Keller ISD Board Faces Backlash Over Proposal to Split District

KELLER, Texas — Tensions flared Thursday night as more than 100 parents, teachers, and community members packed a Keller Independent School District board meeting to voice their opposition to a proposal to split the district. The controversial plan, which would divide the district along the west side of U.S. Highway 377, has sparked outrage over a lack of transparency and community involvement.

More than 120 people signed up to speak during the heated meeting, with only two attendees expressing support for the split. “Separating the district into two because of fiduciary responsibility is not just extreme, it is the nuclear option,” said one parent. Another teacher added, “I honestly don’t know if I’m for or against a detachment of the district, I don’t think you do either.”

The proposal first surfaced on social media during last week’s snowstorm, catching many families off guard. Board President Charles Randklev acknowledged the plan’s existence but blamed a premature leak for the lack of public input. “Nothing has been decided, and speculation that jumps to conclusions is premature,” Randklev said in a prepared statement. “I can assure you we will have a robust public dialogue before any action is taken.”

Superintendent Tracey Johnson broke her silence during the meeting, tearfully stating that she believed the split would be detrimental to students. “I would get in trouble for saying it, but I don’t believe this is the right move,” Johnson said, revealing she had prepared a resignation letter in case the board moved forward with the plan.

Board Vice President John Birt warned that without the split, Keller ISD could face job cuts, school closures, and other financial challenges. However, parents pushed back, accusing the board of bullying and failing to prioritize students. “How can you sit there and act like this doesn’t affect all these students? I voted for you and I voted for you, I voted for all of you,” one parent shouted.

Board member Joni Smith accused her colleagues of gaslighting the public, claiming that concerns about the split were being dismissed as exaggerated. “I sat in the same meetings and had different takes than others on the proposal,” Smith said.

Despite the outcry, the board agreed to form committees to review the proposal, with parents demanding a seat at the table. Board member Chris Coker pledged to include community members, while others criticized the parents’ behavior as uncivil. The meeting ended with no immediate action taken, but the board promised further public dialogue before any decisions are made.