KELLER, Texas — Newly-obtained documents shed light on what happened leading up to a faith-based film crew’s visit to a Keller ISD school.
Keller ISD confirmed that on Feb. 9, then-school board trustee Sandi Walker let an Evangelical film crew into Central High School without district permission or parental consent. During the film crew’s visit, students were filmed and interviewed for an upcoming documentary: ‘God, Jesus, Trump.’
WFAA obtained emails and text messages between the film crew, Walker, and Central High School Principal Liz Russo.
In an initial email on Jan. 18, Petrie Trudell with Netherlands-based EO Evangelical Broadcasting introduced herself to Walker and described the crew’s work.
Trudell asked Walker to interview for their upcoming documentary series, saying the crew aimed to “look specifically at the woke agenda and the conservatives pushing back on this.” The email went on to say “We really want to show the Dutch viewers why it is so important that the Conservative Christians push back on the WOKE agenda trying to infiltrate the U.S. school system.”
Walker responded, saying, “May I have a few days to consider your offer?”
That same day, Walker responded in an email, saying “I would love to meet this weekend and chat. I too want to glorify God as well. Here is my cell. Let’s chat soon.”
Another email obtained by WFAA revealed Walker forwarded the film crew’s request to trustee Micah Young, saying “Interesting. See below. Thoughts?”
Less than three weeks later, Walker took the film crew into the school building and was later joined by trustee Young. According to teachers and students in the school, the film crew roamed hallways and entered the library and cafeteria over the course of several hours.
As parents learned of what happened, controversy ensued.
In the aftermath, text messages between Walker and Central High School Principal Liz Russo reveal Walker’s apology. In one text message, Walker said “I never imagined this would turn into this." and she was “deeply sorry and embarrassed for everything.”
In an email to another district employee on Feb. 13, Principal Russo said “They just found that Micah Young enters the building at 1:06 but does not check in with anyone. He walks through the front office, where the ladies are busy helping others and up to the library.”
Laney Hawes, a parent in the district who has raised concern about the issue, said the findings of the open records request weren't surprising. Hawes wants more accountability.
“The information we got confirmed exactly what we believed. That this was an overtly political and religious documentary and that our board knew exactly what it was,” Hawes said. “We need to know which of our other trustees were involved and had knowledge of this event."
It’s important to note, that WFAA requested additional information in an open records request but didn’t receive other possible communication between the district and members of the board.
Following the filming incident, Elizabeth Mitias, a teacher at Central High School, announced her resignation during a school board meeting on Feb. 29. The film incident was the last straw, Mitias said.
Wednesday, after reading emails and text messages WFAA obtained, Mitias said all of it affirmed her decision to step away from the district.
“It made me so mad that they tried to cover up so much,” Mitias said. “To me, it exposes the real motivation behind our leadership. The safety risk was a big deal to me, the access to the students, but the root of all that to me is what our board member’s goals are.”
Mitias, who moved to Keller for her teaching position, said she plans to stay through the end of the school year for her students. When her time is up, she may leave teaching for good.
A spokesperson for Keller ISD previously told WFAA the district is in communication with the film crew to ensure footage of students will not be used in the documentary.
In separate Facebook posts, both Walker and Young issued public apologies for the children being filmed.
Walker, who resigned after receiving negative feedback for the incident, declined an interview with WFAA. Young remains on the board and has not responded to WFAA’s requests for an interview or comment.
Hawes and other parents said they’re exploring their legal options.
“I’m not gonna stop,” Hawes said. “They messed with the wrong mom. I’m not gonna sit back and stop fighting for the kids in our community.”