The Bandera United Methodist Church and the Bandera County Retired Teachers Association co-hosted a luncheon to welcome new teachers to Bandera ISD on Wednesday, July 23.
The event, held in the church’s Fellowship Hall, brought together new staff members, including teachers, nurses and an assistant principal, alongside their mentors and campus administrators.
They were joined by members of the retired teachers group and church volunteers for a barbecue lunch.
“I have such a great feeling about our new teachers and staff this year,” Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Donald Tosh remarked . “They have so much energy and are so excited to be joining our Bandera Family that it makes me just as happy!”
Tosh continued, “I am so pleased to see how the BISD’s shift to the 4-Day instructional week has energized recruitment. We have some great people joining our ranks, and I cannot wait to visit their classrooms and workspaces to see them in action.”
Alkek Elementary welcomed librarian Cassandra Lackey, nurse Alana Stewart, teachers Emily Hill, Ann Schroeder, June Seekatz and Taylor Lipka to the faculty for 2025-2026.
Hill Country Elementary welcomed teachers Joseph Till, Dana Marsh, Vanessa Zamora, Stacy Prouse, Lauren Lacey and Jennifer Heine to the campus for 2025-2026.
At Bandera Middle School, teacher Dee Dee Stewart rejoined the faculty, along with new teachers Gabrielle Haby, Michelle Darland, Haley Reeds, Carlyn Capodagli, Ricardo Mata and Mike Cormier, who joined the Bulldogs.
Bandera High School added assistant principal Kathyrn Nevarez, nurse Norchel Turkowski, along with teachers Brenna Zupan, Fawn Schott, Jennifer Hollingsworth, Julie Beal-Swalve, Bruce Stafford, Kaitlyn Hannah, Michael Morrish, Esmeralda Ruiz, Julia Cortez, Aurelia Scharnhorst and Cody Lancaster. Paty Cardenas rejoined the facility.
Superintendent Gary Bitzkie said, “This group of new teachers are exceptional. I am proud to be able to work with them and know they will do an excellent job this year.”
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