This week’s work centered on instructional acceleration, graduation pathway monitoring, staffing alignment, governance engagement, and regional literacy collaboration in support of sustained student achievement.

Monday began with a half-day at West Middle School alongside our Region 10 Coach, Jana Claxton, and Principal Dr. Strickland. We provided a comprehensive mid-year progress overview highlighting instructional adjustments, growth trends, and campus priorities. During our visit, we observed a Math PLC in action where teachers engaged in strong collaborative planning, utilizing student data to refine instructional strategies and intentionally target areas of need. The alignment and depth of data-driven dialogue demonstrated the campus’s commitment to improving student outcomes.

We also announced an additional layer of academic support for West MS through external targeted tutoring beginning February 17 and continuing through April 13. This in-day intervention will serve a strategically identified group of students requiring focused acceleration. The Meadows Elementary will implement the same targeted tutoring structure during this window to ensure continuity of support at the elementary level and maximize growth prior to state assessments.

That afternoon, I collaborated with Human Capital, the Teaching & Learning team, and middle and high school principals to begin proactive planning for 2026–2027 secondary scheduling and staffing alignment. These discussions focused on master schedule efficiencies, equitable course access, and ensuring staffing projections align with enrollment trends and student needs.

I closed Monday meeting with the high school administrative team and attendance/data lead Dr. Johnson to review Early Warning Indicators for ninth-grade scholars. We analyzed attendance trends, course performance, and credit accumulation data. We identified gaps between credit attempts and credits earned, discussed transcript accuracy, and examined delayed recovery pathways. As a result, we confirmed the need for standardized RED Team reporting every six weeks to ensure consistent monitoring of students who are off-track for graduation and to strengthen timely interventions.

Tuesday began with a strategic meeting alongside Dr. Cash, our demographer, as well as Data Services and Business Operations, to discuss next steps in increasing attendance boundary efficiency and strengthening long-range enrollment planning. The conversation centered on maximizing capacity utilization while maintaining responsible growth planning across the district.

In the afternoon, I supported Dr. Boston-Smith regarding a parent concern related to literacy book content. The campus teacher and principal addressed the matter professionally and provided clear follow-up steps to the parent, reflecting strong leadership and responsiveness.

Wednesday included continued Human Capital meetings with Dr. Davison and campus principals regarding contract termination and non-renewal timelines. These discussions ensured procedural clarity, compliance alignment, and proactive identification of any potential concerns.

Around noon, I joined Trustee Mitchell for a high school campus walk. We visited SPED classrooms, general education classrooms, and common areas. In the general education classroom observed, students were engaged and actively participating in instruction. During our SPED classroom visits, we identified areas of opportunity related to instructional rigor, student engagement, and alignment of supports. These observations will inform follow-up conversations with campus leadership to strengthen service delivery and instructional effectiveness for our SPED scholars.

I also attended Moates Elementary’s i-Ready Math and Reading celebration honoring scholars who achieved the Masters level on both assessments. Scholars were publicly celebrated in the cafeteria by Chief McCloud and her team, with peers witnessing their recognition. The celebration reinforced a culture of academic excellence and visibly elevated student motivation.

The day concluded with my mid-year review with Dr. Rodgers, where we reflected on progress to date and clarified strategic priorities for the remainder of the school year.

Thursday was spent with the Commit Partnership at the Best of Southwest Early Literacy meeting hosted at Plummer Elementary in Cedar Hill. The session included classroom observations focused on foundational literacy practices, followed by collaborative planning to identify next steps for participating districts based on current instructional data and literacy trends.

Friday began with a Superintendent call with Commit Partnership leadership to share district updates and discuss upcoming regional initiatives. The remainder of the day was dedicated to follow-through on communications and completion of outstanding priorities to ensure alignment across campuses and departments.

Finance (CONSTRAINT 2)

District Revenues for FY26

 as of January 30, 2026

Maintenance & Operations General Fund (199)

• Local Revenue (57XX): $24,712,343

• State Revenue Available School Funds (5811): $1,142,120

• Foundation School Program (5812): $14,481,090

• TRS On-Behalf (5831): $1,334,112

• SHARS (5931): $0.00

• Indirect Cost (5929-ID): $94,069

• JROTC (5949): $80,995

Child Nutrition (240)

Local

• Lunch Revenue (5751): $19,655

State

• $15,755

Federal

• • School Breakfast Program (5921): 852,807

  • National Lunch Program (5922): $1,134,640

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

Debt Service (I&S) Fund (511)

Local Tax Collections (5711/12/18/19/42): $13,184,120

State Program Revenues  (5829): $6,461,941

Human Capital Management

Substitute Fill Rate:         68.5%

Resignations:                       0

Terminations:                       0

Substitute and New 

Hire Onboardings:                1

Grievances                           2

• Level III: Hearing decision provided to the grievant, and a former employee has requested to go to Level III.  

  • • Termination  

• Level 1: Grievance officer has been assigned grievance and will hear the grievance and will adhere to timeline

Pending Investigations: 2

Employee Return to Work: 

DAEP

Employee: G.G. 

Return: Feb. 03, 2026

• Disciplinary Action Taken

Cockrell Hill Elementary

Employee: K.H.

Return: Feb. 04, 2026

• Disciplinary Action Taken

• DFPS Finding: Ruled Out

NAVEX Incident Reporting Summary:

02.02.2026

Employee Misconduct

Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School

Parent reported to principal that a staff member/coach made an insensitive comment about student during off season workout

Additional:

Meetings with campus principals regarding contract termination and non renewal of campus based employees.

Student Support Services

Athletics

• Attended the UIL Realignment Meeting

• Budget Planning

• Assisted with Parental Concern

Attendance

• ADA meeting with Finance

• Quarterly SCG Q2 meeting with Region 10

• Dropout Prevention Meeting at DHS

Child Nutrition

• Weekly kitchen monitoring visits

• Met maintenance to examine malfunctioning valves

• Met with McCowan manager about her concerns

• Worked on FSMC contract renewal

Fine Arts

• Assisting with UIL Choir competition preparation

• Financial planning for spring events

Health Services

• Edits to Emergency/EMS Protocol

• Nurse Meeting

• Filling clinic supply orders

Parent Engagement

• Parent University Planning

• Assisted Mrs. Weaver with PTA council meeting

• Assisted family with clothing needs

Student Support

• Conducted two home visits

• Assisted parent with re-enrolling her scholar

• Campus Safety Walks

• Assisted campus with discipline issues

• Worked with legal on a scholar custody issue

Communications

Over the past reporting period, the DeSoto ISD Communications Team continued to deliver comprehensive, districtwide communications support aligned to engagement, recognition, crisis response, and strategic initiatives.

The team led affinity recognition efforts for National School Counseling Week, producing and distributing coordinated content across multiple platforms, including a news release, photography, video, email communications, and internal staff distributions to elevate and celebrate the work of district counselors.

In support of Black History Month, the team developed and launched a coordinated kickoff campaign, beginning with an opening social media post followed by ongoing, video-based social content designed to educate, engage, and reflect the district’s values.

The Communications Team is also actively developing and deploying content in recognition of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, including sustained promotion of upcoming CTE Super Saturday events and the production of program-specific video spotlights highlighting real-world learning and career pathways available to scholars.

Additionally, the team is leading districtwide promotion of Hall of Honor submissions while simultaneously developing training materials and guidance to support the Hall of Honor selection committee and ensure a clear, consistent, and transparent review process.

From an operational and strategic standpoint, the team issued communications related to the April 6 inclement weather make-up day and provided strategic guidance and messaging support surrounding UIL reclassification, ensuring clarity and consistency for families, staff, and community stakeholders.

The Communications Team also provided solutions-oriented crisis communications support in response to incidents at two campuses last week, offering timely guidance, messaging, and coordination to help manage and mitigate those situations effectively.

Looking ahead, the team is launching student and staff spotlight initiatives this week to intentionally recognize outstanding scholars and employees while building a library of positive, district-centered storytelling.

In addition to proactive communications, the team responded to multiple media inquiries, including those related to UIL reclassification, Signing Day, the upcoming championship parade, and an incident involving an arrest at this week’s Duncanville basketball game.

Finally, the Communications Team continues to lead the district’s Wellness Wednesday initiative for staff and supports ongoing training for campus liaisons, reinforcing consistent communication practices and staff well-being across the district.

DeSoto ISD Choice Application Marketing 

Campaign Performance Summary

Campaign Theme: 

The Right Fit Makes All the Difference
Campaign Window: 

January 5–16, 2026 (reporting snapshot)
Purpose:

 Increase awareness and traffic to DeSoto ISD Choice programs and support application activity during the Choice enrollment window.

Primary Assets:

• Video Ad

• Radio Ad

• One-Pagers

• Email Marketing

• News Releases

  • Intial Launch

  • Individual Program Spotlights

    • WMS

    • WRE

    • KJTMA

    • P-TECH and ECHS

  • Extension Kick-Off

Campaign Overview

DeSoto ISD implemented a targeted, multi-platform digital marketing campaign to promote its Choice programs to current and prospective families. The campaign leveraged short-form video, streaming/OTT placements, social media, and retargeting strategies to highlight program variety, student fit, and access to innovative academic pathways across the district.

The campaign was intentionally designed to reach parents and guardians of school-aged children within DeSoto ISD and surrounding communities.

Performance Highlights

Engagement & Traffic

• 375 link clicks to DeSotoISD.org/CHOICE
  
  

• 4.99% click-through rate (CTR), exceeding typical K–12 digital benchmarks
  
  

• 2,000+ video plays, indicating strong reach and interest

Video Engagement

• 217 ThruPlays (completed or near-completed views)
  
  

• 852 three-second views, demonstrating effective creative hooks
  
  

• 7-second average play time, consistent with short-form digital performance norms

These results indicate that campaign messaging and creative were highly relevant to the intended audience and effective in driving action.

Audience Insights

• 79.6% of engagement came from women, consistent with primary caregiver and enrollment decision-maker demographics
  
  

• Strongest engagement among ages 35–54, aligning with parents of K–12 scholars
  
  

• Secondary engagement from ages 55–64, suggesting extended family awareness and influence

Audience data confirms the campaign successfully reached its core decision-making population.

Strategic Takeaways

• High CTR signals strong message alignment with parent priorities and Choice program positioning
  
  

• Video-first storytelling proved effective in capturing attention and driving traffic
  
  

• Targeting strategy was well-aligned to enrollment decision-makers within the district’s geographic footprint
  
  

• Opportunity exists to further strengthen application-level conversion tracking in future campaigns
  
  

Alignment to District Goals

This campaign supports DeSoto ISD’s strategic priorities by:

• Increasing awareness of academic choice and specialized programs
  
  

• Strengthening family engagement and informed decision-making
  
  

• Positioning the district as innovative, student-centered, and future-focused

• Revenue Development: Based on current apps, the potential ROI is an estimated  $2.7M in ADA based on conversion to enrolled scholars.

Next Steps--Application Window Extension Through Feb. 13

• Continue leveraging video-led digital strategies for Choice and CTE outreach

  • Repurpose 30-second campaign spot

  • Place new content centered around WMS, ECHS and PTECH, given low application engagement
    
    

• Expand retargeting efforts to users who engaged with video content
  
  

• Refine attribution to better connect marketing engagement to completed applications

• Extension Kick-Off News Release

• Extension Kick-Off Email Marketing Piece

  • Subsequent email marketing sets are dedicated to each individual program throughout the window extension

• Social Campaign centered around program one-pagers

Technology 

In alignment with DeSoto ISD’s commitment to digital transformation, the district is advancing a comprehensive, districtwide technology modernization strategy designed to:

• Enhance learning experiences

• Strengthen campus safety

• Improve operational efficiency

These initiatives reflect our dedication to purposeful innovation and operational excellence.

Key Initiatives

Interactive Screen Reinforcement

ProComputing has completed reinforcement of Interactive Flat Panels (IFPs) at Cockrell Hill, with districtwide work underway. In partnership with Facilities, the Technology Department is inspecting and securing all interactive screens to ensure mounting systems meet safety standards and withstand daily instructional use. This proactive approach reduces equipment risk, prevents accidental damage, and provides classrooms with more stable and dependable instructional technology.

Student Laptop Upgrades

To improve digital learning and support instructional goals, DeSoto ISD has begun the next cycle of Chromebook upgrades. After reviewing campus needs, new devices were approved and have been ordered. They are currently in the vendor processing phase, which includes configuration, licensing, and preparation for shipment. Once delivered, the Technology Department will perform final quality checks and deploy devices according to the district rollout plan.

Campus Digital Signage

Digital signage is being installed in front offices, cafeterias, libraries, and athletic facilities to strengthen real-time communication. These displays will deliver alerts, event schedules, and student recognition, all centrally managed to ensure consistent, accurate districtwide messaging.

Email Threat Intelligence – Abnormal Security

For January 26–February 1, 2026, Abnormal Security identified 818 attacks targeting DeSoto ISD—an increase of 255 incidents from the previous week. Since implementation, 42,619 attacks have been recorded. Although no critical compromises occurred, the rising volume highlights the importance of strong cybersecurity practices and continued district vigilance.

Bond-Funded Technology Projects (Pending Approval)

Planned upgrades include:

• Chromebook and laptop deployment

• AV systems for stadiums, gyms, and the boardroom

• Emergency notification and paging systems

• Baseball field sound and livestreaming technology

• Smart lockdown systems with AI-based threat detection

• Expanded security camera coverage

Network Infrastructure Update

Infrastructure Deployments & Site Expansions

• Plant Services & AG Facilities: Network added at both locations, including switches, access points, and supporting hardware.

• Food Service: Restored primary internet connectivity and deployed wireless enhancements to return the location to standard operations.

Network Optimization & Performance

A districtwide wireless optimization effort included:

• Seamless roaming improvements between access points

• Adjusted channel and power settings to reduce RF interference
  These enhancements significantly improved network stability across campuses.

Network Outages

DHS‑IDF2 experienced outages caused by personal heaters sharing the same electrical circuit. The switch stack has been moved to a dedicated circuit to prevent recurrence.

E‑Rate Assessment and Inventory

A detailed network inventory and assessment is complete. The district will initiate an RFQ for replacing network infrastructure through E‑Rate. Once the RFP is finalized and reviewed, it will be presented to the Board. The project aims to replace obsolete, out‑of‑warranty equipment—including switches and wireless systems—most of which expired in 2021 or will expire soon.

Help Desk Performance

January

• 150 tickets submitted

• 134 tickets resolved

• Avg. resolution time: 47.9 minutes

• Avg. satisfaction: 4.6 / 5

February (to date)

• 27 tickets submitted

• 21 tickets resolved

• Avg. resolution time: 40.2 minutes

• Avg. satisfaction: 4.6 / 5

These metrics demonstrate consistent responsiveness, efficient resolution times, and strong customer satisfaction.

Phone System Update

After evaluating modern communication solutions—including mobile integration, unified communications, panic button functionality, and emergency notification compatibility—Zoom Phone has been selected as the district’s new phone system. This decision follows pilot testing and evaluation of system recommendations.

Infrastructure & Wireless Progress

A new wireless network, DISD‑Internet, is currently in testing and will replace older SSIDs once validation is complete to improve connectivity and performance across all campuses.

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 core values of integrity, determination, and excellence.

A total of 63 work orders were completed, and 28 remain in progress in the system.

Maintenance

• LG systems at Early College - Ongoing

• Still working on the generator at McCowan

• Still working on the awning for the cooling tubs at Ben Dial

• Removing carpet in the band hall at West Middle School

• Cat 5

• Working on A/C units at the high school

  • Dampers stuck in fire mode

• Replace the water heater in the 200 hallway at Cockrell Hill

• Doing ceiling and plumbing repairs in a baseball concession stand due to freezing weather

Grounds

• Mowing and weed-eating around the district

• Will clean out storage behind Admin