CANDIDATE Q&A
Get to know the candidates running in the election
2 0 2 2 L O C A L V O T E R G U I D E
Incumbent
Dripping Springs ISD trustee DSISD voters will choose two trustees, who will serve at large, in this election.
How has your experience prepared you to be a DSISD trustee?
Why are you running?
What’s the biggest issue facing DSISD? How can you x it?
As a former litigator, law professor, and compliance and ethics professional, I learned how to approach and solve complex problems. I understand good governance and the role of a board. As an incumbent DSISD trustee, I’ve demonstrat- ed my willingness to fairly consider the diverse perspectives of our community, ask tough questions and push for results. I have 21 years of experience in homebuild- ing and real estate. I have managed a sta of over 30, overseen annual revenue of over $100 million, and managed mil- lion-dollar budgets. I have experience in large projects from land acquisition to ver- tical development. I will bring knowledge to budget, expenditure and building proj- ect items. I will ask questions and identify areas of ine ciencies. Our children and tax dollars are my top priorities. As an engineer, I would bring a new level of systematic analysis to district projects. My budget management experience with tight schedules and complicated needs should prove valuable. Furthermore, I bring to the board both a great appreci- ation of science, math and the arts. I also understand the importance of supporting unique learning styles. I’ve served my community as a member of the special education parent leader- ship committee, the chair of Hays CISD’s Facilities and Bond Oversight Committee, a member of Hays CISD’s Student Health Advisory Council, a member of the Elm Grove Elementary PTA and a volunteer at Bannockburn Baptist Church. I’m blessed with ve kids—four of whom are enrolled in Dripping Springs ISD or will be soon.
As an active member of the Dripping Springs community and mother of three, I am passionate about public schools and our children’s future. I want to ensure that every child in our district receives the support and education they need to shine their bright- est. Maintaining a healthy culture where educators feel valued will help us achieve that goal.
Unprecedented growth. We need conser- vative nancial planning that addresses taxpayers’ concerns while supporting facility needs, teacher retention and a continued commitment to high-quality education. I’ll continue to call on Texas lawmakers to increase funding for fast- growth districts and to adequately fund our public schools. As an incumbent, I’m prepared for this challenge. The most urgent issue is sta ng: We need immediate attention to retention and re- cruiting. We need to listen to teachers and open the door for them to come forward with all questions and concerns. We must give them relief now. The most complicated issue for the district is moving past the pandemic. Two di culties are student social and communications challenges, and the high turnover of sta because of burnout and/or ination. I plan on working on sta compensation in earnest. I plan on working with parents to promote positive and respectful social interaction across the community. Teacher retention is a big issue. I want to pay high-quality teachers more, but do so within the existing budget structure. We can do this by utilizing zero-based bud- geting and third-party e ciency audits. I want to create a culture where teachers can be open and honest. Finally, I want to nd money in the budget that we can redirect to classroom supplies.
Occupation: attorney Relevant experience: DSISD board vice pres- ident, former adjunct professor of law www.votejoannaday. com JOANNA DAY Occupation: Realtor, investor, consultant Relevant experience: 21 years in homebuild- ing and real estate www.oliviafordsisd.com OLIVIA BARNARD
I am running because I want DSISD to be the district I moved here for. I want politics out. I want fair, common-sense leadership. I want educators to desire working here and want to stay. I want every child and every family’s needs heard and met.
My daughter is starting school, and I wanted to learn more about the details of the school district. I feel that my unique experience will bring value to the board and district. I had several teachers spend a lot of time with me when struggling through my early school years. It feels like I should repay the e ort.
Occupation: principal architect at Tenstorrent Relevant experience: various positions at Apple, Tesla, AMD and Microsoft www.thaddeus forschoolboard.com THADDEUS FORTENBERRY
Nowmore than ever, we need leaders in of- ce with strong, principled convictions and the courage to take a stand. My campaign centers on faith, family and freedom—and I hope to be a champion of these values while serving on the school board. Our parents and students deserve it!
Occupation: full-time mom, volunteer Relevant experience: former chair of Hays CISD bond committee www.tricia4dsisd trustee.com TRICIA QUINTERO
Answers may have been edited for length, style and clarity. Read full Q&A’s at communityimpact.com .
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • APRIL 2022
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