DR. TRACY JOHNSON HIRED AS KISD SUPERINTENDENT

At a Special Board Meeting on December 18, 2023, the Board voted unanimously to hire Dr. Johnson as Superintendent, following a state-mandated 21-day waiting period from the date that Trustees named her the Lone Finalist for the position. 

Dr. Johnson was previously KISD’s Chief Human Resources Officer, a role she has held since 2019, and has dedicated more than 22 years to public education. She is the first female superintendent in the 112-year history of Keller ISD.  

“Dr. Johnson is the best choice for Keller ISD because she is deeply rooted in our community,” said Dr. Charles Randklev, KISD Board of Trustees President. “She knows our students, educators, and parents, which means she understands how to support our kids and establish strong learning environments for them to succeed. She is committed to academic excellence; and, under her guidance, Keller ISD will remain intentionally exceptional and is poised for continued innovation and success.”

Dr. Johnson earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Woman’s University and her Master’s Degree and Doctorate from the University of North Texas. She started her educational career at Northwest ISD as an elementary school teacher. After serving as a third-grade teacher and a gifted and talented educator, Dr. Johnson began her administrative career in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and then joined Keller ISD as the Coordinator of Advanced Academics. She left to begin a Human Resource leadership role in Denton ISD in 2016, serving as the Executive Director of Human Resources, before returning to Keller ISD in 2019.

“I am humbled and honored to have been chosen,” Dr. Johnson said. “This is profoundly personal for me because I truly believe we have the best students, parents, employees, and community. I have had the privilege to witness the heart of the people of this district, and it is evident that our community is dedicated to the growth and care of students. Ensuring every student receives the best educational experience possible has served as my top priority and focus throughout my educational career. I am thankful for the Board of Trustees’ commitment to our students and for placing their trust in me to lead this district.”

Dr. Johnson’s husband, Harold Johnson, recently retired from Keller ISD after serving as a career and technical teacher at the Keller Center for Advanced Learning for five years and, most recently, as Bond Project Manager for KISD’s Facilities Department for four years. They have two daughters and one granddaughter.

source: Keller ISD website

Linked in Profile

Tarrant County

Bio: 

Commissioner Manny Ramirez is a native Texan and a life-long resident of Northwest Tarrant County. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Fabiola Ramirez. Together, they have three beautiful daughters, Sofia, Mia, and Penelope. Manny has earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from Texas Christian University (TCU) and is also a proud Alumnus of Tarleton State University and W.E. Boswell High School.

Manny is an experienced executive, small business owner, and police officer. Manny has been commissioned with the Fort Worth Police Department for more than 15 years as a Police Officer, Detective, and Sergeant. Over that time, his assignments included patrol officer, robbery detective, hostage negotiator and investigator for the United States Department of Homeland Security National Gang Unit. Most recently, Manny served as president of the Fort Worth Police Officers Association, an elected position in which he represented more than 1,700 police officers on the local, state, and national level.

Fort Worth Gov

City of Fort Worth Councilmember Alan Blaylock is a dedicated community leader who has significantly contributed to his hometown, Fort Worth, Texas. In his short time as council member, he has achieved significant victories that have positively impacted the lives of families and businesses in the area. With an unwavering commitment to serving the public, Alan has personally addressed constituent concerns and continues to be a staunch advocate for the needs and well-being of those he serves.

A strong advocate for public safety, Alan has taken decisive actions to strengthen the Police and Fire departments. Alan voted to fund new positions and provide essential training to ensure the community's safety. Under his leadership, the number of unfilled public safety positions significantly decreased, contributing to a safer environment for residents. The Fort Worth Police Officers Association and the Fort Worth Professional Firefighters Association recognize Alan and endorse his initiatives.

Recognizing the burden of property taxes on Fort Worth taxpayers, Alan emerged as the leading proponent of responsible fiscal policies. As a council member, he has supported the "no new revenue rate," a crucial measure to prevent taxes from rising with appraisal values. His commitment to preserving and improving neighborhoods and infrastructure was evident in his efforts to revise Transportation Impact Fees, secure the establishment of the first H-E-B Grocery in Fort Worth, and pass the Short-Term Rental Ordinance to safeguard the community's residential areas. Alan continues to play an active role in Zoning. He diligently strives to maintain harmony between development projects and neighborhood interests.

Homelessness and city management are equally critical areas of focus for Alan. He secured substantial funding to enhance the city's capabilities and staff in addressing homelessness and its associated challenges, including panhandling. His efforts to implement measures, such as "no panhandling" signs, the Shopping Cart Ordinance, and the purchase of street sweepers, reflect his commitment to maintaining a clean and safe city.

Before being elected into office, Alan served as Senior Product Manager at Nokia for several years, previously holding Lead Software Developer and Project Manager positions at Owen Oil Tools.

As a family man deeply connected to Fort Worth, Alan's love for the city is evident in his actions and decisions as a city council member. He prioritizes delivering tangible results rather than engaging in political grandstanding. His business insight enables him to cut wasteful spending and identify efficiencies, ensuring taxpayer money is utilized effectively without compromising essential city services. Alan is committed to improving the quality of life for his constituents, focusing on infrastructure and roads, public safety, and lowering taxes.

Alan and his wife, Mindy, are proud parents of two daughters and active supporters of The Children's Miracle Network and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Serving Our Seniors Website:

Bill Steele started exploring caves in Kentucky while a teenaged Boy Scout in the mid-1960s. He has stayed active in it ever since. 

At age 30 he joined The Explorers Club and was named a Fellow at a much younger age than is usual. He had already explored hundreds of caves, including sections of Mammoth Cave, the world’s longest cave, and had organized and led the expedition which explored and mapped Sistema Huautla in Mexico, still the deepest known cave in the Americas.

Steele is active with the Texas Chapter of The Explorers Club and is a former chairperson of it. He retired in 2014 after a 34-year-career with the Boy Scouts of America, at the conclusion of which he was national director of Alumni Relations and the National Eagle Scout Association. Bill has been on 23 Explorers Club flag expeditions, the most of any member in its 120 year history.

He is co-leader of Proyecto Espeleologico Sistema Huautla, the project continuing to explore, map, study, and publish about Sistema Huautla in the southern Mexico state of Oaxaca.    He is the author of two caving books, “Yochib: The River Cave” and “Huautla: Thirty Years in One of the World’s Deepest Caves” and many chapters in other books and hundreds of articles. He spends time exploring caves in Texas, organizing Huautla expeditions, travelling the world as a speaker on cruise ships, and spending time with his partner Dr. Diana Tomchick and his seven grandkids. 

More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Steele_(cave_explorer)

At the Thursday morning meeting 7am @ Devivo Bros Eatery, will hear from Rotary District Govenor, Any Eads about District 5790