Keller school board approves lone finalist for superintendent job
Wilson has served as interim superintendent since Jan. 31, following the resignation of Tracy Johnson, who parted ways with Keller schools over a proposal put forth by board members to split the district in half — using U.S. 377 as the dividing line.
Board trustees interviewed Wilson in executive session before revealing their decision. The board voted 5-0 in favor of the recommendation. Trustees Charles Randklev and Chris Coker weren't in attendance.
The board posted the superintendent position on May 20. At that time, they voted to only consider internal applicants.
Prospective candidates had until May 30 to submit their applications. In a statement to the Star-Telegram, a Keller spokesperson said only one candidate applied.
By law, the board must wait 21 calendar days before taking action to officially hire Wilson.
'The Board has been pleased with Dr. Wilson's performance during his time as Interim Superintendent and we are excited for the future of Keller ISD under his leadership,' a Keller spokesperson said in the district's statement.
Johnson's resignation earlier this year was seen as an act of protest against the plan to split the district. Many around Keller vocally opposed the proposal, which would have detached schools in the eastern portion of the district — those in Keller, Colleyville, Southlake and Watauga — from the ones on the west side of 377 in Fort Worth.
The split was called off on March 14, with former school board president Charles Randklev citing financial hurdles. On May 15, the board officially adopted a resolution quashing the proposal.
Despite that, the board faces two lawsuits related to the split. On June 4, Randklev was deposed, reportedly for more than six hours, in a suit brought by homeowners in north Fort Worth's Heritage neighborhood. They allege board trustees violated the Texas Open Meetings Act by discussing the split plan behind closed doors and without all trustees in attendance.
Former trustee Micah Young is scheduled to be deposed in the same case on June 11. Young did not seek reelection in May for his board seat.
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