New Frisco ISD superintendent Todd Fouche addresses those gathered for the ‘State of Education’ luncheon organized by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Frisco Hotel, June 15, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Two and a half months into his new job, Frisco ISD Superintendent Todd Fouche got a pep rally welcome from an audience of business and civic leaders who stood and shook the gold and white pom-poms at each banquet table.
At the second-ever “State of Education” luncheon hosted by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce on Monday, Fouche laid out his vision for the district that includes 77 schools and around 62,000 students.
University of Texas McCombs School of Business student Avani Srivastava speaks of her high school experience during the ‘State of Education’ luncheon organized by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Frisco Hotel, June 15, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Fouche, who previously served as deputy superintendent, took the helm in April after former Superintendent Mike Waldrip announced his retirement after nine years. Fouche inherited an A-rated district that leads the state in measures of academic excellence. Compared to nearby suburban districts such as Allen ISD, Frisco ISD is also known for having several smaller high schools rather than one large one.
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But as Frisco matures, its school district has started to face enrollment decline and funding challenges that Fouche will have to lead through. The small-school model means that the district has more infrastructure needs than other similarly sized districts. Last year, the school board voted to shutter Staley, an aging middle school, after residents rejected a bond program that would have funded repairs.
Enrollment decline
Fouche attributed Frisco ISD’s declining enrollment and associated funding challenges to the suburb’s aging population and the low turnover of homes. In Texas, school funding from the state is based on enrollment, so districts receive less money when the number of students they enroll declines.
New Frisco ISD superintendent Todd Fouche visits with Frisco Chamber Foundation Board chair Barbara Milo (left) and board member Ashley Miller during the ‘State of Education’ luncheon organized by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Frisco Hotel, June 15, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
He joked that Gen-Xers like himself whose children have already graduated high school were “the problem.” Many people of that generation will continue to stay in their neighborhoods, reducing the number of new homes available for younger families looking to move in and enroll their children in Frisco ISD. He downplayed the impact of residents choosing private or charter schools.
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Texas’ voucher-like program that allows families to use public funds on private and home-schooling costs was rolled out this year. Some critics of the program worry it might draw state funding away from public school districts.
A ‘needs-based’ bond
In 2024, voters rejected a more than $1 billion bond to fund a replacement campus for Staley Middle School, HVAC improvements for 20-year-old schools and a new tennis center. Before that, Frisco ISD voters overwhelmingly supported the district’s previous five bond packages.
Ana Stamatio (right) and other members of the Emerald Elite Drill Team at Lebanon Trail High School perform at the ‘State of Education’ luncheon organized by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Frisco Hotel, June 15, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Fouche said he thinks the 2024 bond failed because for years, voters approved bonds for building new schools as enrollment grew rapidly, but the most recent bond came as enrollment had begun to plateau. He said it was harder to convince voters to take on debt to maintain 20-year-old buildings.
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“That’s not as fun as building new schools,” Fouche said.
The new superintendent said Frisco ISD was going to go out for another bond in the next 12 to 18 months. This time, the district will focus on necessary maintenance work like HVAC, roofing and mechanical repairs, rather than more involved maintenance like remodeling or renovating older buildings.
Offsetting costs
Last year, the district debuted a program called “Access Frisco” that allows students beyond the district’s attendance boundaries to enroll in Frisco ISD. Fouche said the program has helped the district plan better for the future. Last year, about 250 new students attended Frisco ISD through the program. About 900 students have applied for the next academic year, Fouche said.
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Frisco Mayor-elect Mark Hill (left) and others give a standing ovation for new Frisco ISD superintendent Todd Fouche who’s introduced to speak at the State of Education’ luncheon. The event organized by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce was held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Frisco Hotel, June 15, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Fouche said he was initially skeptical of the program, but has now come around to it as an important revenue source.
“It didn’t feel very ‘Frisco’ to me to open up our borders to let people from other districts come in,” Fouche said. “But what I’m really not for is closing down a lot of schools.”