Elections are just around the corner, and while the yard signs are blooming like bluebonnets in May, the details on Frisco’s shiny new “Broadway-style” Frisco Center for the Arts remains as clear as a foggy morning on Preston Road.
We’ve got the Smart Frisco PAC telling us this whole thing is “free”—which is fitting, considering their treasurer once filed as indigent to get a reduced bond. I guess if it’s good enough for the courts, it’s good enough for taxpayers. Free must be her favorite word—right after entering a “plea” for her charges of assault causes bodily injury to a family member.
Then there’s Councilman Bill Woodard—who donates to the PAC and then insists he’s supporting it “as a citizen.” That’s like Clark Kent donating to the Daily Planet and swearing Superman had nothing to do with it.
Meanwhile, Cheney is pitching this project like a used Buick with a busted transmission—“low miles, clean title, don’t ask too many questions!” And let’s not forget Councilmember Tammy Meinershagen, who’s dressing this deal up like she’s starring in Pretty in Pink—but she fights like a jaguar defending her turf in the Amazon. Ask a question and you’ll find yourself swatted into next week.
And yet, no one—not one single elected official—wants to talk about the actual nuts and bolts of that build this deal. Residents need to stop and ask themselves, “Why are we voting on a project with more gaps than a 1970s punch card?”
“Just go with it,” city leaders say. I think we heard that before when they were talking about Universal Kids Studios. Remember the night of the vote, all the major elements hand changed like how late the park can open, how high the rides can be, and of course that mysterious traffic report. The city wants us to trust them again, like they are magicians, and we should just hand over our wallets.
I can still hear my dad saying, “Son, nothing in life is free.” Especially not a $340-million-dollar arts center being peddled like cotton candy at a county fair. Buckle up, Frisco. It’s time to pull out the wrench, tighten the screws, and see what this Broadway baby is really made of. Spoiler: it might not be glitter and show tunes under the hood.
The conversation of a Performing Arts Center has been ongoing for years in Frisco. We started by filing a PIR for a complete copy of all the performing arts center studies done over the years and any associated documentation related to the reports including those from consulting groups, or 3rd parties. However, the city leadership who claims to be transparent, upfront and honest, sent our request at the time to the Attorney General claiming “trade secrets” as to why they wanted to withhold details.
Take the Delorian back to 2002 and that is when the City was in discussions for the Arts of Collin County (ACC) which was to be owned and operated by the Cities of Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Plano. At the time the survey conducted said there were no adequate medium-too large facilities in Collin County to support the enjoyment of the arts. At that time the city council supported an initial facility program that included a flexible multipurpose theater with a seating capacity of 800 to 1200 seats. It should also include a second theater with a seating capacity of 350 to 600 seats. The initial location was to be 121 and Custer Road on a site that contained 80 acres donated for the project. The funding for the ACC was to be $76 Million split 4 ways between each city. A bond package put before Frisco voters in 2002 was approved but the road ahead was not going to be without speed bumps.
What Killed The ACC?
The beginning of the end is when McKinney voters opted not to pony up the $19 Million membership fee leaving Allen, Plano and Frisco to pony up more money. The economy had turned downward. The project which had taken 10+ years to advance was not again in front of Frisco voters in 2011. At that time Frisco had the highest voter turnout in 14 years with over 18 percent. Roughly 53% of the voters decided to revoke the city’s authority to sell the $16.4 million in bond money for the ACC. At the time of the vote more than $8 million in bond money had already been spent on researching and designing. It was the final curtain call for the Collin County ACC. Former Mayor of Frisco, Mike Simpson, who was the ACC’s project executive director told the DMN at the time, “There is no question that the city of Frisco making the decision to withdraw their funding and withdraw their support was the biggest challenge. We pretty much had full funding with Frisco’s participation.”
Economy Bounce Back
It was time to dive back into an arts facility pool in 2015. At a February city council meeting the city council voted on two key items. The first was item #17 which was to consider an act to publish a Request for Qualifications for the development and implementation of a study to examine the feasibility of a performing/theater arts facility within Frisco City Limits. It does not say how much it would cost to do but it does say the funding for services would be handled during mid-year adjustments.
That same night they also approved the Citizen Bond Committee recommendation for the 2015 Bond Package which included $10 Million for a performing arts center. One of the many residents who spoke at that time to support the line item was none other than Tammy Meinershagen.
In November of 2015, the Frisco Creative Center for the Arts commissioned a Facility Programming Report by Page Southerland Page which is a program study to discover what the needs were by local groups in an arts facility. Based on those needs Page Southerland Page prepared 5 scenarios and in January of 2016, Tammy Meinershagen (the Arts President), presented the preliminary program and needs assessment to the City Council at the Winter Work Session. What was the outcome? The 5 outcomes included one 300 seat, three different 800-seat options, and a 1200 seat option which would be overboard.
2018 Brings More Studies
Sometime in 2018 the City of Frisco commissioned a “Needs Assessment” by Webb Management Services and Parkhill, Smith & Cooper. It was presented to the council on June 29, 2018, at the Summer Work Session. What did it cost taxpayers? Well, we don’t know exactly but we do know based on the Check Register in 2018 Parkhill, Smith & Cooper was paid a total of $315,600.30 for professional services. What were the suggestions? A marriage of two facilities:
1) 300 – 500-seat facility for community use which was currently in high demand but lacking in availability with a potential cost of 40 to 50 million dollars including parking and land.
2) 1200 – 1500 seat facility that will a gap for Frisco and surrounding areas in the region, but it would require a partnership with private entities and cost 50 to 60 million range.
What were the concerns: If the city opted for only the larger facility it would not be sustainable and would not likely be cost-effective for community performing arts groups.
Frisco ISD and City of Frisco Swim Together in the Arts
In August of 2020, we found another Visual & Performing Arts Center Feasibility Report that had been commissioned by Frisco ISD and City of Frisco. We filed a PIR with Frisco ISD and learned that the report cost the district $28,000 and the City of Frisco reimbursed Frisco ISD in the amount of $14,000. It lists Garfield Public Private and Schuler Shook. What was the outcome?
In early January of 2021, Chief Innovation Officer Jason Cooley updated the Council on the Performing Arts Center. He recapped feasibility studies concluded in December 2020, indicating a consensus on the flexibility required for such a facility in Frisco in order to accommodate various needs of the entities using the facility. Dr. Cooley stated the next steps are to have discussions with the school district to determine the appropriate size of the venue. City Manager George Purefoy updated Council on the status of the agreement, indicating the draft is with the school district for their review and comments. A final agreement was not expected until March or April of that year.
By June of 2021, then President of Frisco EDC, Ron Patterson was bringing before council a request to approve a Master Development Agreement for a Performing Arts Center, Parking Garage and Park. The deal included City of Frisco, Frisco ISD, Frisco CDC and EDC, and HP Frisco Holdings, aka Hall Group. The public private partnership was shouted from the rooftop by Mayor Cheney and it was to include 1,250 seat Main Performance Hall, 250 Seat Community Venue, a 1,100 stall parking garage and a 5-acre public park. The estimated total at the time was $99 Million ($66 Million for the PAC and $33Million for the garage).
Financial Considerations:
· $43M FISD will source their funds through approved bonds
· $13M City will source these funds through approved bonds ($2M of the $13M already sold and the remaining will be sold as required for the project)
· $33M CDC and\or City CO bonds to be funded through TIRZ#6 with a backstop of this debt by Hall
· $10M Hall will provide funding for the PAC, fund $15M for the Park development, provide the PAC and Park Properties at no cost to the City and FISD
Key Point: The FEDC, while not part of the master development agreement, will provide up to $5 million toward redevelopment of a portion of Hall Park for two buildings, according to the memo. One facility will contain a 15-story office building, hotel space and a parking garage. The second will be a luxury high-rise residential building with a parking garage.
In November of 2021, the city council was taking the next step to approve an agreement for the Program Manager Services (CBRE Heery) who would act as the representative for the planning, design, and construction of the project. The cost is a lump sum fee of $2,074,400.
In February of 2022, an agreement was executed with Corgan + Studio Gang for architectural services for the PAC and garage in the amount of $175,000. The initial agreement was for a spatial analysis study to determine the appropriate size and scale of facilities which can then be used to determine an appropriate construction budget and schedule.
THE IMPLOSION
By August 2022, it was announced that the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD were parting ways on the plan to build the joint performing arts center in conjunction with Hall Group. The school district announced it will move forward with its own PAC using the $3 million approved in bonds back in 2018 by voters.
A community impact article from that time stated, “Some local arts supporters advocated for a larger facility to attract touring Broadway shows and other commercial acts. A fundraising campaign launched in August 2021 set out to raise $100 million more for the project. An online petition about the efforts to build a new performing arts center sought to have at least 1,750-2,000 seats.” It went on to say, “But city and school officials learned in May that costs in materials, labor and equipment had increased more than 50% since the June 2021 agreement. Representatives with Corgan, which was chosen as the project architect, stated that a 1,250-seat venue would carry a price tag of between $135.7 million-$151.1 million. A 1,500-seat venue would cost between $146.1 million-$158.2 million, and a 1,750-seat venue could cost as much as $181.1 million, according to Corgan estimates.”
HERE COMES BROADWAY
In January of 2023, the council was again voting to execute an agreement with Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc. for consulting related to a PAC which includes a performing arts venue business plan. It would also include developing a utilization strategy, management approach, and business plan for three different venue options: a 350-seat community venue, a 1,500-seat flexible venue, and a 2,000-seat proscenium venue. Total cost for these services is $99,300. Bond funds were available for this project.
In May 2023, at a special called city council meeting, Chief Innovation Officer Jason Cooley introduced Alex Keen of Keen Independent Research and Gena Buhler of Theatre Projects who gave a presentation regarding the current study for the proposed Performing Arts Center. After discussion, Council determined to envision large and small facilities located together and to focus first on Broadway, with an emphasis on making it a uniquely Frisco venue. Council encouraged Alex Keen and Gena Buhler to consider including a VIP or club experience which would generate revenue to help with the maintenance and operations of the facility.
In September of 2023, the council executed an agreement again with Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc for more “consulting services” in the amount of $1,415,500 to be paid for by bond funds. This new scope will include exploration, development, costing, and preliminary design for the proposed performing arts complex. Elements include multiple costing studies, site analysis (Hall Park site), comprehensive community engagement, economic impact analysis, a design competition, capital stack/funding study, and refinement of the final business plan and City investment. This is a phased approach over the next eighteen months, offering flexibility to adjust along the way.
On October 3, 2023, at a city council Work Session, Assistant City Manager E. A. Hoppe gave a presentation (Exhibit B) reviewing the scope and timeline for the Performing Arts Center. He also reviewed the proposed venue and club touring schedule and the establishment of a Council Ad-Hoc Committee, including three (3) Council Members and City Manager Wes Pierson. Mayor Jeff Cheney, Council Member Tammy Meinershagen, and Mayor Pro-Tem John Keating volunteered to be the members of this Ad Hoc Committee. *** Look at that the 3 Amigos volunteered for the committee***
The next update came June 25, 2024, at CC Summer Work Session, whenGena Buhler, Principal of Theater Projects and Alex Keen, Principal of Keen Independent Research gave a presentation, reviewed the updated timeline, project phasing and tasks, refining the business plan, and priorities for the project. They also provided an update on a possible Broadway partnership update and a funding study. Also, they mentioned the community engagement feedback project is still in progress.
In September of 2024 at a city council meeting they received an updated Item # 7which was a status update on Phase 1A/1B planning study for FCFA. Gena Buhler, with Theatre Projects, and Alex Keen with Keen Independent Research gave an update to Council regarding the Phase 1A/1B planning study for the Frisco Center for the Arts.
At the same meeting the council also authorized the City Manager to finalize and execute the First Amendment to the Agreement with Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc., for consulting services related to a performing arts venue in the amount of $214,350. These changes from the original contract, resulted in a new project total of $1,629,850. According to city records, bond funds are available for this project and were utilized for the initial Phase 1A/1B portion of the project.
By November 2024, the council was ratifying the execution of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Broadway Across America/Broadway Dallas related to the proposed Frisco Center for the Arts. Based on Phase II, the City Council and community were informed of two exciting partnership conversations. One with a proposed Broadway presenting partner, and the other with a potential educational/community partner.
The attached Letter of Intent with Broadway Across America (BAA) and Broadway Dallas outlines key expectations of both parties during the process of continuing to explore the Frisco Center for the Arts project. The Letter of Intent is non-binding and does not have a specific financial implication to the City.
Then in December 2024 the council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement based on the Request for Qualifications #2510-001 Frisco Center for the Arts Facility Concept Design to Pelli Clarke & Partners. These services will cost $385,000 in the amount of $385,000.
The scope will provide for the facility concept design of the Frisco Center for the Arts that will host a variety of events, including theater, concerts, dance performances, and community gatherings. The center will feature multiple performance spaces, including a Broadway-caliber main theater, a community hall, and flexible spaces for educational and community programming. The projected facility size is approximately 220,000 square feet, and will feature multiple performance spaces, including a 2,800-seat proscenium venue (Large Hall), and a flexible 300- to 400-seat community and education-focused courtyard venue (Community Hall). Funds are available through bond funds
2025 Steam Rolling Ahead
At the end of January at the CC Winter Work Session, Gena Buhler, Principal of Theatre Projects began a presentation updating Council on the status of the Frisco Center for the Arts. She began by explaining the partnerships of the project with the City of Frisco being the owner of the building, Prosper ISD as the educational partner, Broadway Across America and Broadway Dallas as the Broadway presenter, and the Venue Operator which is currently in negotiation. Ms. Buhler continued the presentation by reviewing Phase 2 of the project and the fundraising assessment results.
Gena Buhler then updated Council on partnership agreements with Prosper ISD, the Broadway presenting partner, and the operator selection process. Assistant City Manager E. A. Hoppe reviewed the Frisco model versus a venue management model. He emphasized the modified Frisco model, including the financial model which allows the operational partner to provide a moderate capital contribution.
Wes Pierson then explained the propositions that will be determined by the citizens of Frisco in a Bond Election in May 2025. City Attorney Ryan Pittman explained the ballot language and the public hearing process required prior to the Bond Election.
Proposition Language:
(1) authorizing the Frisco Economic Development Corporation to use proceeds of its sales and use tax, including all amounts previously authorized and collected, for projects related to the proposed Center for the Arts development project, including but not limited to, land, buildings, equipment, facilities and improvements found by the Frisco Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors to be required or suitable for use for the proposed Center for the Arts development project.
and (2) the issuance of bonds in the maximum amount of $160,000,000 for a City-owned performing arts facility, and levying taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds;
February 2025, public outcry began swiftly upon reading the propositions language. At the Feb 4 council meeting a presentation was for the public by Gena Buhler, Principal of Theatre Projects. Several residents including candidates running for city council came to speak against the use of EDC funds for the project. Jared Elad and Burt Thakur who are currently running for city council, and John Redmond, former candidate for council in 2024, spoke in opposition to Agenda Item #38. However, Josh Meek, candidate for council spoke in favor of Agenda Item #38.
The Council was in agreement to move forward with the proposed funding process and agreed on moving forward with the proposed location at US 380 and the Dallas North Tollway. They also agreed to move forward with the currently proposed modified Frisco Model for an Operator contract. When it came time for a vote it Passed Vote: 5 – 1 with Brian Livingston be the 1 against.
The next council update came on March 18th at a CC Work Session, E. A. Hoppe introduced Mitch Hirsch, Design Partner with Pelli Clarke & Partners, who gave a presentation updating Council on concept design. They described the steps taken to learn the culture and history of Frisco to best develop a concept design for the proposed facility.
Next Big Step: Letter Of Intent
On April 1, 2025 at the Frisco City Council Meeting, Agenda Item #26 was to consider and act upon award of Request for Proposal #2510-011 Frisco Center for the Arts Facility Operator to Frisco Live and authorizing the City Manager to finalize and execute a Letter of Intent related to these services.
In Fall 2024 the City of Frisco solicited a Request for Proposal (RFP) #2510-011 Frisco Center for the Arts (FCFA) Facility Operator, and received proposals on December 2, 2024, from Frisco Live (submitted as Frisco Arts Community Entertainment), Oak View Group, TVG Hospitality, and ASM Global Theater Management. Using the criteria listed in the RFP, the evaluation team consisting of representatives from City staff, Prosper ISD, and Theatre Projects consultants ranked Frisco Live as the top proposer.
The following requirements and expectations for management of the FCFA facility were established and included in the Request for Proposal included venue operations, programming and content management, education and workforce development, financial management, marketing, and Club & VIP Experience Management.
A week later the city held a special called meeting of the council to conduct a public hearing regarding Proposition A on the May 3, 2025, Election Ballot, and the City will inform the City’s residents of the cost and impact of the proposed Center for the Arts project that is the subject of Proposition A on the May 3, 2025, Election Ballot.
Well, that was a long road trip to take you on to understanding the nuts and bolts of the Frisco Center For The Arts. It’s is time to stretch our legs and tomorrow we are going to tell you about The Final Act which is what questions you should be asking beyond the Glitz and Glam of Broadway. What should you consider before voting for or against the propositions that could forever change Frisco?
Last year we went to a high school football game and my wife commented about the security gauntlet that we had to go through as visitors to the event. We could smell the soft pretzels and popcorn awaiting us from the concessions stand while wading through the sea of people just to get in. For a high school event my wife commented that it felt like a full TSA, at the airport on a holiday weekend experience, but with a little less dignity.
First up was the ticket scan, then we headed through a bag check line. It felt like a slow walk of shame with woman’s purses being emptied and laid out for all to view. I had not seen that many tampons, contraband lip balm, and smuggled trail mix in my lifetime. Clearly, they thought the woman were carrying weapons of mass destruction.
Next was the metal detector, which was one belt buckle away from the beeping gateway of judgement. Even if you’ve removed your belt, your shoes, your watch, and every shred of self-respect, it still went off. Why? Because the machine doesn’t detect metal, it detects your audacity. It knows you’ve sinned, probably by attempting to carry a bottle of Dasani through the checkpoint. Then came the handwand if you failed the walk-through metal detector. Nothing screams fun night out of high school football like being gently frisked by a part-time community college student in a reflective vest who’s three hours into their six-hour shift and seriously considering a career in goat herding.
Once you finally pass through the gates—sans dignity, snacks, and your favorite keychain that looked vaguely threatening—we felt free at last. Free to enjoy our grandson’s game by squinting at the Jumbotron while wondering how cramped the parking lot would be when the game is over and pondering if you should leave early in the last quarter to avoid the mass exodus of smelly high school students acting obnoxious. But hey, at least we’re safe. After all, nothing deters a truly determined criminal like a 21-year-old with a handheld wand and a clipboard.
It made us wonder about Frisco ISD’s security and when we read the police report related to the Metcalf / Anthony event, what security did they have that day? We talked to an insider who reached out to us about the security (ie. Police Officers) at any and all FISD events. We were told they are there for the presence and general safety of the people in attendance(everyone but student athletes) whether anything should be needed when it comes to criminal laws. If the police were present that day they would have been on the opposite side (home stands) as that is where the general public is watching from.
As for the athletes, the insider told us they are sitting in groups on the visitor side and probably have no idea that officers are or would be there. Based on current policies our insider told us this incident still would have happened. The insider went on to say that each school is in charge of their student athletes which includes an Administrator from each school and any of those schools Track Coaches. They are “in charge” of the students/ athletes, since it is still a school activity. They went on to say meaning no police responsibility at all.
They went on to say it is just like in the schools, SROs enforce the criminal aspects only. School rule enforcement is up to the school administrators and staff. Varsity football is the only FISD sport that uses any walk-through metal detectors and that’s because of the venues they use like Toyota and Ford Centers. Lastly, they told us that Coach K brings in “security” staff to use hand wands and only for football. No athletes anywhere in the district are scanned or wanded for weapons in any sport.
After talking to the insider, this is what parents should be asking the district today:
1. Was there a police presence that day and if so, were they only on the side where the general public sits?
2. Who was the Administrator assigned to each school that day? They obviously were not at the tents, so where were they?
3. If the track coaches are on the field, then who is overseeing the students while in the bleachers?
4. Will the policies change, and will they have hand wanding at all events? Will it include the general public and students? Why is a Coach responsible for bringing in security. Why does the district not have district policies of when police presence is required? Well only when its practical or appropriate – you will read about that below.
5. Where was the administrator, coaches and trainers in relation to the tents?
After talking to the insider, we were curious what the district has published in relation to the security enforcement. According to Frisco ISD’s website they have a whole section on security which reads, “In Frisco ISD, the safety of students, staff and visitors is our top priority and we take this responsibility very seriously.” After everything we have heard from parents and district insiders security is not a top priority for the district.
It goes on to read, “Our comprehensive security program addresses prevention, intervention, student assistance, preparedness, emergency response and building security. FISD routinely reviews safety and security procedures and makes adjustments when necessary. That means we’re constantly exploring new and creative ways to enhance existing security measures and adopting those policies and protocols proven to be effective in reducing risk. It is a team effort – we rely on the continued support of students, parents and the community to keep our schools safe. We work closely with our local police and fire departments to coordinate prevention and response activities, perform regular security audits and provide frequent training to all employees on security issues.”
1. We would love to see that comprehensive security program they have.
2. New and creative ways to enhance existing security? I would like you to be more practical than creative when it comes to security for my kids.
3. Team Effort? So now they are putting it back on the students and parents?
4. Security Audits: We would like to know when they conducted the last 3 audits and did, they every include the athletics events specifically?
They have a whole page on the website dedicated to the School Resource Officer Program. We noticed it says the district partners with police departments in Frisco, Plano, McKinney and Little Elm provide School Resource Officers (SROs) who are assigned to all middle and high schools, as well the Career and Technical Education Center and Student Opportunity Center. Officers assigned to middle schools have responsibility for two to three elementary schools. Additionally, the Town of Little Elm has one SRO for the District’s two elementary schools, and extra officers and patrols support elementary schools in Frisco, McKinney and Plano.
1. It lists 8 SRO’s on their website so how do they have one assigned to “all middle and high schools?”
2. If middle school SRO’s are over two to three elementary schools how many times are they on each campus, each week?
According to the site SRO’s are employees of the police departments, with salaries, vehicles and equipment being a shared cost. SROs are armed at all times and are highly trained by their respective police departments to respond in the event of an emergency. They are also equipped with medical supplies and specialized tools to assist in a crisis situation.
1. What SRO was at the UIL track meet and did they have medical supplies and specialized tools to assist in the crisis?
We found some of their duties and responsibilities interesting, such as take enforcement action on criminal offenses when appropriate. Handle initial police reports of crimes committed on campus. Provide a police presence during events and functions, as appropriate, when requested by the principal and as approved by an SRO Sergeant or Police Administration. When practical, attend all school special events. When possible and practical, divert juveniles out of the criminal justice system into other social agencies.
Read that again! Taking enforcement action on criminal offenses when appropriate? Who determines what is appropriate? Handle initial police reports of crimes? Who handles the police reports after the SRO does the initial police report? Provide a police presence during events “AS APPROPTIRATE, WHEN REQUESTED” – what? When practical attend all school special events? Who determines what is appropriate, who is responsible for requesting it, and who determines what is practical? If you as us it sounds like a lot of interpretation is left open!
Got a problem – well report it in an app called STOPit! Parents who want to make a report can via the world wide web. What happened to the days of talking to the principal and counselors directly?
After hearing about what happened to Austin Metcalf, my wife looked at me and said, “Next time we go to a game for our grandson, she will not complain about the security measures in place ever again.” Austin Metcalf deserved a district that could rise to the moment, that had the leadership, protocols, consistent policies, and foresight to protect him. What he got instead was a tangled web of confusion, inconsistency, and silence masquerading as policy. Frisco ISD’s lack of clear procedures and its failure to act decisively didn’t just expose cracks in the system—it revealed a gaping hole where leadership should’ve been. If we don’t demand change now—real, accountable, uncomfortable change—then we’ve learned nothing from Austin’s death. And worse, we’ve accepted that this kind of tragedy is just the cost of sending our kids to school when it shouldn’t be. It can’t be.
Well, well. The Frisco ISD Superintendent has finally broken his silence. After being called out by Frisco Chronicles for their district’s lack of leadership during this recent tragedy, Dr. Mike Waldrip has released a statement. Not a press conference. Not a town hall. A carefully worded, non-emotionally packaged letter.
Some might say it’s heartfelt. Others—especially those who’ve been watching this district duck accountability like it’s an Olympic sport—might call it something else: too little, too late. Let’s be clear, bullets hit an elementary school and no response. Then rocked with another tragic event that left one student dead, and another charged with Murder, that has left our schools and community shaken to the core. The students, the staff, and the community deserved an immediate, transparent, and unflinching response from district leadership that would lead us through this difficult time. What we got instead was silence—and then, finally, a statement that reads more like a press release drafted in the PR department’s “Cover Your Assets” war room.
Let’s break down Waldrip’s response, starting with “two deeply concerning incidents.” Concerning Incidents? Are you kidding? Then you say you are “reminded that challenges often bring out the best in us, revealing our collective strength, resilience and compassion.” Your response revealed a lot – too little, too late! Where was that courage when parents were begging for answers after these events unfolded? Where was that resilience when students returned to school with more trauma than guidance, more rumors than facts, and more fear than support?
This letter expresses gratitude for emergency responders, and rightly so. But that’s not the leadership vacuum we’ve been calling out. That’s not the black hole of communication from the people paid—handsomely, I might add—to protect, inform, and lead this district through the worst of times. Instead, we got radio silence, save for the whisper campaigns and online confusion the district now blames on “fake social media profiles” and “fraudulent fundraising.”
When leadership abdicates its duty to communicate with clarity and conviction, it creates the perfect breeding ground for confusion. Leadership isn’t just about showing up when your asking residents to vote yes to propositions—it’s about showing up immediately, honestly, and with a clear plan of action. Instead, Frisco ISD waited. And waited. And waited.
Now, we’re being told to stand united. That’s fine. But unity starts with trust, and trust is built on transparency. Not platitudes. Not PR. And certainly not finger-wagging at a public left in the dark. Parents aren’t asking for perfection. We’re asking for truth and for our leadership to lead. If you wait until the storm passes to address the community, you’re not leading. You’re hiding in the bunker, hoping the wind blows over before anyone notices the silence.
So, Dr. Waldrip, thank you for your words. Now we ask—where were they when we needed them most?
In the wake of the tragic stabbing of 17-year-old high school athlete Austin Metcalf at a track meet, the community has been grappling with grief. Amidst this turmoil, people feel the need to talk about it, and it has become a hot topic across social media platforms. Comments from students, parents, community members, and agitators all seem to reflect opinions on what happened that day. The community is divided because no one can truly comprehend how two boys go to school and don’t come home.
But one post from today (9 hours ago) on the FRWC Facebook page, run by Jamie Heit, set off a spark of anger among many in the community, and our email box blew up! We went to read the post, and honestly, we couldn’t believe what we were reading. Heit posted a new fundraising link for Karmelo Anthony (17 years old), who is now charged with Murder, a 1st Degree Felony, and sits in jail with a bond set at $1 million. She writes, we do not know what occurred on Wednesday, and in her opinion, it was up to the investigators to determine, the attorneys to litigate, and a jury and judge to decide. She has chosen to share the fundraising link for Anthony just as she did for the Metcalf families, and that it was not meant to be disrespectful for the loss of life or the unimaginable pain that the Metcalf family is dealing with.
Heit goes on to say in the post what we do know, is that one student is being laid to rest and another student sits behind bars for ALLEGEDLY STABBING the other. Then she closed the post to comments. I wonder why?
Here is the problem with the post, Jamie Heit refers to Anthony as the “alleged” assailant and suggests that the full details of the incident remain unknown. The term “alleged” is typically used to describe someone accused of a crime. Furthermore, Heit’s assertion that “we don’t know what happened” seems to overlook the comprehensive information released by law enforcement. The Frisco Police Department’s statements, corroborated by eyewitnesses, outline a clear sequence of events leading to Metcalf’s death that are in an arrest warrant affidavit.
Based on the arrest warrant affidavit (that all four local news channels shared including Heit’s favorite WFAA) which details the moment officers arrived at the track meet and what witnesses told them led up to the deadly confrontation. The affidavit also states Anthony claims it was self-defense. The arresting officer who found Anthony and walked him off the track said before he even questioned Anthony about the incident, Anthony said, “I was protecting myself and Metcalf put his hands on me.” After another officer arrived, Anthony was then handcuffed and escorted towards the squad card and according to the affidavit when the officer referred to Anthony as the alleged suspect, Anthony responded “I’m not alleged, I did it!” The affidavit goes on to say when while Anthony was being escorted to the police car and put in the back seat of the vehicle the office made note of fresh blood on Anthony’s middle finger. The document states that Anthony (while in the back seat of the police vehicle) asked the officer if Metcalf was going to be OK and then asked the officer if his actions could be considered self-defense.
Here is the thing, at this point it doesn’t matter why he did it – no one should have died that day. Anthony ADMITTED TO STABBING METCALF – so it is not “ALLEGED” IT IS “CONFIRMED”.
The reason as to why he did it is listed in the affidavit and confirmed by other witnesses. Heit must not have watched her favorite channel WFAA. WFAA as well as every other media outlet got a copy of the arrest affidavit, which documents the events. What we know is that Anthony was sitting under the Memorial pop-up tent when the rain began to fall. The report goes on to say, “One witness reportedly told police that the victim, Austin Metcalf, had told the suspect, Karmelo Anthony, he would need to move out from under his team’s tent.” Another witness told police, “Upon being told to move, Anthony opened his bag and reached inside and then said to Metcalf “Touch me and see what happens.” Another witness said, “Metcalf reportedly then touched Anthony, and Anthony told Metcalf to punch him and see what would happen.” The affidavit continues, “Anthony reportedly pulled out what the witnesses recalled as a large black knife and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest before running away.” A witness then said, “Metcalf grabbed his chest and told people to get help.” According to the affidavit, the story was the same among several eyewitnesses at the scene.
But with all that information already out, Ms. Heit writes her post today with a fundraising link, saying we don’t know what happened, it was alleged, it was … really? Our mailbox was filled with messages, and what irked many of the people who emailed us about her post was her previous posts from the week, where Ms. Heit doesn’t hold herself accountable to the same standards she preaches from her pulpit to her group members to follow. Just look at the other posts that led up to today’s firestorm post.
The first post on FRWC appeared on Wednesday April 2nd by a resident at 10:41am saying to “check on your kids” because my son just called and there was a stabbing of a Memorial student by a Centennial student. Word spread fast and many residents tuned into the number one “Frisco” page run by Jamie Heit who we have written about in the past in our blog Heit’end Controls. Due to the number of inappropriate or misleading comments Jamie Heit quickly announced she was closing comments and would only be posting official updates in order not to spread misinformation or be disrespectful towards the family or students affected by this. In a case like this we can appreciate that move because it involves young adults and there was nothing but rumors flying around as it had just happened.
Just a few hours later, Heit took to online pulpit or page and posted a WFAA story (since when did news stories qualify as official updates) and wrote that since the family has now confirmed their son’s passing, she felt it was now appropriate to share that they have set up a GoFundMe. Just a short time later, she posted information on the prayer vigil for Austin Metcalf (which we attended). At around 4 pm that same day, she made another post sharing a link to the Frisco PD’s official press release then updated the same post at 5:45 pm. Heit noted the PR had the suspect’s photo but said she would not share the suspect’s photo because he is a minor. She then warned everyone not to post photos or videos of the suspect who is a minor or they would be banned from the group. Then she says, “UNLESS THE MINOR’S HEADSHOT IS PUBLICLY RELEASED BY AUTHORITIES, IT DOES NOT BELONG ON FRWC!”
Ms. Heit, maybe you should click the link you posted because it has the offenders’ official booking photo. You contradicted your own words because the AUTHORITIES did release the photo. Then after updating your post at 5:45pm you posted again at 6:10pm “Just Heartbreaking (broken heart emoji)” and it is another WFAA report (now considered official updates apparently) with a photo of the victim who had been identified – Austin Metcalf, WHO IS A MINOR!! Ms. Heit, why is it okay, 20 minutes later after your tirade and blocking people for posting photos of a minor, that YOU now post a picture of a minor? Then 20 minutes later, she posts the father’s official GFM, which has Austin Metcalf’s picture again. Why not post a link to the GFM without the picture, just like you did in the post regarding the offender? You know, to protect the minors? Why is it okay to post one of the boy’s photos but not the other?
The next day on April 3rd, Heit again posts official updates by WFAA, saying “This is just gut-wrenching” and goes on to write this has the videos with both Austin’s mother and brother are in the link. The link brings up a picture of Austin Metcalf’s, A MINOR! IS IT OKAY NOW TO POST PHOTOS OF MINORS?
Later that day, Heit posts official updates again from WFAA, and this time it has a picture of the student arrested, Karmelo Anthony. Remember, readers can post pictures, and people have been removed/blocked from her page, but Heit can do whatever she wants because it is an OFFICIAL UPDATE from WFAA. The official press release by the POLICE that had a photo of the offender, you would not publish because you claimed he was a minor. The official update by WFAA, well, you can publish that! What happened to the rules about minors?
Then yesterday a resident posted about the Frisco PD working with the FBI to investigate fake social media posts regarding the fatal stabbing and it shows kids (MINORS) getting on buses. Pretty sure the linked photo is of minors getting on school buses, so it is okay to post these minors. Later in the day, Heit posts about the ICF Healing for Hearts which is for all faiths to discuss the tragedy. Yet Heit did not post any of the other church groups offering similar such events. Wonder why.
In closing, are we surprised by today’s post? No, of course not! FRWC is her page, and Heit can do, post, accept, and deny anyone or anything she wants. What she shouldn’t do is lie to 20k+ people that this was done to be fair to everyone involved. Heit did this so she could keep her like-minded friends happy. We have said it before when you have control of a page with 20k+ followers and want to claim to be impartial, then be impartial! That won’t happen because she does this all the time, she makes posts, shuts down commenting on posts, deletes comments, and is constantly lecturing everyone on how to act, but then does not follow her own words.
Texas law states that once you turn 17, you are legally considered an adult, and any criminal charges could and would be handled in an adult court. While I agree with Ms. Heit that the legal process will ultimately determine the outcome for Anthony, the facts presented thus far paint a compelling picture. In such a sensitive situation, it’s crucial for community leaders and influencers to base their statements and actions on verified information to avoid spreading misinformation or inadvertently minimizing the gravity of the incident. As the community mourns the loss of one student and grapple with the fact it happened at the hands of another student, it’s imperative to approach the situation with empathy and a commitment to truth, ensuring that the memory of Austin Metcalf is honored appropriately, and that justice is pursued truthfully and diligently for Anthony Karmelo.
For now, we are praying for both families, we understand that each one is facing their own battle with grief and sadness. What we won’t due is post a fundraising link for a kid who admitted to stabbing another child. That is just….insane!
Well folks, it’s that magical time again in Frisco—election season—when the lawn signs bloom like spring wildflowers, the political mailers clog our mailboxes faster than credit card offers, and the campaign coffers overfloweth… with cold, hard cash.
But not just any cash. Oh no, we’re talking about that sweet, sweet nectar of the gods: Developer Donation Dollars—a.k.a. Tammy’s Triple D’s.
Yes, in a stunning twist no one saw coming (except literally anyone who has watched city politics for five minutes), Councilwoman Tammy Meinershagen reported a jaw-dropping $40,833.64 in campaign contributions in just the last three months. That’s a lot of yard signs and catered meet-and-greets. But here’s where it gets juicy: $31,041.44—roughly 76%—came from developers who have current or future projects in the pipeline and paving Frisco one luxury development at a time.
Coincidence? Just your average neighborhood bake sale gone wild? Or maybe developers just have an intense passion for local democracy… the kind of passion usually accompanied by architectural renderings and infrastructure impact studies. Why are these developer titans so invested in our humble city council races? Are they just really, really into zoning meetings? Or could it be they know that in Frisco, if you want to shape the skyline, you’ve got to shape the council first?
Let’s put on our rubber gloves and dig through the money trail, one donation at a time—name, company, and what exactly they’re building in our backyard. Spoiler alert: it’s not a public park. Grab your hard hats, folks. It’s time to follow the bulldozers—and the bucks.
$1000: Todd & Heather Lisle: Todd worked at Forvis Accounting until he retired. According to the Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports each year on the city website, “FORVIS, Certified Public Accountants, has issued unmodified (“clean”) opinions on the City of Frisco’s financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2023. The report of the independent auditors is located at the beginning of the Financial Section.”
$2000 Each: Theresa & Michael Sinacola, James Sinacola and Joseph Sinacola – works on projects every day in Frisco for private developers and the city projects.
$3000: Philip Rose – CrossTie Capital (Frisco Fields Development)
$3000: Fehmi and Elizabeth Karahan – Karahan Companies (Frisco Fields Development)
$5000: Robert Shaw – Columbus Realty Partners (Frisco Fields Development)
$5000: Richard Reupke – Partner and Chief Financial Officer at Columbus Realty Partners since the firms inception in 1999. They own Twelve Cowboys Way Luxury Apartments and are involved in PGA/North Fields developing a Class A Multifamily development in Frisco.
In-Kind (Non-Monetary) Donation:
$9,892.34 Craig Hall – Founder of Hall Group For Kickoff Venue/Food/Beverage
Other donors include:
$500: Jason Denton – Local Businessman and on the Frisco CDC Board
$1500: Answer Azam – Local CPA and Former Candidate For Council
Political Expenditures Made:
$5000: Cynergy-Ink ** We could find no company website for this company, no franchise tax id account in Texas and the address but the address comes back to a home registered to a woman whose social media says she does Graphic Design
$2900: Campaign Management Services for a mobile app and we can not find anything on this company but they appear on several candidate campaign finance reports for campaign services.
And there you have it, folks. Just another heartwarming tale of local democracy, where average citizens like you and me—armed with nothing but a mortgage, three kids, and a dog that eats Legos—are expected to go toe-to-toe with deep-pocketed developers who treat campaign donations like they’re dropping quarters into a casino slot machine that spits out zoning variances.
Some residents are tired of wondering why that five-story mixed-use “village” just popped up where the park used to be, or why our street floods every time someone flushes during a light drizzle—maybe, just maybe—we should follow the money (unless you don’t want to ruin the surprise). I know, I know… who has time to read campaign finance reports when “The Bachelor of Frisco Lakes: Retirement Village” is on? We’ve got real problems—like whether our HOA will fine us for leaving your garbage bin out 14 minutes too long. It leaves us no time to wonder why our city council candidate suddenly got $40,000 from developers who wants to turn a pasture into a “luxury lifestyle hub.” That’s just a coincidence! Pure civic enthusiasm!
But hey, democracy’s working just fine. As long as by “democracy,” you mean a handful of land speculators playing Monopoly with real houses, real traffic, and your real tax dollars. We have shouted it from the rooftops of Frisco homes, trying to warn you that when that same candidate tells you they “can’t be bought,” they’re technically telling the truth—because let’s be honest, at this point they’re on layaway. Just waiting to be delivered after the election.
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