BY DUSTIN BUTLER
challenges in our country and our world, and we want to produce,” Akins said. She encourages the public, parents and com- munity members to learn about the school district and to get involved through volunteering. Looking ahead In the new position, Akins will support the district as they move forward with the McKinney ISD 2024 Strategic Plan, which is meant to guide the district for the next 3-5 years. Akins said she will coordinate a variety of initiatives across the district that fall under the strategic plan. Additionally, Akins said the position will help McKinney ISD students get the support they need in the classroom, and it will also provide programs to prepare them for life after graduation. Currently, Akins said the district is looking at the Career Technology Education program, and other similar programs, as part of the strategic plan to identify the strengths and develop pathways that will get students in the program ready for their chosen career when they graduate. District leaders are also planning partnerships
when they leave school to join the workforce, the military or attend college so they can build happy and productive lives. “We’re always looking to improve the education and services that our students receive,” Akins said. “It spans from pre-K all the way up through high school and beyond, and it really looks at how students interact with their learning.” The federal programming piece of the position challenges the district to look at its student population to nd trends where the district can help, she said. “Maybe students are educationally disadvan- taged or there are students that are homeless ...or have other types of special needs, and [we are] really ensure that we’re providing a free and appropriate public education to them,” Akins said. Diving deeper Akins said she wants McKinney ISD students, sta , teachers and community members to be the “best versions of ourselves” and work to build an educated workforce that contributes to the world. “We all know that there are very signi cant
“My whole career has been here in McKinney ISD, and I’m very proud of this district. I’m proud of the work that occurs here,” JENNIFER AKINS, CHIEF SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT & FEDERAL PROGRAM OFFICER
with local businesses and colleges, she said, aim- ing to nd areas to support students and ensure the curriculum is current and engaging. Lastly, Akins said she works to identify grants that will bring in new resources that will bene t the student population, including working with the district’s security director on a grant that would support and enhance school security.
YOU’RE INVITED TO | | OCT. 19 PIONEER PREVIEW DAY
• Tour Campus • Housing Presentation • Academic & Student Services Fair
19
MCKINNEY EDITION
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