Superintendent

Shawn Pratt is a lifelong educator and proud member of the McKinney ISD community, where he has dedicated his entire 32-year career in public education. A native of Plano, Texas, Pratt graduated from Plano Senior High School, where he was a member of the 1986 5A State Championship football team. After attending Texas Tech University, Pratt earned his bachelor’s degree in history from East Texas State University, and later earned a master’s degree in educational administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce. 

superintendent shawn pratt

Pratt began his career in 1993 as a student teacher at McKinney High School and Faubion Middle School. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as a teacher and coach at Slaughter Middle School before moving to McKinney High School in 1995 where he was mentored by longtime, legendary coach Ron Poe. In 2000, he became the founding head football coach and campus athletic coordinator at McKinney North High School. In 2009, he was named MISD’s Director of Athletics, a role he held for 10 years.

As Athletic Director, Pratt's leadership helped shape the future of McKinney ISD athletics and facilities. He played a key role in two successful bond elections (2016 and 2021) and contributed to the planning and development of two new high schools, one middle school, and the MISD Stadium and Community Event Center. He was instrumental on working with Mayor George Fuller in securing the NCAA Division II Football National Championship game for McKinney ISD and the City of McKinney.  Pratt was honored with a city proclamation declaring “Athletic Director Shawn Pratt Day” for his career work in McKinney ISD.

Pratt’s influence extended beyond the district. He chaired the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) Athletic Director Committee for four years, was a two-time THSADA Regional Athletic Director of the Year, and was named the 2017 THSADA State Athletic Director of the Year while serving as President of the state association.  In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the prestigious Texas High School Athletic Directors Hall of Honor, the highest honor given to THSADA members.

In 2020, Pratt was promoted to Assistant Superintendent, expanding his leadership to include athletics, fine arts, health services, and safety and security. During the COVID-19 crisis, he collaborated with the McKinney Fire Department to lead a joint community response effort, utilizing the district stadium as a central hub to support the health and well-being of McKinney residents. Under his guidance, MISD was recognized with the 2021 National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security Facility of Merit for Safety and Security Award.

In March 2023 Pratt was named Superintendent of McKinney ISD. As Superintendent, he is known for his collaborative, student-centered leadership, transparent communication, and commitment to continuous improvement. He has led initiatives focused on defining the district’s strategic priorities, planning for enrollment growth in the Northern parts of the district, aligning instructional best practices, and fostering strong professional learning communities to empower principals and teachers.

Superintendent Pratt believes that the education of children is the most important profession for the future of our world. He is deeply committed to building a culture that supports student growth, staff well-being, and meaningful community partnerships.

Pratt also believes strongly in giving back to the local community, participating and serving as a board member on the local Chamber of Commerce, One Heart McKinney, and the McKinney Education Foundation.  On the state level he is a member of the University of Interscholastic League’s Legislative Council, Texas Association of School Administrators Future-Ready Superintendents Leadership Network, Texas Public Accountability Consortium, and the Texas Association of Suburban/Mid–Urban Schools.

Pratt and his wife of 29 years, Deanne, a retired McKinney ISD teacher and AP coordinator at McKinney North, have three children—Collin, a TCU graduate, and his wife Kennedy, also a TCU alum; Cade, a graduate of Texas A&M University; and Whitley, a senior at Texas A&M. The Pratt family are active members of their local church and enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, and cheering on Texas Tech, TCU, and Texas A&M.