In front of a large group of parents and community people, the Keller ISD school board attempted to explain why it sees the need to divide. However, the bulk of those present don’t seem to have been persuaded.
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More than 200 parents signed up to speak at Thursday’s school board meeting that began at 5 p.m. and went past midnight.
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Superintendent Dr. Tracy Johnson was noticeably absent from the meeting. Her nameplate was also removed.
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The board is discussing the possibility of splitting the district in two. Also on the agenda is naming an interim superintendent. However, an announcement has not been made about the superintendent resigning.
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More than 200 parents signed up to speak at Thursday’s school board meeting that began at 5 p.m. and went past midnight.
-
Superintendent Dr. Tracy Johnson was noticeably absent from the meeting. Her nameplate was also removed.
-
The board is discussing the possibility of splitting the district in two. Also on the agenda is naming an interim superintendent. However, an announcement has not been made about the superintendent resigning.
KELLER, TexasIn front of a large group of parents and community people, the Keller ISD school board attempted to explain why it sees the need to divide. However, the bulk of those present don’t seem to have been persuaded.
The meeting on Thursday started at 5 p.m. and ended after midnight.
We know:
During the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Tracy Johnson was conspicuously absent. Although the board was supposed to talk about her potential registration, they eventually decided not to do anything.
On Thursday night, more than 200 people registered to speak, more than double the number of speakers from the special school board meeting that was held two weeks prior.
During the discussion, a map showing the proposed divide was also shown. Highway 377 was displayed as the demarcation line.
What they’re saying:
Many community residents, educators, and parents are still concerned about the possible separation and are demanding that the board be more transparent.
Additionally, they want the public to have a say in Keller ISD’s destiny.
Opponents of the split contend that the less wealthy area of the existing district would have to cope with the mounting debt and would no longer have access to Keller facilities.
“I should have everyone on the board staring at me. One parent stated, “It is completely unacceptable for you to take advantage of a vague law to permit a unilateral decision without the people’s vote.” “That is utterly repulsive. One of the sixth graders called you.
The opposing viewpoint:
Those who support the district split and favor smaller districts were clearly represented at Thursday’s meeting.
At the meeting two weeks ago, this other side was less apparent.
Highlighted
Keller ISD discusses possibility of splitting the district in two
Charles Randklev, the president of the Keller ISD school board, is characterizing the division as a “reshaping” of the district.
“You have had to deal with the crowd, the commotion, and the criticism. However, you have maintained your attention,” a parent remarked. “Your vision, bravery, and strength are not only admirable, but essential. If it provides children with better possibilities, I am in favor of splitting.
Missing Superintendent
We know:
Superintendent Dr. Tracy Johnson’s absence was another hot topic during Thursday’s meeting.
The superintendent’s designated chair was empty at the beginning of the meeting, and her name plate was taken off.
The board appointed Dr. Cory Wilson as the next interim superintendent but took no public action about Johnson.
Wilson, who has worked with the district for over 20 years, was the assistant superintendent of education services.
Overview:
Charles Randklev, the president of the board, reaffirmed Thursday that the division is a direct result of public school financial shortages.
While defending the reconfiguration, Randklev made it clear that nothing is finalized at this time. According to him, committees have been established to investigate the potential for a split. But the board had previously selected them.
The Origin:This article’s information is derived from earlier FOX 4 reports and the school board meeting held by Keller ISD on Thursday.
