April 1, 2020

The Dripping Springs ISD Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on March 30, with board members participating remotely, as permitted by Governor Abbott’s temporary suspension of Open Meetings Laws in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

For the Campus Spotlight, Dripping Springs Elementary Principal Kellie Raymond shared information about the Intercultural Fair held in February and reported on remote learning that has occurred at DSE. Several student recognitions were announced, with photos and names shared in a slide show: choir students who qualified for the Texas State Solo and Ensemble competition, band and orchestra students who qualified for the Texas State Solo and Ensemble competition, DSHS students who received all-state band honors, students who qualified for the Texas state PTA Reflections Contest, DECA state qualifiers, and Tiger wrestlers who qualified for the state tournament including state champion Chase Warden.

Interim Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Innovation Joe Burns provided an overview of actions that have been taken regarding remote learning including: distribution of devices for students who needed them, buying licenses for “Zoom for Educators,” distribution of hot spots for students without internet access, development of campus remote learning webpages (which will continue to developed).

Director of Facilities and Construction Clint Pruett introduced a follow-up report on the March 23 construction update. Representatives of Corgan Architects shared information on traffic studies for the new Walnut Springs Elementary construction and the fifth elementary school to be built on Darden Hill Road. 

Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Scott Drillette shared that a plan for reimbursements for pre-K, day care, and after-school care has been developed. Drillette also reported that March 25 Bond Advisory Committee meeting was moved to April 22, which may be conducted using Zoom.

Superintendent Todd Washburn referenced several aspects of the district’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic including remote learning, messaging themes, and the district webpage for remote learning. He also shared information on meal distribution from March 23-30.