After heated debate, Keller school board approves Tim Davis as legal counsel
The Keller school board adopted a resolution to retain attorney Tim Davis as counsel in a lawsuit against three trustees, despite concerns raised by board members and members of the public.
Before the resolution passed on Wednesday, Sept. 24, the board engaged in a contentious discussion, with Trustee Randy Campbell questioning the legality of the original retention agreement with Davis and his firm, Jackson Walker, LLP, that was signed in 2023.
The relationship between Davis and the school board has been under heightened scrutiny as of late. In May, the Star-Telegram reported that Keller had paid Davis $172,000 over the preceding five months, during which the board considered a proposal to split the district in half.
Many Keller residents strongly opposed that plan. One filed a lawsuit against the board, alleging violations of Texas open meetings laws during discussions about the proposed split. Other residents joined that suit as intervenors before filing a separate lawsuit in July, demanding the removal of three trustees — President John Birt, Vice President Heather Washington and former president Charles Randklev.
Wednesday’s resolution will allow Davis to continue representing those trustees in that suit, which was filed in Tarrant County but is being presided over by a Johnson County judge.
Campbell opposed the resolution, saying the original 2023 agreement with Davis and Jackson Walker was invalid since it was never put to a board vote. He then asked why supporting documents outlining the scope and cost of the attorney’s services were not included in the meeting packet provided to board members. Campbell suggested soliciting bids from multiple law firms before deciding which one should represent the board.
Birt obliquely defended the legality of the contract with Davis, and he said he was surprised at the pushback since the attorney had been representing the board in the ongoing litigation. Birt also acknowledged the cost to the district and its taxpayers of defending the trustees in the lawsuits.
“It’s high,” he said. “No question, it’s high.”
Since 2022, when the board signed its first agreement with Davis and his former firm, Cantey Hanger, LLP, Keller has spent more than $500,000 on legal fees.
After the Star-Telegram and two Keller residents requested unredacted invoices and other records related to those payments, the district, through Jackson Walker, asked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to block their release. Paxton ruled against the district, and on Sept. 19, the district sued Paxton to avoid turning over the documents.
The Grapevine-Colleyville school district, whose board is represented by Davis, also sued Paxton to keep similar documents sealed.
Trustee Chris Coker argued Keller had actually saved money by employing Tim Davis as opposed to hiring a district employee to serve as general counsel. He quoted figures published on a website, www.timdavisischeaper.com, to back up that assertion, though it’s unclear who created the site.
Additionally, Coker questioned the wisdom of changing counsel while the board was dealing with active litigation.
Costs have been an issue given Keller’s financial situation. The district was forced to make cuts last school year to address a $9.4 million budget deficit.
In addition to Campbell, Trustee Chelsea Kelly spoke against the resolution confirming Davis as counsel, as did Trustee Jennifer Erickson. Kelly was particularly vocal in her opposition, saying Davis had rebuffed her when she asked for documents related to his work for the district. She previously told the Star-Telegram she was not informed prior to his filing the lawsuit against Paxton on the district’s behalf.
Ultimately, the resolution to keep Davis as counsel passed 4-2, with Kelly abstaining.
This story was originally published September 24, 2025 at 9:58 PM.