 2021 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Western Art Contest. The at large win earned her the scholarship, the press release said. Comal ISD said as one of the top 17 paintings, Bolt’s piece is currently on exhibit at the Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio throughout the month of January and will then be moved to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo grounds to be shown during the event, Feb. 11-28. The subject matter for the artwork was western art, representing the heritage, lifestyle and landscapes of the American West, both historical or in present day.
Children at Risk group unveils San Antonio’s top school districts
SAN ANTONIO – Children at Risk, a statewide research and advocacy think tank, has unveiled its top school districts in San Antonio and across Texas for 2019-2020. The analysis covers 550 public schools in the San Antonio area, including 339 elementary schools, 138 middle schools and 73 high schools. The nonprofit group named Young Women’s Leadership Academy in the San Antonio Independent School District the top local high school as well as the top local middle school. Hoffman Lane Elementary School in Comal ISD was the top elementary school. Washington Elementary, San Antonio ISD Agnes Cotton Academy, San Antonio ISD Mission Academy, San Antonio ISD George E Kelly Elementary, San Antonio ISD S/SGT Michael P Barrera Veterans Elementary, Somerset ISDPandemic Proof Elementary SchoolsPandemic Proof Schools are schools with 75% or more of a campus’ students classified as low-income that have been classified as high performing campuses (receiving A or B C@R Grades) for three years running.
Comal ISD named a District of Distinction for its promotion of the arts
SAN ANTONIO – The Comal Independent School District has been named a District of Distinction for the second year in a row from the Texas Art Education Association, a press release said. Comal ISD was one of only 18 districts across Texas to receive the statewide award two years in a row. “These additional opportunities enhance our program, and we are proud to be named once more." The award recognizes districts with outstanding leadership in promoting the arts throughout their district as well as their community. Comal ISD said 46 art teachers work in their elementary, middle and high school campuses and that 15,170 students participate in art classes.
San Antonio elementary art teacher creates rap video to help transition, give introduction to students
SAN ANTONIO A new art teacher at a San Antonio elementary school is introducing himself and thanking his predecessor with a rap video to honor the retired teachers legacy and help bridge the transition for students. V, is in his first year teaching at Hoffmann Lane Elementary School after the previous art teacher Carla Shipley retired. She had been teaching for 16 years and when COVID-19 hit, she didnt get to say goodbye to her students. Former Hoffmann Lane Elementary art teacher Carla Shipley and current HLES art teacher Adam Voglewede bonded this summer over their love of art education. In this way, art allows us to feel connected even though some of us cant be together right now, Voglewede said.
Comal ISD student who attended athletic camp tests positive for COVID-19, school says
SAN ANTONIO – A student-athlete at Smithson Valley High School tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a strength and conditioning camp, school officials said. The student tested positive last week and was last at camp on June 9, according to a message from Comal ISD’s Athletic Director Liana Tyler and Smithson Valley High School Athletic Coordinator Larry Hill. School officials said the student started experiencing COVID-19 symptoms that evening and did not return to camp. The student did not have any symptoms while at the camp and had a health screening, including a temperature check. They will return to camp once health guidelines are met, school officials said.
Comal ISD: Bus driver accused of separating students on race fired for lack of due diligence
Comal ISD: Bus driver accused of separating students on race fired for lack of due diligencePhoto: Courtesy Comal Independent School District Photo: Courtesy Comal Independent School District Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Comal ISD: Bus driver accused of separating students on race fired for lack of due diligence 1 / 1 Back to GalleryThe Comal ISD bus driver who was suspended last month after she was accused of separating students on her bus based on race has been fired, according to a statement from the school district. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inboxThe unidentified employee drove bus 420 for Danville Middle School, said Comal ISD spokesman Steve Stanford. Parents complained to the district about an incident that occurred on Feb. 24, alleging that the driver separated the 25 students on the bus by race. "We are fully aware of how this incident has been perceived by students who ride bus 420 and their parents," Stanford said in an email in February. "Comal ISD expects the highest level of professionalism from all of its employees and does not tolerate any behavior that is discriminatory," he added.
mysanantonio.comComal ISD offers one-time grandfather option to Canyon High School students
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – The Comal Independent School District is offering a one-time grandfather option to Canyon High School ninth and 10th grade students who reside inside the attendance boundaries of a new high school scheduled to open in the fall. Students who want to remain at Canyon must complete the grandfather transfer form between Jan. 27 and Jan. 31, a news release said. Students who choose to stay at Canyon will complete their high school years there. Canyon High School freshman wins holiday card contestIf students don’t sign the transfer form, they will begin to attend Davenport High School when it opens next school year. Current Danville Middle School eighth grade students with an older sibling who will attend Canyon next school year are eligible to attend the school.
Comal ISD says viral, racially charged photo is fake
SAN ANTONIO - An image that appears to show Smithson Valley High School football players with profane and racist comments is fake, Comal ISD officials said. Steve Stanford, executive director of communications at Comal ISD, said the image "looks like it was doctored by someone else." Judson ISD communications director Steve Linscomb said both districts have remained in contact as they trace the origins of the doctored image. The photo began to circulate Thursday ahead of tonight's football game between Judson and Smithson Valley at Rutledge Stadium. Linscomb said the Judson ISD police department may bring in more officers for the game given the nature of the situation.