New Member Spotlight

ELENA HILLJE, ED.D BOERNE ISD

With 16 years’ experience in the education field, Dr. Hillje has served as a bilingual teacher in Alvin ISD, instructional coach in North East ISD, campus assistant principal, and most recently as district COVID-19 Administrator in Boerne ISD, Dr. Hillje currently serves as HR Coordinator in Boerne ISD. Dr. Hillje received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston, and her Master’s in Educational Administration and Doctorate of Educational Leadership from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. Although new to the HR world, Dr. Hillje is passionate about serving students, their families and all community stakeholders with professionalism, empathy and dignity. She looks forward to using her leadership skills as she develops her knowledge and skills in the HR field. Dr. Hillje and her husband Mark live in San Antonio, TX and have two children, Matthew and Cristina who attend Texas State University and University of Nebraska Kearny respectively.

ABOUT YOUR DISTRICT

Boerne ISD has an enrollment of over 10,000 students and over 1,300 faculty and staff as of August 2021. Boerne ISD is composed of 7 elementary campuses, 3 middle schools and 2 high schools.

WHAT CHALLENGES ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING IN YOUR DISTRICT?

Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country, Boerne ISD is a “destination district” for families who enjoy Boerne’s small-town atmosphere and easy access to the large thriving city of San Antonio, TX. A challenge Boerne ISD currently experiences is unprecedented rapid growth (growing approximately 5% annually) while striving to maintain academic excellence for every student.

WHAT ARE YOU HOPING THAT TASPA WILL PROVIDE?

Being new to the HR area, attending my first TASPA Summer Conference was an exciting experience! Although I enjoyed learning new content in all the sessions I attended, the Legal and Legislative Update proved to be one of the most pertinent and practical to me in my role as HR Coordinator. Additionally, the session on COVID-19, covered topics of high interest to me as the district’s COVID-19 administrator. Transitioning from instruction and campus administration to Human Resources has been exciting as it provides a whole new area for personal and professional growth. Attending the TASPA Summer Conference provided me the opportunity to learn new and practical information. It also offered me the opportunity to connect, network and learn from seasoned HR professionals.