KELLER, Texas — Keller ISD has appointed a new board member to fill the vacancy left by former board member Ruthie Keyes, who resigned in December.
Heather Washington, a parent and volunteer in Keller ISD, was appointed and sworn in Wednesday to fill the place 7 seat on the board vacated by Keyes.
“Heather’s extensive experience in the District, the PTA, her long-standing support of scouts, and her educational leadership through Keller 4H makes her an excellent addition to the Board,” said Keller ISD Board President Dr. Charles Randklev in a statement. “We know Heather is committed to our students, our excellent teachers, and our amazing parents. We look forward to working with Trustee Washington in our focus to keep Keller ISD a district of excellence.”
“I am humbled and honored to serve on the Keller ISD Board of Trustees,” Washington said in a statement. “This appointment gives me an opportunity to continue serving others, and I am committed to exceptional learning opportunities for all students, taking care of our amazing educators and supporting our fantastic parents. I’m excited to get work and I look forward to working with the Board and District in the days ahead.”
Keyes stepped down during a December board meeting after 11 years on the board amid concerns about the language of the district’s resolution regarding volunteer chaplains.
School districts across the state have been taking up the issue of volunteer chaplains in schools since the passage of Senate Bill 763, which allows school districts to employ or accept chaplains as volunteers to “provide support, services, and programs for students as assigned by the board of trustees of the district or the governing body of the school.”
The law went into effect in September and requires school boards across the state to take a vote on the issue by March.
The place 7 seat is set to be up for election in May.