Katy ISD community protests new naming policy amidst political tensions

The Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD) Board of Education convened on February 24, 2025, to discuss a proposed policy regarding the naming of schools, which has sparked significant community debate. The meeting featured multiple public comments, primarily focused on the implications of the new policy and its perceived motivations.

The first speaker, who nominated the Cross family as namesakes, expressed disappointment over accusations of suspicious timing related to their nomination. They emphasized their independent decision to nominate the family, asserting that the process was transparent and followed established guidelines. The speaker criticized the proposed policy as potentially unlawful, citing the Texas education code that prohibits using district funds for political purposes. They urged the board to focus on pressing educational challenges rather than political agendas.

Subsequent speakers, including Teresa Jordan McMeans and Christina Borchstedt, voiced concerns about the proposed changes, particularly the stipulation that namesakes must be retired for five years before being honored. McMeans highlighted the legacy of namesakes and questioned the rationale behind such restrictions, while Borchstedt shared personal anecdotes about her late mother, a former namesake, and the impact of the proposed policy on honoring educators.

Angie Waller, another speaker, criticized the board for what she described as a cowardly attempt to change the rules to undermine the candidacy of James Cross, a current namesake running for school board president. She argued that the policy unfairly excluded many dedicated educators from consideration and called for a celebration of generational contributions to education rather than restrictions.

Jared Burton, a senior and president of the School of Gender Alliance Club, labeled the proposed revisions as a direct attack on Cross's candidacy, suggesting that the timing of the policy changes was politically motivated. He urged the board to reconsider the implications of their actions on community trust.

Tracy Malloy, representing the Katy Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, expressed opposition to the policy, arguing that it undermines the contributions of namesakes and limits community involvement in the naming process. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the legacy of educators who have significantly impacted the district.

Anne Russi presented a petition with over 350 signatures from stakeholders requesting the board to table the proposed revisions until after the upcoming election. She argued that the changes could discredit honored individuals and suggested that being a namesake should not disqualify someone from serving on the board.

The meeting concluded with a range of opinions reflecting deep community investment in the naming policy and its implications for honoring educators. The board faces pressure to reconsider the proposed changes, with many speakers advocating for a focus on educational priorities rather than political maneuvering. The discussions highlighted the importance of legacy and community involvement in shaping the future of Katy ISD.