See video: https://youtu.be/yvk2bCdt61Y

Hello! My name is Corey Homer, 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.

The meeting was called to order with the announcement of a quorum, followed by an invocation and pledges led by McKinney ISD School Board Secretary, Lynn Sperry.

The Board then recognized several students and staff members for notable accomplishments.

We celebrated our We Are McKinney ISD Superintendent award winners.
Congratulations to Eddins Elementary principal Cari Owens, Wolford Elementary principal Maria Hafner, and McNeil Elementary principal Tracy Meador for leading their students, staff and community through the repurposing of their campus. We are grateful for their leadership.

We also recognized members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council from McKinney Boyd, McKinney North, and McKinney High School.

Next, we celebrated participants in this year’s McKinney ISD Leadership Academy. We appreciate their commitment to growing as leaders within our district.

We also recognized the NorthStars Dance and Drill Team from McKinney North High School for their success at nationals.

Next we celebrated a student who has been appointed to the United States Air Force Academy. Congratulations to Kinsley Duncan from McKinney North High School.

Additionally, we honored our JROTC National Honor Scholarship recipients. Congratulations to Jonathan Echegaray, Nathan Good, and Caitlin Chase for earning prestigious scholarships.
We then recognized students from all three high schools for achievements in Distributive Education Clubs of America, Health Occupations Students of America, and the Technology Student Association.

Finally, we celebrated our Business Operations team for earning multiple prestigious financial and purchasing awards, including honors from the Texas Association of School Business Officials and the Association of School Business Officials. They received the TASBO Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations, the TASBO Award of Excellence in Financial Management and the TASBO International Meritorious Budget Award.

Congratulations to ALL of our award winners. We enjoy celebrating our students and staff each month at our Board meetings.

Next, public comment was offered and the Board then entered closed session.

After reconvening, the Board heard several presentations.

Brandon Fisher, Director of Bands for the McKinney High School Royal Pride Band, provided the board with an update on band’s recent trip to Ireland. Mr. Fisher described the incredible global learning experience gained by his band students, and we are proud of how they represented McKinney ISD.

The Board also received the annual Board of Trustees Continuing Education Report from Board President Amy Dankel.

Next, the Board heard a presentation from Errin French, Director of Guidance and Counseling, on digital safety lessons. Her report outlined how the district is educating students on digital citizenship, online safety, and responsible technology use, as well as the opportunities for parental involvement and education.

The Board then received an update on hazardous transportation routes for the 2026–2027 school year from Dr. Dennis Womack, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations. This report included proposed additions, continuations and removals of transportation based on roadway conditions and safety improvements.

The final presentation to the Board last night was a budget update from Chief Financial Officer Marlene Harbeson.

The Board then reviewed the consent agenda and moved into the discussion and action portion of the meeting, where we approved the consent agenda.

We also considered and took action on the proposed 2026–2027 employee compensation plan, which includes a 3.5% raise for all staff members, a new starting teacher salary of $64,700 plus benefit contributions for a total compensation package of $68,372 for first-year teachers, and increased stipends in specialized areas such as special education and bilingual education.

We then reviewed monthly written reports, including donations under $5,000, and updates related to bond projects, energy, construction, transportation, human resources, child care services, instructional technology, special education, and technology.

The meeting was adjourned following these items of business.

Those are the highlights from this month’s meeting. Thank you for your interest in McKinney ISD and the great work that is happening within our district!

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee is composed of junior and senior leaders from McKinney Boyd, McKinney High, and McKinney North. This group provides students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills while providing feedback on district and campus initiatives, events, and procedures. As the school year draws to a close, we asked these students to reflect on what they love about their schools and McKinney ISD. In this video, we hear from McKinney High School senior Ranai’ia Kelly and McKinney North senior Jackson Paz.

This year’s ISM students will present their research on Thursday, April 30, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria at McKinney Boyd High School. Research topics include Psychology, Nursing, Dermatology, Baking and Pastry Arts, Animation, and Meteorology, among many others. There will be a showcase from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in the cafeteria, followed by individual student presentations in assigned classrooms beginning at 7:00 p.m. Come and support the ISM students and learn more about the McKinney ISD Interdisciplinary Study & Mentorship (ISM) program!

Parking available in the North Parking Lot - near the Gym.

Public School Volunteer Week is a national celebration recognizing the vital role families and community members play in supporting public schools. It honors volunteers for their impact on student learning, school culture and
school improvement.

Observed each year during the third full week of April, the week highlights the millions of people who support schools every day. It also emphasizes that volunteering is a meaningful form of family engagement that builds trust, strengthens outcomes and connects schools with their communities.

Thank you to all of the volunteers across McKinney ISD who help us reach Every Student, Every Day! You make a difference!

McKinney High School Top 10 Students!

McKinney ISD kicked off the first of its annual Top 10 Student celebrations of the 2025-2026 school year at McKinney High School this morning as Superintendent Shawn Pratt and MHS Principal Dr. Paula Kent welcomed family members and McKinney ISD officials to a special recognition breakfast to honor these remarkable students. The district will celebrate each high school's Top 10 students in the coming days.

These McKinney High School seniors have achieved a monumental honor, working ceaselessly throughout high school to reach the Top 10 of the Class of 2026, and Pratt commended them for their commitment and perseverance. "There were many days when you gave up things you wanted to do and days when you had to do things that were challenging. The fact that you did those difficult things is the reason you are in the Top 10, and that is a tremendous accomplishment that you should be proud of."

Congratulations to the Top 10 Students of the McKinney High School Class of 2026!

1. Kammie Kristufek
2. Carson Holland
3. Daniel Nwaekwe
4. Leo Ziman
5. Zalana Aguillard
6. Quinn Haney
7. Taro Higuchi
8. Audrey Tremble
9. Saylor Baker
10. Alyson Pittman

Visit the McKinney ISD Facebook page for more photos!

Program Spotlight: Color Guard and Winter Guard

McKinney ISD Color Guard offers students a welcoming opportunity to participate in a nationally recognized visual performing arts activity that combines dance, equipment choreography, and teamwork. High school students can earn Fine Arts and Physical Education (PE) credit while building confidence, coordination, discipline, and artistry. No prior experience is required.

Students perform with flags, rifles, sabers, and props to bring marching band productions to life, with instruction provided through rehearsals, clinics, and camps. Performance opportunities include football games, community events, parades, and competitions.

Students may also participate in Winter Guard, an indoor competitive program that competes regionally and nationally. Middle school students can join Winter Guard as an introduction to the activity and to build skills before high school.

Color Guard fosters a strong sense of belonging while developing confidence and leadership. All students interested in performance, movement, or teamwork are encouraged to get involved.

Visit their websites for audition information and to learn more about the programs.

MBHS Color Guard auditions are April 21 - April 23.

MHS Color Guard auditions are April 29 and April 30.

MNHS Color Guard auditions are May 4- 5

Today, McKinney ISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt's Student Advisory Committee met with the McKinney ISD District Advisory Council at the CEC for lunch and a collaborative discussion on McKinney ISD programs.

Grouping the students with teachers and campus leaders, Pratt introduced an activity that called on the students to sit in the seat of the decision makers and determine characteristics of McKinney ISD most appealing to students and parents, while weighing the real world challenges facing a school district. As always, our students offered thoughtful insight in their feedback.

The session also included a student panel segment as senior SAC members shared their perspectives and experiences in McKinney ISD during a Q&A led by Pratt.

The annual meeting of the councils was another great opportunity for our students to meet and interact with leaders from across the district and a valued opportunity for McKinney ISD leadership to hear from a student's perspective.