Barnard, Quintero to join DSISD trustees

Final, unofficial election results are in for Hays County, and Dripping Springs ISD’s Board of Trustees Joanna Day is out.

Elections for the board of trustees took place May 7 with early voting from April 25 to May 3. Two positions were up for grabs, and only one incumbent — Day, vice president of the board — ran for reelection. While Day received 2,912 votes (25.07%), candidates Olivia Barnard and Tricia Quintero beat out the incumbent with 2,981 (25.66%) and 2,978 (25.63%) votes, respectively.

A fourth candidate, Thaddeus Fortenberry, trailed with 2,746 (23.64%) votes.

While it was a tight race, Barnard said she was pleased with the results and was proud of the work she and Quintero put into their campaigns.

“The encouragement and support from our community blew me away,” she said. “I am so grateful — now, we get to work! I am looking forward to serving our district and community.”

Quintero said she believes the election results reflected the priorities of the local community.

“Voters made it clear that parental rights and family values matter — and I promise, as your newly-elected DSISD trustee, I will fight every day to deliver on those ideals,” she said in a Facebook post. “Your voice will be heard and your concerns will be represented! I guarantee it.”

“I am so incredibly humbled and grateful to everyone involved in helping this campaign cross the finish line,” Quintero continued. “You are the reason that this was possible, and I thank everyone who contributed, volunteered, door-knocked, held signs, hosted events in your homes and more.”

Both Barnard and Quintero were endorsed by Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) in a public statement on April 21.

“As a parent of schoolage children in Dripping Springs, I recognize how important it is for our school board to fully reflect the values of our community, promote financial and curriculum transparency, and — most importantly — empower parents and protect students instead of radical special interests, corrupt unions, and rogue bureaucrats,” Roy said. “For that reason, I am supporting my friend, Tricia Quintero, and Olivia Barnard in the DSISD Board of Trustees race.”

“Tricia is a warrior who cherishes faith, family, and freedom. She understands and believes in ser vant leadership and the responsible stewardship of public funds, and she will be a fierce advocate for parents and taxpayers in DSISD,” he explained. “Olivia is a dedicated mother and successful entrepreneur who wants to empower parents in public education. Olivia’s professional background will serve DSISD well, by helping to preserve our community values, as Dripping Springs continues to grow economically.”

The final election results will be made official in an open school board meeting to be held sometime between May 10 and May 18, as per the Texas Election Code. Notice of the meeting will be posted at least 72 hours in advance.

The DSISD Board of Trustees will reorganize and elect new board officers at a following meeting on Monday, May 23.

Once the results are made official, Barnard and Quintero will immediately assume the duties of office. Each will serve three-year terms.