McKinney, Texas – On Thursday, McKinney ISD announced that Shelly Spaulding will lead its Communications Department as the district’s new Assistant Superintendent of Communications.

Spaulding brings 19 years of experience in education and a broad range of expertise to her new position, including six years of administrative leadership at the campus level and two years as an administrator at the district level. For the past year, Spaulding has served as the principal of McKinney High School.

“Shelly has had success as a teacher, a principal and Director of Human Resources. Those experiences have given her a great understanding of all of McKinney ISD,” said Superintendent Shawn Pratt. “Shelly has a degree in public relations, and she is extremely knowledgeable. She brings outstanding energy and high expectations that will allow her to lead our Communications Department to operate at a high level.”

The communications position became available this month when Chief Communications Officer Cody Cunningham left to pursue an opportunity outside the district.

Spaulding began her career in 2004 in Richardson ISD, and over the course of four years, served as a middle school athletics coach, ELAR teacher and reading specialist. She came to MISD in 2008 to join the staff at Cockrill Middle School where she served as a teacher and athletics coach in addition to serving as an instructional coach from 2014-2015.

In 2015, Spaulding moved into campus administration as an assistant principal at McKinney High School, where she served students, parents and teachers as a house principal and oversaw the English, ESL, Journalism, ISM (Interdisciplinary Study and Mentorship) and AVID programs.

She made the transition to central office in 2020 as a human resources director, where she focused largely on staff recruitment, retention and development. Two years later, she returned to MHS to serve as principal following the retirement of then Principal Alan Arbabi.

Now, she moves into a new role as Assistant Superintendent of Communications.

“I have the utmost respect, love and admiration for the McKinney High School staff, students and community,” said Spaulding. “Leading McKinney High School will always be a highlight in my career, and I am so proud of all that we have accomplished throughout my time as both an assistant principal and principal. I am grateful that I will continue to be part of McKinney High School, and all McKinney ISD schools and departments, in my new role as Assistant Superintendent. It is truly an honor to be selected for this role, and to have the opportunity to work alongside Mr. Pratt and his leadership team as we continue to build upon the traditions of excellence in McKinney.”

Spaulding was the recipient of the 2021 Collin County Women of Influence Award and a Baylor University Distinguished Alumni Award. She is a trainer/facilitator for Jon Gordon’s Power of Positive Leadership, Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead In Education and is a Lead4Ward Trainer of Teachers. She has earned a Harvard University Leadership in Education Certificate, been a presenter at national, state, regional and local conferences and has served as an adjunct professor.

Spaulding earned her bachelor’s degree in arts and sciences from Baylor University. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Lamar University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and superintendent certification from the University of Texas at Arlington. Currently, Spaulding is a doctoral candidate at the University of North Texas.

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