"[This is] a new segment of the show where we shine a spotlight on one of our incredible colleagues that is truly making a difference in the field," said Pasquale.
"This week, we are recognizing Brandon Fisher from McKinney High School," said Clemmer as he read the nominating remarks. "'Brandon Fisher is quickly and quietly building one of the most incredible 6A band cultures out there today. Brandon and his team of assistants are an absolute dream team. They set the example of servant leadership and embody the phrase, 'How you do anything is how you do everything, day in and day out.' The students have embraced the director's message and are fully bought in, approaching all the little things with great care ... Kudos to team McKinney!'"
Brandon Fisher is in his fourth year at McKinney High School, where he serves as Director of Bands. During his time at MHS, he has led the Royal Pride Band to consistent Superior Ratings at UIL events and helped reestablish the jazz band program.
Before McKinney, Fisher spent four years as Director of Bands at Scott Middle School in Denison, where the program doubled in size and earned top ratings. He began his teaching career at B. McDaniel Intermediate School.
A graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce (B.S. in Music Education) and the University of North Texas (M.Ed. in Educational Leadership), Fisher was named Denison ISD Rookie Teacher of the Year in 2015.
He is a member of TMEA, TBA, TEA, and Kappa Kappa Psi, and is a proud Eagle Scout. Fisher is passionate about building a band program that honors the past, embraces the present and inspires the future.
at a time!
See video: https://youtu.be/YmQd7_8mz24
Daniel is a member of the Bronco Percussion, and he serves as Percussion Captain. He has earned the Outstanding Percussionist Award and the Musical Excellence Award. Daniel was selected for the All-Region Wind Ensemble, the All-Region Percussion Ensemble, the All-Region Symphonic Band and the All-Region Orchestra.
Daniel ranks 5th in his class with a 4.9 GPA, and he has taken 11 AP classes. Daniel is a 2-time AP Scholar with Distinction, and he has earned the Academic Excellence Award twice.
In his free time, Daniel enjoys playing piano, tennis, journaling, and he volunteers at numerous food shelters and community events.
After graduation, Daniel plans to major in Chemistry while studying the pre-medicine track to become a doctor.
He would love to continue his passion for percussion by minoring in Music. His top college choices include Baylor, TCU and SMU.
That’s Daniel Nance, from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Hello! My name is Stephanie O’Dell, and I serve as a McKinney ISD School Board Trustee. Each month after our Board meeting, we provide our community with a brief summary of events and items covered during the meeting.
See video: https://youtu.be/bHvrM8UIDDQ
The October 20th meeting was called to order with the announcement of a quorum, followed by an invocation and pledges led by board member, Lynn Sperry.
Then we kicked off the night by recognizing students and staff for their notable accomplishments, including the “We Are McKinney Superintendent” awards. Congratulations to Shelby Swartzwelder from Eddins Elementary and Amanda Nava from Cockrill Middle School.
Next was the “Heart of the Team” awards. Congratulations to Maria Lucia Camarena Perez from Vega Elementary and Casey Hale from Scott Johnson Middle School.
We followed that with the “Every Student, Every Day” awards. Congratulations to Josiah Kelly from McClure Elementary and Abigail Sinsuat from McNeil Elementary.
Then we honored our National Merit Semi-Finalists, our National Merit Commended Scholars and the National School Recognition Awards.
Our last recognition was for Daric Bryson. He is a Special Recognition winner for the “90 Second Newberry Film Festival”. Daric was a student at Minshew Elementary when he started this project, and he is currently a 6th grader at Cockrill Middle School.
Next, public comment was heard on agenda and non-agenda items and the Board then entered closed session.
After reconvening, the McKinney ISD public hearing for the 2024-2025 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas was held. Chief Financial Officer, Marlene Harbeson, reviewed all of the indicators and shared that McKinney ISD received a superior achievement rating with a score of 96.
We then moved to the discussion and action portion of the meeting.
Kevin Randolph from EideBailly presented the annual financial audit, which was voted on by the Board and accepted as presented.
Next we moved into the presentation portion of the meeting.
We heard from the Educational Facilities Alignment Committee, which is also known as EFAC. Trey Laird, from VLK, provided information on the foundational work that has been done prior to the committee meeting. He gave an overview of the committee's work in the first two meetings, and he reminded the community that they can find more information on the McKinney ISD EFAC website page. There will be two opportunities for the community to contribute feedback: on October 21st and December 2nd at the McKinney ISD Community Event Center. The Board also decided to reconvene for a special meeting on November 5th at 6 PM to hear an initial report from the committee so they can review the progress for the first step in the process, which is to recommend three schools to be repurposed.
Next, Director of Data and Analytics, Becky Jackson, presented a beginning of year report on MAP Assessment. The purpose of fall MAP is to identify baseline achievement levels and plan future instruction that will meet the needs of each student.
We also received an intruder detection audit report from Rusty May, Senior Director of Safety and Security.
Then Errin French, Director of Guidance and Counseling, and Rusty May provided an update on Strategic Plan, Pillar 1, which is Safety & Security and Well-Being.
Next, Deputy Superintendent Melanie Raleeh provided an update on the Gifted and Talented program. The presentation included the current enrollment and demographics of our McKinney ISD GT population, as well as providing additional background information on the work that has been done up to this point, which lead to the formation of the McKinney ISD GT Task Force. The purpose, work, and accomplishments of the task force were reviewed.
And the last presentation was from Chief Operations Officer, Greg Suttle, as he provided an update on the facility refresh during the summer of 2025.
Next the Board approved the consent agenda and moved to the discussion and action portion of the meeting.
In this portion of the meeting, the Board was presented with the 2025 certified tax roll for adoption, and it was approved by the Board.
The next presentation was the Z. The presenters were: Chief School Improvement and Federal Programs Officer, Jennifer Akins, Burks Elementary Principal Al Conley, Faubion Middle School Principal Mitch VandenBoom and McKinney High School Principal Dr. Paula Kent.
Our principals did an excellent job showcasing their schools and the work their staff and students are doing as part of their campus improvement plans. A special thank you to our principals for sticking around for a later meeting to share with us! The Board voted to approve and adopt the district and campus improvement plans, as well as the compensatory education plan.
Riley has served in several special education roles over the course of her 22 years in McKinney ISD. In all, she brings 26 years of educational experience to her new position.
She began her career as a special education paraprofessional in a centralized behavior classroom. Through that experience, she knew that she wanted to devote her life to working with students with disabilities.
After teaching high school math at Bonham High School and subsequently completing her school psychology internship with Lamar County SSA, Riley joined the McKinney ISD family in 2004 as a school psychologist, supporting the students and staff at Dowell Middle School, McKinney High School and McKinney North High School.
Eleven years later, she moved into a broader leadership role as Special Education Compliance Officer and SPED Coordinator. Most recently, Riley has served as the Senior Director of Special Populations for McKinney ISD.
“I am excited to step into this new role in special populations and feel truly honored to be part of a district so deeply committed to inclusion and student success," said Riley. "I look forward to continuing to support students, collaborating with educators and staff and contributing to the positive impact this district makes every day.”
Riley earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from East Texas Baptist University and her master’s degree in school psychology from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Brynne’s husband, Derek, works for Collin County government in McKinney. Their son, Carson, is a senior at Trenton High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/5nlWUD6UmC0
Jonathan is a junior on the Bulldawg tennis team, and he has earned All-District honors in both singles and doubles.
Jonathan is a 2-time Academic All-District honoree, and he ranks 17th in his class. He carries an impressive 5.21 GPA, and he challenges himself with multiple AP courses.
Beyond sports and academics, Jonathan shines in the honors band as an award-winning saxophonist, and he gives back to the community by volunteering with the Young Men’s Service League, refereeing soccer and coaching tennis.
That’s Jonathan Ullrich from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week!
See video: https://youtu.be/5pezog6oB6Q
Kami is a member of the choir program, and she has received a Solo Contest 1 Classification for the past 3 years. She served as choir librarian, and she is currently vice president of the choir.
Kami has taken 4 AP classes, and she has a 3.82 GPA. She is a 3-year member of the National Honor Society, and she participates in the PALS Mentorship program and Golden Girls. Kami serves as president of her church youth group, and she is a Youth Committee member.
After graduation, Kami plans to serve a church mission for 18 months with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then attend Brigham Young University.
That’s Kami Bloxham, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/8sV9G0T1j1w
Grace is a second-year varsity cross country and track runner. She received the “Best Newcomer” and the “Hardest-Working Runner” awards during her freshman year.
Grace is currently 14th in her class with a 5.0 GPA, and she has earned Academic All-District.
Grace serves as the Royal Pride Band bass clarinet squad leader, and she is also a bassoon player during the concert season.
Grace is an active member of First Baptist Church in Allen.
That’s Grace Ellis from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/jsIVu4bUTJ0
“To know Officer Petti is to love him!” Bennett Elementary principal, Kassie Halpin, proclaims the merits of their campus Armed Security Officer.
“He has done it all - from walking students to the nurse who have an injury, ensuring visitors follow our campus exceptions, to killing wasps! Officer Petti has become part of the Bennett culture, and he deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond for every single BEAR!”
We proudly present this safety and well-being Pillar Spotlight on Bennett Elementary ASO Officer Robert Petti.
Fall Break Week!
Student Fall Break is Monday, October 13 – Friday, October 17!
Teacher Fall Break is Monday, October 13 – Tuesday, October 14!
October 15 – District Wide Professional Learning
October 16 – Campus Professional Learning
October 17 – Parent/Teacher Conference Day – There will also be a parent/teacher conference opportunity on January 5, and parents can also schedule a conference with teachers throughout the month.
Classes resume on Monday, October 20.
Have a great break!
The guests were greeted by cheerleaders, a drum line and Principal Holly Rogers before MISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dennis Womack spoke about current happenings in McKinney ISD, including legislative updates, school finance and the Educational Facilities Alignment Committee (EFAC).
Afterwards, Rogers and her team led the group on a tour of SJMS classrooms—that included the newly refreshed band hall and science lab—where they had the opportunity to observe lessons and interact with teachers and students.
McKinney CAN meets four times a year at different schools to provide participants with in-depth knowledge about the vision, goals, and operations of McKinney ISD. The program aims to ‘pull the curtain back’ on public education and McKinney ISD and to show our stakeholders how each department works to support campuses and our students.
Thanks to Principal Holly Rogers and the students of Scott Johnson Middle School for their hospitality!
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that’s held every October to promote screening and reduce the risk of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. McKinney ISD has designated Friday, October 10, as McKinney ISD Pink Out Day. Wear pink to help raise awareness and show your support for all of those impacted by breast cancer.
See video: https://youtu.be/1GiDEqOlBu4
William plays trumpet in the Bulldawg marching band, concert band, jazz band, symphony orchestra and pit orchestra. He is a TMEA All-State Jazz 1 Member, a TMEA All-Area member and a McKinney ISD Concerto Competition Participant. William earned the Louis Armstrong National Jazz Award, the Outstanding Honors Band Member and the Outstanding Soloist Award.
William currently maintains a 3.74 GPA with 7 AP credits. He is a member of the Finance Club and the McKinney North Jazz Combo 1.
In his free time, William works at the El Dorado Country Club, and he performs with the Dallas Jazz Orchestra.
After graduation, William plans to attend Texas Tech or the University of North Texas to study Jazz Performance.
That’s William Ruthardt, from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/spaWDNKcvpo
Keira is a 3-year varsity letterman on the Lady Bronco volleyball team, and she was selected for the 2nd team All-District.
Keira is ranked 3rd in her class with a 5.02 GPA, and she is an AP Scholar. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and she currently serves as the Vice President.
Keira volunteers at the Community Garden Kitchen, Baylor Scott & White and the McKinney Food Pantry. She also participates in the Young Life youth group.
Keira plans on attending college next year to study biochemistry.
That’s Keira Bose from McKinney Boyd High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/wXMTArru-qs
Texas House Bill 1481 requires all school systems in Texas to adopt and implement a policy that prohibits the use of personal communication devices by students on school property during the school day. This bill passed during the last legislative session and went into effect this school year in McKinney ISD. Reactions to the policy varied, with teachers and staff applauding the reductions in distractions, while students were left feeling unconnected from their former way of a wireless life at school. All in all, though, the transition has gone well.
She was named Honor Graduate from her class of roughly 200 in UNG's Cadet Basic Leadership Course held in May 2025 and was recently featured in this spotlight article from UNG: https://ung.edu/news/articles/2025/09/cadet-embraces-growth-as-leader-in-corps.php
Well done, Campbell!
(Photo courtesy of University of North Georgia)
Did You Know?
McKinney ISD is proud to offer one of the most distinguished Fine Arts programs in Texas! Here are a few of their recent accomplishments...
In 2025, the Texas Art Education Association named McKinney ISD a District of Distinction for the second time—an honor awarded to only the top 7% of districts statewide.
For the tenth consecutive year, the district was recognized as one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants.
McKinney ISD stands out as one of the few districts in Texas to send honor ensembles from every level—elementary, middle school, and high school—to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association conference and other prestigious events. That legacy continued to thrive in the 2024–2025 school year:
The McKinney High School Wind Ensemble was invited to perform at the Music For All Festival in Bloomington, Indiana.
Faubion Middle School’s Honors Orchestra and Honors Band were named TMEA State Finalists.
The McKinney North Bulldog Band qualified for the 5A UIL Marching Band Championships, earning 10th place in the state—a school record.
The McKinney Boyd High School Cadenza Quartet placed 16th at the state UIL Small Ensemble Contest.
In visual arts, 19 students qualified for the state Visual Arts Scholastic Event, with eight earning medals and two receiving the elite Gold Seal.
In theatre, the McKinney North Drama Dawgs were selected to perform on the Main Stage of both the Texas Thespian Festival and the International Thespian Festival.
Meanwhile, dance teams from McKinney High School, McKinney Boyd High School, and McKinney North excelled at nationals, earning multiple individual and team titles.
This continued success is a direct result of the exceptional educators across our elementary, middle, and high schools, who consistently raise the bar and deliver the highest quality Fine Arts education possible.
