McKinney ISD Considering School Closures Due to Enrollment Decline
McKinney Independent School District plans to consider closing three elementary schools, including potentially Wolford Elementary, as part of long-term planning for the next decade. A committee of parents and staff recommends closing schools in the southwest district to address underutilized buildings and changing population patterns.
Reporter Background: Maria Guerrero
Maria Guerrero, who reported for NBC 5, has been a general assignment reporter since February 2017. Originally from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, she was raised in Lufkin, Texas, from infancy.
Path to Journalism
"Seeing the amount of work that went on behind the scenes to bring the news of the day to the public, as well as observing the process of asking tough questions and getting answers, 'sold' her on journalism."
Maria discovered her passion for journalism during a sixth-grade field trip to KTRE-TV, her local news station. She later gained experience by reporting for her middle and high school journalism programs and working as a production assistant at local news stations throughout her education.
Education
Maria earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication with a concentration in Journalism from Louisiana State University. She also completed a double minor in Spanish and International Studies, focusing on Latin America.
Author's summary: McKinney ISD is evaluating the closure of several elementary schools due to declining enrollment, with community input driving decisions to optimize district resources.