05/18/2026
Friends,
Much has transpired since my last major post, so let’s get right to it.
I have really enjoyed all the theater productions, concerts, art exhibitions, award ceremonies, and sporting events. I don’t post often, but I make it a point to talk with parents and students and congratulate them on their accomplishments. Mary often goes with me. Those are wonderful conversations that always give me joy. There is much for all of us to be proud of with these students.
Thank you to all who serve on the LRP and CBA Committees. We deeply appreciate your work and your dedication to our kids and our district. What you have accomplished thus far is significant, and set Keller ISD on a path forward to success. You have my sincere gratitude and respect. Thank you!
Last Thursday, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to close three of our intermediate schools; Bear Creek, Trinity Meadows, and Parkwood Hill. This was a necessary strategic step to keep our district financially stable, and we expect to save about $3M a year in expenses and save about $39M in capital improvement costs. That is a real win, and it comes at time when we desperately need it.
Like many school districts in Texas, Keller ISD is experiencing declining enrollment. There are many demographic and economic factors contributing to this, and most of them are not within our control. There is a natural cycle of population growth and decline for most school districts, and we are not immune to that. State funding for our schools in Texas is tied to enrollment, and because our enrollment is declining, state funding is also reduced. State funding was abysmal to begin with.
Texas once ranked #7 in the nation for per student funding. We are now #47. Also, because the state funding formula is based on our average daily attendance (ADA) instead of enrollment, we never actually receive the basic allotment of $6215 per student. We budget for 94% ADA using a conservative estimate. We are currently at 95%, and that is important because each 1% represents almost $2M in additional state funding.
Just to be clear, the proposal on campus closures did not include Shady Grove Elementary. At this point, the mathematics of the possible run headlong into the art of what is achievable. I know it’s not the optimum solution, but it is the attainable solution.
I know that frustrates many of you, and I hear you, I do.
In any organization made by human beings, there are going to be compromises. That is not a failure, it is an acknowledgement of the importance we place on unity as we try to achieve big goals. The Board’s role was to vote on the proposal we had before us; yes, no, or table it. The Administration creates the proposal. That is the process.
That proposal is the consensus and judgment of our career educators, three of whom have a superintendent certification and a combined 23 years of superintendent experience: Dr. Wilson, John Allison, and CFO Pam Stranathan. We voted to take the win available to us and move on with the much needed work of fixing our failing buildings. The clock is ticking, and time is running out. It’s been 7 years since the last bond issue. A normal bond cycle is 3-4 years.
As if we needed a reminder of our crumbling infrastructure, the pool filters at the Natatorium failed completely last week and the pool had to close for safety reasons. The Board unanimously approved $2.1M to begin repairs, but it will likely be 3 months until the Natatorium is fully operational
The clock is ticking for Keller ISD. We MUST (in fact, it is the law) provide a suitable environment for our students to learn, and for our teachers to teach. We have to get going on this bond issue and take care of the buildings where we educate our kids. Many of you know firsthand about the HVAC, plumbing, and other things that must be fixed. Earlier I said that time is running out, but the fact is that TIME HAS RUN OUT.
We must pass a bond, and it needs to be yesterday.
What will the bond look like? Mostly “mechanical “ items. HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc. Boring, but essential items.
I am not an expert here, but preliminary estimates tell me we are looking at a ballpark figure of about $800M. That is well within our capabilities, and will probably leave our current I&S tax rate unchanged. Those of you who are involved and paying attention to school district issues are aware of the needs. I believe that most of you will support the bond, because you have taken the time to be informed. Please be a voice for advocacy, and tell everyone to vote for the bond. Taking care of our buildings is taking care of our teachers and our children. We can do this if we all work together, but the clock is ticking.
Finally, let me share some good news with you. I have been working with the Fort Worth Metropolitan Youth Association to bring three great YMCA programs to Keller ISD beginning in the Fall. KISD Administration has been very supportive. The plan is to start with a mentoring program for students called Reach and Rise at Heritage Elementary. This program is designed to support our most at-risk students, particularly at the Title 1 campuses. We will post applications and information about Reach and Rise online soon. The YMCA will do the interviews, screening, and training for mentors.
Also, we will be starting Youth and Government programs at middle schools and high schools. This is a great YMCA sponsored program that teaches kids about how government works and how legislation is created. Youth and Government teams will compete for a chance to go to Austin and shadow legislators. It’s a great program with a long track record of success. Lastly, the Model U.N program is a relatively new concept. I’m not sure of the details, but it sounds similar to the Youth and Government programs, but focused on international diplomacy. Something to look forward to!
In Unity,
Randy
