Our Board

Paul began his tenure at KAPS in 2002, the school's third full year of operation, in the role of Principal. He served in that role for 10 years and received his M.A. from The University of Texas at Austin while on sabbatical from his Principal duties. During his time at UT, Paul was privileged to serve as a KAPS Board Trustee for the first time. Paul continued his educational service as Chief Financial Officer for two separate central Texas ISDs. He also served in the role of Chief Academic Officer and also served as Interim Superintendent work. Paul now works for the Texas Education Agency in the Department of Grant Compliance and Administration. Paul believes that all students who enter the doors are budding lifelong scholars who should be uniquely challenged academically and provided for according to their individual needs and goals. Paul moved to Wimberley in 1999 and lives there with his beautiful partner, Lisa.

Joseph Smith is a dedicated scientist, entrepreneur, and community advocate with over three decades of experience in scientific research, business management, and educational support. Holding a Ph.D. in Biochemistry as well as a Molecular Biology degree from The University of Texas at Austin, Joseph has an extensive research background, including work in biomedical sciences that has been published in renowned, peer-reviewed international journals. As the founder, CEO and partner of multiple tech firms, he has provided strategic solutions for universities, healthcare organizations, and major Texas institutions, focusing on cutting-edge technologies and intelligent system design.

Joseph's passion for community building extends beyond his professional accomplishments. A former member of the U.S. Army’s Honor Guard, he has served in high-stakes roles in the Pentagon and D.C. that required integrity, discipline, and leadership—a foundation he brings to his commitment to KAPS. As a business owner, he has a deep understanding of financial management, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance, skills he looks forward to contributing as a board member.

Driven by a commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive environments, Joseph is invested in helping KAPS empower students academically and personally. As a parent of a KAPS junior and a prospective KAPS freshman, he shares the school’s mission to cultivate a safe, equitable, and stimulating environment for all students. He is particularly enthusiastic about the potential of emerging technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, to enhance educational outcomes.



As a prior teacher, KAPS parent, school administrator, curriculum writer, current KAPS school board member and a current CASA  of Central Texas I see and have followed the value KAPS has had in the community for the past 25 years. I want to ensure the longevity of KAPS in the community for the next 25 years to come. My background professionally is in secondary education, grant writing, English as a Second Language, Special Education, child advocacy in the courts, bilingual education, early childhood education, curriculum writing, and partnering with community businesses as partners in education. During my short tenure on the KAPS school board I have brought a new staff member to KAPS, a $5,000 donation to KAPS from a community business, and a business partnership for the blood drive donation to feed all those whom donated blood. I will continue to partner with community businesses to maximize relationships and bolster the KAPS name within the community. I hold three degrees in education: a bachelors in education and two masters degrees in education.



Board Member bio coming soon!

When I was finishing my undergraduate degree, I was placed at KAPS as a student teacher.  I immediately fell in love with the school, the staff, and the overall idea of community and education at KAPS.  After I graduated, I was offered a teaching position at KAPS. I spent a year teaching English and Creative Writing at KAPS, before taking a position at Texas State University.  I never forgot my time and KAPS and often told people in the community about the amazing things that KAPS had to offer students and the community as a whole.  I believe that is why, in part, my nieces attended KAPS and my nephew still does.  That is also why I am running for the KAPS School Board, to do what I can to support the school that still means so much to me and my family.

Board Member bio coming soon!

As a life-long Central Texan and proud graduate of Katherine Anne Porter School class of 2004, Nick Lochman brings with him the experience of attending KAPS as well as the experiences it led to. Immediately after graduation he enrolled in Texas State University- San Marcos where he earned a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Resource and Environmental Studies with a minor in Geology. While still enrolled he worked at the Texas River Systems Institute as a member of the Texas Stream Team and assisted on the Cypress Creek Project in Wimberley, TX. After university, Nick began to shift into another career path close to his heart and became a full time touring musician which led him across the United States several times and as far away as Australia. After the music industry came to a halt in 2020, Nick was uniquely poised to fall back on a degree and took on a full time position in 2021 doing GIS in the Environmental Sector. KAPS played a crucial role in his life just as it does for so many students in Central Texas and is a resource that must be allowed to continue its work. He hopes to advocate for the students and their families, the staff as well as assist in securing funding for the school and ensuring a positive environment conducive to learning.