Teaching & Learning (CONSTRAINT 1)

1st Annual Math Bee 

Our students achieved outstanding results in this year’s Math Bee, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and confidence under pressure. Several advanced through multiple rounds, proudly representing our school. Their success reflects both their hard work and the continued commitment to enriching academic opportunities. 

Data-to-Action Planning Session with Academic Facilitators

Academic Facilitators participated in a Data-to-Action planning session focused on analyzing current student performance trends and aligning instructional strategies. The session emphasized using evidence-based approaches to close gaps and strengthen classroom practice. Teams collaborated to set clear priorities and determine next steps for implementation. This work supports consistent, data-informed decision-making across campuses.

CCMR and Dr. Perry Host Post-Secondary Collaboration

CCMR partnered with Dr. Perry to host a collaborative session centered on expanding post-secondary opportunities for students. Participants reviewed current program offerings, workforce pathways, and college-readiness indicators. This effort ensures students have access to meaningful, future-focused academic and career pathways.

“Own the Impact” with Mrs. Cardell and Ms. Harris

Mrs. Cardell and Ms. Harris facilitated “Own the Impact,” a session designed to empower educators to take intentional ownership of instructional outcomes. The workshop highlighted the influence of daily decisions on student growth and achievement. Participants reflected on their current practices and identified opportunities to strengthen their impact. 

Spelling Bee Planning Underway

Planning has begun for this year’s Spelling Bee, scheduled for January 14th from 6:30–8:30 PM. Organizers are preparing logistics, participant guidelines, and event materials to ensure a smooth and engaging competition. Communication with campuses and families is ongoing to support student readiness. The event aims to celebrate literacy and provide students with an exciting academic challenge.

Instructional Design Leaders Join Dallas County Collaborative – Community of Practice for Elementary ELAR

Instructional Design Leaders participated in a Dallas County Collaborative Community of Practice focused on Elementary ELAR. The session allowed leaders from multiple districts to share strategies, resources, and promising practices in literacy instruction. Discussions centered on improving coherence, addressing skill gaps, and supporting high-quality implementation.

This week’s work focused on data-driven decision-making, leadership development, campus support, and student engagement. On Monday, I worked alongside the CHE met with Principal Lowe and Dr. Buford to analyze MOY i-Ready data. Our conversation centered on identifying trends, determining next steps, and intentionally flagging students for MTSS to ensure students receive timely, targeted supports based on current performance data.

On Tuesday, I spent a half day at Region 10 with Principal Hicks engaging in focused work around identified areas of opportunity, with a laser focus on strengthening PLC effectiveness. In collaboration with our Region 10 coach, we identified concrete next steps to improve instructional planning, facilitation, and follow-through. Later that day, I facilitated a principal leadership check-in where we reviewed grade count expectations, discussed the upcoming MLK contest, and addressed items for the good of the order.

Wednesday morning was dedicated to reviewing Time Study results, with a focus on Special Education observations at DHS and identifying opportunities to better align time to high-impact instructional leadership priorities. Wednesday afternoon included a leadership check-in with Dr. Rodgers and principal conversations in her office to align on priorities, support needs, and next steps across campuses.

Thursday was dedicated to direct campus support at DHS. With two administrators out, I assisted with campus transitions and lunch duty to ensure continuity of operations and student supervision throughout the day. I closed the afternoon supporting West Middle School’s leadership team as we developed a targeted teacher support plan and stayed for West’s COINS after-school program, which showcased the impressive range of student clubs available to scholars. Research consistently shows that students engaged in extracurricular activities are more likely to attend school regularly, feel connected to their campus, and experience greater academic and social success—this was evident in the pride and engagement demonstrated by West scholars.

On Friday, I concluded the week by addressing and closing several investigations related to campus incidents, ensuring timely follow-up, documentation, and alignment to district expectations.

Finance 

(CONSTRAINT 2)

District Revenues for FY26

 as of December , 2025

Maintenance & Operations General Fund (199)

• Local Revenue (57XX): $1,469,355

• State Revenue Available School Funds (5811): $942,249

• Foundation School Program (5812): $12,836,839

• TRS On-Behalf (5831): $1,112,122

• SHARS (5931): $0.00

• Indirect Cost (5929-ID): $70,407

• JROTC (5949): $55,482

Child Nutrition (240)

• Local

  • Lunch Revenue (5751): $18,395

• Federal

  • School Breakfast Program (5921): $349,197

  • National Lunch Program (5922): $950,337

  • Federal Distributed by State (5939): $156,339

Debt Service (I&S) Fund (511)

Local Tax Collections (5711/12/18/19/42): $880,409

Human Capital Management

Substitute Fill Rate:         77.7%

Resignations:                       1

• Teacher 

Terminations:                       0

Substitute and New 

Hire Onboardings:                2

Grievances                           1

• Level II: Hearing held and decision is being reviewed by legal counsel. - Termination  

Examination Preparation Sessions for Uncertified Teachers: 

District has sent correspondence to all uncertified teachers regarding the opportunity for tutoring and preparation session to support their progress. The session details are below: 

Tuesday, December 09, 2025 - 

Science of Teaching Reading Test Prep Session

Thursday, December 11, 2025 - 

Science of Teaching ReadingTest Prep Session

Teachers will be able to request reimbursement for up to $500 for testing costs through our partnership with Commit. 

NAVEX Incident Reporting Summary:

12.05.2025

• KJTMA

Employee Misconduct

Allegation that substitute was making rude comments to middle school students

Status: In Progress

Findings: Inconclusive

12.09.2025

• Board Member Concern

Under Investigation - TEA

Board Member reported concern to Dr. Rodgers. The district was alerted that employee is "under investigation" with the agency following the initiation of TEA upload. District has contacted TEA and former ISD, and employee was placed on leave 12.10.2025.

Status: In Progress

Findings: In Progress

12.10.2025

• West Middle School

Employee Misconduct

Student alleged that teacher recorded them on personal device for being disrespectful after being kicked out of teachers' classroom.

Status: In Progress

Findings: Substantiated

Professional Learning: 

The DeSoto ISD Human Capital Management Team attended the Texas Association of School Personnel Administators conference in Ft. Worth, Texas on December 11, 2025. Sessions ranged from legislative updates to recruitment and HB2's impact. The team gained insights and learning to support operationalizing all human resource functions to ensure compliance and exceptional customer service for all stakeholders.

Student Support Services

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Athletics

Continued one-on-one meetings with coaches to check in, gather feedback, and support ongoing initiatives.

Planning call with Ball Frog, an online app platform that can help streamline communication and improve coordination across teams.

Continued developing the Standard of Service document, adding greater clarity and structure to expectations and procedures.

Budget meeting with Mrs. Adams to review the budget and outline different funding buckets for various program needs.

Information gathering meeting with campus principals to gather their expectations for middle school athletics and align program goals accordingly.

Staffing meeting with Dr. Davison about stipend and hiring protocols

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Attendance

Campus Support & Attendance Management

Completed two campus support visits to provide technical assistance and guidance

Conducted SSF - Stronger Connections visits to support campus relationship-building initiatives

Completed DHS Campus Attendance/PEIMS Clerk observation for coaching and quality assurance

Federal Programs & Grant Coordination

Participated in Federal Programs meeting for Title 1, coordinating support services including McKinney-Vento, Transportation, and Grants

Committee & Leadership Meetings

Attended SHAC (School Health Advisory Council) meeting to support health and wellness initiatives

Participated in Student Safety and Security meeting to address campus safety protocols and planning

Compliance & Daily Operations

Maintained Daily ADA tracker distribution and monitoring across campuses

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Child Nutrition

Continued with evaluation of the district freezers and coolers. 

Meeting with the Whitson district and state directors

Facilitated the Student Health and Advisory Committee meeting

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Fine Arts

City of DeSoto Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Our students proudly represented DeSoto ISD Fine Arts during this beloved city tradition!

Tree Lighting Stage Performances:

• DeSoto High School Dance Company

• Cockrell Hill Elementary Starlets & Hip Hoppers

• DeSoto High School Acapella Choir

• McCowan Middle School Dance Company

Parade Participants:

• DeSoto High School Eaglettes

• DeSoto High School Eagle Band

Their energy and excellence filled the streets with holiday cheer and Eagle pride!

December 9 – Winter Concert

• Moates Elementary presented their Winter Concert, showcasing the growth and joy of our young musicians.

December 10 Special Performance

• The DHS Choir also performed live for K104, spreading holiday spirit across the airwaves!

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Parent Engagement

Revamped the Title I Crate, which includes restructuring folders, refining documentation expectations, and preparing campuses for the transition to using the Crate as the centralized system for all grant and district-required submissions.

Attended the Region 16 Online Cluster Meeting, where we received guidance on handling situations when parents are “invited but didn’t show up,” along with strategies for strengthening parent engagement and how to restructure events so they are relational. I

Provided support to DeSoto West Middle School with their virtual parent meeting held on December 9, assisting with planning, communication, and ensuring the meeting ran smoothly for families.

Participated in the District Communication Liaison Training, where I learned how to develop a communication plan and received practical social media tips for effective posting and family outreach. These takeaways will support stronger, more consistent messaging across all campuses.

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Safety & Security

The Safety & Security Committee met and reviewed safety-related issues for the first semester. Chief Thomas discussed safety initiatives. Dr. Morrow discussed the results of two Intruder Detection Audits that were conducted in November. The board will receive the same information during closed session on Monday evening.

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Student Support

Attended the visitation for Ronni, The Meadows student passed away a few weeks ago. Student Support Services will continue support the family in the days to come.

Planning meeting for the upcoming Parent University. Tentative schedule of the events and offerings has been developed.

Communications

DeSoto ISD Communications Department
Weekly Summary for the Board of Trustees

This week, the Communications team executed a comprehensive slate of projects and initiatives in support of district messaging, stakeholder engagement, and strategic storytelling.

Storytelling & Coverage

• Covered the Fil-A-Tundra Project in partnership with the Superintendent’s Toy Drive, highlighting efforts to provide holiday gifts for district scholars.
  
  

• Produced feature stories promoting the December 13 CTE events at DeSoto High School, including Salon Day, the Holiday Brunch, and the Puppy Wash.
  
  

• Developed and distributed districtwide reminders regarding early release and the no-backpack guideline for the week leading into winter break.
  
  

Crisis & Issues Management

• Provided strategic guidance and resources for crisis response, including toolkit materials, media statements, community letters, and public statements.
  
  

• Monitored and managed lewd, harassing, and disrespectful comments posted to district social platforms and enforced the district’s rules of engagement.
  
  

• Archived all concerning or escalatory social media content in a secure digital folder for documentation and reference.
  
  

Media Production & Content Creation

• Filmed the first two episodes of the district podcast in the DHS Broadcast Studio.
  
  

• Produced a feature on a visiting football fan from Minnesota whose dream of meeting his favorite DeSoto Eagle—USC’s Boobie Feaster—was fulfilled. The story was pitched to media and is being repackaged for broader distribution.
  
  

• Captured holiday-themed content across the district and completed trustee interview recordings for the upcoming trustee spotlight series.
  
  

Programs, Initiatives & Training

• Launched Hall of Honor nominations and completed nomination intake for committee review. Planning is underway to orient and train the review committee.
  
  

• Conducted a second training session for Communications Liaisons, focusing on best practices for supporting communications efforts at campus and departmental levels.
  
  

Marketing, Promotions & Outreach

• Provided coverage of Monday’s Board Meeting.
  
  

• Finalized all Choice marketing components, including a video promotional ad, static graphics, and five news releases.
  
  

• Placed media buys for radio and streaming cable.
  
  

• Met with a digital marketing partner to explore additional advertising avenues for expanded district promotion.

Technology 

Technology Modernization Overview 

In alignment with DeSoto ISD’s commitment to digital transformation, we are implementing a comprehensive district-wide technology modernization strategy designed to: 

• Enhance learning experiences 

• Strengthen campus safety 

• Improve operational efficiency 

This multi-faceted initiative underscores our dedication to purposeful innovation and operational excellence. 

 Key Initiatives 

1. Microsoft Intune Deployment
   All district-owned devices are now managed through Microsoft Intune, enabling secure, cloud-based administration, streamlined application deployment, and full lifecycle management. 

2. E-Recycling of Obsolete Equipment
   E-recyclers will be collecting obsolete equipment from IT storage rooms. Each item will be assessed to determine its residual value, and the district will be reimbursed accordingly based on the valuation. 

3. Student Laptop Upgrades
   With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, student laptops are being upgraded to Windows 11-compatible models—prioritizing high schools and aging inventory—to ensure optimal performance and access to modern learning tools. 

4. Campus Digital Signage
   Real-time communication is being enhanced through digital signage installations in front offices, cafeterias, libraries, and athletic facilities. Displays will deliver alerts, event schedules, and student recognition, centrally managed for consistency. 

5. Email Threat Intelligence
   Abnormal Security flagged 640 email-based attacks last week—a 12.7% increase. Since integration, 33,574 threats have been identified, averaging 91 per day. This trend highlights the critical need for proactive cybersecurity measures. 

6. Security Camera Enhancements
   Upgrades to high-definition IP cameras include night vision, motion detection, and law enforcement integration. AI-driven features under review include facial recognition, license plate readers, and behavioral analytics. 

7. Document Management System Review
   Enterprise-grade solutions are being evaluated to centralize records and streamline collaboration. Key criteria include FERPA/HIPAA compliance, accessibility, and automation. Stakeholder input is being gathered through pilots and demonstrations. 

8. Bond-Funded Technology Projects (Pending Approval)
   Strategic upgrades include: 

• Chromebook and laptop deployment 

• AV systems for stadiums, gyms, and boardroom 

• Emergency notification and paging systems 

• Baseball field technology (sound and livestreaming) 

• Smart lockdown systems with AI threat detection 

• Expanded security camera coverage 

9. Network Infrastructure Update
   A comprehensive plan is underway to optimize switch configurations and refine network routing protocols. These improvements will strengthen security, reduce latency, and maximize bandwidth utilization—ensuring resilient connectivity and supporting the district’s growing reliance on cloud-based applications. 

 
E-rate Assessment and Inventory 

A detailed Network Inventory and Assessment is actively underway, specifically focused on gathering the required data and documentation for the upcoming E-rate application process. This assessment involves a comprehensive review of all existing network infrastructure, hardware, and configurations to ensure compliance and accurate reporting for potential funding. 

Surveillance System Capacity and Load Balancing 

To ensure the stability and high performance of the expanded surveillance system, an additional camera server instance has been created and integrated. This strategic action successfully balanced the processing and storage workload resulting from the deployment of new IP cameras, thereby proactively preventing potential resource contention and maintaining optimal video stream integrity. 

10. Help Desk Performance (October) 

44 tickets submitted 

41 tickets resolved 

Average resolution time: 34.3 minutes 

Average satisfaction rating: 4.5/5 

These metrics reflect our commitment to responsive support and continuous improvement. 

11. Phone System Update
    Following a review of modern phone systems to support unified communications, mobile integration, panic button features, and emergency notification compatibility, Zoom has been selected as the district’s new phone service provider. This decision was made after completing pilot programs and evaluating all recommendations. 

12. Abnormal Security Weekly Update (Dec 1–7, 2025)
    Executive Summary – Abnormal Security detected 633 email-based attacks targeting DeSoto ISD during the past week, bringing the total since integration to 37,131. This represents a significant increase of 121 attacks compared to the previous week, indicating an upward trend in threat activity. For detailed insights and recommendations, please visit the Abnormal Security Portal.

13. Infrastructure & Wireless
    A new wireless network, DISD-Internet SSID, is actively being tested to ensure full functionality, with the goal of replacing older SSIDs. 

14.  Security and Access Control
    Security enhancements include: 

• Captive Portal configuration to manage initial user access and acceptance of network policies. 

• Network Access Control (NAC) implementation to authenticate and secure all devices connecting to the network. 

Our Commitment 

Through strategic upgrades, cloud-based tools, and expanded digital access, DeSoto ISD is: 

• Empowering students with confidence 

• Equipping staff with efficient tools 

• Creating safe, innovative learning environments 

These efforts reflect our enduring values of integrity, determination, and excellence. 

Maintenance & Operations

Work Orders

• There were a total of 109 work orders completed and there are still 39 work orders in progress in the system.

Maintenance Highlights

• LG systems at Early College - Ongoing

• Still replacing burned out canopy lights at KJ

  • Working on backside at KJTMA

• Still working on generator at McCowan

• Finished cleaning trash out on Visitor's side of Ben Dial Stadium

• Still installing Cat 5 for security cameras at AG Barn

• Finished painting inside of AG Barn

  • Working on painting entry gate

• Still working on awning for cooling tubs at Ben Dial

  • Will get worked on when finished with AG Barn fence/gates

• Working on greenhouse at Amber Terrace

  • Will pick up mulch when order is ready for pick up

• Finished working on roof leaks - patchwork

  • High School kitchen, MPC & Amber Terrace

• Emergency repairs done at breaker at Amber Terrace on 12/2/25

Groundskeeping

• Regular mowing and weed eating across the district to maintain clean and safe outdoor spaces.

Safety and Security

• Lock Downs-

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Fire Drills-