Principal Cyndy Bice and the staff of Slaughter Elementary had cause for celebration on Monday when Subaru Love Promise Coordinator W.E. Fowler, Brandon Tomes and representatives from Brandon Tomes Subaru in McKinney arrived with lunch from On the Border and a surprise announcement that Slaughter had been chosen as part of the Subaru Loves Learning program to receive $500 in classroom supplies for every Slaughter teacher! Thank you to Brandon Tomes and Subaru for your continued support of McKinney ISD!

"Growing up and being a part of McKinney ISD, and now having a family who is part of McKinney ISD," said Tomes, "it really means a lot to be able to do this. It gives us an opportunity to give back, and we really enjoy supporting our community. Those are the people that matter most to us."
about 2 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
group photo in the library
Brandon Tomes gesturing as he speaks to group
Fowler and Bice talking and smiling
teachers clapping and smiling
Sign on door that reads Subaru Loves Learning, We heart Slaughter Elementary School, A+
sign on table that reads Subaru Loves Learning
Male teacher seated at table and listening to a colleage
two female teachers laughing with Brandon Tome Subaru employee
Brandon Tomes listening as W.E. Fowler explains the program

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! As the new school year begins, we are filled with excitement for the adventures in learning that lie ahead. Our talented and dedicated staff are ready to support and inspire every student, every day. Let’s make this year the best one yet!

Find complete Back to School information at https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/back-to-school

Need assistance with your Portal/HAC account? Please use this link: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/o/misd/page/home-access-center-faqs

Today is the first day of school — Tuesday, August 12, 2025! We are so excited to see you!

School Start Times
Remember, there are new school start times for the 2025-26 school year. Our elementary schools will be open from 8:10 AM to 3:20 PM, middle schools from 8:50 AM to 4:00 PM, high schools from 7:20 AM to 2:40 PM, and Lawson Early Childhood School from 7:40 AM to 2:50 PM.

We’re excited to welcome all students and families back for the 2025–2026 school year! The first day of school is always filled with excitement and new beginnings.

Elementary Campuses —
Parents may walk their child to class on the first day only (August 12).
Parents are required to bring a valid photo ID and sign in using a general sign-in upon arrival.
Starting Wednesday, August 13, all visitors must check in through the front office and Hall Pass system before entering the building.

Secondary Campuses (Middle & High School) —
Parents/guardians are not permitted to escort students to class on the first day.
Staff will be stationed throughout the building to guide and support students as they find their classes.

Helpful Reminders...

Arrival — Expect heavier traffic during the first week. Please plan.

Dismissal —
Bus Transportation:
Bus numbers and routes are available in our Home Access Center (HAC). (Need assistance with your Portal/HAC account? Please use this link: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/o/misd/page/home-access-center-faqs)
Expect delays during the first days of school.
Campuses will send parent notifications via Thrillshare if buses are running more than 15 minutes late.
Stay Connected: Follow your campus and McKinney ISD on social media for first-day updates.

Durham Bus Transportation Information:
McKinney ISD: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/o/misd/page/transportation
Bus Tracker App: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/o/misd/page/buszone-bus-tracker-app
Durham Complaints & Compliments: https://www.busreport.com/

about 2 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
graphic that reads "Welcome Back, McKinney ISD! It's so great to see you! Elementary 8:10 a.m., Middle School 8:50 a.m., High School 7:20 a.m., Lawson 7:40 a.m.
"Look Great. Feel Great. Do Great." Oscar Garza borrows this mantra from his friend & fellow volunteer, Jason Hernandez, as they join Kim Hughes and several generous community donors for a Back to School event at Finch Elementary. Students and parents geared up for another successful year with free hair cuts and school supplies.


See video: https://youtu.be/b_mgrwqJwVk
about 2 months ago, Karla Schumacher
Back to School Cuts for Success at Finch Elementary
MISD is pleased to announce that it has named Amanda Gavin the district's new Communications and Media Designer!

Gavin has over 25 years of experience in public education across a broad range of roles. She has served as a high school teacher, K-12 librarian and a high school assistant principal. Most recently, she served as the Coordinator of Secondary Instructional Technology & Library Services. As Communications and Media Designer, Gavin will oversee the MISD website and contribute to MISD's social media presence and broader communication goals and strategies.

Gavin is dedicated to serving the mission of public education. To that end, she is the current co-chair of the MISD Legislative Advocacy Committee and a member of the District Advisory Council. Her commitment to education is a family affair; she's married to a high school special education teacher and is the proud mother of a sophomore at McKinney High School.

"I'm honored and excited to step into my new role as the Communications and Media Designer for McKinney ISD," said Gavin. "Having called this district home for 20 years, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible dedication of our students, staff and community. I look forward to using my skills to share the amazing stories happening across our schools and to help showcase the vibrant spirit that makes McKinney ISD such a special place."
about 2 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
graphic with Gavin's head shot, title and quote from the post along with MISD logo
Teachers build trust. Teachers instill hope. Teachers inspire creativity. Teachers make a difference, and we see them.
This video is dedicated to our McKinney ISD educators. Have a tremendous 2025-2026 school year!


See video: https://tinyurl.com/56pt9786
about 2 months ago, Karla Schumacher
We See You, Teachers graphic

Here we go!


Before we start a new school year, we take a look back a few accomplishments and some of the fun events we experienced in the 2024-2025 school year.


See video: https://tinyurl.com/5admrj4b

about 2 months ago, Karla Schumacher
Thank You for an Amazing 2024-2025 graphic
Club 360 is Hiring!

Site Assistant: $17/hour (High School Graduate, 18 or older): Monday-Friday, 2:30–6:30 p.m.

Site Manager: $22/hour (High School Graduate, 18 or older, manager experience): Monday-Friday,
1:30–6:30 p.m.

Contact Maggie Darden at mdarden@mckinneyisd.net for more information.
about 2 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
graphic that repeats the information in the post and adds "Apply Today!"

Free & Reduced meal applications are online for this new school year! Please visit https://www.myschoolapps.com/ to fill out an application. Remember, a new application must be submitted each school year.

Don’t forget to check out school breakfast and lunch menus. Menus are available on https://mckinney.schooldish.com/.

about 2 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
graphic that reads You might qualify for free or reduced price school lunch. Go online or grab an application to find out. It's easy! Healthy meals. Healthy minds. It makes meal sense. www.myschoolapps.com. Meal sense logo and QR code

Region 10 Teacher of the Year Ceremony

MISD Elementary Teacher of the Year Jaclyn Harrison from Valley Creek Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year Tiffany Scott from Scott Johnson Middle School were among those honored at the Region 10 Teacher of the Year celebration on July 31! They were joined by Superintendent Shawn Pratt, Deputy Superintendent Melanie Raleeh, Valley Creek Principal Dr. Ebonee King and SJMS Principal Holly Rogers.

Said Region 10: "We had the incredible privilege of honoring the rockstars of education! Those lighting up classrooms, shaping campuses, and transforming communities at the Region 10 Teacher of the Year Ceremony, held at the iconic Frontiers of Flight Museum! A standing ovation for our 2026 Teachers of the Year! Let’s hear it for every educator who pours their heart into making a difference every single day. Your impact goes far beyond the classroom walls!"

We agree!

2 months ago, Shane Mauldin
large letter lighted letter sign that reads Congrats Teachers
(l-r) MISD Deputy Superintendent Melanie Raleeh, MISD Elementary Teacher of the Year Jaclyn Harrison, Valley Creek Elementary Principal Dr. Ebonee King, MISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt
l-r) MISD Deputy Superintendent Melanie Raleeh, SJMS Principal Holly Rogers, MISD Secondary Teacher of the Year Tiffany Scott, MISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt
2025-2026 Back to School Information...
The 2025-2026 school year is almost here, and we can't wait to see you!
School starts on August 12, 2025, so check out our MISD Back to School page for all the information you need to be ready for the first day:
https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/back-to-school
We are filled with excitement for the adventures in learning that lie ahead. Our teachers and staff are ready to support and inspire every student, every day. Let’s make this year the best one yet! It's going to be amazing!
2 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
graphic with kids smiling and text that reads "It's going to be amazing! School starts August 12."
About 200 MISD teachers and administrators gathered at the CEC on July 21-22 for a deep dive into Robert Marzano's The New Art and Science of Teaching (NASOT), with presenter Kristin Poage. NASOT offers a research-based, modern framework that includes a multitude of practical strategies to help teachers design highly effective, engaging instruction! It was a great way to spend a couple of days at the end of summer that will have a positive impact on student learning throughout 2025-2026!
2 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
presenter Kristin Poage at the front of the room smiling with arms crossed
two female instructional coordinators greeting attendees as they arrive
male teacher at table talking with a colleague while looking at information on computer
another teacher signing in
decorations on table that include a lighted M , and three small flags - US flag, Texas flag and McKinney ISD flag
female teacher at table smiling at camera
teachers signing in as they enter workshop
two female administrators talking and smiling
male teacher smiling and talking at table with colleagues
female teachers writing responses on large sheet of paper during workshop
Don't miss the McKinney ISD Job Fair on Monday, July 21, at Scott Johnson Middle School!

MISD is now hiring great people for a wide range of full-time and part-time positions for the 2025-2026 school year. Join the McKinney ISD team!

MISD is hiring: General Education Teachers -- Special Education Teachers -- Bilingual Teachers -- Paraprofessionals

$63,500 -- Starting salary for first year teachers
$5,000 -- SPED Stipend
$3,000 -- Bilingual Stipend
$1,500 -- Master's Stipend

Use the code on the flyer to register or click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1V-AJqz669-qgXEtYFrRf1Ew7Ws0TKjSF-NTXhl_Eedg/preview

Date:
Monday, July 21, 2025

Time:
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Location:
Scott Johnson Middle School
3400 Community Ave
McKinney, Texas 75071
3 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
graphic that repeats the information in the post and has a QR code that matches the url in the post
School Start Times for the 2025-26 School Year

McKinney ISD administration recently surveyed students, parents, and staff members to gain a better understanding of their preferred start and end time for the 2025-2026 school year.

The survey provided two options that would work for our district's transportation system and overwhelmingly the students, parents, and staff voted for the schedule below. Please note that high school has 10 additional minutes added to their school day, so they can keep early release days during the semester exams.

Below are the start times for the 2025-2026 school year:

Elementary School: 8:10 am - 3:20 pm
Middle School: 8:50 am - 4:00 pm
High School: 7:20 am - 2:40 pm
Lawson: 7:40 am - 2:50 pm
3 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
Graphic. that repeats the start times in the pst and that the first day of school is August 12, 2025

Local Chick-fil-A stores are hosting a Pack the Bus school supply drive benefiting McKinney ISD on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.!

Supplies Needed:
2-Inch Avery View 3-Ring Binder
Crayola Crayons - 24 Count
Disinfecting Wipes - 70 Count
Wide-Ruled Composition Notebooks
12x18 Bright White Paper - 50 Count
3-Ring Pencil Pouch - 9x10.5

Support your McKinney ISD schools! Bring 5 or more school supplies from the list to one of the following drop-off locations:

Hwy 380 & 75
Eldorado & Ridge
Lake Forest Dr & Hwy 380
380 East of Custer

Use the QR code below (or https://www.packthebusdfw.com/mckinney-isd) for more information, including additional needed supplies!

3 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
Pack the Bus flyer that has the information provided in the article as well as chick fil a and McKinney ISD logos and a QR code
Congratulations to McKinney High School's Brooke Barragan who earned fifth place internationally in nursing assisting after placing third at the Texas HOSA competition.

Read the McKinney Courier-Gazette article here: https://bit.ly/44zNrD8
3 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
female competitor on stage smiling and holding up 3rd Place banner
Don't miss the McKinney ISD Job Fair on Monday, July 21, at Scott Johnson Middle School!

MISD is now hiring great people for a wide range of full-time and part-time positions for the 2025-2026 school year. Join the McKinney ISD team!

MISD is hiring: General Education Teachers -- Special Education Teachers -- Bilingual Teachers -- Paraprofessionals

$63,500 -- Starting salary for first year teachers

$5,000 -- SPED Stipend
$3,000 -- Bilingual Stipend
$1,500 -- Master's Stipend

Use the code on the flyer to register or click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1V-AJqz669-qgXEtYFrRf1Ew7Ws0TKjSF-NTXhl_Eedg/preview

Date:
Monday, July 21, 2025

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Location:
Scott Johnson Middle School
3400 Community Ave
McKinney, Texas 75071
3 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
flyer that repeats the information in the text
Club 360 is Hiring!

Site Assistant: $17/hour (High School Graduates, 18 or older): Monday-Friday, 2:30–6:30 p.m.

Site Manager: $22/hour (High School Graduates, 18 or older, manager experience): Monday-Friday, 1:30–6:30 p.m.

Positions start July 28!

Contact Maggie Darden at mdarden@mckinneyisd.net for more information.
3 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
graphic that repeats the information in the post
McKinney ISD offices and campuses will be closed Friday, June 27 – Friday, July 4, for the Fourth of July holiday. The district will resume summer office hours on Monday, July 7.

We hope that you have a safe and restful Fourth of July!

Central Office summer hours: Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
MISD campus summer office hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., closed for lunch 12-1 p.m.
3 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
graphic with exploding fireworks and text that reads "Have a Happy Fourth of Juy!" above the MISD logo
Hello! My name is Amy Dankel, and I proudly serve on the McKinney ISD School Board. Each month, after our Board meeting, we provide our community with a brief summary of events and items covered during the meeting.

Video link: https://tinyurl.com/yv7xc9wa

We started the meeting with a reorganization of our McKinney ISD Board of Trustees. Our new officers are Amy Dankel serving as President, Harvey Oaxaca serving as Vice President and Lynn Sperry serving as Secretary.

Then we moved to the recognition portion of the meeting.

State Board of Education District 12 Representative, Pam Little, gave out the State Board of Education 2025 Student Heroes Award to Dailey Poland, a 2025 graduate of McKinney North High School. Only 15 students in entire state of Texas receive this prestigious award!

We proudly celebrated Evans Middle School for earning AVID National Demonstration School status. Deputy Superintendent Melanie Raleeh presented the award to Principal Melissa Hernandez.

We then held public comment and moved into a closed meeting to discuss “personnel, safety and security” and a real estate property update.

After the closed session, Chief Financial Officer Marlene Harbeson provided information for the 25-26 budget and tax rate hearing.

Next, the Board heard several presentations.

Becky Jackson, Director of Data and Analytics, presented on the McKinney ISD STAAR and MAP data for the 2024-2025 school year.

Then we received an update on the McKinney ISD College Career and Military Readiness 2024-2025 update from Jennifer Akins – Chief School Improvement & Federal Programs Officer.

Finally, we heard more about the Intruder Detection Audit Report findings from Russel May, Senior Director of Safety and Security.

Next the Board approved the consent agenda and moved to the discussion & action portion of the meeting.

Dr. Dennis Womack, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations, presented on the 2025-2026 Budget Adoption, including information on state funding and compensation increases for staffing. The board voted and approved the 2025-2026 Compensation Plan

Next the Board approved the monthly written reports and concluded the evening by reviewing upcoming events.

Those are the highlights from this month’s meeting. Thank you for watching, and we look forward to bringing you the highlights from our next regularly scheduled board meeting on August 18 at 6 PM.
3 months ago, Karla Schumacher
School Board President, Amy Dankel, presents this month's school board summary.
McKinney ISD Approves Pay Raises

June 23, 2025

McKinney, Texas — McKinney ISD is proud to announce substantial pay increases for the 2025–2026 school year, reinforcing the district’s commitment to retaining top talent and rewarding the exceptional service of its staff. The McKinney ISD Board of Trustees approved the compensation package at its June board meeting.

The approved raises include:

-- A new starting salary of $63,500 for first-year teachers entering the district

-- $2,500 salary increase for classroom teachers with 3 and 4 years of creditable service

-- $5,000 salary increase for classroom teachers with 5 or more years of creditable service

-- A 4% pay increase based on the midpoint of each pay grade for paraprofessional, auxiliary, and maintenance employees

-- A 3% pay increase based on the midpoint for all non-hourly professional staff, including administrators and other salaried employees

Additional Incentives that McKinney ISD offers:

-- Longevity benefit — At retirement, staff receive a check that includes their daily rate multiplied by their years of service in McKinney ISD.

-- Salary step schedule goes to 30 years for teachers

-- Stipends for advanced degrees

-- Contribution to TRS Active Care

-- $5,000 Special Education teachers stipend (Resource, Centralized programs, and Inclusion)

-- Staff have access to the Harold Murphy Counseling center and the sick leave bank

-- Employee childcare programs available

-- Professional learning and special education pathways to support staff growth

“McKinney ISD is committed to remaining competitive in today’s challenging job market, and that begins with investing in the incredible people who serve our students every day,” said Superintendent Shawn Pratt. “We value the dedication and impact of our teachers and staff, and this compensation plan reflects that appreciation.”

These strategic increases align with the district’s long-term goals of recruiting high-quality educators, retaining experienced personnel, and fostering a positive work environment across all campuses and departments.

McKinney ISD continues to prioritize Every Student, Every Day by ensuring every staff member is equipped, supported, and rewarded for their role in delivering a high-quality education.

For more information about career opportunities or the district’s compensation plan, please visit www.mckinneyisd.net.
3 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
graphic that summarizes the post