Allen ISD Acting Superintendent Kim McLaughlin urged the local business community to “be a voice” for the district during a State of Education event held in September.

The setup: McLaughlin highlighted the school district’s recent accomplishments during the event hosted Sept. 23 by the Allen Chamber of Commerce. McLaughlin spoke on a panel alongside Collin College President Neil Matkin and Lovejoy ISD Superintendent Katie Kordel.

McLaughlin also spoke about the district’s priorities during the upcoming state legislative session, which is expected to start in 2027.

In a nutshell: Allen ISD needs “sufficient and sustainable funding” to carry out state mandates while offering competitive compensation to teachers and staff, McLaughlin said. One of the district’s main focuses in the upcoming legislative session will be on retention and recruitment of teachers and staff, she said.

“It’s really, really important that we are able to provide our teachers with appropriate compensation for them,” McLaughlin said. “We know that education is a people business and it takes a lot of people to run a district.”

Keep reading for the latest Allen business updates from Community Impact.

1. Pilates Retreat now offering exercise classes in Allen: The business offers 50-minute exercise classes in three formats: Classical Pilates, Reformer Pilates and Heated Mat Sculpt, its website states.

• 1010 W. Exchange Parkway, Ste. 2170, Allen

2. Relax Myora now offering massage services in Allen: The massage and wellness spa offers lymphatic massage, frozen shoulder massage, sciatica massage and more, per its website.

• 190 E. Stacy Road, Ste. 1518, Allen

Two environmental agencies have approved a new plan to improve water quality throughout the Rowlett Creek watershed.

The new plan was approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Aug. 24, according to Texas A&M AgriLife.

In a nutshell: Local partners are planning the following efforts to reduce the presence of E. coli bacteria in the watershed:

• Reduce pollutants from stormwater

• Promote responsible lawn care and pet waste practices

• Address illegal dumping and litter

• Expand education programs

• Support flood management strategies

• Continue water quality monitoring

Dig deeper: The study took samples from five sites along the creek, according to documents from Texas A&M AgriLife. Loads of E. coli were estimated to come from dogs, feral cats, livestock, feral hogs, ducks and wastewater treatment facilities.

Frisco’s Northwest Community Park hosted a grand opening Sept. 19 while Collin County officials voted to raise the property tax rate. Check out six trending stories from Community Impact’s Dallas-Fort Worth coverage areas.

1. Frisco celebrates grand opening of 122-acre Northwest Community Park

2. Collin County officials raise property tax rate for FY 2026-27

3. Keller ISD consolidating campuses due to declining enrollment

4. New mixed-use district planned around Toyota Stadium in Frisco

5. Rustic Cowboy Bar & Dance Hall offers dance lessons, live music in Fort Worth

6. 5 restaurants now open, coming soon in Plano