China Spring ISD will soon recognize and thank three dedicated members of the Board of Trustees for their years of service to our students and community. Rick Hines concludes 21 years of service, including 10 years as Board president and nine years as vice president, Holly Dunham concludes 12 years of service, including time as Board secretary since May 2018, and Gerardo "Bubba" Galvan concludes nine years of service.
Hines' service spans more than two decades of district growth. When he joined the Board, China Spring ISD served approximately 1,500 students. Today, the district serves nearly 3,000 students.
Hines said one of his proudest accomplishments was leading the effort to select Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc Faulkner. "It was a great move for our community. He has helped transform our schools through a time of growth," Hines said.
For Hines, service has always centered on students and community. "It was an honor to serve. It was a privilege that the people of our community allowed me to serve, and the other Board members trusted me to lead as president," he said. "I've always been proud of the Board members I've worked with. They've always put the students first, no matter what. There was no agenda, and it was nice to serve with people who are open-minded and put the students first."
During her tenure, Dunham played a key role in the successful passage of the 2025 Voter Approval Tax Rate Election, which generated roughly $2.16 in additional funding for China Spring ISD. She expressed pride in the community's support and in their willingness to recognize the district's needs, turn out to vote, and approve funding that supports the people and programs at our schools.
"It has been an honor to work with my fellow Board members and Dr. Faulkner," Dunham said. "I have enjoyed serving our community and district as a trustee and wish the district nothing but the best moving forward."
During his tenure, Galvan supported the 2021 bond totaling more than $57 million. The bond funded construction of a new elementary campus, expansion of career and technical education labs, and development of a gymnasium designed to host student and community events.
"It stands out because new facilities mean we aren't stagnant, we are still growing and China Spring is heading in the right direction," Galvan said. He also expressed appreciation for his fellow trustees, noting, "We've had a great team during my tenure, and it's been a pleasure to serve."
China Spring ISD will host a public reception honoring Hines, Dunham, and Galvan May 18 from 5:00-5:45 pm, prior to the regularly scheduled May Board of Trustees meeting at the China Spring ISD Administration Building. Community members are invited to attend.