McKinney ISD Reports Progress on Accountability System and Educational Improvements

The McKinney Independent School District (MISD) held a comprehensive school board meeting on August 18, 2025, focusing on the district's accountability system and future facility planning. The meeting began with Superintendent Pratt introducing Jennifer Akins, the Chief School Improvement and Federal Programs Officer, who presented an overview of the McKinney Accountability System.

Akins explained that the accountability system is a locally developed framework that evaluates a wide range of performance measures beyond state ratings. It is designed to reflect the values and priorities identified by the community, including parents, staff, and students. The system aims to provide a holistic view of student success, emphasizing measurable outcomes and key performance indicators (KPIs) across various domains such as academic performance, attendance, discipline, and stakeholder feedback.

Key highlights from the presentation included a significant increase in student trust regarding safety and well-being, with over 91% of students reporting they have a trusted adult at school. The district also reported a 45% reduction in chronic absenteeism and a 20% decrease in time out of instruction due to disciplinary actions, indicating effective interventions and support systems in place.

Akins also discussed the district's focus on teaching and learning, highlighting improvements in curriculum design and the introduction of a new instructional model. The district's Advanced Placement (AP) program saw over 2,700 students enrolled, with nearly 74% achieving scores that could earn them college credit. Additionally, dual credit participation remained strong, with students earning an average of seven college credit hours.

The meeting transitioned to a discussion led by Dennis Swanick, the Assistant Superintendent for Business Operations, regarding the redistribution of boundaries and the Educational Facilities Alignment Committee. Swanick emphasized the importance of creating an updated master plan to address current and future facility needs, ensuring efficient use of resources and facilities.

The board expressed appreciation for the detailed reports and the ongoing efforts to enhance educational outcomes and community engagement. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue these discussions in future sessions, focusing on the strategic goals outlined in the district's long-range plan.