Q & A with DSISD Board Candidate Stefani Reinold
Why did you decide to run for school board?
Witnessing the rapidly changing world around me, I saw how seemingly small, benign decisions of elected officials had profound, lasting effects on the lives of my young children and the countless patients whom I treat. Bureaucratic decisions change lives, and I want to be a part of a positive change. While I cannot change the world, I can strive to preserve my beloved local community. I'm running for DSISD school board to uphold educational excellence amidst unprecedented times, to prioritize health and safety within the schools (including emotional and developmental health) through the transition to a post-covid environment while limiting unnecessary rules and restrictions, and to ensure fiscal accountability in a rapidly expanding school district.
What qualifiers in your background make you the best candidate?
As an experienced medical doctor, a board certified psychiatrist, public health professional, and successful small business owner, I am uniquely qualified to address the rampant mental health issues that are rising exponentially in our district, the public health concerns for pandemic and post-pandemic infection control measures while minimizing unnecessary restrictions, and the necessary fiscal responsibility in leading a rapidly expanding school district.
What are your priorities beginning in May if elected?
We must minimize further barriers to adequate emotional and developmental growth by making a clear plan for a post-covid return to normal on campus for the fall. As vaccine distribution continues and cases and hospitalizations decrease, it is paramount for our district to prioritize a return to a humane learning environment for students, teachers, and staff. Furthermore, it is necessary to ensure fiscal accountability amidst these unprecedented times and prioritize conservative budgetary spending.
Do you have any students in the district? Please also tell us about your family.
Yes, I have 3 children- a fierce, confident, astute 2nd grade girl named Kate; a fun-loving, active, goofy 4 year old boy named Ryker; and a precious, laid-back, loving 1 year old girl named Lily. I'm married to the love of my life and best friend, Travis Reinold, an active duty Army veteran, musician, entrepreneur and Christian evangelist. Together, we run a nonprofit for Christian mental health awareness. When we're not rushing our kids to soccer games, dance recitals, and extracurricular activities, Travis and I enjoy quality time with friends or relaxing nights with family.
How long have you lived in or been a part of the Dripping Springs community?
Born and bred in north Texas, I made it to the Hill Country as fast as we could. After my husband separated from active duty Army in 2019, we settled down to raise our family in Dripping Springs. We love this community and hope to never leave.
What other local organizations are you involved in or volunteer at?
I'm founder of Dripping Springs Relief, member of Austin Psychiatric Society, and involved at Bannockburn Church. I also work collaboratively with Hays County justice system for child and family mental health concerns and support local Veterans Affairs advocacy of mental health struggles in veterans.
How do you feel about the way DSISD has handled the pandemic, i.e. protocols, restrictions, closed campuses, virtual meetings?
I'm proud of our district's commitment to prioritize on campus, in person learning. I would have liked to see more opportunities for feedback from parents, students, teachers and staff to voice concerns; more openness and transparency from school board members through in-person board meetings and better articulation concerning the decision for safety protocols; more care and concern for medical exemptions; and a striving loosening of unnecessary restrictions; and more consideration for parents' and students' concerns.
What are your thoughts on transparency within school boards and decision-making, and do you believe DSISD has been transparent enough? Why or why not?
As elected officials, school board members have a responsibility to not only assess the needs of the district and the taxpayers, but to communicate clearly their decision-making processes. In this past year of great uncertainty, our school board has felt distant, vague, and unapproachable. When concerns were not addressed and decisions were not clearly justified, many students, teachers, staff, parents and community members were left feeling defeated and unheard. In a rapidly changing district, transparency must be a priority.
Is there anything else you'd like to include that you were not asked?
Mental health issues in children have skyrocketed in the past few years in our district, even prior to the pandemic. DSISD has a critical opportunity to mend emotional wounds and correct developmental delinquencies so that children can continue to thrive emotionally, academically, athletically, and socially. The future success of our school district starts with the care and attention to mental health needs.