During a recent McKinney ISD board meeting, several speakers voiced their concerns regarding the declining enrollment in the district's dual language program, which has seen a significant drop from 100 students to just 25 in recent years. Vivian Bass, a freshman at McKinney High School, highlighted the personal benefits she has experienced from the program, including enhanced cognitive skills and the ability to connect with diverse communities. She urged the board to recognize the program's value and support its continuation.

Ruby Potter, another freshman, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the program's role in bridging educational gaps for students from non-English speaking backgrounds. She pointed out that the program's current enrollment standards are not being met, which could further limit opportunities for students who would benefit from bilingual education.

Parents also expressed their frustrations. Blake Watkes shared his disappointment after his daughter was not selected for the program through a lottery system, prompting him to consider private schooling to ensure she continues her Spanish education. Gonzalo Serrano, a parent and former student of the program, praised its life-changing impact and called for continued support to strengthen the community.

The meeting also touched on broader educational issues, with some speakers criticizing the district's focus on non-academic expenditures, such as sports facilities, at the expense of core academic programs. Concerns were raised about the lack of awareness regarding the dual language program among Spanish-speaking families, suggesting a need for better promotion to ensure more students can benefit from it.

Overall, the discussions underscored a strong community desire to preserve and enhance the dual language program, which many believe is crucial for fostering bilingualism and cultural understanding in McKinney ISD.