To the editor:
January is School Board Recognition Month and Dripping Springs ISD is joining other districts across the state to thank these local leaders for their dedication and willingness to serve as advocates for our children and public schools.
The theme of this year’s recognition month is “Planting Seeds for Success.” While the success of DSISD students is evident at every turn, this does not happen by accident. The school environment that allows students to nurture their skills and talents created by the leadership of the school board and implemented by an amazing staff.
All seven trustees are heavily vested in the Dripping Springs community and have children who are current students or graduates of DSISD. They genuinely care about the future of the children of our community and always consider students’ welfare and needs above all else. In a climate of change and challenge, they develop policies and make tough decisions on complex educational and social issues that affect the entire community and the lives of individual students. The leadership of the Board will be more critical than ever as Dripping Springs continues to grow rapidly and the district works diligently to plan for that growth.
Our Board president, Carrie Fontana Kroll, has served since 2012. A proud graduate of Dripping Springs High School, she also has been Board vice president. Vice president Barbara Stroud is DSISD’s longest-serving Board member, now in her fourth term (11 years); she was Board president from 2013-16. The Board secretary is Ron Jones, who was elected in 2014. Jon Thompson began his Board tenure in 2013 and both Mary Jane Hetrick and Shannon O’Connor were elected in 2015. Marisa Grijalva joined the board in August of 2018.
The commitment that School Board members make in this role extends far beyond attending a few meetings each month. They are asked to complete many hours of training each year, attend conferences and meetings at regional and state levels, stay up-to-date on educational issues and legislative action, review proposals and reports, and communicate with parents and community members. All of this is done entirely on a volunteer basis.
I personally am grateful to the seven individuals who serve on the DSISD Board and provide outstanding vision and leadership to our district. They are a critical link between the community and our schools. Please join with me in celebrating these men and women and take a moment to express your appreciation for their volunteer efforts. These dedicated individuals deserve recognition and thanks for their unfailing commitment to the continuing success of our students now and in the future.
Sincerely,
Bruce Gearing
Superintendent of Schools
