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Interested in news in the Allen area? Check out these five recent updates from Allen City Council and Allen ISD.
1. Allen officials kick off update to Trails and Bikeways Master Plan
Allen is revamping its Trails and Bikeways Master Plan.
Allen City Council approved a $150,000 contract with Halff Associates to update the city’s Trails and Bikeways Master Plan at an April 28 meeting.
The city’s current Trails and Bikeways Master Plan, adopted in 2019, no longer reflects current conditions, completed projects or evolving priorities, according to city documents.
Additionally, updates to the Collin County Regional Trail Plan in 2025 prompted Allen Parks and Recreation officials to begin updating the city’s plan to align with regional efforts, Parks and Recreation Director Kate Meacham said.
2. Allen ISD board names Kim McLaughlin interim superintendent
Allen ISD has named an interim superintendent while the search continues for a long-term replacement.
Allen ISD’s board of trustees named Kim McLaughlin acting superintendent during a May 14 meeting. McLaughlin will start June 1 in the new role and serve as a transitional leader while district officials continue searching for a long-term superintendent, according to a district news release.
McLaughlin has worked in Allen ISD for 36 years, beginning as a sixth-grade teacher at Story Elementary in 1990. She’s held roles as an instructional designer, assistant principal and principal.
3. Allen adjusts solid waste contract rates; no change to residential bills
The city of Allen’s monthly bill for solid waste and recycling services is set to increase.
Allen City Council approved a rate adjustment with Community Waste Disposal that will increase the city’s monthly payment for residential service by 2.98% at a May 12 meeting.
This adjustment does not change rates for Allen residents’ monthly payment to the city. However, city staff will consider a potential residential rate during upcoming fiscal year 2026-27 budget discussions, according to city documents.
The city’s current contract with CWD extends through May 31, 2029, and allows for one annual rate adjustment up to 5% per year, per city documents.
4. Allen ISD trustees approve 2% pay increase for staff, teachers
Allen ISD teachers and staff will receive pay increases based on salary midpoints next school year.
Allen ISD’s board of trustees approved pay increases for teachers and staff during a May 11 workshop meeting. The raises will take effect in the 2026-27 school year, according to a district document.
Board members approved a 2% pay increase from the salary midpoint for district teachers and staff. For starting teachers with zero experience, that means an increase from $61,600 to $62,304, according to a district presentation.
5. Less than 6% of Allen voters participated in mayoral election this May
Allen saw low voter turnout at its local election May 2.
There were 4,070 total votes cast, which represents only 5.59% of registered voters in Allen, said Brian Griesbach, Collin County Elections’ records and audit coordinator.
At the time of the May election, there were 72,475 registered voters in Allen, Griesbach said.
Chris Schulmeister won the race for Allen mayor with 3,300 votes, or 81% of votes cast. Schulmeister ran against Dave Shafer, who got 770 votes, or approximately 19%.
