McKinney, Texas — The McKinney ISD Public Relations and Communications team earned top statewide recognition last week at the annual Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) conference, bringing home 21 awards — 13 Gold Star Awards, 8 Silver Star Awards and 3 Best in Category honors, the highest distinction awarded in each division across the state of Texas.
The TSPRA Star Awards recognize excellence in educational communications and represent the highest quality work among Texas school districts. McKinney ISD’s award-winning projects spanned multiple categories, including digital storytelling, print publications, video production, branding initiatives and integrated marketing campaigns.
McKinney ISD’s Best in Category honors were awarded for:
The McKinney ISD Website
The McKinney ISD Holiday Card
The McKinney ISD Distinguished Students Award Program
“These recognitions reflect the intentional strategy behind every message we share and every communication we create,” said Dr. Shelly Spaulding, Assistant Superintendent of Public Relations and Communications. “Our team is focused on more than visibility — we are committed to clarity, transparency and ensuring our community understands the incredible work happening across McKinney ISD every day. We are dedicated to telling the story of public education and McKinney ISD at a time when it matters most.”
The honors represent a year of purposeful storytelling and strategic communications designed to inform families, celebrate student achievement, support staff and strengthen community trust. From districtwide publications and branding efforts to comprehensive recognition programs and digital engagement initiatives, each project was developed with alignment to the district’s mission and long-term strategic priorities.
“In today’s environment, school district communications are essential to organizational success and must be accurate, timely and meaningful,” Spaulding said. “Whether translating legislative developments, highlighting student accomplishments or providing critical resources for families, our responsibility is to communicate with clarity and integrity.”
In addition to the statewide recognition, McKinney ISD has submitted at the national level, where the department will compete for seven additional awards through the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). National award recipients will be announced in May. The district extends its best wishes to the Communications team as they represent McKinney ISD among school districts from across the country.
These statewide honors reinforce McKinney ISD’s ongoing commitment to high-quality, engaging communication that supports students, families, employees and the broader McKinney community. The Communications team remains dedicated to telling the stories that define McKinney ISD and strengthening the connection between the district and those it serves.
The McKinney ISD Public Relations and Communications team includes:
Dr. Shelly Spaulding, Assistant Superintendent
Amanda Gavin, School Communications and Media Designer
Shane Mauldin, Communications Coordinator
Karla Schumacher, Digital Media Producer
Marisha Diaz, Office Manager for Public Relations and Communications, Health Services, and Health and PE