Dripping Springs ISD’s proposed $132 million bond measure passed by a slim 31 vote margin May 5, marking a victory in the district’s initiative to accommodate for growing classroom populations.
The measure was approved by 50.47 percent of the 3,293 total voters who participated in the bond referendum. However, 49.53 percent of voters did not approve of the district’s bond package.
Part of the bond package includes additions to Dripping Spring High that would allow for an increase to 2,500 students, as the campus has reached capacity.
The bond came to fruition after the district’s projections showed the population of the campuses to double within the next decade.
However, based on these projections, another bond would need to be issued by 2021 to accommodate new students in the district.
“I wish to personally thank all those who exercised their civic right and responsibility to vote. We understand there are differing opinions about the bond package,” said Bruce Gearing, superintendent for DSISD. “Our responsibility moving forward is to continue listening carefully to all stakeholders in order to shape the outcome of this community decision to serve the best interests of all our students, staff, parents, and taxpayers.”
Gearing said some of the smaller projects will likely start summer 2018. The high school expansion and renovation of Walnut Springs Elementary are expected to be completed by Fall 2020 and Fall 2021, respectively.
However, The Citizens for Successful Education in Dripping Springs, an organization that fought against DSISD’s bond measure, is looking to raise $1,500 to pay for a recount of the bond, in accordance with Texas election laws.
Meanwhile, a trio of DSISD board of trustee incumbents who supported the district’s bond were all reelected to dais.
Current Board President Carrie Kroll was reelected for another two-year term by taking 25.06 percent of the 6,593 voters who cast a ballot in the trustee election.
Kroll is the only member of the board who attended and graduated through the Dripping Springs education program.
Kroll said her reelection will come with a commitment to represent current Dripping Springs students while working towards fiscal responsibility for the students of the future, an initiative represented in the bond she supported.
“The bond encompasses a vision to help the students of the future in our district,” Kroll said. “Bonds in this day are highly discussed and the district needs to be transparent as we always are. The challenge is to bring our community together.”
Also claiming victory Saturday were incumbents Mary Jane Hetrick and Shannon O’Connor, who both took home 24 percent of the vote.
