Keller Community Split Over Proposed Plan to Divide Keller ISD

Keller: Kristy Hill and her family are proud graduates of Keller ISD. But if the district splits, her home won’t be part of it anymore. She was shocked when she heard about the proposal. “No way that could ever happen,” she thought.

This split is a hot topic among lawmakers and education experts. The law says parents need to petition and hold an election to split the district, but it’s unclear if the board has to do the same.

Laney Hawes, who leads a parent group, insists they need real public feedback, not just opinions. “We need an election. This should reflect the will of the people,” she said.

Hawes is worried about a proposed line along the railroad tracks by Highway 377. She believes it would keep the wealthier part of Keller in the current district while leaving others behind. “This sends a message that they don’t want kids from the other side of the tracks,” she added.

The railroad tracks have long been a dividing line in Keller ISD, with more affordable housing on one side and affluent homes on the other. If the split happens, two board members would lose their seats. They haven’t commented much, but board member Joni Smith expressed concern about the lack of public discussions.

City councilmember Charlie Lauersdorf shares those worries and plans to attend a meeting where the board will discuss the proposal. The Texas Education Agency says it’s a local issue that county commissioners need to consider. Mayor Mattie Parker has also voiced her concerns about the situation.

So far, there haven’t been any official meetings about this, just online rumors. The board president admitted the rumors were true, hinting at financial challenges behind the split. If it goes through, the new district on the west side would be called Alliance ISD.

Hill’s reaction to the split is mixed. “It’s not necessarily a bad thing. This board has been divisive for our community,” she said, reflecting on her own experience as a Keller High School graduate.