Carroll ISD parents keep pressure on trustees over Principal Ryan Wilson’s contract
Parents, teachers and students on Monday crowded into a Southlake Carroll school board meeting for the second time in two weeks, imploring trustees to extend the contract of Principal Ryan Wilson and to reinstate swim coach Kevin Murphy.
Earlier this month, parents and students at Carroll Senior High School learned that Wilson’s contract was not going to be renewed beyond 2026, and that Murphy was reassigned. Many of them demanded transparency and explanations.
Jennifer Ferrara said Wilson helped her son with Eagle Scout projects and always encouraged him.
“Rarely do you find someone so well fit for the job,” she said. “He inspires kids to go above and beyond. Apologize, extend his contract.”
Before the meeting, people also gathered outside with signs, stickers and placards on their cars in support of Wilson, the Carroll Senior High School principal, and Murphy, also at Carroll High.
Earlier this month, parents and students said contracts for Carroll High School principal Christina Benhoff and Wilson were not going to be renewed, and that the middle school choir director was reassigned.
Benhoff and the choir director have since taken jobs with the Keller school district.
Before people spoke, Superintendent Jeremy Glenn said, “I want you to know that your voices have been heard. In response to community concerns, a second choir position has been reinstated…”
“Mr. Wilson remains under contract through next year. I believe there is a meaningful path forward for him in our district,” Glenn said.
Angela Fraser, who was among the 70 people who spoke during Monday’s board meeting, told trustees Carroll has won state, national and world debate championships which helped students gain admission to Ivy League schools.
Fraser is head of the speech and debate booster club, and praised Wilson for his support.
She described how Wilson persuaded the debate coach to stay, despite a better offer from another district.
“Instead of throwing up his hands, he rolled up his sleeves and convinced a fellow educator to stay,” she said.
Many parents and students also spoke in support of Murphy and questioned why the champion swim coach was reassigned. Some speculated that Murphy was reassigned after a small group of donors were upset that Murphy didn’t spend more time coaching “club teams.”
Tara Eddins, a mom of four, questioned a meeting that took place with the donor group, called the Touchdown Club, including athletic director Riley Dodge and a trustee whom she did not identify, and added that Murphy was reassigned a week later.
Lori Cerami teared up while telling the board that Murphy placed her daughter, Elise, onto the varsity swim team “not because she was fast,” but because she had a way of uplifting the team. Elise later drowned during a swim practice in 2016.
Students also spoke in support of Wilson.
Heather Taber, a sophomore at Carroll Senior High, talked about the importance of having clubs such as the Unlocked Library, where students gather to read and discuss books that were banned.
“The books spark discussing, teaching us to navigate conversations respectfully,” she said.
Another speaker Elisha Rurka said the board has created an inhospitable environment.
“I’m calling on the board to publicly apologize to Mr. Wilson,” Rurka said. “I believe you know what is next. The question is, do you have the courage to do it.”
This story was originally published May 20, 2025 at 1:51 AM.