Dripping Springs ISD officials discussed academics, bond projects and more at a State of the District presentation on April 22.
Strategic planning goals
In 2024, DSISD approved a new strategic plan called Future Ready 2030. This plan “charts the course for DSISD for the next five years and guides students to graduating with academic, interpersonal, and technical skills,” according to the website.
Superintendent Holly Morris-Kuentz presented accomplishments from Year 1 of the plan, and Year 2 goals for 2025-26 in academics, intervention and support services, development and communication.
“This year, in Year 2, [our big focus] has been about professional development,” Morris-Kuentz said. “We’ve built a very robust mentorship program this year, which has allowed us to take care of those early-career teachers.”
Academics
When considering STAAR passing rates, DSISD students are “regularly outperforming” the region and the state, according to Karen Kidd, assistant superintendent for learning & innovation.
According to the district, the mean DSISD SAT score is 1125, compared to the national average of 1029 and the Texas average of 971. For ACT scores, the DSISD mean is 24.4, compared to the national and Texas averages of 19.4.
Operations and construction
Construction on High School No. 2 began in November. The 2025 bond provided over $298 million for the project. DSISD Chief Operations Officer Scott Berry said the project is on schedule to open for the 2028-29 academic year, and that the naming and branding committee is in the process of deciding the name, colors and mascot for the new high school.
Dripping Springs High School will undergo renovations beginning this summer. The total budget for this project is $51.1 million, and work will include HVAC replacement, library renovations and a new “innovation lab,” or collaborative area.
“[In] the new high school, collaborative spaces are emphasized,” Berry said. “So now, we’re actually creating collaborative areas for [Dripping Springs High School] as well.”
DSISD will also begin renovations at Rooster Springs Elementary this summer. HVAC replacement, library renovation and wayfinding hallway redesigns are among some of the improvements. The 2025 bond will provide $25.8 million for the project.
Demographic update
Population and Survey Analysts recently presented an updated demographic report to the board of trustees. The study found that DSISD added more than 1,500 students in the past five years, and more than 3,000 students since 2015. Additionally, PASA provided enrollment projections for the next 10 years. While DSISD is in a high-growth phase, certain areas of the district are approaching stabilization.
Another element of the demographic study examines the economy and housing market to forecast how those trends may affect enrollment. According to the report, 78.6% of the projected additional housing in DSISD in the next decade will be single-family dwellings. Some of the biggest single-family subdivisions include Double L Ranch, Penn Ranch, Wild Ridge, Village Grove and Caliterra, ranging from 400 to 1,600 projected new units by 2035.