New Hays CISD school board trustees sworn in, board president named

BUDA — At its May 13 meeting, the Hays CISD Board of Trustees officially welcomed Geoff Seibel and incumbent Courtney Runkle after canvassing the votes from the May 4 election, as well as voted for new board roles.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAYS CISD
Incumbent Courtney Runkle is sworn in by Buda Mayor Lee Urbanovsky to serve on the Hays CISD Board of Trustees.[/caption]

Chief Communications Officer Tim Savoy noted that canvassing is an older practice from when votes were not digitized, but it is still part of the law and, more importantly, because the district takes votes from three counties — Hays, Travis and Caldwell — it is crucial to ensure that the numbers are correct.

Fifteen votes came from Travis County and zero from Caldwell County, Savoy said. Changes from election night totals are as follows: At-large candidate Katie Armstrong received an additional three votes due to absentee ballots, as well as an additional Election Day vote; Seibel received two additional votes from election night and Runkle obtained one mail-in vote.

The board unanimously voted to accept the candidates. Following this, Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright praised now-former board president Will McManus for his contribution to the district over the years.

“Collectively, [McManus] has served as a volunteer in the school district for over 25 years,” said Wright. “In addition to managing growth, [McManus] has helped lead the district to a commendable level of academic achievement, which greatly expanded learning opportunities for all of our students. He has also contributed to Hays CISD being the most employee friendly district in the state of Texas.”

“His leadership will be missed on the board, but I have no doubt that his love for this community and his involvement with the community will continue for decades to come,” concluded Wright, as he presented McManus with a coin of excellence.

The rest of the trustees commended McManus on his professionalism, mentorship and leadership: “I’ve only served one year with you,” said trustee Johnny Flores. “But we talk about the word precedent and for me, when I think of a board president, you’re the one that I’m going to think of.”

Runkle and Seibel then took their oaths and solemnly swore to execute the duties of the board and do their best to preserve, protect and defend the constitution.

Runkle has been a Hays County resident for nearly 20 years and has developed a strong connection to the district and its residents, according to her biography. She is a proud mother to two boys and a dedicated wife.

Seibel stated that public education is an extreme passion of his, as he has taught both high school and middle school math, two years of which were at Barton Middle School. He is the husband of Kristin Jones Seibel, a woman who has served the district in various capacities, and the father of two children.

Due to the change of board members, positions within the board were newly voted upon for the 2024-25 school year. According to trustee Raul Vela Jr., the individual with the most votes takes the position and if there is no majority vote, the nominations are reopened and the process starts over. There are no ties allowed.

Flores nominated Vela for the president position, while trustee Esperanza Orosco nominated trustee Byron Severance for vice president, both of which were approved by all seven members.

Runkle then nominated trustee Vanessa Petrea for board secretary, which was approved unanimously.

To watch the meeting in full, visit .