The McKinney Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday that it will back five McKinney Independent School District (MISD) propositions slated for the November ballot. The chamber’s Board of Directors voted to endorse the measures and contributed $15,000 from its issues‑only PAC to the Vote for McKinney ISD PAC, signaling strong local business support for the district’s funding plan.
Why the bond and tax proposal matter to families
Proposition A is a voter‑approval tax‑rate election that MISD estimates will generate roughly $4.1 million per year after state recapture. The district says the additional revenue will be directed toward teacher and staff compensation, classroom programs and student services – a direct benefit to families seeking quality education and stable employment prospects for their children.
Propositions B through E comprise a $500 million bond package that would fund campus renovations, safety upgrades, new technology, additional buses and the construction of two new elementary schools. The package also includes a shared career‑and‑technical‑education (CTE) facility to be built in partnership with Collin College, expanding pathways for students to acquire marketable skills before graduation.
Fiscal context and district’s recent challenges
During the 2024‑25 school year MISD faced a $23 million budget shortfall. After a series of cost‑cutting measures—including staffing reductions and the closure of several schools—the shortfall was reduced to about $6 million, according to district officials. The bond and tax proposals are presented as a way to address lingering fiscal gaps while still lowering the district’s overall tax rate by 3.79 cents compared with last year.
“MISD has a bond election, and they are asking voters to approve measures that will really help improve campuses, including our CTE programs and safety upgrades,” said Lisa Hermes, President of the McKinney Chamber of Commerce. “Our board voted to endorse the bond, and we are actively advocating for its passage – we’re putting our money where our mouth is.”
Education leaders weigh in
The endorsement followed a State of Education forum held on Sept. 16, which featured MISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt and Frisco ISD Superintendent Dr. Todd Fouche. Moderated by Dr. Jamie Wilson, former Denton ISD superintendent and director of public finance at Mesirow, the discussion highlighted the pressures facing public schools: recruiting and retaining teachers, balancing tight budgets, and keeping students engaged.
Fouche emphasized the link between student engagement and future employability, stating, “The more engaged a student is in high school, the more employable they’ll be when they graduate.” Both superintendents agreed that robust CTE programs and safe, modern facilities are essential to preparing students for life after high school.
Voting details
Early voting for the November election runs Oct. 19‑30, with Election Day scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3. Voters in the MISD area will see the five propositions on their ballots and can review the district’s official voter guide for detailed information on each measure.
The chamber’s financial contribution and public endorsement aim to inform and encourage voters to support the bond and tax proposals, which the chamber believes will strengthen the district’s ability to provide a high‑quality education rooted in strong family values and community stability.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
