Keller ISD parents set to voice concerns over superintendents possible resignation at board meeting

Parents are ready to voice their concerns at Keller ISD’s next school board meeting as it’s set to discuss parting ways with the superintendent.

Many parents are still upset at the potential split of the district. Now, added on top of that, a possible leadership change during what they say is the worst time. 

Another contentious Keller ISD school board meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening.

The backstory:

It comes two weeks after more than one hundred people admonished the school board over plans to potentially split up the district, criticizing the lack of transparency.

Parents argued the less affluent part of the current district would lose access to Keller facilities and be forced to deal with the looming debt.

The majority of trustees continue to claim the split is a result of a lack of funding.

In a turn of events, Superintendent Dr. Tracy Johnson could be on her way out.

Two of Thursday's agenda items read "Consider and take possible action on superintendent voluntary separation agreement" followed by "Name an interim superintendent."

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Keller ISD superintendent offers to resign during chaotic school board meeting

For several hours, community members took turns speaking at the podium and abided by the agenda. However, the meeting quickly turned into a chaotic shouting match with no decorum. The superintendent even offered her resignation.

At the Jan. 16 meeting, Dr. Johnson shocked the crowd by saying she also opposed the split and then threatened to resign right there.

"I know I will probably be in trouble for speaking. I am okay with that," she said. "I am prepared. I am prepared. I have my letter of resignation retirement. I do have that here."

What they're saying:

Earlier this week, trustees Joni Smith and Chelsea Kelly — who are both against the district split — posted long statements on social media, saying they were once again blindsided.

"I assumed it happened a little bit before that especially if we are already tomorrow naming an interim superintendent. More has been happening than we are aware of," said parent Amber Jacobs. "We obviously have concerns. Who are they going to place? We hear this name and that name come up. No one knows for certain."

Parent Matthew Mucker spoke at the Jan. 16 meeting. 

"Maybe they aren’t doing this for the right reasons. Maybe they aren’t doing this because it’s in the best interest of the students," he said. "Maybe they are other reasons for the board actions that the public should be aware of."

What's next:

That public meeting is Thursday at 5 p.m.

At the meeting earlier this month, everyone who spoke during public comment was against the split and against the board's decision.  It's unclear If people who support the board will show up and speak again.

The Source: Information in this article comes from interviews with Keller ISD parents and previous FOX 4 reporting.

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