The Choose McKinney ISD program was approved by the district’s board of trustees Jan. 21. The program allows kindergarten through eighth grade students who do not live within McKinney ISD’s boundaries to apply for enrollment.
“McKinney is proud to build upon our vision of every student every day,” said Melanie Raleeh, deputy superintendent of school leadership. “We welcome both new and returning families to choose McKinney ISD.”
The approach
There are several reasons the district is launching Choose McKinney ISD, Raleeh said.
The program will help retain and attract students, provide flexibility for parents and ensure financial stability for the district, according to the presentation.
Schools across the district have open seats which can be filled through the program. This will allow the district to receive additional state funding as McKinney ISD is currently operating with a multi-million dollar budget shortfall. The additional revenue will help support staff salaries, operation expenses and will sustain and enhance education programs, according to the meeting presentation.
Opening enrollment is also a growing trend, Raleeh said, with several surrounding school districts operating similar programs. Frisco ISD’s program Access Frisco was approved in November and allows kindergarten through seventh grade students to apply to FISD schools.
Students applying for the program must be eligible. Criteria includes, but is not limited to:
- Residency in Texas
- Attendance of 90% or better in the prior academic year
- No expulsions or alternative education placement in previous years
- Satisfactory grades in all subjects
Sorting out details
Several McKinney ISD campuses are eligible in the Choose McKinney ISD program.
Elementary schools:
- Bennett
- Caldwell
- Eddins
- Reuben
- Malvern
- McGowen
- McNeil
- Minshew
- Wilmeth
- Wolford
- Dowell
- Evans
- Faubion
Applications for out-of-district students open Feb. 3. Families looking to apply can find more details on the application process and requirements here.
