July 2024 Newsletter
President’s Message
Recently after the close of the public school year, PISD announced the closing of 4 local schools based upon their determination of overall "declining enrollment". That decline has been well documented prior to this; however, the Board chose to appoint a hand selected committee of "community members" to make the decision of which schools to close and then held off the announcement to a public that had already transitioned to summer. Membership of the committee constituted “trusted” members of the community, trusted by the Board and who would forge the path previously chosen by the Board. The schools chosen include Armstrong Middle School, Forman Elementary School on the east side of Plano, and Carpenter Middle School and Davis Elementary School on the west side. These closures will save the district $5 million next year; however, with a looming $24 million budget shortfall identified, it is clear that more significant financial decisions are necessary. Wonder if the same team of community members will have some ideas to cover up that deficit? Would the sale of an idle performing arts building generate sufficient funds to reduce obligations of the district?
Speaking of deficits and debt, the City of Plano has recently announced the creation of the 2025 Bond Referendum Citizen Advisory Committee to determine future financing needs. The city is taking applications to serve on the city website. Be sure to sign up if you are interested in contributing to decisions regarding future indebtedness of the city. (BOC.plano.gov)
Registration of STR’s (short term rentals) with the city recently began and was kicked off with announcement of that process announced on the city website.
You can sign up for notifications from the city to be dropped in your email inbox on a weekly basis by registering here.
Pat Greer, President
Following a great graduation season, your Collin College Board met recently to learn that the college has received a 2-million-dollar grant from the federal government to improve our infrastructure for the nursing programs on the McKinney campus! This is great news.
The grant came at a wonderful time freeing the Board to repair and improve infrastructure at some of our oldest facilities. Watch for improvements on the Spring Creek campus as well as the Courtyard campus.
The Collin College Police Department achieved the IACLEA accreditation. Atta-boy! to Police Chief Jenkins.
Texas A&M, Texas State and UT Dallas will be joining the Collin College family providing classes to our Collin County scholars at the great Collin College tuition rate. This will allow our students to complete 2 years toward their bachelors’ degree at a financial savings in comparison to tuition and fees at these great universities.
Next Board meeting will be held July 23, 2024 at 7 PM at the Higher Education Center (3452 Hwy 121, McKinney, TX). I would love to see you there or you can watch from your home here.
Volunteer to Serve on a City of Plano Board or Commission
Your community needs you to volunteer on a City of Plano Board or Commission. The annual application process is underway. Explore the Boards and Commissions Overview to find the service opportunity that fits you best. View the list of openings. Applications are due Thursday, Aug. 29.
Boards and Commissions Information Session
Wednesday, Aug. 28, 6-7:30 pm
Plano Event Center
2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy.
Representatives at the Information Session will answer your questions about each board. We look forward to seeing you.
Apply for a board or commission at Plano.gov/BoardsAndCommissions.
Find more details here.
Upcoming Plano Citizens’ Coalition events:
September General Meeting - Stay tuned. Date and time will follow.
Here are a few ways to be more engaged - fun, enlightening, and interesting, and the Bond Referendum Committee is an opportunity to have a say in what projects/expenses are worthwhile for our City of Excellence and fellow citizens.
Apply to the 2025 Bond Referendum Citizen Advisory Committee to determine future financing needs. The city is taking applications to serve. Be sure to sign up if you are interested in contributing to decisions regarding future indebtedness of the city. (BOC.plano.gov)
The Plano Citizen’s Police Academy began accepting applications via the registration link for the Fall 2024 term on Monday, July 8, 2024. Classes will begin on August 29, 2024, through November 21, 2024. Begin here to register for the Fall 2024 Citizen's Police Academy. Classes are held every Thursday evening from 7:00p to 10:00p at the Plano-Richardson Training Center (4912 14th St, Plano, TX 75074).
For information on the Fire Department citizen academy, call 972-941-7497.
Greg Willis also has a Prosecutor’s Academy 972-548-4478
Here is information on the Citizens Sheriff Academy.
Plano City Council Recap - June 24, 2024
Click here for full recap of the City Council meeting by Councilman Shelby Williams.
For the preview and more details, click here.
Plano City Council meetings will temporarily be held at Davis Library (7501 Independence Pkwy.) as of April 8, 2024, during renovation of the council chambers.
Join or renew here.
Make your voice heard by joining PCC! Together we will work to keep Plano a City of Excellence. We offer four types of membership: Individual, Family, Student, and Non-Plano Resident. Click here to learn more.
Get Involved
Serve on a Committee
Policy Committees
These committees are responsible for overseeing policy research and position formulation for our organization for both City of Plano issues as well as PISD.
Leadership Development Committee
This committee seeks to identify, train, and support future City of Plano and PISD leaders.
If you would like to serve on either of these, please contact Plano Citizens’ Coalition.
Submit an Opinion Article
PCC is open to guest writers. Send an article to PCC and the appropriate Committee at Plano Citizens’ Coalition for review. Your work could be featured in our next newsletter.
Our mailing address is:
Plano Citizens' Coalition
2701 W. 15th Street #249
Plano, TX 75075
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