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Proceedings include plea for high school bond, naming of new elementary
January is school board appreciation month, and the Dripping Springs ISD monthly meeting on Jan. 27 included a few extra touches to recognize the board members, including flower arrangements created by the high school CTE floral design program.
“I think a lot of times people have no clue how much you do, or the fact that it’s all volunteer,” DSISD Superintendent Dr. Holly Morris-Kuentz said. “You really help our administrators, our teachers and our staff, and we just want to say thank you so much for serving on this board, for stepping up.”
The meeting included some student recognitions as well. The district’s elementary UIL champions were on hand, as was DSHS sophomore Isabella Eleazar, who was recognized for making All-State Mixed Choir.
Then the floor was opened for the public comment period. Lauren Naylor, local resident and parent, spoke about the need for a new high school. She also has served on several district committees, including the long-range committee and the citizen’s bond steering committee.
“This really has given us a full picture of what's at stake and how important it is that this new high school bond
Laurie Anderson pass in May,” Naylor said. “Everyone knows that the high school is bursting at the seams already.”
Naylor said it’s important for the community to know that the bond includes not only the money to build the new school, but the money to renovate the current high school, so that it’s at par with the new high school.
“Also, we need to let the community know that the number we came up with does not raise property values,” Naylor said. “They will not see a single cent increase.”
The bond was not on the agenda for this meeting, but Dr. Stefani Reinold, board president, said they have had several workshops this month.
“We do anticipate calling for a bond, hopefully in the next few weeks,” Reinold said.
Next up on the agenda was a presentation from the 5th graders on the Lighthouse Team at Dripping Springs Elementary. These student leaders help foster a culture of learning and inclusivity at their school by preparing and teaching lessons to the younger kids.
After the Lighthouse Team finished and did a brief Q&A with the board, the trustees reported on some of the recent activities they have participated in.
Rob McClelland talked about the recent visit to Elementary #6, to see how the construction was coming along. He said it’s on time and on budget, and is on track to provide some much needed relief from overcrowding at the other elementaries.
Board Secretary Olivia Barnard talked about attending Tax Payer Tuesday, and said she always learns something new at each meeting.
“It was really good, very informative,” Barnard said. “I just wish more of our community would attend.”
Next up was a report from Mike Wilson, the new chair of the Bond Advisory Committee. He reviewed progress on the 2023 bond projects.
To close out the meeting, the board looked at naming recommendations for Elementary #6. After several public surveys and comment opportunities, the naming committee put the top three choices to the board for a vote. After quite a bit of discussion, Barnard made a motion, seconded by McClelland. It passed with a vote of 5-1, with a no vote from Cousins.
And Elementary 6 is now officially named Wildwood Springs Elementary.
