What do you want to accomplish if elected?
Lindsey Deringer: I hope to help unify our community. I want to work with the other board members, community members, and administration to encourage empathy and respect toward all. Our community needs to work together, regardless of political alignment, to create the best and safest schools possible. Our teachers have put a lot of work into loving and leading our kids, especially since COVID-19 and I think unity would make their job easier. I would also advocate for our district to start live-streaming board meetings for parents and community members unable to attend in person - a small but meaningful change.
WV: What qualifications or attributes would you bring to the school board if elected?
Deringer: First, I am an educator. An educator’s perspective would be an asset to our board. Currently, no other board member has that experience. I also see great value in diversity. Differing perspectives are how we grow and improve. Learning to show respect and empathy towards others is a critical part of creating positive learning environments and is a necessary part of the workplace. I am a lifelong learner, so I am inquisitive, adaptable, and open to being wrong. I am excited to learn to be the best WISD trustee that I can possibly be.
WV: What are the biggest challenges you think WISD will face in the coming years and how would you address them?
Deringer: I am aware of the political divide in Wimberley and in our country. In my opinion, misinformation is a huge problem. Transparency and open communication between our community and the board will help combat misinformation and distrust. I believe that our diverse set of problems is best solved with when many diverse people voice their ideas. When we listen to and respect people who have different opinions than us, we learn and our ideas can stretch and grow. Respect also fosters kindness. “A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone.” – Sundar Pichai WV: Wimberley ISD has taken a number of steps to increase student safety in the wake of the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde. What do you believe the district should do as it relates to safety on campus?
Deringer: As a district, we need to be constantly assessing our safety protocols & updating them as needed. We need to keep up with the most current information on school safety & know the lessons that have been learned from previous tragedies. The current WISD improvements are making our schools safer for our students, however, keeping our students safe will be an ongoing process. The mental health of our students should also be a priority on each campus. Finally, since the Texas legislature makes laws, it is important for them to hear about local needs from WISD community members, teachers, & the school board.
WV: In light of a teacher recently being arrested for assault, what can the district do to assure student safety in the classroom? Are there any adjustments the district needs to make to hiring practices?
Deringer: Communication between teachers and students is paramount. Teachers hear a lot from students during the school day but teachers also need to feel comfortable bringing delicate information to administrators. We need to continue to make WISD transparent, a place of open communication, and a safe place for all by checking in with students and staff on a regular basis. One option may be an anonymous reporting survey that is available to students and faculty at all times. WISD is a great district, but it is clear that we must do better and find ways to protect our students from abusers.
WV: What can you do as a school board member to assure that WISD retains and attracts quality teachers and staff?
Deringer: Retaining and attracting quality teachers and staff is and should be a top priority of our district and the board. Wages have risen in many sectors of our economy and teacher wages are not keeping up with inflation. If we want to have the best educators teaching in our district, we must find a way to pay them competitively. Other parts of teacher retention are hiring good administrators that support teachers and letting teachers know how much parents in the district appreciate the high-quality education provided here. As a WISD parent, I am thankful for our high-quality teachers!
