The board did not discuss Johnson’s resignation offer, which was made at a board meeting earlier this month because of the possibility of the district splitting.
Photo Courtesy of WFAA
KELLER, Texas — The Keller Independent School District board voted early Friday to appoint an interim superintendent, following a lingering offer of resignation from current superintendent Tracy Johnson.
Johnson, who offered to resign at a board meeting earlier this month, has expressed opposition to the potential splitting of the district and stated that she would prefer to step down if the division were to move forward. However, the board did not address her resignation offer during Thursday’s meeting, which ran past midnight.
Instead, the board voted to appoint Cory Wilson, the district’s current assistant superintendent for educational services, as interim superintendent. Johnson’s status remains uncertain, as she was absent from the meeting.
The main topic of discussion during the meeting was the possibility of splitting Keller ISD, which serves both Keller and far northern Fort Worth. The board presented a map showing U.S. 377 as a potential dividing line for the split, a concept that has generated significant debate among parents and community members.
More than 300 parents attended the meeting, with about 200 speaking during the public comment portion. Some expressed support for the district split, with several parents wearing yellow ribbons to symbolize their backing for the idea, while others, wearing gold, advocated for a public vote on the issue.
Laney Hawes, a parent and community organizer, believes the district is likely to split along U.S. 377, creating a division between Keller and Fort Worth. “This is the dividing line where the district wants to detach,” she explained.
Board President Charles Randklev emphasized that the potential split was being considered mainly due to budget constraints. However, many parents voiced concerns, with one saying, “I want you to think twice about the things you’re doing, you’re dividing our community.”
Some parents argued that two smaller districts could better serve students’ needs, while others pushed for a public vote before any decision is made. The debate continues as the district grapples with the future of its structure.
