The Dripping Springs ISD school board unanimously approved joining an interlocal agreement with the Texas Association of School Boards' Energy Cooperative at its April 25 meeting.

The TASB's Energy Cooperative is open to all Texas school districts, local governments and other political subdivisions, according to the group’s website. The co-op works with awarded vendors to provide its members with fixed prices on fuel and electricity so budgeting is more predictable.

The agreement will allow DSISD new options for purchasing fuel and energy, including accessing a competitive group rate by purchasing fuel with other school districts and securing fuel at a fixed rate to offset fluctuating prices.

As of April 26, the average gas price in the Austin area is $3.75 per gallon, compared to $2.50 per gallon last year, according to American Automobile Association data.

The cooperative is free to join, and DSISD is under no obligation to make purchases after joining the agreement.