More than 100 outraged parents and teachers spoke at a special board meeting Thursday night about a plan to divide Keller Independent School District into two separate districts.
Last week, local families learned of the controversial proposal when trustees responded on social media to rumors about plans to detach a portion of Keller ISD and form a new school district.
Following the rumors and trustees’ responses, many Keller ISD residents became upset about the plan itself and the trustees’ lack of transparency in proposing the split during a closed meeting before sharing the idea with the community for their input.
During Thursday night’s board meeting, dozens of local parents, teachers, and students spoke out against the proposal, calling for more transparency.
“I am appalled by the way the board is handling their duties,” said Keller ISD mom Janine Bankson. “Before considering a plan of this magnitude, the board must present accurate and transparent data that clearly shows the benefit of all citizens, regardless of their feeder pattern. But more importantly, this decision must go to a public election. This board does not have the right to ignore the voices of the constituents that you have a duty to serve.”
Another mother, April Dobson, also expressed her concerns about the lack of transparency with the plan.
“I stand here before you to express my deep concerns regarding the proposed plan to split this beautiful district. The initiative is fraught with issues that undermine the principles of transparency, the word of the day, also community involvement,” Dobson told trustees. “First, the lack of transparency of this proposal is quite alarming. Discussions about dividing the district have been conducted behind closed doors, with no public discourse … such secrecy erodes public trust and prevents meaningful community engagement.”
Others voiced they had no idea whether they were for or against the proposal due to a lack of understanding.
“I don’t even know if it’s a proposal at this time. I don’t know that I’m for or against it. I don’t know really what it is, like so many others that are here today,” said Keller ISD mother Jennifer Olson. “A decision of this should be public. This should be lengthy. It should be well thought out, and I don’t think that we have followed any of those key processes.”
“A task force needs to be established with transparency and equal representation from both sides of the dividing line. A decision such as this impacts families, students, property values, KISD employees, teachers, administrators, and so many,” Olson continued. “Have we really thought through everything?”
State Rep. David Lowe (R-North Richland Hills) shared comments via his district director, who said Lowe believes a proposal of “this magnitude should not be taken without a general referendum of the voters.”
Following public comments, Trustee Chelsea Kelly addressed the community, describing what happened on December 19 when the proposal was introduced.
Kelly explained that when trustees went into executive session, Board President Charles Randklev and Trustees John Birt and Micah Young introduced a plan to split Keller ISD along Highway 377. The new district would be named Alliance.
“I was shocked. Joni [Shaw Smith] and I seem to be the only ones who were shocked. While we raised serious concerns, the rest of the board seemed ready to move forward without hesitation,” said Kelly. “What made it worse was finding out this resolution was set to be voted on today, with no real time for discussion, community input, or planning. It felt like a decision that was already made behind closed doors, and I couldn’t believe it.”
Trustee Joni Shaw Smith echoed Kelly’s explanation, saying, “The plan all along was to bring this proposal forward and have a discussion.” However, she added that the other trustees are “gaslighting” the public, and if she and Kelly had not come forward, the board would be voting on the resolution at the Thursday meeting.
After Kelly and Shaw Smith’s speeches, KISD Superintendent Tracy Johnson said she was prepared to offer her letter of resignation.
“As the CEO, the superintendent of this district, you hired me to look out for the best interest of every stakeholder in this district. And I think the timeline is accelerated. I don’t think we have the details. I don’t think that we have the answers. And if the community decides this is something that they want, then we need the time and the runway to figure it out,” said Johnson. “But I don’t know how we do this, and, and I’ll be honest, I don’t know that I want to be a part of it, and so I am prepared to offer my letter of resignation.”
Returning from the executive session, Randklev told the audience that the board will be working on a community webpage to share information and clear up misconceptions. Additionally, trustees will take the proposal to community groups so they can continue to workshop the idea. No further action will be taken on the proposal at this time.
According to Tarrant County Commissioner Matt Krause, a school district can split itself in what is known as “detachment.” There are two routes to detach, a petition or a resolution of the school board.
If the district chooses the petition route, 10 percent of the district’s voters must sign the petition. Once at least 10 percent have signed, an election must be held.
If a resolution is adopted, Krause says he believes an election is not required and the process of detachment moves automatically to the Commissioners Court to determine if it is valid.
The next regular board meeting will be on January 30.
