The lawsuit calls for transparency, demanding if a decision as consequential as splitting the district is discussed, it should be discussed publicly.
DALLAS — Since the rumors of a potential district split for Keller ISD came to light last week, one parent’s calls for transparency have entered the court of law.
Matthew Mucker, a parent to three children who attend Keller ISD schools, filed a lawsuit against the district on Thursday, Jan. 16, just hours before the board was scheduled to discuss the proposed split in a special meeting at 5 p.m.
The filing argues that a potential split would be “a matter of profound public significance impacting thousands of students, parents, teachers, administrators, and voters…” As an impactful measure, the lawsuit claims discussions about a district schism must be conducted publicly in coordination with the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA).
The lawsuit claims the school board may have already violated TOMA on Dec. 19 when trustees discussed the proposed split during an executive session.
The lawsuit also cites a WFAA article, where attorney Bill Aleshire, who spent 12 years as the Travis County judge, said an issue that represents a special interest to the public must be discussed publicly. Aleshire said any discussion beyond attorney advice held in closed session could be a violation of the Open Meetings Act.
Violating the Open Meetings Act, a Class C misdemeanor, could lead to a fine of up to $500 or up to six months in jail, but the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office would have to file the charges.
The lawsuit requests that the Tarrant County District Court issue an injunction that would block the district from “convening in any manner that violates TOMA…”
The lawsuit lists school board members Charles Randklev, John Birt, Joni Shaw Smith, Micah Young, Chelsea Kelly, Chris Coker and Heather Washington as respondents.
WFAA has reached out to the Keller ISD for comment and is waiting to hear back.