Election Notices
NOTICE OF VOTER-APPROVAL TAX RATE ELECTION AND SAMPLE BALLOT
AVISO DE ELECCIÓN PARA LA APROBACIÓN DE TASA IMPOSITIVA POR PARTE DE LOS VOTANTES Y BOLETA DE MUESTRA
NOTICE OF BOND ELECTION AND SAMPLE BALLOT
Our Reuben Johnson Elementary 2nd graders had a blast diving into the scientific process with a Halloween-themed pumpkin investigation! To help students explore how matter changes, our teachers whipped up festive "potions" using dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda. The surprise chemical reactions were a huge hit!
Today, our preschool students had a blast trick-or-treating through the house offices and classrooms at MHS! A big thank you to the incredible Ready Set Teach students for partnering with our littlest learners to lead the way and make the day so memorable.
The Collegiate Academy of McKinney is a unique pathway to earning both a high school diploma AND an Associate Degree. It's a partnership initiative with Collin College designed to help our students achieve their academic aspirations.
See promotional video: https://youtu.be/VOKsVrjFXcM
See promotional video: https://youtu.be/VOKsVrjFXcM
Thank you to everyone who joined us last night for the Fall Community Resource Night at McKinney High School! We are so grateful to our local vendors and district teams for connecting McKinney ISD families with such valuable community resources.
This past Friday, Faubion Middle School held its quarterly Lions Pride and Merit Scholar Awards ceremony. Congratulations to all the award winners on a successful Quarter 1!
Books and BMX! Walker Celebrates Read-a-Thon in High Flying Fashion!
The high energy BMX pros of Lonestar Action Sports rolled into Walker Elementary on Friday, Oct. 23, to help celebrate the school's successful Read-A-Thon fundraiser with a BMX exhibition and motivational program that encouraged students to value education, make positive choices, practice bicycle safety and live healthy, active lifestyles!
Collectively, 335 Walker readers logged 121,208 minutes of reading for the fundraiser! Those literary efforts brought in more than $27K that will be used to fund book vending machines, stage equipment, soccer nets, field trip transportation and more.
We offer a tip of the hat to Principal Michelle Baumann and the Walker faculty members who gallantly volunteered to take part in two of the stunts!
Welcome home, MHS Class of 1961!
McKinney High School welcomed special guests to its homecoming pep rally on Friday: the Class of 1961. Once a Lion, always a Lion!
McKinney High School welcomed special guests to its homecoming pep rally on Friday: the Class of 1961. Once a Lion, always a Lion!
Monday, October 26 is a teacher work day. No school for McKinney ISD students.
It’s Red Ribbon Week!
From October 23 to 31, campuses across McKinney ISD celebrate Red Ribbon Week. This year’s theme, “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free,” serves as a reminder that choosing a drug-free life takes leadership and courage—and that everyday choices can inspire families, peers, and entire communities.
From October 23 to 31, campuses across McKinney ISD celebrate Red Ribbon Week. This year’s theme, “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free,” serves as a reminder that choosing a drug-free life takes leadership and courage—and that everyday choices can inspire families, peers, and entire communities.
McKinney ISD 2027–2028 Career & Technical Education Programmatic Transfer Applications Open November 2, 2026
McKinney ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs will offer all students pathways to high-demand, high-wage careers. Through a blend of technical skills, critical thinking, and career-focused experiences, CTE prepares students for success in post-secondary education and future careers, adaptability, personal development, and financial independence.
Some of our CTE Programs of Study include; Agriculture, Engineering, Health Science, Law & Public Service, Business and many more. Most CTE programs are available at all three MISD High School campuses. However, a few of our programs are only available at specific sites.
Programmatic transfers are available for students interested in programs not offered on their home campus.
For more information, please visit the Career and Technical Education page at https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/career-technical-education and check out our recent McKinney ISD Podcast that includes more information about our CTE programs and pathways at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsJ2mAk79eA
The selection window for CTE programmatic transfers opens on November 2, 2026. https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/career-and-technical-education-cm
Welcome to another episode of the McKinney ISD Podcast.
Listen to podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/02Wp25EPcn30psLSMKLVsb?si=Ah7P55HNQ6uuUi8YxcesQQ
Today we are talking with Superintendent Shawn Pratt and Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations Dr. Dennis Womack. We are discussing the bond election, and we invite listeners to tune in for information about the 5 propositions on the ballot, as well as an overview of school financing and budgeting.
Listen to podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/02Wp25EPcn30psLSMKLVsb?si=Ah7P55HNQ6uuUi8YxcesQQ
Today we are talking with Superintendent Shawn Pratt and Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations Dr. Dennis Womack. We are discussing the bond election, and we invite listeners to tune in for information about the 5 propositions on the ballot, as well as an overview of school financing and budgeting.
Stay informed and connected! The October edition of Community Connection is now live.
Read about recent updates from the October board meeting, find important voter and election information, and learn more about McKinney ISD being awarded Best Academic Support by the McKinney Chamber of Commerce.
🔗 Read the full newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/xwman
Did You Know...McKinney ISD Students are Connected!
McKinney ISD is fostering a culture of connection and belonging by creating opportunities for every student to get involved and find their passion—from athletics, CTE and fine arts at the secondary level to music, art and P.E. in the elementary grades. These experiences help students build friendships and develop their talents in an environment where they feel valued and supported. It’s about more than just activities; it’s about connections that help students thrive. Every student, every day.
— 94% of secondary students enrolled in athletics, CTE and/or fine arts.
— 47% of all secondary students enrolled in athletics.
— 45% of all secondary students enrolled in CTE.
— 60% of all secondary students enrolled in fine arts.
— 100% of elementary students enrolled in music, art & P.E.
McKinney ISD is fostering a culture of connection and belonging by creating opportunities for every student to get involved and find their passion—from athletics, CTE and fine arts at the secondary level to music, art and P.E. in the elementary grades. These experiences help students build friendships and develop their talents in an environment where they feel valued and supported. It’s about more than just activities; it’s about connections that help students thrive. Every student, every day.
— 94% of secondary students enrolled in athletics, CTE and/or fine arts.
— 47% of all secondary students enrolled in athletics.
— 45% of all secondary students enrolled in CTE.
— 60% of all secondary students enrolled in fine arts.
— 100% of elementary students enrolled in music, art & P.E.
The McKinney ISD Board of Trustees held their October meeting last night, and as always there were many students and staff members who received recognition for achievements both inside and outside of the classroom.
Congratulations to our October honorees!
Heart of the Team Award:
Elizabeth Purkiss (Slaughter Elementary)
Beajae McMahan (McKinney High School)
Every Student, Every Day Award:
Azaiah Jones (Lawson Early Childhood School)
Caitlyn Meyers (Faubion Middle School)
Voyager National Math Star:
Rani Abutair (Wilmeth Elementary)
Texas Association of Journalism Educators Fall Fiesta State Competition Award Winners:
McKinney High School Yearbook
Gold Status Recognition — National Yearbook Program of Excellence from Jostens Yearbook Publishing Co.:
McKinney North High School Yearbook
Congressional Commendation in recognition of McKinney High School earning the Naval Honor School Award:
McKinney High School Marine Corps JROTC
Hello! My name is Jennifer Gray, 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.
Video: https://youtu.be/ztgpvSd1V3s
The October meeting was called to order with the announcement of a quorum, followed by an invocation and pledges led by Board Secretary Lynn Sperry.
We started the evening by recognizing students, staff and programs for several outstanding accomplishments.
First up was the “Heart of the Team” award, recognizing staff members who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in McKinney ISD.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Purkiss from Slaughter Elementary and Beajae McMahan from McKinney High School.
We then moved to the “Every Student, Every Day” award which recognizes students who are making an impact on their campus. Congratulations to Azaiah Jones from Lawson Early Childhood School and Caitlyn Meyers from Faubion Middle School.
Next we celebrated an outstanding student achievement!
Rani Abutair from Wilmeth Elementary was selected as a Voyager National Math Star from a pool of more than 9,000 applicants. This prestigious recognition highlights Rani’s exceptional talent and achievement in mathematics. Congratulations, Rani, on this incredible accomplishment!
Then we recognized our Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program for earning the prestigious Naval Honor School award in recognition of its superior performance and outstanding commitment to leadership, service and citizenship.
We also recognized the McKinney High School Yearbook and Broadcast teams for earning numerous awards at the Texas Association of Journalism Educators Fall Fiesta State Competition in San Antonio. Several McKinney High School students were also selected to lead educational sessions at the competition, sharing their knowledge and expertise with fellow student journalists. The McKinney North High School Yearbook staff was also celebrated for being one of only four high schools in North Texas to earn Gold Status in the National Yearbook Program of Excellence from Jostens Yearbook Publishing.
Congratulations to all of our honorees! We always enjoy celebrating the accomplishments of our students, staff and schools at our monthly Board meetings.
The Board then heard public comments on agenda and non-agenda items before entering closed session.
After reconvening in open session, trustees heard several important presentations.
The first presentation focused on Pillar 4 of McKinney ISD’s Strategic Plan, which emphasizes McKinney ISD Family and the importance of collaboration among students, staff, parents and the community to create a positive learning environment.
Jae Gaskill, Senior Director of Career and Technical Education provided an update on the district’s CTE programs and the opportunities available to students. The presentation also highlighted current workforce trends and the district’s valuable partnership with Collin College, which helps expand educational opportunities and prepare students for success beyond high school.
The Board also held a public hearing on the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas, commonly known as School FIRST. This state accountability system evaluates the financial management and reporting practices of Texas public school districts and provides an important measure of financial accountability and transparency. Marlene Harbeson, Chief Financial Officer, shared the 21 indicators that the district is judged on; McKinney ISD received a Superior Achievement rating with a score of 96.
Trustees then received a presentation on the Texas Education Agency's A–F Accountability Ratings for the 2025–2026 school year from Dr. Becky Higgs, Director of Data and Analytics. The presentation provided an overview of the state's accountability system and district and campus performance.
Following the presentations, the Board reviewed the consent agenda and moved into the discussion and action portion of the meeting.
Consent agenda items included approval of the September Board meeting minutes, budget amendments, quarterly investment and tax collection reports, quarterly revenue and expenditure reports, and additional appraisers for the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System, or T-TESS.
The Board then moved into the discussion & action portion of the meeting.
The Board reviewed and approved the District and Campus Improvement Plans, which outline key priorities and strategies to support student achievement and continuous improvement across McKinney ISD. Jennifer Akins, Chief School Improvement and Federal Programs Officer, presented an overview of the plans and provided trustees with information on the district’s ongoing efforts to support student success.
We appreciate the continued support of our families, staff and community, and we look forward to another great month of learning, activities and opportunities for our students and staff.
Collegiate Academy of McKinney 2027—2028 Applications Open November 2, 2026
A Collegiate Academy is a specialized high school program that allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate's degree (or at least 60 college credit hours) concurrently. This is achieved through a partnership between McKinney ISD and Collin College.
Important Things to Know:
—A collegiate academy is an accelerated pathway to College for historically underserved students (i.e. low income students, at-risk students, etc.)
—Students can earn required high school credits while earning an associate’s degree (AA or AS)
—Students take classes together in a cohort for each year of high school. This allows them to get a head start on College coursework and minimize cost!
For more information visit the Collegiate Academy of McKinney's website page and also check out our recent McKinney ISD Podcast that includes more information about CAM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6XdLNsi1Vo
The application for McKinney ISD's Collegiate Academy of McKinney (CAM) opens on November 2, 2026. Visit our webpage for details: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/collegiate-academy-of-mckinney
Today, Minshew Elementary students got a glimpse into the future during the school's STEM & Career Day!
Students met professionals from a wide range of fields who shared what they do each day, the skills they use on the job, and the pathways that led them to their careers. They also heard from Boyd, MHS and North Career & Technical Education (CTE) students and learned more about the classes available in high school that will help prepare them for careers that include aviation, cosmetology, video production, journalism, education, business and marketing, agriculture and more.
Thank you to all of the parent, community and high school volunteers who made the experience meaningful and memorable. You helped inspire the next generation!
If you'd like to learn more about McKinney ISD's CTE programs, visit https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/cte.
Students met professionals from a wide range of fields who shared what they do each day, the skills they use on the job, and the pathways that led them to their careers. They also heard from Boyd, MHS and North Career & Technical Education (CTE) students and learned more about the classes available in high school that will help prepare them for careers that include aviation, cosmetology, video production, journalism, education, business and marketing, agriculture and more.
Thank you to all of the parent, community and high school volunteers who made the experience meaningful and memorable. You helped inspire the next generation!
If you'd like to learn more about McKinney ISD's CTE programs, visit https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/cte.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Reuben Johnson Elementary!
During Hispanic Heritage Month, Mrs. Castro’s weekly culture segment took center stage as several students shared their heritage with the school community. From favorite family recipes and vibrant traditions to beloved celebrations and inspiring artists, our proud RJE Jaguars demonstrated what makes their culture so rich and meaningful.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, Mrs. Castro’s weekly culture segment took center stage as several students shared their heritage with the school community. From favorite family recipes and vibrant traditions to beloved celebrations and inspiring artists, our proud RJE Jaguars demonstrated what makes their culture so rich and meaningful.
Hands-on learning and literacy came together at Vega Elementary’s Literacy & STEAM Night last week! From problem-solving at STEAM stations and engineering with LEGO Education to picking out new stories at the Book Fair, students showcased their enthusiasm for learning. We’re so proud of our Vega community for making this event a success!
📸 Photos by Alexa Elgersma, McKinney ISD PR and Communications Student Intern
