McKinney | September 2025

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McKinney Edition VOLUME 11, ISSUE 6 SEPT. 25OCT. 23, 2025

2025 Education Edition

Supporting students

Special education growth sparks budget increases, recruitment eorts in McKinney ISD

BY SHELBIE HAMILTON

With nearly 1 in 5 McKinney ISD students now receiving special education services, district ocials are focusing on ways to recruit and retain special education teachers. McKinney ISD has seen a 65.8% increase in its special education student population in the last decade, according to data from the Texas Education Agency. Special education services can support students with various disabilities, such as autism or emotional and intellectual disabilities. “It’s our obligation to educate every child in McKinney ISD regardless of any special needs they might have,” MISD school board President Amy Dankel said. While ocials don’t point to a specic cause for the increased special education enrollment, the growth has increased the district’s costs.

CONTINUED ON 22

The Special Olympics track meet, held at Ron Poe Stadium on May 1, is an annual event where special education students compete in athletic activities.

COURTESY MCKINNEY ISD

Also in this issue

2025 Education Edition

Government: McKinney leaders approve $942 million annual budget, lowered tax rate—see the details (Page 10)

Community: Learn more about murals in downtown McKinney from local artist Andrea Holmes (Page 28)

Education: Read about the district’s attendance zone review plans amid projected population growth (Page 18)

with the McKinney Fire Department with the McKinney Fire Department

Enjoy fun and educational activities! John & Judy Gay Library 6861 Eldorado Pkwy. John & Judy Gay Library 6861 Eldorado Pkwy. Saturday, Oct. 4 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. John & Judy Gay Library 6861 Eldorado Pkwy. Enjoy fun and educational activities!

with the McKinney Fire Department

INTO GOOD HABITS TIPS TO BE FALLREADY INTO GOOD HABITS TIPS TO BE FALLREADY Leaves & Grass Leave them, bag them, don’t blow them. Mulch or bag yard waste; never blow it into streets or drains. Bulky Items Plan your pickup. Get up to 12 FREE pickups a year, by appointment only. Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Dispose safely. Schedule a pickup for chemicals, paint, and electronics. Leaves & Grass Leave them, bag them, don’t blow them. Mulch or bag yard waste; never blow it into streets or drains. Bulky Items Plan your pickup. Get up to 12 FREE pickups a year, by appointment only. Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Dispose safely. Schedule a pickup for chemicals, paint, and electronics. Fats, Oils & Grease Keep FOG out of pipes. Cool, contain, and trash cooking fats never pour down drains. Leaves & Grass Leave them, bag them, don’t blow them. Mulch or bag yard waste; never blow it into streets or drains. Bulky Items Plan your pickup. Get up to 12 FREE pickups a year, by appointment only. Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Dispose safely. Schedule a pickup for chemicals, paint, and electronics. MCKINNEYTEXAS.ORG Smart Watering Watch the forecast. Adjust or turn o sprinklers for cooler temps and rainy days. Recycling Know what to throw. No bags, grass, limbs, food, or batteries in recycling carts. Pet Waste Scoop the poop. Pick up after pets to protect parks and waterways. Winter Prep Protect your pipes. Wrap outdoor faucets and remove your garden hose Smart Watering Watch the forecast. Adjust or turn o sprinklers for cooler temps and rainy days. Recycling Know what to throw. No bags, grass, limbs, food, or batteries in recycling carts. Pet Waste Scoop the poop. Pick up after pets to protect parks and waterways. Winter Prep Protect your pipes. Wrap outdoor faucets and remove your garden hose before the rst freeze. Stay Connected Don’t miss out. Sign up for alerts, updates, and emergency notications. Fats, Oils & Grease Keep FOG out of pipes. Cool, contain, and trash cooking fats never pour down drains. Smart Watering Watch the forecast. Adjust or turn o sprinklers for cooler temps and rainy days. Recycling Know what to throw. No bags, grass, limbs, food, or batteries in recycling carts. Pet Waste Scoop the poop. Pick up after pets to protect parks and waterways. Winter Prep Protect your pipes. Wrap outdoor faucets and remove your garden hose before the rst freeze. Stay Connected Don’t miss out. Sign up for alerts, updates, and emergency notications. INTO GOOD HABITS TIPS TO BE FALLREADY MCKINNEYTEXAS.ORG Fats, Oils & Grease Keep FOG out of pipes. Cool, contain, and trash cooking fats never pour down drains.

• Check out a firetruck and ambulance • Use a fire hose on water race cars • Learn about fire safety for kids • Meet The McTown Klownz • Check out a firetruck and ambulance • Use a fire hose on water race cars • Learn about fire safety for kids • Meet The McTown Klownz • Check out a firetruck and ambulance • Use a fire hose on water race cars • Learn about fire safety for kids • Meet The McTown Klownz • Meet Smokey Bear • Games and crafts • Meet Smokey Bear • Games and crafts

Enjoy fun and educational activities!

Let us know you're coming! Let us know you're coming!

• Meet Smokey Bear • Games and crafts

Let us know you're coming!

Public Input Meeting Thursday, Oct. 23 • 6 p.m. City Council Chambers 401 E. Virginia St. Public Input Meeting Thursday, Oct. 23 • 6 p.m. City Council Chambers 401 E. Virginia St. McKinneyTexas.org/SafeStreets Public Input Meeting Thursday, Oct. 23 • 6 p.m. City Council Chambers 401 E. Virginia St. You are invited to hear the latest on Safe Streets McKinney's proposed list of strategies and provide feedback on project prioritization for high injury roadways and intersections. You are invited to hear the latest on Safe Streets McKinney's proposed list of strategies and provide feedback on project prioritization for high injury roadways and intersections. McKinneyTexas.org/SafeStreets

before the rst freeze. Stay Connected

You are invited to hear the latest on Safe Streets McKinney's proposed list

Protect Your Identity & Your Environment & Your Environment

MCKINNEY PARKS & RECREATION MCKINNEY PARKS & RECREATION

SATURDAY • OCT. 18 • 3-6 p.m. TOWNE LAKE PARK FREE TRAIL SATURDAY • OCT. 18 • 3-6 p.m. TOWNE LAKE PARK FREE TRAIL friday • OCT. 17 • 9:30-10:30 A.M. SENIOR RECREATION CENTER FREE FOR GRADE SCHOOL AGES MARCH friday • OCT. 17 • 9:30-10:30 A.M. SENIOR RECREATION CENTER FREE FOR GRADE SCHOOL AGES MARCH PUMPKIN DUNK NEW! SENSORY-FRIENDLY SPOOKTACULAR REGISTRATION REQUIRED • TICKETED SUNDAY • OCT. 19 APEX CENTRE AGES 2-12 • 12 P.M. • 1 P.M. • 2 P.M. AGES 2-18 • CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS • 3 P.M. SATURDAY • OCT. 18 • drop in 12-4 p.m. Old Settler ’ s Recreation Center FREE SATURDAY • OCT. 18 • drop in 12-4 p.m. Old Settler ’ s Recreation Center FREE NEW! SENSORY-FRIENDLY SPOOKTACULAR JOIN US FOR MORE HALLOWEEN EVENTS! JOIN US FOR MORE HALLOWEEN EVENTS!

CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT SHRED DAY CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT SHRED DAY

Sheraton Hotel Parking Lot 1900 Gateway Blvd. • McKinney McKINNEY RESIDENTS ONLY SATURDAY, OCT. 18 9 A.M.-12 P.M. OR UNTIL THE TRUCKS ARE FILLED EVENT IS HELD RAIN OR SHINE • 4-box limit • No 3-ring binders • Other limitations apply. Sheraton Hotel Parking Lot 1900 Gateway Blvd. • McKinney McKINNEY RESIDENTS ONLY SATURDAY, OCT. 18 9 A.M.-12 P.M. OR UNTIL THE TRUCKS ARE FILLED EVENT IS HELD RAIN OR SHINE Visit the website for details. McKinneyTexas.org/Shred • 4-box limit • No 3-ring binders • Other limitations apply.

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mckinneytexas.org/halloween REGISTRATION REQUIRED • TICKETED Scan For Details SUNDAY • OCT. 19 APEX CENTRE AGES 2-12 • 12 P.M. • 1 P.M. • 2 P.M. AGES 2-18 • CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS • 3 P.M. SUPPORTED BY RBFCU • RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN • H-E-B

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About Community Impact Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jacquelyn Burrer

Dustin Butler Karen Chaney Colby Farr Hannah Johnson Heather McCullough Patricia Ortiz Mary Katherine Shapiro Cody Thorn Jacob Vaughn Graphic Designers Nicolas Delgadillo José Jiménez Chelsea Peters Armando Servin Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Managing Editor Miranda Jaimes Senior Product Manager Breanna Flores DFW Market President John Alper

Miranda Talley General Manager mtalley@ communityimpact.com

Shelbie Hamilton Editor shamilton@ communityimpact.com

Kat Whitney Account Executive kwhitney@ communityimpact.com

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MCKINNEY EDITION

Impacts BE THE FIRST TO KNOW! Scan to get business openings to your inbox.

4 Watermere McKinney The main building has welcomed its rst residents while construction on remaining portions of the independent senior living community is approaching completion. • Opened in July • 3351 Virginia Parkway, McKinney • www.integratedseniorlifestyles.com

WILMETH RD.

W . U N I V E R S IT Y D R

380

Coming soon

VIRGINIA PKWY.

VIRGINIA ST.

5 Comet Cleaners The dry clean and laundry company will also oer wash and fold services, alterations, leather and rug cleaning, and wedding gown preservation. • Opening in December • 2510 N. Hardin Blvd. Ste. 350, McKinney • www.cometcleaners.com 6 Feng Cha The business sells a variety of tea and coee drinks including boba milk tea and iced cold brew coee. • Opening TBD • 4610 W. University Dr., Ste. 120, McKinney • www.fengchausa.com

MAP NOT TO SCALE

. LOUISIANA ST.

McKinney

East McKinney

5 75 3 Nekter Juice Bar The juice bar’s menu features acai bowls and smoothies. • Opened Aug. 20 • 2014 W. University Drive, Ste. 340, McKinney • www.nekterjuicebar.com 2 Haruhi Head Spa The spa oers facials and scalp detoxifying services. • Opened Aug. 22 • 2761 Virginia Parkway, McKinney • www.haruhibeauty.com

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E L DO R A D O P K W Y .

MCKINNEY RANCH PKWY. 1 Alpa Insurance The Irving-based company oers a variety of insurance coverage options including automotive, homeowners’, renters’, motorcycle and general liability. • Opened Aug. 8 • 1407 W. University Drive, McKinney • www.alpainsurance.com

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7 Mill Stream Apartments The new aordable housing development is under construction and will include 240 apartment homes, and amenities such as a pool, pickleball court and dog park. • Opening TBD • 2300 Wilmeth Road, McKinney • www.pedcorliving.com/apartments/ mill-stream-apartments

Now open

In the news

8 Walmart Supercenter A new gas station featuring 16 pumps is being constructed at the grocery store. • Opening in late September • 2050 Redbud Blvd., McKinney • www.walmart.com

10 Pinkitzel The shop oers a variety of sweet treats including mix and match bulk candy, saltwater tay, gourmet chocolates, rock candy, lollipops and more. Other products available include cupcakes, cakes, macarons and trues, and the shop also sells other merchandise and can host events. • Opened Aug. 21 • 101 W. Louisiana St., McKinney • www.pinkitzel.com

Community Impact Community Impact celebrates 20 years as a company in September. Founded in Pugerville, owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst Community Impact newspaper in the Round Rock-Pugerville market in September 2005. Today, the company has more than 200 employees supporting 40 hyperlocal editions in Texas, printing and distributing more than 2.5 million newspapers a month. The company also has a digital presence, including a daily email newsletter, to serve readers with free news. • www.communityimpact.com

Closings

9 McKinney Pharmacy The compound pharmacy that has been in operation for 118 years recently closed. Prescriptions have been relocated to the business’s sister store City Drug in Van Alstyne. • Closed Aug. 8 • 1601 W. University Drive, McKinney • www.mygnp.com/pharmacies/ mckinney-pharmacy-mckinney-tx-75069

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West McKinney

5 • Opened in July • 6541 Collin McKinney Parkway, Ste. 103, McKinney • www.mcsweeneymma.com/location/mckinney

U NI V E R S I T Y D R .

U NI V E R SI T Y D R .

380

126

380

LOUISIANA ST. • 1400 N. Coit Road, Ste. 1701, McKinney • https://musicologie.com/locations/prosper VIRGINIA ST. 5 Musicologie The studio offers “simply delightful” music lessons for all ages, a news release states, including lessons in bass, drums, guitar, piano and voice. • Opened Sept. 13 INDUSTRIAL BLVD. 6 OSPRI Officials announced the launch of the new biotechnology company in August. The company specializes in infectious disease technology. • Opened Aug. 20 • 7290 Virginia Parkway, Ste. 3400, McKinney • www.ospribio.com

CUSTER RD.

125

VIRGINIA PKWY.

LAKE FOREST DR.

VIRGINIA PKWY.

W. UNIVERSITY DR.

McKinney

380

1 10

N. STONEBRIDGE DR.

E LD O RA DO P KWY .

15 14

Coming soon

BAHNMAN DR.

COLLIN MCKINNEY PKWY.

7 Hopdoddy Burger Bar The eatery’s menu features a variety of burger choices including the Cadillac Wagyu, Tikka Masala and the Magic Shroom, as well as milkshakes. • Opening mid-November • 8565 W. University Drive, Ste. 100, McKinney • www.hopdoddy.com

ALMA RD.

MCKINNEY RANCH PKWY.

SRT TOLL

MAINST.

STACY R

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SRT TOLL cookies and muffins. • Opened in May • 7951 Collin McKinney Parkway, Ste. 1580, McKinney • Facebook: Hillside Coffee Bar 3 La La Land Kind Cafe The eatery’s beverage menu includes a variety of coffees, teas and food items such as avocado toast. • Opened Sept. 10 • 8701 W. University Drive, Ste. 170, McKinney • www.lalalandkindcafe.com 4 McSweeney Martial Arts The schedule offers a range of classes including yoga, strength and conditioning, Brazilian gi jiu-jitsu, Dutch kickboxing.

Now open

8 Livewell Animal Hospital The business offers veterinary services including wellness and prevention, pet vaccinations, x-rays, ultrasounds and more, the company’s website states. The business joins a growing list of tenants at the Shoppes at Stonebridge, a new retail development. • Opening TBD • 2801 S. Stonebridge Drive, McKinney • www.livewellanimal.com 9 Movement The Texas-based convenience store chain is planning a new location that will include six gas pumps and a convenience store, city documents state. • Opening TBD

ROLATER RD.

1 Chipotle The fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain offers custom bowls, salads and burritos, the website states. This restaurant will also feature a Chipotlane—a drive-thru pick-up lane. • Opening Aug. 26 • 8751 W. University Drive, Ste. 130, McKinney • www.chipotle.com 2 Hillside Coffee Bar The menu features a variety of house-blend coffee drinks as well as matcha and non-coffee drinks. The eatery also serves sandwiches, bagels, chocolate chip

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• Southeast corner of Virginia Parkway and Coit Road, McKinney • www.movementstores.com 10 PNC Bank The bank is expected to open in a 3,000-square-foot space and will feature an ATM. • Opening in late 2025 • 8751 W. University Dr., Ste. 100, McKinney • www.pnc.com 11 Tour Studio Golf Tour Studio Golf will rent out two simulator bays with 4K screens that are available by the hour or with a monthly membership. • Opening October 2025 • 5005 McKinney Ranch Parkway, Ste. 250, McKinney • www.tourstudiogolf.com

• 8001 CR 125, McKinney • www.churchatthecreek.com

Coming soon

13 Redefined Eyecare The optical health services business located at 8710 W. University Drive will relocate, owner and optometrist

Dr. Sally Tam Nguyen said. • Relocating in late 2025 • 9401 W. University Drive, McKinney • www.redefinedeyecare.com

In the news

14 Houso Bread House of Bread, a bakery offering a variety of fresh breads and pastries, rebranded to Houso Bread in August following an ownership change.

16 Crunch Fitness The new $12 million, 40,000-square-foot fitness center will feature performance turf, a hot studio, a cycle studio, a High Intensity Interval Training zone, an infrared sauna and more. • Opening in 2026 • 8551 Eldorado Parkway, McKinney • www.crunch.com/locations/mckinney

• 7551 Eldorado Parkway, McKinney • www.instagram.com/housobread

Relocations

15 SafeSplash Swim School AquaKids swim school rebranded four North Texas locations to SafeSplash Swim School, an Aug. 20 news release states. • 3231 Bahnman Drive, McKinney • www.safesplash.com

12 Church at the Creek Lifepoint Church relocated from Plano to a new 31-acre campus in McKinney. During the relocation process, the church changed its name to Church at the Creek. The church was founded in Plano in 1989. • Opened Aug. 24

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MCKINNEY EDITION

Government

BY COLBY FARR

McKinney council approves $942M budget, lower tax rate for FY 2025-26

Budget explained

General operations and services by the city are budgeted in McKinney’s general fund, which budgets for $232.2 million in revenues and $232.2 million in expenses. Both revenues and expen- ditures increased $12.7 million over the previous fiscal year, which is driven by an increase in property and sales tax revenues. While the tax rate is lower, the city’s taxable value is increasing from $39.7 billion last year to $43.4 billion in FY 2025-26.

valuation, a slight decrease from last year’s rate. Water rates were increased 4%, and wastewater rates were increased 5%. For residents, that increase will result in a $19.80 base monthly charge for water use and a $28.10 base monthly charge for wastewater use. Volumetric charges by the month were also increased.

McKinney City Council approved a $942 million budget and property tax rate for fiscal year 2025-26 which begins Oct. 1. The budget was approved along with a decrease in the city’s property tax rate and an increase in water and wastewater utility rates. The property tax rate was approved at $0.412284 per $100

McKinney's taxable property value

General fund expenditure sources

General fund revenue sources

$50B $40B $30B $20B $10B $0

Public safety: 48% General government: 22% Public works: 10% Parks and library: 9% Developmental

Property taxes: 52% Sales taxes: 20% Franchise fees: 10% Licenses and permits: 7% Charges and fines: 5% Other: 4% Transfers: 2%

$43.4B

$232.2M total expenditure

$232.2M total revenue

$15.2B

services: 7% Transfers: 4%

SOURCE: CITY OF MCKINNEY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

2025-26

2015-16

SOURCE: CITY OF MCKINNEY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

McKinney's property tax rate history

Diving in deeper

Interest and sinking rate* Maintenance and operations rate*

home values. The average taxable value of a home in McKinney was $552,966 in 2025, according to Collin Central Appraisal District’s 2025 certified totals. At the approved rate, the average McKinney homeowner will pay about $2,280 to the city, according to the budget.

The approved tax rate is composed of two parts. • The maintenance and operations rate, which is $0.276012 per $100 valuation • The interest and sinking rate, which is $0.136272 per $100 valuation While the tax rate is lower than last fiscal year, property owners may pay more due to increasing

$0.5 $0.6 $0.4 $0.3 $0.2 $0.1 $0

$0.52517

$0.41228

2025-26

2018-19

*PER $100 VALUATION

SOURCE: CITY OF MCKINNEY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Government

BY COLBY FARR

Community feedback prompts look at panhandling, camping ordinances

More information

Another ordinance would clarify that camping is prohibited in any publicly accessible outdoor area unless designated otherwise. Erwin Park, located in North McKinney, is currently the only city park that has designated camping areas, according to the city’s website. The ordinance would apply citywide and also expands the denition of camping to include staying or sleeping in a vehicle overnight. A third ordinance would outlaw “aggressive panhandling” across the city. If approved, the ordinance would prohibit panhandling or soliciting in an aggressive manner such as using violent or threatening gestures, or intentionally blocking the path of pedestrians or vehicles. During a regular meeting held Sept. 16, council members approved the panhandling ordinance and tabled the other two ordinances until Oct. 21.

McKinney City Council’s Aug. 19 work session included discussion of three ordinances that could impact the city’s homeless population within the downtown area and other parts of the city. The proposed ordinances, if passed by council, would amend chapters 70, 74 and 78 in the city’s code of ordinances, according to a presentation from Assistant City Manager Jennifer Arnold. One ordinance would outlaw the ability to sit or lie down on a public sidewalk, street or alleyway within the downtown area. A person would only be allowed to sit on a chair, bench or architectural feature supplied by a public agency or property owner. Exceptions would be included for medical emergencies and ADA compliance.

Breakdown of cases involving homeless encampments by district Most cases concerning homeless encampments occur in city council district 1.

District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4

121

380

13% 12%

58%

NOTE: PERCENTAGES ARE THE PROPORTION OF CASES THAT OCCURRED IN THE INDICATED COUNCIL DISTRICT

17%

121

SOURCE: CITY OF MCKINNEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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MCKINNEY EDITION

Government

BY SHELBIE HAMILTON

Collin County adopts nearly $598M budget, stable tax rate

Collin County commissioners have adopted an annual budget including more than $341 million in general fund expenditures. Commissioners at an Aug. 25 meeting adopted a $598.7 million budget for fiscal year 2025-26, with County Judge Chris Hill and Commissioner Cheryl Williams voting against the total tax rate as well as maintenance and operations portion of the tax rate, and Hill also voting against the interest and sinking portion of the tax rate. The gist County commissioners voted to maintain the FY 2045-25 property tax rate of $0.149343 per $100 valuation, which includes a maintenance and operations rate of $0.107452 and an interest and sinking rate of $0.041891. As property values rise, residents are projected to pay more in property taxes despite having no increase in the tax rate. The average taxable value of a home in Collin County is valued at $544,948,

According to county documents, Collin County has not increased the tax rate in over 30 years.

Collin County tax rate history

Maintenance and operations rate

Interest and sinking rate

$0 $0.5 $0.1 $0.15 $0.2 $0.25

$0.0552

$0.05345

$0.052

$0.051251

$0.053573

$0.05203

$0.044271

$0.040956

$0.041891

$0.04185

SOURCE: COLLIN COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

includes $391.7 million in various operating fund categories as well as $114.6 million in the debt service fund.

which is a 7% increase from the prior year, county documents state. The county’s annual budget totals nearly $598 million in expenditures, and

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Over 500 homes slated for north McKinney site

Officials OK $6M for facility, road projects McKinney City Council approved multi- ple project-related contracts totaling over $6 million at an Aug. 19 meeting. The specifics A contract was awarded to Fort Worth- based Byrne Construction Services for con- struction-manager-at-risk preconstruction services for the planned $5 million renova- tion project at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. The contract totals $15,000, with an additional $5,000 for contingency costs. Council members also approved a roughly $1 million contract with Garver LLC for engi- neering design services for the relocation of underground utilities ahead of the Spur 399 project. The agreement includes a not-to- exceed cost of roughly $1.25 million.

Over 500 single-family homes could come to north McKinney following a recommendation from the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission to rezone a 136-acre lot just east of the Honey Creek development. The gist At an Aug. 26 meeting, the commission unani- mously voted to support rezoning the site roughly 1,350 feet west of Trinity Falls Parkway to a planned development zoning type that is consis- tent with the nearby Honey Creek development guidelines, according to city documents. The lot is currently outside of McKinney city limits, and an annexation request was attached to the rezoning request. Developer Levi Wild, president of Wild Land Consulting, said the neighborhood is currently slated to have 540 homes, but the land plan is still being created, so the number could change. “Five hundred to 600 [homes] is kind of in

Honey Creek Development

543

Proposed neighborhood

201

202

the neighborhood of where it is, but they’re still working on the land plan to nail down the final number,” Wild said at the meeting. City staff said the neighborhood would include a mix of traditional, cottage and villa home units.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

195

B L O OMDALERD.

BY SHELBIE HAMILTON

MCKINNEY

WILMETH RD.

Upcoming projects

U N I V E R S IT Y D R .

U N I V ER S I TY D R.

380

VIRGINIA PKWY. 1 Medical Center Drive improvements Project: Reconstruction and widening of Medical Center Drive between Frisco Road and Spur 399 as a 4-lane divided roadway. The road is currently three lanes undivided. Update: Design is complete and construction is expected following franchise utility relocations. • Timeline: late 2025-late 2026 • Cost: $4.5 million • Funding source: city of McKinney 2 Infrastructure improvements on Tennessee, Lamar, and Hunt EL DORADO PKWY. Church Street and SH 5, and Hunt Street between Kentucky Street and SH 5. The project includes waterline, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, illumination, hardscape and landscape improvements. Project: Reconstruction of Tennessee Street between Virginia Street and Lamar Street, Lamar Street between Update: Design is approximately 30% complete. A public meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m. August 27 at McKinney City Hall, located at 401 E. Virginia St., to

380

McKinney

VIRGINIA PKWY.

VIRGINIA ST.

LOUISIANA ST.

THROCKMORTON ST.

LAMAR ST.

E. LAMAR ST.

MURRAY ST.

HUNT ST.

E. VIRGINIA ST.

INDUSTRIAL BLVD.

LOUISIANA ST.

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review design and provide input. • Timeline: mid 2026-early 2028 • Cost: $16 million • Funding Source: city of McKinney

STACY R

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Ongoing projects

121

ROLATER RD. 3 Virginia Parkway and Eldorado Parkway street rehabilitation Project: Reconstruction of failing concrete panels and broken curbs along Eldorado Parkway between Ridge Road and US 75, and Virginia Parkway between Stonebridge Drive and US 75. New pavement markings and concrete joint sealants will be installed. Update: Construction on Eldorado Parkway between Ridge Road and Lake Forest Drive is nearly complete. Construction on Eldorado will progress east towards US 75 through the rest of 2025. Virginia Parkway is expected to start construction in 2026. • Timeline: June 2025-May 2026 • Cost: $10 million • Funding Source: city of McKinney

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

4 Virginia and Throckmorton infrastructure improvements

the roundabout at Virginia Street. Virginia Street remains closed between SH 5 and Main Street and trac is being detoured along Louisiana Street. Construction of underground utilities is complete and the remaining street paving is underway. • Timeline: March 2024-October 2025 • Cost: $14 million • Funding Source: city of McKinney

Project: Reconstruction of Virginia Street between SH 5 and Murray Street, and Throckmorton Street between Lamar Street and Louisiana Street. The project includes utility work, illumination, hardscape and landscape improvements, and a roundabout at the intersection of Virginia and Throckmorton. Update: Throckmorton Street has been opened to northbound and southbound trac, including through

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY SHELBIE HAMILTON

Education Edition

2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Education Edition! This guide features the latest updates and news about your local public school district. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists, and all of the advertisements are from nearby businesses who support our mission to provide free, useful news—please show your gratitude by supporting them. Inside this year’s Education Edition, our reporting covers the McKinney ISD fiscal year 2025-26 tax rate decrease as well as how projected population increases are prompting officials to evaluate district facilities. The guide also features details on McKinney ISD’s A-F accountability score for the 2024-25 school year. Our cover story focuses on growth in the district’s special education student population, and how district officials are adapting to the growth by focusing on recruiting and retaining special education teachers. We hope you find this content useful and relevant, and we welcome your feedback and suggestions on future coverage. Reach us at mcknews@communityimpact.com.

What's inside

Projected population growth cues attendance zone review— see the details (Page 18)

Shelbie Hamilton Editor shamilton@ communityimpact.com

Learn more about McKinney ISD’s 2024-25 accountability rating (Page 20)

Read about the rising special education student population in McKinney ISD (Page 22)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

MISD leaders lower FY 2025-26 tax rate

McKinney ISD's property tax rate history The McKinney ISD property tax rate for FY 2025-26 is lower than the previous fiscal year.

single-family home will total $4,839, which is just over $500 less than the property tax bill for the average single-family home the prior year, according to district documents. The district’s total certified property values increased 6.55% year over year, reaching nearly $30.2 billion, which includes about $1.67 billion in new construction, district documents state. The certified values issued in late July trended lower than the certified estimates issued by the Collin Central Appraisal District in April, MISD Chief Financial Officer Marlene Harbeson said. Looking ahead The district’s board of trustees approved the district’s FY 2025-26 budget in June with a $6.9 million potential shortfall, but a planned budget amendment will change the district’s financial outlook, Harbeson said. As it stands, the approved FY 2025-26 budget includes $265.8 million in general fund expenditures

The McKinney ISD property tax rate will be slightly lowered for fiscal year 2025-26. The total rate approved by the board is $1.1043 per $100 valuation, a $0.0209 decrease from FY 2024-25’s rate of $1.1252 per $100 valuation. The district’s board of trustees unanimously approved the new rate at an Aug. 18 board meeting. The overview The new tax rate is broken down into two pieces: • The maintenance and operations rate, which covers operational expenses such as payroll, is $0.7343 per $100 valuation. • The interest and sinking, or I&S, rate, which pays for the district’s principal and interest on its debts, is $0.37 per $100 valuation. The average single-family home in the district costs $578,218, which is a 0.54% increase from the prior year. With the new tax rate and increased homestead exemption, the tax bill for the average

Maintenance and operations rate Interest and sinking rate

0 $0.5 $1 $1.5 $2

$1.59

$1.1043

Fiscal year

SOURCE: MCKINNEY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

and $258.9 million in general fund revenues. The amended budget will reflect increased local prop- erty tax revenue, as well as increases in state aid and recapture from House Bill 2, she said.

MCKINNEY EDITION

Education

Projected growth spurs review of attendance zones

As the McKinney area grows in population, McKinney ISD ocials are considering how population growth may impact the district’s attendance zones. McKinney ISD board of trustees

“[We] need to rebalance as much as we can with the existing infrastructure that we have … for that northwest area.” DENNIS WOMACK, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT

unanimously approved the formation of an educational

facilities alignment committee at a Sept. 15 meeting. The commit- tee will study both current school attendance zones and project population growth, and recom- mend zone changes, according to a presentation at an Aug. 18 board meeting. The specics Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations Dennis Womack said that data from demographics studies company Zonda Education shows that schools in the district’s north- west sector are expected to see signicant enrollment growth, while the southern region will see stagnant enrollment with some slight declines. At the elementary level, three schools in north McKinney—Fra- zier, Press and Webb elementary schools—are projected to each have more than 1,000 students enrolled by the 2034-35 school year based on existing attendance zones, district documents state. “Three schools trying to educate 2,500 in ve years and 3,300 in 10 years is probably not going to be realistic for us,” Womack said. The southern portion of the city includes 16 elementary school zones, with most expect- ing to see a slight decline in enrollment, according to the presentation. Womack noted that at the elementary school level, declining enrollment can be linked to rising property values. “In this southwest area of the

OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS

district, our home prices have outpaced what a new family can aord,” Womack said. Diving in deeper Johnson Middle School is the only school out of the district’s ve middle schools that projec- tions show will future enrollment surpass its functional capacity. McKinney North High School will see similar enrollment growth due to north McKinney population growth, the presentation stated. The school’s attendance zone was previously adjusted to realign the new Painted Tree development into McKinney Boyd High School’s attendance zone, but additional adjustments will be needed, Womack said. Looking ahead A request to create an edu- cational facilities alignment committee will be on the board’s September meeting agenda. The committee would be tasked with studying the district’s short and long term projected enrollment and recommending updated boundaries for each school level. The committee will begin meet- ing in September and present recommendations at the board’s Dec. 15 meeting.

Set for success

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

We are all rough af of the people we are still becoming.

BY SHELBIE HAMILTON

Schools with highest projected enrollment growth

Elementary schools

Frazier Elem.

McClure Elem.

Press Elem.

Webb Elem.

1.6K

1.4K

1.2K

800

600

400

Johnson Middle Cockrill Middle Faubion Middle Dowell Middle Evans Middle

Middle schools

2.6K

2.2K

1.8K

•Lead a healthier lifestyle • Build and improve relationships •Boost your self-esteem and confidence •Learn something new and share it with someone PERSONAL GROWTH GOALS TO GET YOU INSPIRED:

1.4K

600

High schools

McKinney High

McKinney Boyd High

McKinney North High

4.4K

McKinney - Craig Ranch 6401 S. Custer Rd. McKinney, TX 75070 (972) 569-8301

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3.6K

3.2K

2.8K

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MCKINNEY EDITION

Education

BY SHELBIE HAMILTON

McKinney ISD gets ‘B’ rating from TEA for 4th consecutive year

District-wide score

Neighboring district ratings

2024-25 A-F accountability rating

Overall score:

Overall letter grade:

100 80 60 40 20 0

Student achievement:

McKinney ISD received an overall B rating from the Texas Education Agency for both the 2023- 24 and 2024-25 school years. The agency’s accountability ratings for the 2023-24 school year were released Aug. 15 following a delay due to a lawsuit filed by 33 districts, which argued the agency’s revamped guidelines did not follow state law. In August 2024, a Travis County district court blocked the release of the ratings; however, the Texas Courts of Appeals ruled in July that the 2023-24 ratings can be released. The Aug. 15 release of the 2024-25 ratings is on time and in accordance with state law. The district scored 88 out of 100 possible points on the overall rating scale. McKinney ISD has received a B rating each year since the

2021-22 school year. The district also received a B rating in the 2018-19 school year. Districts were not rated in 2019-20 and 2020-2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

88 This measures student performance across all subjects on the STAAR test, graduation rates and student readiness for post-high school success.

McKinney ISD

Allen ISD

Anna ISD

Celina ISD

Frisco ISD Lovejoy ISD

Melissa ISD

Plano ISD

Princeton ISD

Prosper ISD

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

School progress:

Ratings by campus

“The increase in our overall rating, along with 25 campuses improving in at least one accountability domain, is a direct reflection of the hard work

Grades

K-5 K-5 K-5 K-5 K-5 K-5 K-5 K-5 K-5 K-5 Grades

Campus

Rating

Campus

Rating

Campus

Rating

81 This measures the district’s academic growth and performance compared to other districts with similar economically disadvantaged student populations.

A B D A C A B C C B

C C A C B B C A D B

A A A A C A B A A A

K-5 Early education: pre-K

Bennett Elementary Burks Elementary Caldwell Elementary Eddins Elementary Finch Elementary Frazier Elementary Glen Oaks Elementary Johnson Elementary Malvern Elementary McClure Elementary

McGowen Elementary McNeil Elementary Minshew Elementary Press Elementary Slaughter Elementary Valley Creek Elementary Vega Elementary Walker Elementary Webb Elementary Wilmeth Elementary

Wolford Elementary

Herman Lawson Early Childhood School

6-8 6-8 6-8 6-8 6-8 9-12 9-12 9-12

Cockrill Middle Dowell Middle Evans Middle Faubion Middle Johnson Middle

of our teachers, staff, students and families,” SHAWN PRATT, SUPERINTENDENT

Closing the gaps:

89 Uses data to find differentials between ethnic groups, socioeconomic backgrounds and other factors.

McKinney Boyd High

McKinney High

McKinney North High

SOURCE: MCKINNEY ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

LOWRY 4100 E US 380 (972) 540-2500

ALLEN 1839 N Central Expy (972) 908-3488

MCKINNEY 2900 W University Dr (214) 341-5487

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