Photo courtesy of Fox 4 News
The Keller Independent School District (Keller ISD) School Board is set to address the future of Superintendent Tracy Johnson during its upcoming meeting on Thursday. According to the meeting agenda, published online Monday, the board will consider a “superintendent voluntary separation agreement” under the “Actions” section of the agenda. Following this, the board plans to appoint an interim superintendent.
Additionally, the agenda indicates that the board will “receive legal advice on the superintendent’s agreement” during an executive session. However, further details about the situation remain unavailable at this time.
Unanswered Questions
It remains unclear whether discussions about Johnson’s potential resignation were initiated by the superintendent herself or by the board. During a contentious board meeting last week, Johnson reportedly expressed her willingness to resign while deliberating a possible division within the district.
Board Trustee Joni Smith, a vocal supporter of Johnson, revealed on Monday afternoon that she was “blindsided” by the inclusion of this topic in the upcoming meeting. Smith stated that when she reviewed the agenda alongside Johnson earlier that day, the item was not listed.
Trustee’s Support for Johnson
Taking to Facebook, Smith shared her frustration over the unexpected turn of events, reaffirming her steadfast support for Johnson. She wrote:
“I am devastated by this unexpected development and want to make it clear that I wholeheartedly support Dr. Tracy Johnson as our Superintendent. She has consistently demonstrated a commitment to doing what is right for the students and the district. Dr. Johnson is THE right leader for Keller ISD, and I firmly believe that her continued leadership is critical for our community.
In light of the turmoil our community is facing, the best path forward for Keller ISD is stability. I cannot and will not support a leadership change at this time. Our students, staff, and families deserve steady, experienced guidance, and I remain committed to advocating for what is in the best interest of our district—and that includes having Dr. Tracy Johnson as our Superintendent.”
The abrupt nature of the agenda item and Smith’s concerns have raised further questions about the dynamics within the board and its decision-making process. With the meeting approaching, the district’s staff, families, and community await clarity on the leadership changes and their potential impact on Keller ISD’s future.
