The details
Trustees are at-large representatives of the district and do not represent a specific place within the DSISD boundaries.
Candidates were asked to answer the questions provided in 50 words or fewer and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. Candidates are listed in ballot order.
Election day is May 3.
*indicates incumbent
*Olivia Barnard
Experience:
current trustee, May 2022-present
Occupation:
residential real estate sales and home building consultant
Candidate Website:
https://oliviafordsisd.com/
Contact Information:
512-848-7266
Why are you running for the Dripping Springs ISD board of trustees?
I’m running for reelection to continue the progress we've made in academic development, financial responsibility and community engagement. We've lowered the tax M&O tax rate, improved district transparency and prioritized safety/security. My commitment remains to serve our students taxpayers and staff for the best possible educational outcome.
What is the biggest challenge facing the district and how would you address it?
Adapting to growth/financial constraints (state legislation). Even with slower growth we must accommodate…increased student population in our facilities, services and staffing, meanwhile state funding remains unchanged while taxpayers pay more. I aim to educate/engage/advocate for better local school funding while remaining committed to fiscal conservative leadership.
If elected, what goals would you aim to achieve as trustee?
Continue focus on improving educational outcomes particularly the ongoing impact of COVID closures. Additionally, I aim to strengthen the relationship between taxpayers and the district by increased engagement and inviting the community to be more involved with our facilities resources and programs firsthand.
What else do you want voters to know about you?
That my positions come from being a taxpayer, mother and servant in the district. I am a firm believer in the potential of every student and all education. My mission is simple: to provide the best in safety, security, education and experience for all students while serving our community with…
*Tricia Quintero
Experience:
mother of five, current DSISD trustee, [School Healthy Advisory Council] liaison, [Parent Teacher Association] member
Occupation:
business manager
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/tricia4dsisdtrustee
Why are you running for the Dripping Springs ISD board of trustees?
To help give students a world-class education, to provide steady leadership that keeps our community affordable and family-friendly, and to chart a course toward a future where DSISD is the envy of Texas.
What is the biggest challenge facing the district and how would you address it?
Responsible growth. DSISD is bursting at the seams with new parents, new students and new demands. This is a phenomenal time in our district’s history, but it requires thoughtful leadership to understand where we are and where we need to go—without losing ourselves in the process.
If elected, what goals would you aim to achieve as trustee?
My number one priority is striving for academic excellence. We need the best teachers in every classroom so that students will excel. A close second relates to affordability. We should not only compensate our highest-performing staff well but do so while making every effort to keep taxes low.
What else do you want voters to know about you?
I need DSISD to succeed, not just because it’s a cornerstone of the community but also because I’m the proud mother of five kids: a graduate from public education, and four currently enrolled in public education. DSISD’s success is my family’s success!
Ron Jones
Experience:
Dripping Springs Education Foundation 2006-2010, DSISD Board 2014-2023
Occupation:
Sales Executive – Salto Systems
Candidate Website:
N/A
Contact Information:
512-507-9106
Why are you running for the Dripping Springs ISD board of trustees?
Offering the district a more positive public school advocacy while providing governance, oversight and common sense solutions in a fast growth, high-performing public school experience benefitting students, staff and community stakeholders.
What is the biggest challenge facing the district and how would you address it?
Growth and budget deficits. The growth should be considered in a more creative and innovative fashion. Those two major impacts will dictate the future of public education in Dripping Springs for years to come. I will work to ensure that consideration is given to a proper balance of academic progression…
If elected, what goals would you aim to achieve as trustee?
The primary reasons most people move to Dripping Springs is because of the public schools and the success which has been recognized long before we moved here in the late 1990’s. I will work to provide leadership and innovation to that objective.
What else do you want voters to know about you?
My sons had tremendous success and I would like to see that type of success and opportunity for all students. I’ve volunteered in education foundations and Friends of Texas Public Schools. Finally, I have always attempted to place our kids and community above politics.
