Valerie Larpenter, the library media specialist at Vega Elementary, made a passionate plea at the McKinney ISD School Board meeting on June 23, 2025, urging the board to reconsider cuts to the library's budget and staff. Larpenter expressed deep concern over the elimination of the library assistant position and the complete cut of the library book budget for the upcoming school year. She emphasized the vital role the library plays in supporting all students, regardless of their backgrounds or needs, and highlighted the importance of having adequate staffing to keep the library functional and accessible.

Larpenter shared compelling stories of students who have benefited from the library's resources, including a newcomer from Brazil who found solace in books and bilingual students who relied on the library for practice and support. She noted that the library had facilitated over 21,000 book checkouts and numerous lessons throughout the year, all made possible by the support staff. Without a library assistant, Larpenter warned that she would face difficult choices between teaching and keeping the library open, ultimately impacting student access to resources.

In addition to Larpenter's concerns, Angie Bato addressed the board regarding the recent passage of a voucher bill in Texas, which she argued undermines public education. Bato criticized the state legislature for prioritizing vouchers over adequate funding for public schools and called for community action to oppose these measures. She urged parents, educators, and community members to unite in support of public education.

The meeting also included a statement from Lee Moore, representing Tom Cline, who raised concerns about a press release from McKinney ISD claiming recognition among the top school districts. Cline's request for data supporting this claim had gone unanswered, leading to questions about transparency within the district, especially in light of an $18 million deficit.

The discussions at the meeting underscored significant challenges facing McKinney ISD, particularly regarding funding and support for essential educational resources. As the board considers these issues, the community remains engaged and vocal about the need for a strong commitment to public education.