FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State of Education discussion highlights teacher pay, student programs, facilities and workforce readiness ahead of November election
McKINNEY, Texas (Sept. 16, 2026) — Public schools are navigating tighter budgets, staffing challenges and changing student needs while preparing the next generation for college, careers and the workforce, education leaders said Wednesday at the McKinney Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural State of Education.
The event featured McKinney ISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt and Frisco ISD Superintendent Dr. Todd Fouche in a discussion moderated by Dr. Jamie Wilson, former Denton ISD superintendent and current Director of Public Finance at Mesirow.
The conversation covered school finance, teacher recruitment and retention, chronic absenteeism, career readiness, technology and the role businesses can play in supporting students. Fouche also noted Frisco ISD serves approximately 7,000 McKinney students across nine schools located in McKinney.
Both superintendents emphasized that preparing students for the workforce extends beyond academic performance to opportunities such as career and technical education, extracurricular activities and mentorship.
“The more engaged a student is in high school, the more employable they’re going to be when they get out of high school,” Fouche said.
Financial pressures and the November election
The discussion also highlighted the financial pressures districts face when trying to maintain those opportunities.
Pratt said McKinney ISD has made significant budget reductions in recent years, including staffing and program cuts. The district faced a $23 million shortfall in 2024–25 and says cost-saving measures reduced the remaining shortfall to approximately $6 million.
McKinney ISD voters will consider five propositions on Nov. 3. Proposition A, a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election, would generate approximately $4.1 million annually after recapture for teacher and staff compensation, classroom programs and student services.
Propositions B through E make up a $500 million bond package for school renovations, safety improvements, technology, buses, two new elementary schools and other long-term needs, including a shared career and technical education facility with Collin College.
McKinney ISD says all five propositions can be funded while keeping the district’s total tax rate 3.79 cents lower than last year’s rate.
Chamber announces support
Following the discussion, the McKinney Chamber announced its Board of Directors’ support for the propositions and a $15,000 contribution from the Chamber’s issues-only PAC to the Vote for McKinney ISD PAC.
“MISD has a bond election, and they are asking the voters to vote on some things that are going to really help improve campuses including our CTE programs, safety, a lot of different things,” said Lisa Hermes, President at McKinney Chamber of Commerce. “Our board of directors of the chamber voted to endorse that bond, and so we are going to be actively advocating for the successful passage of the bond, and we put our money where our mouth is.”
The Chamber also launched its Business for Public Education Coalition, which will connect business leaders with information and opportunities to engage on public education issues during the 2027 Texas legislative session.
Early voting runs Oct. 19–30, with Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
About the McKinney Chamber of Commerce
For more than 100 years, the McKinney Chamber of Commerce has championed local business, strengthened community partnerships and advanced economic growth. The Chamber represents nearly 1,200 members and holds 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Media Contact:
Molly Courtright
mcourtright@mckinneychamber.com
