The McKinney Independent School District (MISD) School Board meeting on June 23, 2025, spotlighted the proposed general operating budget for the 2025-2026 school year, with significant implications stemming from House Bill 2. Assistant Superintendent for Business Operations, Dennis Womack, outlined the budget's framework, emphasizing that it is not yet aligned with the new legislative guidelines due to ongoing uncertainties.

Womack explained that the district's maintenance and operation budget is being prepared without the full impact of House Bill 2, which introduces $8.5 billion in new state funding, primarily aimed at teacher pay raises and special education enhancements. Notably, the bill allocates $2,500 raises for teachers with three to four years of experience and $5,000 for those with five or more years, while new teachers will not receive direct raises. Instead, a new support staff retention allotment of approximately $950,000 will be available to benefit paraprofessionals and other non-classroom staff.

The meeting also highlighted the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) understanding of the challenges districts face in adopting budgets under the new law, assuring that districts will not be penalized for discrepancies between adopted and actual budgets in the upcoming financial integrity rating. This leniency is seen as a positive development as the district prepares to amend its budget in August to reflect finalized legislative changes.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting underscored the district's proactive approach to navigating the complexities of new funding legislation while ensuring that staff compensation remains a priority. The anticipated budget amendment in August will be crucial for aligning the district's financial strategies with the state's educational funding goals.