In the heart of Dripping Springs, a force is at work behind the scenes, weaving together communal support for students and teachers. The Dripping Springs Education Foundation (DSEF) stands as a beacon, not only funding crucial initiatives but shaping a brighter future for students and educators of Dripping Springs Independent School District (DSISD).
DSEF's vision is clear: “to engage the community in providing more students with better opportunities.” The foundation's Board of Directors is committed to a bold vision that not only deepens community engagement but also expands DSEF's reach and ability to meet the financial needs of DSISD. This vision includes funding mental health and wellness positions and creating new channels for investing in students and staff.
Investing in a bright future for our students means taking initiative to support our educators as well. Through the Mental Health Initiative, launched in 2019, DSEF funds salaries for three Licensed Mental Health Professionals serving across all DSISD campuses. These experts deliver essential social-emotional learning expertise, counseling services, and interventions to support the welfare of both students and teachers.
“This program significantly contributes to the overall well-being of our educational community, fostering a healthier school environment and, in turn, a stronger community,” says DSEF Executive Director Lindsey Herring.
Herring, a longtime resident and mother of two boys within the Dripping Springs school system, is a driving force behind DSEF. Bringing her skills in sales, marketing, grant writing, and education to the table, her unwavering passion is evident in her dedicated leadership of the DSEF programs.
Unlike other organizations, DSEF is uniquely positioned to fundraise for things not covered by the state and ensures that every dollar stays within our local schools. These 100-percent-tax-deductible donations play a pivotal role in supporting life-changing and life-saving programs for students and staff.
DSEF programs encourage creative thinking and invite students to be an integral part of the process that brings innovation into the classroom. Students are encouraged to participate in learning the grant writing process, discovering projects, and creating new opportunities to see their dreams come to life. Recently an interactive planetarium and chicken coop project were granted, giving students unforgettable hands-on opportunities.
The commitment and investment made to providing better opportunities for DSISD students and staff remains unwavering. The foundation invites you to join this transformative journey, where every contribution makes a lasting impact on the lives of students and educators alike.
DSEducationFoundation.org | @dsefnews
