IXL Challenge was a Success

We recently celebrated our IXL Challenge, recognizing students for their dedication, perseverance, and growth in math practice. The celebration highlighted student effort, progress toward skill mastery, and positive engagement with academic goals. Initiatives like the IXL Challenge help motivate students, reinforce consistent practice, and support continued improvement in mathematics achievement.

• 5,781 skills at proficient level

• 5,220 skills at mastery level

• 1,465 hours of practice time

• 210,580 questions answered

Learn More About IXL Demo Link: https://www.ixl.com/ 

7th Grade Targeted Super Saturday Support 

Planning is underway for Super Saturdays, an academic support initiative focused on strengthening 7th grade mathematics outcomes. The planning process includes identifying priority standards, designing targeted instructional supports, and coordinating staffing and scheduling to provide students with additional time for focused math intervention. These sessions are intended to address learning gaps, reinforce foundational skills, and support improved student performance. 

Continuing our Partnership with Charlton Methodist

We met with Charlton Methodist to continue to strengthen our partnership opportunities with collaboration with the CCMR team. These discussions focus on creating meaningful connections that support career awareness, workforce readiness, and postsecondary pathways for students, while aligning industry needs with educational opportunities. 

Closing Out the Semester Strong

Middle and high school counselors met to collaborate on strategies for closing out the semester strong. The discussion focused on supporting student academic progress, monitoring graduation and promotion requirements, addressing social-emotional needs, and coordinating interventions to ensure students finish the semester successfully.

This week began with a strong instructional reset as we return from the Winter break. Monday focused on reinforcing high-quality PLC expectations at The Meadows Elementary (TME). Principal Hicks proactively met with her teachers to clarify expectations and reset systems to ensure consistency and effectiveness moving forward. I also met with a Special Education parent to listen to concerns and ensure appropriate follow-up. Later that day, I joined Region 10 consultants at TME alongside Principal Hicks and the Academic Facilitator to support the PLC reset. Together, we observed, provided targeted feedback, and identified clear next steps to strengthen instructional planning and collaboration.

On Tuesday, the first half of the day was spent at West Middle School, observing instruction alongside the Region 10 consultant and the West MS administrative team. Following classroom observations, I provided targeted feedback to Dr. Strickland, emphasizing the importance of narrowing instructional focus and intentionally integrating deeper data-driven dives as part of her daily classroom walkthroughs. These conversations were centered on strengthening instructional precision and maximizing the impact of her consistent campus presence.

Throughout the week, significant attention was dedicated to Special Education student support and parent engagement. I supported Principal Hicks with a Special Education student matter, collaborating with Chief McCloud to address behavioral concerns and identify appropriate supports to promote student success. On Thursday, I met with another Special Education parent alongside Dr. Morrow to listen, acknowledge concerns, and discuss next steps. I also stopped by McCowan Middle School to close out a parent concern related to a student injury, ensuring clarity, communication, and appropriate follow-through.

Friday was dedicated to follow-up efforts, including completing required paperwork and continuing communication with parents to ensure concerns were addressed and next steps clearly communicated.

Overall, this week reflected a continued focus on instructional coherence, responsive leadership, Special Education advocacy, and campus-level support, with an emphasis on timely communication, collaborative problem-solving, and maintaining high expectations across all campuses.

Finance (CONSTRAINT 2)

District Revenues for FY26

 as of December 12, 2025

Maintenance & Operations General Fund (199)

• Local Revenue (57XX): $1,629,321

• 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): $18,540

• 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): $973,306

Bond Interest Income 

698-5742:  $679,405

Available Balance on TAN:

$5,055,676

Human Capital Management

Substitute Fill Rate:         73%

Resignations:                       5

• Teacher, SPED

• Teacher, Band MS

• Teacher, Science 

• Teacher, Science

• Specialist, HR (Retirement)

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: 

Friday, December 19, 2025 - 

EC-6 ELAR Examination Preparation Session through Passage Preparation

Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 

EC-6 PE and Fine Arts Examination Preparation for Passage Preparation

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

NAVEX Incident Reporting Summary:

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

12.18.2025

• West Middle School

Student Safety

Students' parent reported an injury above students' eye. The student sustained the injury while playing a game in gym class and he fell, accidently making contact with another students charm bracelet. When the incident occurred, the student did not make teacher aware that he was injured from the fall.

Status: In Progress

12.18.2025

• West Middle School

Workplace Safety

Assistant principal used CPI intervention procedures to break up student confrontation and de-escalate incident in the cafeteria. The student made aggressive contact with the AP and pushed and swatted at her, causing her to fall on the floor. The student stated that the AP grabbed him. After review of the camera footage, there was no evidence to substantiate the students claim.

Status: In Progress

Findings: Unsubstantiated

12.16.2025

• The Meadows Elementary

Inquiry

It was reported that a special education student might have made inappropiate gesture that appeared sexual in nature to another special education student.

Status: In Progress

Findings: Inconclusive

12.16.2025

• The Meadows Elementary

Inquiry

It was reported that a special education student might have made inappropiate gesture that appeared sexual in nature to another special education student.

Status: In Progress

Findings: Inconclusive

12.16.2025

• DeSoto High School

Retailation

It was reported that a high school administrator was retaliating against a teacher/coach at the campus. 

Status: In Progress

Findings: In Progress

Student & Staff Support Services

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Athletics

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

• Met with Vertical Raise to discuss fundraising opportunities.

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

• Began working on revamping the athletic budget for the 2026–2027 school year.

• Met with Chief McCloud and her team to discuss CCMR and opportunities for collaboration with athletics.

• Met with Arbiter to discuss streamlining officials for the 2026–2027 school year.

• Met with Coach Mathis to organize state championship logistics.

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Attendance/Truancy

Leadership & Grant Coordination:

• Participated in Stronger Connections Grant (SCG) touchpoint meetings to review program updates, implementation progress, and alignment.

• Attended Federal Grant meeting with Bostic to review expenditures, fiscal compliance, allowable use of funds and program updates. 

• Participated in Other Special Programs (OSP) meeting with Dr. Morrow to discuss program planning, implementation supports, and campus needs.

• Delivered a Federal Grants presentation to the Board of Trustees and Superintendent Dr. Rodgers.

State & Regional Collaboration:

• Participated in Region 10 SCG check-in meetings to ensure grant compliance, implementation fidelity, and ongoing technical support.

Campus Support & Recognition:

• Conducted two campus attendance meetings to address attendance concerns, analyze data trends, and identify targeted improvement strategies.

• Presented “Most Improved ADA” and “Highest ADA” awards to campuses to recognize and celebrate attendance growth and achievement.

Community Engagement:

• Participated in the ATE Angel Tree 2025 initiative to support families and strengthen community outreach efforts.

Staff Support & Compliance:

• Facilitated weekly Attendance/PEIMS Clerk Friday compliance checks to ensure accountability, accuracy, and ongoing support.

• Maintained and distributed the Daily ADA tracker to campuses to support consistent monitoring and timely intervention.

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Child Nutrition

• Met with Chief Market Officer and Vice President for Whitsons. New CMO wanted to visit DeSoto as the company is looking to expand in Texas.

• With the assistance of Mr. McSwain, completed the NSLP financial report. The window for submission opens on January 5, 2026.

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Health Services

Professional Development Preparation for January

• Finalized January professional development topic

• Drafted session outline and identified required resources

Special Education / Emergency G-Tube Dislodgement Training

• Prepared quick-reference guides for DHS to support confidence and readiness during emergencies.

• Clinic Orders for December

• Filled orders for clinic supplies

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Safety

• T.E.A. submission for West Middle School findings.

• Provided updates on Behavioral Threat Assessments to the district counselors

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Student Support

• Finalizing plans for Parent University with keynote and speakers.

• Participated in three parent conferences to address challenges that they are having with the district.

• Created and submitted the RDA plan for our OSP students. Other Special Populations includes homeless, foster, and military connected students.

Communications

Communications Department Weekly Summary

Week of December 16–20

This week, the Communications Department advanced district priorities through comprehensive storytelling, issue response, leadership communications, and strategic planning, while continuing to elevate student achievement, staff excellence, and community engagement.

Highlights of the department’s work include:

• Student, Campus & Program Coverage:

  • Produced and shared district coverage spotlighting a student actor at Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy (KJTMA), CTE Student Educator feature, and multiple academic excellence events, including the Spelling Bee and Math Bee.

  • Covered enrichment and engagement events such as Salon Day, West Middle School Coins for a Cause event, and CMBC College Fair, highlighting student opportunity, community partnerships, and career readiness.

  • Promoted Free SAT Preparation opportunities to support college access and readiness for secondary students.

• Athletics & Community Engagement:

  • Provided football coverage celebrating team advancement, postseason success, and the community sendoff, reinforcing district pride, student-athlete achievement, and community unity.

• Bond & Governance Communications:

  • Developed and shared coverage of Procedeo Bond Business Training, reinforcing the district’s commitment to fiscal stewardship and transparency.

  • Continued communications related to the Bond Oversight Committee, including application timelines and public awareness efforts.

  • Drafted and supported messaging recognizing Board Recognition Month, highlighting the service and leadership of Trustees.

  • Supported leadership communications and planning related to Board meeting security protocols, ensuring clarity, consistency, and public awareness.

• Community & Family Outreach:

  • Promoted the Fill-a-Tundra Holiday Giveaway, amplifying district and community efforts to support families during the holiday season.

• Strategic Initiatives & Ongoing Work:

  • Continued development of the Hall of Honor initiative, including committee identification, planning, and training to ensure an inclusive, transparent, and well-structured recognition process aligned with district values.

  • Maintained ongoing refinement of district messaging to emphasize shared responsibility, safety, transparency, and community partnership.

The Communications Department remains committed to providing timely, accurate, and purposeful communication that supports the Board’s governance role, builds community trust, and celebrates the achievements and efforts of DeSoto ISD students, staff, and families.

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
   Attack activity surged dramatically during the week of Dec 8–14, with 1,171 detections, marking a 538-attack increase over the prior week. This spike suggests a concentrated campaign, likely tied to end-of-year phishing and fraud attempts. Compared to November’s steady baseline (~536/week), December shows a sharp escalation, averaging 902/week so far. 

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. 

10. 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. 

11. 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.   

12. Help Desk Performance 

Support Performance Metrics

• Tickets Submitted: 73

• Tickets Resolved: 78

• Average Resolution Time: 41.7 minutes

• Average Satisfaction Rating: 4.5/5

These results highlight our ongoing commitment to responsive support and continuous improvement, ensuring timely resolutions and consistently high customer satisfaction.

13. 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. 

14. 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.

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

16. 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 132 work orders completed, and there are still 26 work orders in progress in the system.

Maintenance Highlights

• .LG systems at Early College - Ongoing

• Still replacing burned out canopy lights at KJ

  1. Working on back side - Will work on them over break

• Still working on generator at McCowan

• Still installing Cat 5 for security cameras at AG Barn

• Finished painting inside of AG Barn

  1. Working on painting on the inside of portables

• Still working on awning for cooling tubs at Ben Dial

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

• Working on greenhouse at Amber Terrace

  1. Will work on it over break

• Painting Academy hallways - Entry area

• Installed new card reader in 1300 Hallway at High School

Groundskeeping

• Mowing and weed eating around district

• Will clean out storage behind Admin over break

• Will clean out classroom in 2200 hallway at High School

Safety and Security

• Lock Downs-