From 2021 to 2023, the Keller ISD general fund balance decreased from $82 million to $47 million.
KELLER, Texas — The Keller ISD Board spent part of Thursday night’s board meeting outlining the dire financial state of the district as the catalyst for its consideration of a possible split.
Like other districts across the state, Keller ISD is contending with a budget deficit.
“Over the past two years, we have reduced our budget by almost 45 million dollars, which is almost 15 percent of our overall operating budget. Yet, we’re still facing another $10 to $15 million deficit,” said Keller ISD Board President Dr. Charles Randklev.
From 2021 to 2023, the Keller ISD general fund balance decreased from $82 million to $47 million. The basic allotment for school funding from the state has not increased since 2019.
In the 2025-2026 district update, officials blamed, “A systemic underfunded public education. It’s negatively impacting our school districts and the type of education we can provide our children.”
Board members say that is why they are considering a split, creating a western and eastern district.
Moak Casey, an Austin-based school finance firm, looked at the impact on state and local revenue if the split happens as outlined. According to the analysis, about 55% of that, property value would go to the western portion, while around 45% of that would go to the eastern portion.
One effect would be an uneven distribution of special needs, or ADA, students. The analysis found more than 70% would move into the western district and less than 30% would move into the eastern district.
Moak Casey did add that those students, “Would generate some of the traditional allotments, special education, education, bilingual education.
While the financial strain on Keller ISD was outlined thoroughly, Board Secretary Joni Shaw shared a sentiment others echoed.
“The state and local revenues for both entities after a potential east-west split would very closely mirror combined state and local revenues of knows what occurs. So then why would we want to split,” Shaw asked.
Click here to review Moak Casey’s full analysis.
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