Reinold newly elected, Hetrick and O'Connor re-elected to DSISD Board

In what was a record turnout for a May local election, 4,085 residents cast their ballots in the Dripping Springs Independent School District Board of Trustees election. To put it into perspective, in the last May election in 2019, only 2,352 total ballots were cast.

It was a crowded field of nine candidates for the three open seats. DSISD trustees do not represent places; the top three vote-getters are elected. Newcomer Dr. Stefani Reinold earned one of those seats, while incumbents Dr. Mary Jane Hetrick and Shannon O’Connor will hold onto their seats.

Reinold received 17.90 percent (2,095 votes) of the total votes. Hetrick received 14.68 percent (1,717 votes), and O’Connor received 13.82 percent (1,617 votes). The other six candidates received votes as follows: Thaddeus Fortenberry 13.34% (1,561 votes); Tricia Quintero 10.38 percent (1,215 votes); Stephanie Holtzendorf 10.04 percent (1,176 votes); Lynn Henson 9.02 percent (1,055 votes), and Jeff Aylstock 8.82 percent (1,033 votes).

Reinold wrote in a statement to the Century News, “I'm so humbled to win a seat on the DSISD school board… I was blessed to run alongside so many wonderfully talented candidates and incredibly honored to have the opportunity to serve. A very special thank you to the amazing parents, friends, colleagues, and KIDS who supported me all along the way! Thank you to my supportive husband and children. And thank you to my amazing Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whom I owe all of my success. I'm excited to give a voice for concerned parents and taxpayers, hurting patients and students, and overwhelmed teachers and staff. I hope to help bridge the gap between parents, teachers, and the school board one open conversation at a time.”

Hetrick also offered a statement saying, "What motivates me to serve on the board is a love of learning and a passion for the future of education, particularly how to best prepare our students to succeed in a constantly evolving workforce. I am grateful for the faith shown in me to continue that work. Many thanks to all who exercised their right to vote, especially those who stood out in the rain. I am eager to work to harness all the passion generated by this election for the good of the district and I look forward to robust communication with all our stakeholders. Thank you, Dripping Springs!"

O’Connor posted this on her campaign Facebook page, “The election is over and I am excited to move forward. There is much work to be done in this district; emerging successfully from this pandemic, onboarding a new superintendent, developing a new strategic plan, and so much more. A very sincere thank you to all of those who supported my re-election and went above and beyond with block walking, putting up signs, enduring the rain at polling locations, donating to my campaign, and standing by me without wavering in the face of well, just so much… I will continue to stand beside each of our students and staff and support all stakeholders.”

Board members will be sworn in during the May 24 regular meeting.