Johnson expressed she was against the idea of splitting Keller ISD and didn’t want to be a part of the controversial decision.
KELLER, Texas — Tracy Johnson, the first female superintendent for Keller Independent School District, said she’s prepared to resign over the controversial talks about splitting the district.
Johnson spoke out against the proposed split during an explosive board meeting Thursday night, when hundreds of frustrated parents expressed their discontent to board members over the potential split.
“I am prepared to offer my letter of resignation and retirement and I’m not doing that for theatrics…When we go back to an executive session I do have that ready to go. I’m sorry,” Johnson said.
It’s unclear what happened during the executive session, and there’s been no announcement yet that Johnson is stepping down.
The development came during a Keller ISD Board of Trustees special meeting Thursday, which trustees called to hear from parents after rumors swirled about the district possibly splitting in half. The plan for the possible split was discussed during the executive session of the board’s meeting on Dec. 19.
More than 100 people signed up to speak Thursday calling on the district for more transparency from the trustees.
Johnson expressed she was against the idea of splitting the district and didn’t want to be a part of the controversial decision.
“I’m doing it because I’ve been in education for all kids and I believe that every child has an opportunity to learn and I think every child has an opportunity to attend a school in Keller ISD,” said Johnson.
“Don’t go,” one person in the crowd shouted. “No, no, no,” another person was heard.
“Things are tight and we have a fantastic superintendent who has done an incredible amount of work so I don’t want to see her resign at all. She’s done a great job,” said Keller ISD School Board President Dr. Charles Randklev.
But Randklev said the district has “no other choice” than to have a discussion about a potential split, attributing the move to funding “challenges.”
“I find the funding challenges facing public education across Texas deeply concerning. These challenges demand bold action,” Randklev said. “Reviewing ideas that would transform our district to meet these challenges is our fiduciary responsibility as Trustees. The reality is no one wants to have this discussion. However, if we take our commitment to all kids seriously, we have no other choice.”
The Board of Trustees voted unanimously in Dec. 2023 to name Johnson as the district’s superintendent.