Frisco ISD Refinances Debt Again, Saving Another $35 Million
Only two months after a record debt refinancing, Frisco ISD has refinanced another $214.4 million worth of outstanding bonds, saving $34.7 million in interest costs over the life of the bonds. The average interest rate was lowered from 3.7% to 2.8%, and the amortization period was shortened by 12 years. In August, the District refinanced $209 million worth of outstanding bonds and saved $93.5 million in interest, shortening the amortization period by 13 years. This debt refinancing comes as Frisco ISD celebrates an “A” from the state’s FIRST program. Learn more about Frisco ISD’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Reedy String Orchestra Chosen as TMEA Honor FInalist
The Reedy High School Varsity Symphonic Orchestra has been chosen as a state finalist in the 2025-26 TMEA High School Honor String Orchestra Competition! The Reedy Symphonic Orchestra joins four other FISD ensembles named finalists or honor ensembles by TMEA this year. This competition consists of some of the strongest orchestra programs in Texas, with the winning ensemble having the opportunity to perform at the annual TMEA Clinic and Convention in San Antonio, TX each February. This is only the second time in school history that Reedy has advanced to the finals. Congratulations to the students and directors on this honor!
FISD Coordinator Named Foreign Language Association Administrator of the Year
Frisco ISD’s Andreina Russell has been named the Texas Foreign Language Association Administrator of the Year. In her 21 years in education, Russell has been a Spanish teacher, department chair and soccer coach, and has been world languages coordinator for Frisco ISD since 2024. The Texas Foreign Language Association advocates for a multilingual society where Texans use language and intercultural skills to better their lives, their communities and the economic success of the state. Congrats, Andreina!
3 FISD Dance Teams Take Part in UIL Pilot Program
The Heritage Highsteppers, Memorial Black Diamonds and Lebanon Trail Emerald Elite dance teams recently participated in the Dance Team Field Assessment, earning 1st Division ratings! Heritage advanced to finals on the first day of the pilot program, organized by the Texas Dance Educators' Association, and earned sixth place overall. The UIL pilot competition is in its second year. The Heritage team is led by director Madison Ceurter; Memorial, director Sara Denman; and Lebanon Trail, director Whitney Cook. Congratulations!
Students Partner with North Texas Food Bank to Help Those in Need
Frisco ISD students are making a meaningful impact in their community! Students from Lawler Middle School, Wilkinson Middle School and Liberty High School partnered as part of Mindful Bites to lead a fundraiser and food drive for the North Texas Food Bank. Founded by Lawler students Jiya and Jaanvi Goyal, Mindful Bites empowers students to promote healthy living and give back to their community. Over the past few months, they led a peanut butter drive and fundraiser in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank, raising over $7,600 and collecting more than 900 jars of peanut butter to help feed families across North Texas. Check out a Fox 4 News report on their efforts. Wow!
University of Chicago Picks FISD Teacher as Outstanding Educator
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bonnett for receiving the Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Chicago! Bonnett, a career and technical education teacher at Lebanon Trail High School, was nominated by a former FISD student who was recently accepted to the university. For over 30 years, the University of Chicago has asked incoming students to recommend their outstanding educators — individuals who challenged them intellectually for the first time, opened new views of discovery or channeled their interests into paths for intellectual growth. Congratulations, Elizabeth!
FFA Students Attend Agriculture Day at State Fair
The FISD FFA chapters attended Agriculture Awareness Day last month at the State Fair of Texas. Students brought canned food donations to support the local food pantry while experiencing a day dedicated to learning about the vital role agriculture plays in both the state and national economy. Through hands-on exhibits, educational displays and interactive presentations, members gained a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and how agriculture impacts everyday life. It was a fun and meaningful opportunity for students to celebrate Texas agriculture while giving back to their community.
Middle Schoolers Chosen for Mentoring Event at AT&T Stadium
Students from two Frisco ISD middle schools were chosen to participate in the annual Strong Youth Strong Communities Empowering Youth Summit, organized by Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, at AT&T Stadium. Maus and Roach middle schools were chosen because of their partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters and their school-based program at Sonntag and Tadlock elementary schools, and students were chosen based on behavior, participation in Student Ambassadors and teacher nominations. The Strong Youth Strong Communities Empowering Youth Summit, held in October, was designed to inspire and empower students across North Texas through interactive sessions that promote resilience, leadership and sound decision-making.
Wakeland Freshman Named Freedom Scientific's Student of the Month
Oliver Park, a freshman at Wakeland High School and broadcast team member, recently won Freedom Scientific's student of the month. The Student of the Month program is run by Freedom Scientific, the makers of JAWS (Job Access With Speech), a software application that reads aloud what is on a computer screen. The program recognizes K-12 students who are blind or have low vision and use assistive technology to excel in school. Oliver has been training in class using JAWS and other assistance to stream content to YouTube with the Audio and Video Production group. Wakeland has also updated its studio with Braille labels. Oliver was featured in a video from Freedom Scientific. Congratulations!