Teaching & Learning (CONSTRAINT 1)

STEM Carninval A Success 

Our STEM Carnival was a tremendous success! Families and students explored hands-on science make-and-takes, interactive AI stations, engaging science exhibits, and so much more. The energy, curiosity, and excitement throughout the event showcased the power of STEM learning in action and made the day unforgettable for everyone involved. 

ChoiceApplication Open
The Choice/Magnets Academy application window is officially open as of December 3rd. Families are encouraged to explore available programs and submit their applications for the upcoming school year.

Middle-of-Year iReady & EOC Testing
The Middle-of-the-Year iReady and EOC testing window is now open, and campuses reported a smooth and efficient start. 

DHS Data Meeting
DHS hosted their campus data meeting, where Teaching and Learning collaborated to review current progress and discuss targeted supports to strengthen student outcomes.

Early Literacy Community of Practice
Our Early Literacy leaders (AFs/IDLS) attended a Dallas County Community of Practice session, engaging in productive discussions and sharing strategies to enhance early reading success across campuses.

CCMR Quarterly Meeting
The CCMR team participated in the Dallas County Promise quarterly meeting, continuing collaborative efforts to support college, career, and military readiness for all students.

Dallas County Touchpoint
The CCMR team also attended the Dallas County Touchpoint, further aligning regional goals and strengthening partnerships focused on postsecondary success.

This week focused on instructional alignment, data-driven decision-making, and targeted campus support following the Thanksgiving break. I began at McCowan MS with Principal Boston-Smith, observing strong engagement across classrooms, including a math class demonstrating three differentiated activities simultaneously. We reviewed i-Ready MOY readiness, TTESS completion, the CIP, and grade counts. I then visited Amber Terrace, where Principal Coleman showcased how she is using teacher-led PD to strengthen small-group instruction. We reviewed her CIP, TTESS progress, and grade-entry expectations. At KJ, Principal Hanspard and I aligned on TTESS components, CIP review, grade counts, and collaborated to develop an employee support plan.

On Tuesday, I visited The Meadows, observed instruction, and worked with Principal Hicks to develop a teacher support plan. By Thursday, the teacher received a complete classroom reset supported by Academic Facilitators and Chief McCloud. After senior leadership met with Commit, I returned to The Meadows to walk with City Year leadership, celebrating effective small-group instruction and identifying next steps to deepen their impact and PLC alignment.

Wednesday was spent at West MS observing i-Ready MOY testing and planning next steps with Dr. Strickland based on benchmark data. She has since met with staff and AFs to implement TEKS spiraling and strengthen intervention and tutoring. That afternoon, I joined T&L and DHS administrators to review benchmark data and establish next steps, including increased observation and feedback cycles.

Thursday included observing Principal Hicks model a 5th-grade poetry lesson, followed by support-plan refinement work with Dr. Strickland and a visit to DHS with Dr. Darden to review TTESS, CIP progress, and grade counts. The day concluded with the exceptional 2nd Annual STEM Showcase led by future Dr. Raeshia Allen and T&L—an event filled with families, STEM activities, GT projects, and a highly engaging Math Bee.

Friday concluded the week with districtwide professional development and service activities across campuses.

Finance 

(CONSTRAINT 2)

District Revenues for FY26

 as of November 28, 2025

Maintenance & Operations General Fund (199)

• Local Revenue (57XX): $908,725

• State Revenue Available School Funds (5811): $742,378

• Foundation School Program (5812): $11,454,787

• TRS On-Behalf (5831): $888,982

• SHARS (5931): $0.00

• Indirect Cost (5929-ID): $9,719

• JROTC (5949): $29,969

Child Nutrition (240)

• Local

  • Lunch Revenue (5751): $14,061

• Federal

  • School Breakfast Program (5921): $231,531

  • National Lunch Program (5922): $637,846

  • Federal Distributed by State (5939): $19,125

Debt Service (I&S) Fund (511)

• Local Tax Collections (5711/12/18/19/42): $552,240

Human Capital Management

Substitute Fill Rate:         80.7%

Resignations:                       1

• Paraprofessional

Terminations:                       0

Substitute and New 

Hire Onboardings:                1

Grievances                           2

• Level I: Hearing Decision provided to grievant: Administrative Concerns

• Level II: Hearing officer identified: Termination  

Examination Preparation Sessions for Uncertified Teachers: 

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

Tuesday, December 04, 2025 - 

EC-6 Math Test Prep Session

Thursday, December 06, 2025 - 

EC-6 Reading Test Prep Session

NAVEX Incident Reporting Summary:

None Reported

District Weekly Incident Reporting Summary:

12.01.2025

Neglectful Supervision Allegation

CPS report from outside source of neglectful supervision at DHS. Investigation was conducted by agency on 12.02.25.

DeSoto ISD Day of Service: 

Members of the HCM team volunteered on December 04, 2025 at the Harmony CDC food pantry. Representatives distributed food and supported with intake for individuals that needed assistance. 

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.

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

Board Update: Communications Department Weekly Summary

This week, the DeSoto ISD Communications Department executed a robust slate of projects and coverage efforts designed to elevate district initiatives, highlight student achievements, and ensure clear, timely communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Event & Program Coverage
The team provided comprehensive coverage of multiple district activities and celebrations, including:

• Volleyball Signing Day
  
  

• Football Playoffs
  
  

• Student Author and Student Actor features
  
  

• Holiday Salon Day and Brunch
  
  

• STEM Carnival Night
  
  

• Community Vantage event promotion
  
  

• Special Olympics Registration
  
  

• Special Education observances
  
  

Choice Application Campaign Launch
Communications launched the district’s Choice Application campaign, which included:

• A suite of digital graphics and derivatives for paid and organic placements
  
  

• A video shoot to produce a 30-second commercial for paid media
  
  

• A radio advertisement developed for targeted broadcast placement
  
  

Internal Communications Support
The department created and distributed internal communications pieces for:

• Special Education observances
  
  

• Staff news and updates
  
  

• The annual DeSoto Serves project
  
  

• STEM Carnival Night reminders and engagement
  
  

Strategic Planning & Production
The team continued planning and preparation for the upcoming first episodes of Season Two district podcasts, including content design, scheduling, and production logistics.
Additionally, staff completed follow-up coordination and final resolution of Trustee Board Spotlights.

Crisis & Issues Response
Communications also supported the district through emergent issues by:

• Managing communication related to the power outage at Amber Terrace
  
  

• Supporting responsive messaging and coordination following the passing of a student at The Meadows Elementary
  
  

The Communications team remains committed to providing timely, accurate, and engaging information while supporting district initiatives that reflect the accomplishments, culture, and priorities of DeSoto ISD.

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. 

Critical Network Outage Report (Amber Terrace Elementary) 

Please note that the network connectivity at Amber Terrace Elementary was down for the majority of the day 12-1. This outage was directly caused by a loss of electrical power at the site. Service restoration was dependent upon the return of building power. 

10. Help Desk Performance (October) 

78 tickets submitted 

80 tickets resolved 

Average resolution time: 32.6 minutes 

Average satisfaction rating: 4.6/5 

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 (Nov 24–30, 2025)
    Abnormal Security detected 512 email-based attacks targeting DeSoto ISD during the past week, bringing the total since integration to 36,488. This represents an increase of 85 attacks compared to the previous week, signaling an upward trend in threat activity. For detailed analysis 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 107 work orders completed and there are still 99 work orders in progress in the system.

Maintenance Highlights

• LG systems at Early College - Ongoing

• Still replacing burned out canopy lights at KJ

• Still working on generator at McCowan

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

• Still installing Cat 5 for security cameras at AG Barn

• Painting inside of AG Barn

• 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

• 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.