The board appointed Pratt as the lone finalist with a 6-1 vote during its Feb. 28 board meeting. Board Member Chad Green opposed the appointment. The district must wait a 21-day state-mandated period before Pratt can become superintendent.
Pratt has served as MISD’s assistant superintendent of student activities, health and safety, since 2020. Pratt also has worked in various positions in the district for almost 30 years, including his 11-year tenure as athletic director.
“I am deeply honored and incredibly grateful to serve the McKinney ISD community as superintendent,” Pratt said in a district statement. “McKinney has been my home since 1992 when I began my student teaching at McKinney High School and Faubion Middle School. My wife and I have raised our three children here, and all three have benefited from an outstanding educational experience. MISD has exceptional students, teachers, administrators and board members, and I consider it a true privilege to lead the MISD family.”
After nearly eight years as the superintendent of McKinney ISD, Rick McDaniel announced his retirement on Dec. 2. McDaniel’s retirement will go into effect at the end of the 2022-23 school year. McDaniel assisted with the new leadership transition, per the request of the board.
“I know that, under our campus and district leadership and the leadership of our board, the students of McKinney ISD are in good hands, and I look forward to seeing the many great achievements that lie ahead,” McDaniel said in a Dec. 2 district statement.
MISD held a monthslong search for its new superintendent, which included selecting a search firm and conducting a survey for McKinney residents about the preferred qualifications and traits of the new superintendent.
“We are focusing on safety and academic excellence,” Board President Amy Dankel said. “He is the perfect person to lead us.”
There were 26 applicants for this position, Board Vice President Philip Hassler said. Each candidate interviewed with the board for two hours, Dankel said.
“[Pratt’s] passion, his leadership and his trust is established with all district staff employees over the years of service in my mind, makes this a no-brainer,” Hassler said.
Green opposed Pratt’s appointment as the lone candidate for superintendent because Pratt’s strategic plan didn't match his “vision,” Green said.
“Saying the word strategic planning is not providing a strategic plan,” Green said in his dissent.
Pratt earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Texas A&M Univeristy-Commerce, his master’s degree in educational administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce and is currently working toward a doctorate in educational administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce, according to MISD’s statement.
Trustees must give public notice of the finalist at least 21 days before the date of the meeting in which the final action or vote is taken. The 21-day notice takes effect Feb. 28.
