DSISD trustees approve design for 18+ program

At the Oct. 27 meeting of the Dripping Springs ISD Board of Trustees, the board listened to a Learning Spotlight presentation from Rooster Springs Elementary students, recognized AP Scholars, held a public hearing on the district’s 2024-2025 FIRST Report, and approved design development for DSISD’S 18+ project.

First up on the agenda, students from Rooster Springs Elementary School presented the findings of their gardening experiments in their outdoor Learning Garden and their indoor hydroponic garden. They grew plants under a variety of circumstances, and drew conclusions based on their results. They also brought bouquets of their herbs to board members.

After the report from Rooster Springs, the board recognized the AP scholars from Dripping Springs High School. Nearly 200 current Dripping Springs High School students have been recognized by College Board for their outstanding performance on Advanced Placement (AP) exams administered in the spring of 2025. AP Scholar Awards are granted at various levels, based on students’ average scores and the total number of exams taken. Of the 190 recognized students, 55 earned the highest honor - AP Scholar with Distinction. An additional 41 students were named AP Scholar with Honor, and 94 students received the AP Scholar award.

Next up was a presentation on Dripping Springs ISD’s Texas FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) report for the 2024–25 rating year. The district earned the highest rating of “A: Superior Achievement.”

The Texas Education Agency has issued FIRST ratings to public school districts for the past 23 years to assess the quality of their financial management and reporting. Based on financial data from the 2023–24 fiscal year, DSISD’s score of 100 marks an improvement from last year’s 98. The district has received the highest rating in all but one year since the rating system was introduced.

“For 2024-25 Dripping Springs ISD earned a perfect score of 100 out of 100,” said Randy Rau, the district’s Chief Financial Officer. “That’s a rating of superior. It highlights the district’s continued focus on responsible management and strong financial oversight. The district remains financially strong, stable, and transparent in managing taxpayer resources.”

Near the end of the meeting, the board heard a presentation from Jessica Molter of PBK Architects on the building design for the district’s 18+ program, which is for students with disabilities who have completed their high school graduation requirements but need additional support to prepare for adulthood. In Texas, 18+ programs focus on life skills, vocational training, and community integration to promote independence and lifelong success.

Molter said the design process began in June and will be wrapping up in early November so that the contractor can start bidding on it.

“The goal is to start construction in January, have a very quick construction period, and be done in July, so your program can be in there for the 2026 year,” Molter said.

The site is next to Sycamore Springs Elementary and Sycamore Springs Middle School. It will include learning spaces, a simulated living space, and a life skills classroom. It will also have an outdoor learning area, including a garden and greenhouse. The exterior design will coordinate with the design of the two nearby schools.

“I’m super excited about this project,” trustee Tricia Quintero said. “I know that we have a lot of families that are going to be really excited to see the plans and to see everything that’s going to happen and moving in so quickly. It’s just going to be amazing for all the students who participate in our 18 plus program.”

Quintero motioned to approve the design development. It was seconded by trustee Kim Cousins. The action item passed 7-0.