Lance Winter
WIMBERLEY — Standing before a packed luncheon hosted by the Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, Oct. 15, Wimberley ISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Bonewald painted a vivid picture of a district defined by excellence, innovation and community connection.
“Wimberley ISD is growing, thriving and achieving at every level,” Bonewald said, opening his annual “State of Education” address. “But most importantly, we’re building a culture of excellence for our students, our staff and our community.”
Wimberley ISD currently serves approximately 2,600 students across four campuses: Blue Hole Primary (Pre-K3 through second grade), Jacobs Well Elementary (third–fifth grades), Danforth Junior High (sixth-eighth grades),and Wimberley High School, which is home to approximately 870 students.
Despite a brief dip in enrollment in 2024, Bonewald noted that the district has experienced renewed growth this year.
“Statewide, districts are seeing declines because people aren’t having as many children,” he said. “But if our housing market continues to improve, we expect our numbers to keep climbing.”
The district covers about 150 square miles, with its buses traveling nearly 1,100 miles each day — the equivalent of “driving to Chicago daily,” the superintendent joked. WISD also serves more than 1,300 meals a day, making it one of the community’s largest food service operations.
When Bonewald became superintendent in 2022, he led the creation of a new strategic plan centered on “Excellence, Innovation and Service.” Four key priorities emerged: empowering student excellence, supporting staff excellence, strengthening community partnerships and ensuring operational excellence.
“This one-page document isn’t a binder that collects dust,” he said. “It’s the guide we live by.”
Among the many points of pride, he celebrated academic and extracurricular accomplishments that have elevated Wimberley ISD’s statewide reputation.
At Danforth Junior High and Wimberley High School, students swept their district academic meets and the high school team went on to win the regional championship in Corpus Christi. In Speech and Debate, Wimberley has become a powerhouse, earning a state championship two years ago and second in the state last year, with students competing at Harvard and even in Taiwan this fall.
“Our students’ confidence and skill level will blow you away,” Bonewald said. “If I could pick one program for my own children to join, it would be this one.”
He highlighted record participation in Advanced Placement courses, noting that more students took more AP exams than ever before in 2025, with more than 90% passing, nearly double the national average.
For students pursuing workforce paths, the district’s career and technical education (CTE) offerings are flourishing, said Bonewald. Students are earning certifications and receiving experience through practicum internships in areas, such as welding, veterinary care, HVAC, construction and healthcare, even in piloting and journalism.
“Not every student is going to college and that’s okay,” Bonewald said. “Our job is to make sure every student graduates ready for their chosen path, whether that’s college, career or service.”
Last year, 265 students graduated with industry-based certifications, a 53% increase from the previous year.
Among the most memorable CTE moments was a partnership with Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC), which donated metal and materials for students to build a professional-grade barbecue smoker.
“They fired it up for the first time at year’s end, feeding classmates and working side-by-side with their dads,” the superintendent recalled. “That’s the kind of family and business connection that makes Wimberley special.”
From fine arts to athletics, Wimberley’s students continue to shine. The Texan Band earned “straight ones,” the top score possible, across marching, symphonic and sight-reading competitions. The district’s theater and choir programs are also thriving, with student-led productions that engage even the youngest learners.
In agriculture, the FFA program has seen “remarkable” success under instructor Brent Werner, a former Austin Community College welding professor, who joined WISD to expand hands-on learning. Students can now earn up to 18 college credits in welding before graduation.
Athletically, Wimberley ISD reached new heights in 2024–25, claiming the UIL Lone Star Cup, awarded to the top overall 4A school in Texas across academics, athletics and fine arts.
“Our volleyball team won the state championship. Girls soccer reached its first-ever state final, baseball played in its first state championship game and football made it to the semifinals,” Bonewald said proudly. “That kind of success isn’t normal and it doesn’t happen without extraordinary effort from students, staff, parents and our community.”
Wimberley’s commitment to education goes beyond academics. He emphasized the district’s locally developed Texan Roots character program, built around the principles of Thoughtful decision-making, Each other, X-factor (unique gifts), Achieving goals and Neighborliness.
“This year’s focus is on ‘Each other,’ because, frankly, the world isn’t always kind,” Bonewald added. “We’re teaching our students to be thoughtful citizens and to treat people with respect.”
The superintendent credited Wimberley’s strong school–business relationships for helping staff and students thrive. The Texan of the Month program, launched two years ago with local business support, recognizes outstanding employees with cash prizes and gift cards from community sponsors.
“Our partners make our vision of excellence, innovation and service a reality,” he said. “We can’t thank them enough.”
The Wimberley Education Foundation also plays a crucial role, funding innovative teacher grants, such as a nature-based play area at Blue Hole Primary, he explained. Another community program staffed by WISD teachers and students is Camp Community, a summer program that serves more than 500 elementary students each year, with many receiving scholarships.
“It’s truly one of a kind,” he said. “Our students are learning real-world skills and our community is better for it.”
As he closed his remarks, Bonewald reflected on the district’s remarkable achievements and the spirit that drives them.
“This much success isn’t normal,” he said. “It happens because of our teachers, coaches, directors, parents and this incredible community. Together, we’re raising Texans of excellence.”
