At its regular meeting on June 15, the Wimberley Independent School District Board of Trustees approved the creation of a new position, the Director of Teacher Support and Student Growth.
The new role will be responsible for providing districtwide campus support — to both teachers and campus leaders. The role will lead and coordinate multiple initiatives that are either brand new to WISD, like the Teacher Incentive Allotment, or TIA, and systems that have undergone massive changes by the state in recent years, such as the Texas Education Agency accountability system, the STAAR assessments, and the College, Career, Military Readiness, or CCMR, measurement.
“I am grateful to our board for approving this important position to expand support for our teachers and students. With new programs and increased state requirements created over the past several years, this is a critical moment to invest directly in our students and teachers,” said WISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Bonewald.
“Growth in student achievement is dependent on teachers having access to the training, tools and data they need to excel. This position will help bridge an existing gap and enhance our district’s ability to achieve the important goals established by our board in our strategic plan.”
Following the creation of the position, Bonewald announced that current Wimberley High School Assistant Principal, Errin Jennings, has been appointed to serve in this new role.
“Mrs. Jennings possesses a rare skill set,” said Bonewald. “Seeing her leadership on the high school campus this past year made it clear that we needed to find a way to more fully utilize her talents in an intentional way for the benefit of our faculty and students. Her prior experience with the TIA program and her passion for supporting teachers and students through data-driven instruction make her an ideal fit for this position.”
“I am so appreciative for the opportunity to serve the students, staff and families of Wimberley High School,” said Jennings, “and I’m thrilled that this position will allow me to expand that impact throughout the district. I believe passionately that when teachers feel supported, students will grow and I can’t wait to get started!”
Following the announcement of Jennings to the new Director of Teacher Support and Student Growth position, Bonewald also announced that Christy Brothers, who previously led the district’s Disciplinary Alternative Education Program, or DAEP, would be joining the WHS administrative team as Assistant Principal to fill the vacancy created by Mrs. Jennings’ transition. Brothers has served as the WISD DAEP Director for the last five years and has an additional six years of experience as a campus administrator at other districts. Prior to that, she had 14 years of experience working in various special education roles at districts around Texas.
“I’m incredibly excited to keep working alongside our wonderful WISD students, families, staff, and community,” said Brothers. “I'm ready to hit the ground running and look forward to serving the students and staff at WHS.”
WHS Principal Ryan Wilkes said, “Christy knows our school and our systems inside and out, which will allow us to maintain stability and structure. She has done a fantastic job at DAEP, holding high expectations for everyone, and we look forward to seeing her continue that excellent work at the high school campus.”
Brothers holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a master’s degree in Special Education — both from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She is married to husband Dustin, and has one adult son, Aaron. In her free time she enjoys traveling, gardening and taking care of her animals.
WISD is currently accepting applications for the DAEP Director position.
