Teaching & Learning (CONSTRAINT 1)

• During this month’s Forward Thinking: Stronger Teaching Professional Development, our Curriculum Team is excited to preview upcoming standards and work on aligning instructional manipulatives, texts, and resources to each standard. This ongoing collaboration ensures that our teachers have the tools and supports they need to deliver high-quality, standards-aligned instruction that drives student success. 

• This week, I had the opportunity to host our monthly All-Departments Meeting, bringing teams together to discuss accountability, departmental expectations, key goals, and important updates. These sessions are designed to ensure alignment across all areas, promote open communication, and keep our collective focus on driving results for students. I appreciate the continued collaboration and commitment from each team as we work toward a successful year. 

• We are excited to launch the Best in Southwest Literacy cohort with a dynamic kickoff meeting focused on collaboration, learning, and best practices. On September 24, our cohort will visit Cockrell Hill Elementary to observe literacy instruction in action. During this visit, we’ll have the opportunity to explore classrooms and see Magnetic Reading implementation firsthand. This experience will support our shared goal of elevating literacy outcomes across our campuses by learning from successful, research-based instructional practices.

• Our talented culinary arts students showcased their skills by catering the Education to Career: Shaping Workforce Development in Dallas event, which brought together leaders from K–12 education, higher education, industry, and the workforce. The gathering also welcomed potential partners eager to connect with emerging talent. For our students, it was more than just an opportunity to serve — it was a valuable experience where they practiced professional networking, demonstrated their culinary expertise, and began building meaningful connections to support their future careers.

• We are excited to welcome our new Director of Emergent Bilingual Education to the team! As part of the onboarding process, we are collaboratively developing a strategic 30-60-90 day plan to guide priorities, establish key relationships, and set a strong foundation for impactful leadership. This structured approach will support a smooth transition while aligning efforts to enhance services, support multilingual learners, and drive student success across our campuses. 

• The Human Capital Management (HCM) and Special Education (SPED) teams are actively partnering to discuss potential staffing adjustments and leveling to ensure equitable support across campuses. Together, they are closely monitoring teacher availability and caseload distribution to maintain compliance and meet the diverse needs of students. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to strategic staffing and high-quality instruction for all learners. 

• Our Assessment and Accountability team recently attended the Region 10 Accountability Training, which provided extremely insightful information to deepen our understanding of accountability measures and best practices. The knowledge gained will directly inform our strategies as we work to support accurate assessment and continuous improvement across our district. 

Principal Boston-Smith supported by our Assessment Team in providing STAAR Goal Setting professional learning, HATS OFF!

School Leadership (CONSTRAINT 3) 

This week, our campus administrators have been deeply focused on actions that build a strong foundation for positive school culture and high-quality instruction. Principals, assistant principals, and teacher leaders led intentional campus-based professional learning designed to strengthen instructional alignment, student engagement, and collaborative planning. These sessions not only empowered teachers but also created space for teams to connect and build a shared vision of excellence for the year ahead.

As part of our ongoing campus walks, I visited West Middle School, Cockrell Hill Elementary, and DeSoto High School. These visits are not about compliance but about partnership—listening, observing, and collaborating with campus teams to identify strengths and opportunities.

At West Middle School, we celebrated the leadership of Dr. Brittany Strickland and her team. Classrooms were alive with engagement, and teachers were implementing clear Eagle Zone practices, from visible Learning Objectives to meaningful student discussions. At Cockrell Hill Elementary, Principal Lowe and her team demonstrated a deep commitment to building strong relationships with families and staff, which has translated into calm, structured classrooms where learning is the focus. At DeSoto High School, the leadership team is leaning into their theme of accountability, supporting teachers with clear expectations and celebrating early successes in student engagement and attendance.

These walks revealed many strengths: teachers are embracing the alignment between lesson slide decks and Demonstrations of Learning, student engagement is increasing, and campus cultures are beginning to feel consistent with our PRIDE values. Opportunities for growth were also identified, such as increasing the use of checks for understanding and refining small-group instruction. These findings are already shaping next week’s coaching conversations and targeted professional learning.

The impact of this work is evident. As we continue this cadence of support and feedback, we anticipate stronger outcomes, as well as more cohesive, high-functioning campus teams.

For the Board, this focus matters because it represents the daily execution of your vision. Every campus walk, every professional learning session, and every coaching conversation is in service of the Goal Progress Measures—accelerating student growth, fostering positive culture, and ensuring consistency across the district. This week’s work exemplifies PRIDE:

• Purpose – Aligning daily actions to district goals and Board priorities.

• Respect – Honoring the efforts of our teachers and leaders by celebrating their wins.

• Integrity – Addressing areas for growth openly and collaboratively.

• Determination – Staying committed to high expectations for every scholar.

• Excellence – Delivering on the promise of a AAA “Ritz-Carlton” experience for our students and families.

As the week closed, campuses engaged in targeted professional learning that reinforced our district-wide priorities. This investment in our people—our teachers, leaders, and support teams—is how we build a culture of collective efficacy and continuous improvement.

The momentum we are building together is clear: strong leadership, empowered teachers, and engaged students. This is how we will ensure that every classroom in DeSoto ISD reflects the culture of excellence that our community expects and our students deserve.

Finance (CONSTRAINT 2)

As of August 22, 2025

FUND 199 - General Operating

• Local Revenue (57XX):-$129,309

• State Revenue

Available School Funds (5811): $0.00

  Foundation School Prog (5812): $0.00

TRS On-Behalf (5831):

$213,353

• Federal Revenue

Indirect Cost Revenue (5929): $0.00

SHARS (5931): 

$0.00

JROTC (5949): $18,114

FUND 240 - Child Nutrition

Lunch Revenue (5751): 

$1,734

 Child Nutrition Breakfast (5921): $0.00

  Child Nutrition Lunch (5922): $0.00

  State Revenue (5829):

 $0.00

  US Dept of Agriculture (5939): $0.00

FUND 511 - Debt Service

 Local Tax Collections (5711/12/18/19): $1,321

 State Program Revenue (5829): $0.00

Human Capital Management

This week, DeSoto ISD hosted several important training sessions to equip staff and leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to ensure excellence across the district:

1. Hybrid Work Model Deployment Training (August 28, 2025)
   Provided all eligible staff with an overview of expectations, accountability, and processes for the district’s hybrid work model.

2. Monthly New Hire Orientation (August 28, 2025)
   Welcomed newly hired staff (August 1 – present) with essential onboarding resources, district expectations, and key supports to ensure a successful start.

3. Monthly Substitute Orientation (August 28, 2025)
   Tailored for both new and returning substitutes, this session emphasized professional conduct expectations and strategies to effectively support campuses across DeSoto ISD.

4. From Concern to Conclusion: Your Role in Conducting Investigations (August 29, 2025)
   Principals participated in this leadership session, which reviewed SB 571 misconduct reporting requirements, provided training on the DeSoto ISD Investigation Handbook, and introduced the district’s new incident reporting platform, EthicsPoint.

Student & Staff Support Services

The Fine Arts department was brimming with enthusiasm as they launched their inaugural Fine Arts initiative this week. Schools across multiple campuses hosted an engaging event known as Family Arts Night, which turned out to be an outstanding success. During this event, students proudly showcased their newly created art projects, allowing them to share personal expressions of creativity with their parents. In addition to the art displays, the evening featured a variety of interactive activities specifically designed to engage families and educate them about the importance and significance of Fine Arts in education. Our dedicated parent engagement specialist collaborated closely with the Fine Arts department to ensure that parents were encouraged to join the PTA and participate in the All Pro Dad program at their respective campuses, fostering a stronger school community. 

On another note, we’re pleased to report a notable decrease in complaints regarding student transportation services. The department has successfully fielded fewer grievances related to buses, indicating improvements in this area. Mr. Miller and Dr. Morrow recently had a highly productive meeting with the Regional Director for First Student Transportation. As a result of their discussions, Mr. Miller will gain enhanced access to First Student’s technology platform, a pivotal move that will enable him to monitor buses in real-time, accurately track their locations, and efficiently schedule routes for incoming students. Although transportation isn’t directly managed under Student Support Services, both departments work in close partnership to swiftly resolve any ongoing issues related to student transportation. 

In terms of Child Nutrition, we are delighted to share that our participation rates in meal programs this year have significantly outpaced those from the first two weeks of school last year. Our department has maintained open lines of communication with the district director for Whitsons, exploring various strategies aimed at boosting student meal participation. During this effort, two high school students had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Southall and shared their enthusiasm for more diverse food options. They specifically requested a deli-style offering that would allow students to create their own sandwiches, reflecting a desire for more customizable and engaging meal choices.

 Lastly, our commitment to improving support for our students remains steadfast as we continue our training initiatives. Today, training sessions on Safe and Civil Schools were extended to our campus teams, highlighting our objective to cultivate a positive and supportive learning environment. As previously stated, we aspire for DeSoto ISD to become a leader and innovator in addressing the total needs of all our students, ensuring their wellbeing and academic success 

Communications

The Communications Department continues to strategically advance the district’s visibility, engagement, and compliance efforts through proactive storytelling, campaigns, and system development. This week’s work reflects strong alignment to district priorities and measurable impact.

Compliance and Systems Development

• Parents’ Bill of Rights Portal: The team is building a dedicated webspace to ensure compliance with state requirements mandating an online portal where families and community stakeholders can submit questions, concerns, and feedback to campuses and district departments.
  
  

• Branding and Operational Tools: Work is underway to establish districtwide Canva and Smore accounts to streamline consistent branding and improve staff access to communications tools.
  
  

• Professional Development: The department will lead a PD session for administrative assistants on communications systems and supports.
  
  

• Strategic Priorities: Finalization of departmental strategic priorities to align with the district’s aggressive communications goals.
  
  

Media Relations and Storytelling

• Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy: In celebration of Katherine Johnson’s birthday, the team reshaped campus observations into a media pitch linking Johnson’s legacy with STEM and aspirational opportunities at KJTMA. The pitch was accepted by two regional networks and featured on CBS 11 by Steve Pickett.

•  The team is coordinating a tentative appearance on WFAA set for September 5, aligned with the opening of a new exhibit at the George W. Bush Presidential Library. This live broadcast, airing during WFAA’s morning news from 5–9 a.m., is projected to generate nearly $40,000 in airtime equivalence.

• The team is working with the College Football Playoffs Philanthropic Organization to coordinate a donation press conference at The Meadows Elementary on Sept. 16 to present a gift to CityYear.

• Board Meeting Coverage: Published stories covering board actions from the August 25 meeting, including:
  
  

  • Professional appointments.
    
    

  • MOU with Dallas College supporting the para-to-teacher pipeline.
    
    

  • MOU with Education is Freedom supporting CCMR efforts.
    
    

  • Grant approval from Texas Trust Credit Union to establish a student uniform and winter wear closet.

Campaigns and Initiatives

• Attendance Matters Month (September):
  
  

  • Theme: Every Day Counts
    
    

  • Four-Part Video Series: Weekly features spotlighting staff, community partners, judicial perspectives, and student voices.
    
    

    • Installment 1: Prevention Through Partnerships – Aijon Lair.
      
      

    • Installment 2: Building Healthy Attendance Habits – Angela Stanley.
      
      

    • Installment 3: Judicial Perspective – City of DeSoto Truancy Judge.
      
      

    • Installment 4: Scholar Voices – Middle and high school students.
      
      

  • Family Tips for Attendance Success: Practical strategies such as routines, planning ahead, scheduling smart, communicating early, and celebrating attendance wins.
    
    

  • Narrative Shift: Campaign reframes attendance from punitive enforcement to proactive partnership and support.
    
    

• Hispanic Heritage Month: Developing a multimedia observance plan including:
  
  

  • Social media video series.
    
    

  • Scholar-led photo reflections of culture and heritage.
    
    

  • Written coverage highlighting inspirational historical figures.
    
    

• Homecoming 2025: Content development underway for written, video, and graphic resources promoting the annual community parade and events.
  
  

Internal Communications

• Published PRIDE Huddle recaps, employee newsletters, PD newsletters, and distributed staff training reminders.

• Drafted revised heat advisory protocols for leaders, coaches and nurses inclusive of a WAIP memo and directives and a parent notification. The team also created a process for daily notification of recommendations for outdoor activity to leaders and sponsors.

• ISC admin assistants received calls regarding community member interest in visiting a school to confirm campuses were in compliance with the proposed 10 commandments updates. The department drafted talking points to support addressing such questions for future reference.

District Highlights Published

• DHS STEM Camp (first-day instruction spotlight).

• DHS Culinary Arts scholars catering a TEA/Educate Texas/CFT event.

• Parent conference nights promotion.

• Upcoming Arts Engagement Series.

• CTE Middle School Showcase.

• Sept. 11 College Fair.

• National Gear Up Week.

Marketing and Impact

• Enrollment Marketing Campaign:

  • Streaming television ads achieved ~3 million views with an above-industry click-through rate of 0.18% (benchmark: 0.08–0.12%).

  • Campaign success directly supported the district in meeting and exceeding projected enrollment.

  • Attrition has dropped to 3% (down from 16% two years ago), demonstrating long-term return on investment.

• Staffing: A recommended candidate for an open role rescinded their acceptance, prompting the department to re-engage the candidate pool. Despite staffing challenges, team members have provided additional effort to ensure continuity in departmental work.

Special thanks to all members of the Communications Department for extending themselves this week to sustain progress and impact in the face of lean staffing.

Summary:
The Communications Department continues to demonstrate measurable impact through proactive campaigns, strong media relationships, strategic storytelling, compliance-focused systems, and marketing outcomes. This week’s work advances DeSoto ISD’s goals of improving student attendance, celebrating diversity, strengthening family engagement, and maintaining consistent district branding—all while delivering results that directly support enrollment growth and retention.

Technology  

In alignment with our district’s strategic vision for digital transformation, we are launching a comprehensive technology modernization initiative. 

1. Microsoft Intune Deployment

To improve device management and bolster cybersecurity, we have implemented Microsoft Intune across all district-owned devices. This cloud-based platform enables remote management, policy enforcement, and streamlined application deployment. Intune also supports our device initiative by simplifying provisioning, tracking, and lifecycle management.  

2. Student Device Upgrades

With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025, we are proactively upgrading student laptops to Windows 11-compatible models. This ensures continued access to security updates, modern learning tools, and enhanced performance. Rollout is prioritized for high school students and campuses with aging hardware.

3. Digital Signage Expansion

To enhance campus communication and engagement, digital signage is being installed in high-traffic areas such as front offices, cafeterias, libraries, and athletic facilities. These displays will deliver real-time announcements, emergency alerts, event schedules, and student recognition, all managed centrally for consistency and efficiency.

4. Student Device Distribution

As part of our district-wide laptop initiative, every student will have access to a district-issued device for academic use. Distribution events are coordinated with campus leadership to ensure smooth rollout, including orientation sessions, digital citizenship training, and access to support resources. Devices are tagged, enrolled in Intune, and preloaded with essential educational applications.

5. Campus Security Camera Enhancements

To strengthen campus safety, we are upgrading our security cameras with high-definition IP cameras featuring night vision and motion detection. These enhancements improve visibility, incident response, and integration with law enforcement. Additionally, we are exploring AI-powered surveillance capabilities such as facial recognition, license plate readers, and behavioral analytics.

6. Bond-Funded Technology Projects

We are actively collaborating with vendors to scope and implement a series of bond-funded technology upgrades, including:

• Chromebook Deployment: Devices for students to support digital learning.

• Audio-Visual Upgrades: Enhancements to stadiums, auditorium, gymnasiums, and the board room with modern AV systems, including large-format displays, wireless microphones, and streaming capabilities.

• Bells and Paging Systems: Modernization of campus-wide communication systems for daily operations and emergency alerts.

• Baseball Field Technology: Installation of  sound systems, and infrastructure for live streaming.

• Emergency Notification Systems: Integrated alerts via intercoms, digital signage, mobile apps, and classroom devices.

• Smart Lockdown Systems: Automated door locking and alerting systems triggered by panic buttons or AI-based threat detection.

7.  Students can now change their own passwords, giving them greater control over their login credentials and enhancing security across campus systems. This self-service feature streamlines access and supports a more secure digital environment. Meanwhile, the IT department is actively working on a new capability that will allow teachers to reset passwords for students enrolled in their classes—making classroom tech support even more efficient.

Our commitment to purpose-driven education guides every initiative we undertake. Through a comprehensive technology modernization plan, we are upgrading student devices, implementing cloud-based management tools, and expanding access to digital learning across all grade levels—ensuring every student is equipped to achieve meaningful results.

We are enhancing communication and safety through modern infrastructure and smart technologies, creating a connected and secure environment where students and staff can thrive. These efforts reflect our unwavering integrity, determination, and pursuit of excellence as we prepare students to lead and succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Maintenance & Operations

Safety Statistics for the Week of 8/25/2025-8/29/2025:

DHS:

• Four THC vapes and four arrests

• Three nicotine vapes

• One gun found in a vehicle during the drug dog search

Drills District-wide:

• McCowan-Active shooter drill during lunch for 7th and 8th-grade scholars

• Fire drill conducted

West:

• Fire drill conducted

Meadows:

•  Fire drill conducted

There were no reported safety concerns at:

• DAEP

• Amber Terrance

• Cockrell Hill

• Woodridge

Maintenance & Operations

This week we have been working on:

HVAC & Equipment Repairs

• LG Systems at Early College: Compressor is out — waiting on parts.

• Unit over Special Ed Main Office: Down — waiting on parts for repair.

• Generator at McCowan: Waiting on Holt Cat to restore operation.

Plumbing

• Amber Terrace (by Gym): New water heater installed — complete.

• High School 1200 Hallway: Water heaters installed — complete.

• Ben Dial Stadium: Leak repairs ongoing.

Painting

• KJ: Painting still in progress — currently on hold due to students returning to classrooms.

• High School: Painting ongoing.

Flooring & Carpeting

• Eagle Suite: Flooring work in progress.

• High School 1200 Hallway: Final classrooms still being carpeted.

Lighting

• KJ: Replacing burned-out canopy lights — still in progress.

Grounds Crew

• Mowing across campuses.

• Moving furniture as needed.

• Ensuring event setups are in place for programs.

• Striping football fields.

• Picking up trash around the stadium.

Other Projects

• Treating areas for pests.

• Striping the practice fields.

• Building a cool-down station right outside the trainers’ area at Ben Dial Stadium.

• Having trash compactor removed from DHS

• We are getting quotes to have Agriculture Barn cleaned so students can start using the facility

• Preparing for the Atlanta Georgia trip for football

• Preparing for the freshman and JV game at Ben Dial Stadium