The City of Boerne’s own Municipal Court Clerk Barbara Rodriguez recently received state recognition after earning the Level 3 certification through the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center, a distinction held by only 158 clerks statewide.
The program is a partnership between the Texas Court Clerks Association, the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center, and Texas State University in San Marcos.
Rodriguez’s achievement highlights a commitment to professional excellence and continued development. The certification program requires the completion of:
- Level 1 and 2 certification requirements
- 40 hours of education
- Minimum of 40 hours of court observations at all size courts around Texas and a journal based on observations made at these courts
The Level 3 program also requires participants to read and comprehend 14 books and pass a high-level competency exam.
“Being recognized at this level reflects discipline, professionalism, and a clear commitment to growth,” City Manager Ben Thatcher said. “It also strengthens the standard of service our residents experience every day.”
Municipal courts often serve as the public’s primary point of contact with the judicial system. According to the State Bar of Texas, more people interact with municipal courts than all other courts combined.
In 2024 alone, Texas municipal courts handled more than 4.2 million new cases and were supported by more than 3,000 court personnel, according to the Texas Office of Court Administration.
“The Boerne Municipal Court is proud to serve as a cornerstone of fairness, accountability, and public trust within our community. This work is made possible by a dedicated team of professionals who approach each interaction with integrity, respect, and a commitment to procedural justice,” Court Administrator Andrea M. Goff Fontanes said. “Barbara’s accomplishment strengthens our ability to deliver accurate, efficient, and compassionate service to the public, and it exemplifies the professionalism that defines our court’s role in supporting the City of Boerne and its residents.”
In Boerne, the Municipal Court oversees Class C misdemeanor cases, including traffic and parking offenses, city ordinance violations, and other criminal offenses such as public intoxication, theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, and disorderly conduct. In fiscal year 2025, the court handled over 2,600 cases.
Rodriguez’s certification is a reflection not only of her individual discipline and expertise, but also of the standard of excellence court staff consistently uphold to provide fair, impartial, and efficient adjudication while maintaining respect for all individuals.
The Texas Court Clerks Association says certified clerks play a vital role in strengthening both court operations and public confidence. The program is designed to enhance professionalism and ensure court staff are well-equipped to serve defendants, witnesses and jurors with accuracy and care.
“This is not just an individual milestone,” Thatcher said. “It’s a reflection of the pride, responsibility, and excellence our staff bring to serving the community.”
City officials said Rodriguez’s accomplishment reflects the high standards and dedication of Boerne’s workforce. She joins Goff Fontanes as the Boerne Municipal Court’s second Level III-certified clerk on staff.
