Barbara Brewer, candidate for Keller ISD Place 6

Candidate name: Barbara Brewer

Campaign website: https://brewerforkisd.com/home

Occupation and workplace: Substitute teacher and caregiver

Keller ISD has approved closing Bear Creek, Parkwood Hill and Trinity Meadows intermediate schools after the 2026-27 school year as the district responds to declining enrollment. Do you support the consolidation plan and what should guide any future decisions about school closures, attendance boundaries or the use of district property?

I was not happy with the current consolidation plan. 

We are moving students into already overcrowded Fort Worth campuses while creating a clear geographic divide along the Highway 377/railroad corridor. Capacity, safety, and educational needs should guide attendance boundaries. Future decisions about closures, boundaries, and district property should be driven by data, long-term planning, and meaningful community input.

Keller ISD voters will consider an $828 million bond package. Which propositions do you support or oppose, and why? If elected, how would you oversee bond spending if voters approve it — or address the district’s facility needs if some or all of the propositions fail?

I understand why voters are hesitant. $828 million is a significant amount. But Keller ISD has not had a bond since 2019, and our facility needs have continued to grow. I support the propositions because we cannot keep delaying critical HVAC, safety, technology, and facility needs. If approved, I will push for transparent spending and strong oversight. If any fail, we must prioritize urgent needs and bring voters a more transparent, broken-up bond.

Keller ISD adopted a nearly balanced $346.1 million general fund budget for 2026-27. If the district faces a budget shortfall, how would you want to address it? 

If Keller ISD faces a budget shortfall, I would start by looking at where we can reduce spending without impacting the classroom. That means reviewing administrative costs, contracts, staffing levels, and programs to determine what works and what doesn’t. I would prioritize retaining teachers and staff and protecting programs and services that directly serve students. I would also advocate at the state level for fully funded mandates and enrollment-based funding.

What do you believe is Keller ISD’s most pressing academic challenge? Identify one measurable academic outcome you would like the district to improve during your term and one action the school board can take to help accomplish it.

Keller ISD’s most pressing academic challenge is ensuring every student is performing at or above grade level. I want to see measurable growth in reading proficiency, particularly for students below grade level. North Riverside Elementary has shown that focused strategies and strong campus leadership can improve student outcomes. The board should identify what is working at successful campuses and provide the resources and support to replicate those strategies districtwide.

Keller ISD went through a debate in 2025 over a proposal to split the district, which the board ultimately abandoned. Did you support the district split? More broadly, what would you do as a trustee to rebuild or maintain trust among families and residents across different parts of the district?

No. I strongly opposed splitting Keller ISD and believe we are stronger as one district. I will rebuild trust by showing up across the district, listening to families and staff, communicating openly, and ensuring every community has a voice before we make major decisions. I will ask questions publicly, explain my decisions, and remain accessible even when we disagree. A trustee represents every student, family, and taxpayer. We are one Keller ISD.