We had a great morning as over 30 local realtors gathered at the Community Event Center for our Fall Realtors Event! Superintendent Shawn Pratt gave an overview of the upcoming election and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dennis Womack provided information about school finance. For information about the upcoming election, please visit our webpage. https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/election-2026
McKinney ISD will host the Spring Realtors Event at the Community Event Center in March. Please visit our webpage to RSVP for the Spring Realtors Event and access other resources to help realtors stay informed about the district. https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/realtor-information
Celebrate Freedom Week - Caldwell Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary (and Future Careers!)
Nearly 500 kindergarten through fifth-grade students at Caldwell Dual Language Academy spent the day celebrating America’s history and their own futures. As part of the school’s Liberty in Action event, students explored the American Revolution, the U.S. Constitution, and the diverse people who helped shape the nation through interactive learning experiences presented in partnership with local chapters of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
While learning about the past, Caldwell's students also turned their thoughts toward the future by dressing as the professions they hope to pursue one day.
The day began with a school wide assembly featuring a Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, Constitution Week recognition, a special flag presentation and participation in the nationwide Bells Across America observance.
Throughout the day, students rotated through engaging stations focused on the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, Texas history, citizenship, and geography.
Built around the theme “E Pluribus Unum: Out of Many, One,” the event is part of the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary and Constitution Week, helping students connect history, civic responsibility, and their own roles in shaping the future.
What’s happening in McKinney ISD?
Check out the September edition of the Community Connection Newsletter!
Inside this issue:
• Hi-Five Friday at Scott Johnson MS
• Fall Community Resource Night
• Election 2026 Updates
Read & subscribe today!
Dr. Shelly Spaulding Named a 2026 NSPRA Learning & Liberty Legacy Leader
Dr. Shelly Spaulding, McKinney ISD Assistant Superintendent of Public Relations and Communications, has been named a 2026 National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Learning and Liberty Legacy Leader. She was recognized at the district's administrative council meeting on Thursday, Sept. 17.
The recognition honors individuals for their positive impact on colleagues' careers and their work behind the scenes on behalf of education and improved communication.
Spaulding is a champion of effective, transparent communication and meaningful engagement while investing in the growth of others. Under her leadership, the MISD Public Relations and Communications department earned 21 state awards from TSPRA and 6 national awards from NSPRA last year. She has led the department's effort to expand channels of communication through a heightened social media presence and increased and varied communication tailored to the needs of parents and staff, while bringing increased recognition to student and staff achievements.
This year, the communications department initiated an internship program to give MISD high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to gain additional experience in communications and to deploy and develop their talents in the areas of photography, journalism, social media, graphic design and video production.
Spaulding has played a key role in developing future campus and district leaders within MISD through her work with the McKinney ISD Leadership Academy, helping teachers and staff prepare for broader leadership roles to not only advance their careers but to also broaden their impact with students and families across the district.
McKinney ISD is excited and proud to celebrate this recognition of Spaulding's leadership and her positive impact on the district.
McKinney ISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt and MISD district leadership welcomed city and community leaders to the district's Community Event Center this morning for breakfast and a presentation about the upcoming McKinney ISD 2026 Bond Election.
This November, voters will consider a Bond Election and a Voter Approval Tax Ratification Election or VATRE. The bond will address facility improvements across the district, while the VATRE will provide operational funding for teacher compensation and student programs.
We invite you to learn more about both proposals on the district’s website: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/election-2026
September is Attendance Awareness Month!
Did you know...?
In 2025-2026, the McKinney ISD overall attendance rate was 95%, and 7 McKinney ISD campuses topped 96% on their attendance rate!
96.6% Lawson Early Childhood School
96.3% Glen Oaks Elementary
96.2% Caldwell Elementary
96.1% Frazier Elementary
96.1% Reuben Johnson Elementary
96.1% Walker Elementary
96.1% Wilmeth Elementary
Did you know...?
In 2025-2026, the McKinney ISD overall attendance rate was 95%, and 7 McKinney ISD campuses topped 96% on their attendance rate!
96.6% Lawson Early Childhood School
96.3% Glen Oaks Elementary
96.2% Caldwell Elementary
96.1% Frazier Elementary
96.1% Reuben Johnson Elementary
96.1% Walker Elementary
96.1% Wilmeth Elementary
College, Career, and Military Night at McKinney Boyd High School was a huge success! Students were able to explore college options, connect with local employers, and meet representatives from the military. Thank you to the McKinney Education Foundation and CoServ for making this event possible for our students and families.
Celebrate Freedom, Register to Vote!
Each year, Texas public high schools are required by Section 13.046(a) of the Texas Election Code to provide eligible students the opportunity to register to vote. Seniors at MHS, MBHS, and MNHS recently learned how citizens can register to vote in Texas.
If you are interested in registering to vote, please visit the Collin County Elections page. Register by October 5, 2026, to vote in the November election.
Welcome to another episode of the McKinney ISD Podcast. Today we are talking with Jennifer Gray, who is our newest board of trustee member in the Place 6 seat.
Watch/listen to podcast: https://youtu.be/mLGfsdhGzew
Listen in for more information about Jennifer Gray as a member of our community and our school district and her passion to be an advocate for McKinney ISD.
Watch/listen to podcast: https://youtu.be/mLGfsdhGzew
Listen in for more information about Jennifer Gray as a member of our community and our school district and her passion to be an advocate for McKinney ISD.
Having trouble with an application in the Parent Portal? Submit a support request directly within the portal by clicking the Help Ticket icon. Powered by Incident IQ, this system connects you straight to our technology department for assistance.
Hello! My name is Larry Jagours, 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/saRKPUoLiaM
The September meeting was called to order with the announcement of a quorum, followed by an invocation and pledges led by Board Member Kenneth Ussery.
The Board then welcomed Jennifer Gray as McKinney ISD’s newest school board trustee. Gray was appointed in August to fill the Place 6 seat, and she officially took the oath of office during the September meeting.
The Board continued the evening by recognizing students, staff, campuses and members of our McKinney ISD community for several outstanding accomplishments.
We recognized former Board Trustee Stephanie O’Dell for her service to McKinney ISD and our community. Thank you, Trustee O’Dell for 12 years of services to McKinney ISD.
The Board also celebrated recipients of the “We Are McKinney ISD Superintendent” award, where we honored the lead counselors at our high schools.
McKinney High School lead counselor Courtney Starnes nominated Sara Hayes from McKinney Boyd High School and Tiffany Merder from McKinney North High School for all their help this school year. Thank you for living out our vision of “Every Student, Every Day”.
We also honored Reuben Johnson Elementary School with the “McKinney ISD Lives Kind” award. They have a goal of 1300 acts of kindness this year!
Frazier Elementary was recognized for earning its High Reliability Schools Level 2 Certification.
Tommy Gillett from Burks Elementary was honored for being named the Region 10 Teacher of the Year.
We also recognized Dowell Middle School, Minshew Elementary and Wilmeth Elementary for earning Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association Student Leadership awards.
Our Fine Arts students were also in the spotlight!
Faubion Middle School and McKinney High School orchestras were recognized for their accomplishments in the TMEA Honor Orchestra State Competition.
And Anna Sayman from McKinney North High School was recognized for being one of the 16 students across the entire country who were selected to participate in the National Federation of High School Associations leadership group. Way to represent McKinney North and McKinney ISD!
Congratulations to all of our honorees! We enjoy celebrating the accomplishments of our students, staff and schools each month at our board meetings.
The Board then heard public comments on agenda and non-agenda items before entering closed session.
After reconvening in open session, the Board held a public hearing regarding Senate Bill 12 compliance and certification.
Trustees then heard several presentations.
The first was an Efficiency Audit Review related to the Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election, or VATRE.
The Board also received an update on Pillar 6 of McKinney ISD’s Strategic Plan that was focused on refresh cycles, technology upgrades in safety and security, and processes of efficiency.
Trustees then heard an update on the Collegiate Academy of McKinney, which is also known as CAM. CAM is a specialized high school program that allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree concurrently. This is achieved through a partnership between our district and Collin College, providing students with college-level courses and support services.
The Board reviewed the consent agenda and moved into the discussion and action portion of the meeting, where trustees approved the consent agenda.
The Board also took action on the district’s Senate Bill 12 certification.
Monthly written reports were provided covering district donations, bond, energy and construction updates, transportation, human resources, and the district’s Strategic Plan Pillar 6.
The Board also highlighted several important upcoming dates:
Those are the highlights from this month’s meeting. Thank you for your interest in McKinney ISD and the great work that is happening throughout our district. We look forward to another great month of learning, activities and opportunities for our students and staff.
See video: https://youtu.be/saRKPUoLiaM
The September meeting was called to order with the announcement of a quorum, followed by an invocation and pledges led by Board Member Kenneth Ussery.
The Board then welcomed Jennifer Gray as McKinney ISD’s newest school board trustee. Gray was appointed in August to fill the Place 6 seat, and she officially took the oath of office during the September meeting.
The Board continued the evening by recognizing students, staff, campuses and members of our McKinney ISD community for several outstanding accomplishments.
We recognized former Board Trustee Stephanie O’Dell for her service to McKinney ISD and our community. Thank you, Trustee O’Dell for 12 years of services to McKinney ISD.
The Board also celebrated recipients of the “We Are McKinney ISD Superintendent” award, where we honored the lead counselors at our high schools.
McKinney High School lead counselor Courtney Starnes nominated Sara Hayes from McKinney Boyd High School and Tiffany Merder from McKinney North High School for all their help this school year. Thank you for living out our vision of “Every Student, Every Day”.
We also honored Reuben Johnson Elementary School with the “McKinney ISD Lives Kind” award. They have a goal of 1300 acts of kindness this year!
Frazier Elementary was recognized for earning its High Reliability Schools Level 2 Certification.
Tommy Gillett from Burks Elementary was honored for being named the Region 10 Teacher of the Year.
We also recognized Dowell Middle School, Minshew Elementary and Wilmeth Elementary for earning Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association Student Leadership awards.
Our Fine Arts students were also in the spotlight!
Faubion Middle School and McKinney High School orchestras were recognized for their accomplishments in the TMEA Honor Orchestra State Competition.
And Anna Sayman from McKinney North High School was recognized for being one of the 16 students across the entire country who were selected to participate in the National Federation of High School Associations leadership group. Way to represent McKinney North and McKinney ISD!
Congratulations to all of our honorees! We enjoy celebrating the accomplishments of our students, staff and schools each month at our board meetings.
The Board then heard public comments on agenda and non-agenda items before entering closed session.
After reconvening in open session, the Board held a public hearing regarding Senate Bill 12 compliance and certification.
Trustees then heard several presentations.
The first was an Efficiency Audit Review related to the Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election, or VATRE.
The Board also received an update on Pillar 6 of McKinney ISD’s Strategic Plan that was focused on refresh cycles, technology upgrades in safety and security, and processes of efficiency.
Trustees then heard an update on the Collegiate Academy of McKinney, which is also known as CAM. CAM is a specialized high school program that allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree concurrently. This is achieved through a partnership between our district and Collin College, providing students with college-level courses and support services.
The Board reviewed the consent agenda and moved into the discussion and action portion of the meeting, where trustees approved the consent agenda.
The Board also took action on the district’s Senate Bill 12 certification.
Monthly written reports were provided covering district donations, bond, energy and construction updates, transportation, human resources, and the district’s Strategic Plan Pillar 6.
The Board also highlighted several important upcoming dates:
Those are the highlights from this month’s meeting. Thank you for your interest in McKinney ISD and the great work that is happening throughout our district. We look forward to another great month of learning, activities and opportunities for our students and staff.
From September 15 to October 15, we’re proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Join us in recognizing the generations of Hispanic Americans whose contributions and leadership continue to strengthen and enrich our nation.
Behind every digital lesson, connected classroom, and streamlined system is our phenomenal McKinney ISD Technology Department. Today, we celebrate and thank this incredible team for keeping our district connected, supported, and always moving forward. We couldn't do what we do without you!
Today marks the beginning of Celebrate Freedom Week across McKinney ISD!
Per Texas Education Code § 29.907, schools statewide are taking this week to honor the foundational values and ideals on which the United States was founded, as well as the sacrifices that were made for freedom in the founding of our country.
As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we aim to highlight how our educators and students dive deep into the intent, meaning, and importance of the key documents and core principles that shaped the nation.
Per Texas Education Code § 29.907, schools statewide are taking this week to honor the foundational values and ideals on which the United States was founded, as well as the sacrifices that were made for freedom in the founding of our country.
As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we aim to highlight how our educators and students dive deep into the intent, meaning, and importance of the key documents and core principles that shaped the nation.
Campuses across McKinney ISD are celebrating college, career, and military readiness with exciting activities and events. From exploring future dream jobs to mapping out college paths, our students are proving that the future is incredibly bright. Check with your school to see how they are participating and join us in inspiring our students to aim high and reach their full potential.
Glen Oaks students came together last Friday for a special school-wide celebration of Dot Day. Glen Oaks library media specialist Mrs. Emory read the book The Dot by Peter Reynolds, and students learned about the Glen Oaks Dot Month challenge, where they can participate in art, STEAM, and library-related activities to keep the theme going. The students designed individual sections of a dot, which will be used to create a vibrant Glen Oaks Community Quilt. The purpose of Dot Day is for students to learn that they can all make a difference in the Glen Oaks community, no matter how small, by making their mark.
Vega Elementary hosted a special Texas First Responders Day ceremony today to honor local community heroes.
The event featured remarks from Superintendent Shawn Pratt and Principal Mike Forsyth, with visiting first responders welcomed as guests of honor. The Vega Choir delivered an inspiring musical performance, surrounded by a gym packed with Vega families wearing red, white, and blue.
McKinney ISD School Board members Amy Dankel, Kenneth Ussery, and Jennifer Gray were also in attendance and joined guests for a post-ceremony reception to celebrate the bravery and dedication of our first responders.
The event featured remarks from Superintendent Shawn Pratt and Principal Mike Forsyth, with visiting first responders welcomed as guests of honor. The Vega Choir delivered an inspiring musical performance, surrounded by a gym packed with Vega families wearing red, white, and blue.
McKinney ISD School Board members Amy Dankel, Kenneth Ussery, and Jennifer Gray were also in attendance and joined guests for a post-ceremony reception to celebrate the bravery and dedication of our first responders.
McKinney ISD's STEAM Ambassadors got an inside look at some of the district's Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes on Wednesday, September 9, with a visit to the MISD aviation program housed at McKinney National Airport and a tour of CTE classes at McKinney High School that included audio-video production, construction, cosmetology, digital electronics, engineering, JROTC, photo journalism, welding and yearbook.
The STEAM Ambassador program launched two years ago with the goal of equipping MISD students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) fields and to build awareness of pathways to future career opportunities.
Toward that end, each MISD campus selects a representative to serve as a STEAM Ambassador. Each ambassador receives specialized training in STEAM-fluency skills, hands-on learning experiences and career pathways. They take that knowledge back to their respective campuses to ensure that all students benefit from early exposure to career exploration and the crucial skills sought by universities and industries.
The day of learning at MHS gave the ambassadors opportunities to observe instruction and interact with instructors and students, to ask in depth questions and reflect on pathways for their own students. CTE Senior Director Jae Gaskill emphasized the importance of early awareness and exploration of these pathways to help students thrive.
McKinney ISD offers 11 Career Clusters, 18 programs of study, 18 aligned industry-based certifications, 3 CTE courses in middle school (for high school credit), 1 college and career exploration course in middle school and AVID in middle school and high school.
For complete information on CTE in McKinney ISD, visit https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/career-and-technical-education-cm
Cockrill Middle School held its annual Patriot Day parade today in honor of McKinney's first responders and to honor the memory of all those lost during the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. They invited officers from the McKinney Police Department and firefighters from the McKinney Fire Department to take part in the parade. Cockrill cheerleaders and PALS led the way as students filled the hallways to show their appreciation for the men and women who keep McKinney and our McKinney ISD schools safe!
September 11 is Patriot Day and Texas First Responders Day—a day to honor the memory of the 2,977 people killed and thousands injured at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. As we remember the heroism and resilience America displayed on this day 25 years ago, we also recognize the bravery, courage, and determination of the Texas men and women who step forward to assist others in emergencies.
