Keller ISD Trustees Face Fallout Over Transparency Violations

KELLEN, Texas (KWTX) – A Fort Worth homeowners association is demanding the removal of five Keller Independent School District trustees, citing numerous violations of state transparency laws in efforts to split the district. The Heritage Homeowners Association filed an amended petition on March 27 in Tarrant County’s 348th District Court.

Trustees targeted in the petition include President Charles Randklev, Vice President John Birt, and Trustees Micah Young, Chris Coker, and Heather Washington. The petition is part of a broader effort to address concerns over governance following the unsuccessful split proposal.

“The goal is to gain some confidence in good governance to regain faith from our KISD parents and teachers,” said Cary Moon, chairman of the Heritage HOA Legal Task Force. The lawsuit claims trustees circumvented the Texas Open Meetings Act by conducting business in secrecy through encrypted messages and unpublicized meetings.

According to the suit, these actions allowed the board to propose a split of Keller ISD in two along Denton Highway, a plan abandoned on March 14 due to financial limitations, including a $700 million bond debt.

The district has not publicly responded to the amended petition. Keller ISD spokesperson Bryce Nieman stated, “It is our practice not to comment on pending litigation. We’re focused on maintaining exceptional educational opportunities for our students as we navigate the current Texas public school funding crisis.”

In a response filed on March 24, the board’s attorneys denied all allegations and argued that the court should dismiss the lawsuit, citing governmental immunity and a lack of proven harm. They are also seeking recovery of legal costs, should they prevail.

Moon asserted that the call for the trustees’ removal has been a consistent part of their legal strategy. “This amendment was going to come whether or not they released that press release,” he said.

The community’s demand for accountability has grown as parents express frustration over the board’s communication practices. “Right now, teachers are waiting on contracts for next year,” Moon stated, emphasizing the urgency of resolving these issues.

If the five trustees are removed, only two members would remain on the board. Under state law, those remaining would appoint replacements or call a special election to fill the vacancies.

Keller ISD’s next board meeting is scheduled for March 31. Moon and concerned local parents continue to advocate for transparency and better governance within the district, aiming for swift changes to enhance educational priorities.