September 28, 2021

The Dripping Springs ISD Board of Trustees held its regular monthly meeting on Sept. 27 at the Dripping Springs High School auditorium.

Following public comments, board members asked several questions on departmental reports that had been introduced at the agenda review meeting. 

Bond Advisory Committee Chair Andrew Hutton reported that the BAC continues to receive updates and monitor expenditures for bond projects, which to date have been completed on time and under budget. The committee will continue to discuss potential use of remaining funds. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Karen Kidd reported on the 2021-22 School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) related to membership, bylaws and application process.

Action items included adoption of a resolution to allow for future defeasance of bond debt and another setting the 2021-22 tax rate ($1.3103 per $100 certified property value, divided into an M&O rate of $0.9603 and an I&S rate of $0.3500). Prior to approval of the tax rate, Dr. Amanda Brownson of TASBO (Texas Association of School Business Officials) provided a school finance update and explanation of how school district tax rates are structured. (See related story under District News.) The board also approved a replacement on the Bond Advisory Committee and a nomination for the Hays CAD Board of Directors.

Following closed session, the board approved the hiring for two district-level leadership positions: Catherine Knepp as the new Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations and Jennifer Edwards as the new Executive Director of Communications.

The meeting was streamed live on YouTube; it can be viewed here.