September 29, 2021

The district is excited to announce that two new district leaders will be joining the Dripping Springs ISD leadership team in October. The Board of Trustees approved the hiring of the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, as well as the Executive Director of Communications.

Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations: Catherine Knepp

The district proudly welcomes Ms. Catherine Knepp as the new Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations. Ms. Knepp comes to DSISD from Moak, Casey and Associates, a highly regarded educational consulting firm. Ms. Knepp served on the financial services team for the firm and brings with her experience in supporting and advising school districts of all sizes across the state on a myriad of school finance matters. Knepp provides a high level of expertise in revenue estimation, staffing and financial data reviews, and legislative analysis, among other components of Texas school finance.

In this leadership position, Ms. Knepp will be the district's Chief Financial Officer, and will be responsible for budgeting, accounting, auditing, bonds, and debt service. The position also oversees several operational departments. As a multi-district financial consultant and a regular presenter on school finance, her skillset will be an excellent match for this position.   

Prior to earning her master’s degree in Public Policy with a focus on school finance from Vanderbilt University, Ms. Knepp also served the educational field for six years as a secondary teacher at both Eanes ISD and Regents School of Austin. Her former teaching background provides a unique lens into the world of the classroom and the needs of teachers and students.

“Ms. Knepp’s experience working with multiple large districts statewide gives her great perspective on school finance, building budgets, and legislative impact," said Superintendent Dr. Holly Morris-Kuentz. "Her teaching years shaped and formed her passion for education and embedded in her a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of students, which was a huge component that led her to apply with DSISD. She looks forward to serving the students of our district in a direct and meaningful way."

Executive Director of Communications: Jennifer Edwards

The district also welcomes Jennifer Edwards as our incoming Executive Director of Communications. She brings a proven track record of strategic communications and experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders across many platforms. Ms. Edwards has more than 25 years of experience in communications and marketing, including the most recent 14 years leading communications at Black Box, a provider of IT infrastructure solutions. In addition to her vast background in marketing and communications positions, Ms. Edwards has been an active parent volunteer in Dripping Springs ISD, including two years as the president of the district’s PTA Council.  She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

In this leadership position, Ms. Edwards will lead the district's communications office and will be responsible for promoting, developing, and fostering effective, two-way communication between the school district and its internal and external constituencies; creating awareness and building support of the school district’s mission, goals, and policies; and articulating programs, services, events, activities and academic achievements. 

"Ms. Edwards' impressive leadership in volunteer parent positions within our district and her corporate communications experience, including communications strategy, branding, and stakeholder relations, made her our ideal candidate," continued Dr. Morris-Kuentz. "Her experience as both a communications leader and DSISD resident and parent make her an outstanding match for our district."   

Both Ms. Knepp and Ms. Edwards are expected to begin their new roles with the district in mid-October. Ms. Knepp will replace interim assistant superintendent Larry Keiser in the Finance and Operations Department. Ms. Edwards will take over leadership of the Communications Department as Dale Whitaker retires from the district.