The week began on Monday with an i-Ready MOY data meeting at Woodridge Elementary, where I worked side by side with Principal Tatum, Teaching & Learning, Assessment & Accountability, and the Research & Evaluation teams. Together, we analyzed MOY data, reviewed instructional trends, and conducted classroom walkthroughs to observe instruction in action. This collaborative work allowed us to provide targeted feedback and strategies aligned to Ms. Tatum’s intentional focus on small-group instruction this school year. The visit was highly productive and demonstrated strong alignment between data analysis and instructional practice.

Immediately following, I met with the principals of West Middle School, McCowan Middle School, The Meadows Elementary, and Frank Moates Elementary at West MS to engage in a cross-campus conversation focused on student data rooms. Principals shared best practices and collectively set the expectation that each campus will create individualized, student-centered opportunities for scholars to engage with their own data alongside teachers as they monitor progress toward end-of-year goals.

The day concluded with a meeting at DeSoto High School alongside Teaching & Learning to review graduation data and discuss strategies to strengthen systems and supports aimed at increasing graduation rates.

On Tuesday, the focus shifted to Title I follow-ups, working closely with campus leaders and the Grants Office to ensure tutoring plans and Title I allocation timelines are completed efficiently and in compliance. The day closed with an i-Ready MOY data meeting at McCowan Middle School, continuing the districtwide emphasis on data-driven instructional adjustments.

Wednesday began with the weekly Executive Leadership Team meeting, where we discussed de-escalation protocols and strategies for effectively partnering with parents, community members, and internal stakeholders. I later met with a high school parent to address a specific student concern, followed by our Principal Instructional Leadership Meeting. During this session, principals engaged in deep learning around WIN intervention structures using i-Ready MOY data, received updates on TIA—including encouraging growth in the number of teachers qualifying—and concluded by conducting deeper campus-specific data dives. I ended the day by attending the Spelling Bee, celebrating and supporting our outstanding scholars.

On Thursday, I participated in three consecutive i-Ready MOY data meetings at Frank Moates Elementary, The Meadows Elementary, and West Middle School, continuing focused conversations around instructional adjustments, intervention strategies, and next steps informed by MOY data.

The week concluded on Friday with a Region 10 visit at The Meadows Elementary, where the coach and I met with Principal Hicks to review MOY data, expectations, and next instructional steps. I also met with several teachers to reinforce MOY expectations and support instructional planning. Later, I joined Trustee Mitchell at West Middle School for a campus walkthrough to review current structures supporting student achievement, including PLC practices, data wall utilization, and classroom instruction. The day closed with a follow-up meeting at DeSoto High School to continue conversations stemming from Wednesday’s parent meeting.

Overall, the week reflected a strong districtwide focus on instructional precision, data-informed decision-making, leadership collaboration, and student-centered outcomes as we move deeper into the spring semester.

Finance (CONSTRAINT 2)

District Revenues for FY26

 as of January 9, 2026

Maintenance & Operations General Fund (199)

• Local Revenue (57XX): $19,214,801

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

• Foundation School Program (5812): $14,218,917

• TRS On-Behalf (5831): $1,334,112

• SHARS (5931): $0.00

• Indirect Cost (5929-ID): $78,967

• JROTC (5949): $55,482

Child Nutrition (240)

• Local

  • Lunch Revenue (5751): $19,655

• 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): $11,899,211

Bond Interest Income 

698-5742:  $811,934

Available Balance on TAN:

$5,055,676

Human Capital Management

Substitute Fill Rate:         73%

Resignations:                       3

• Paraprofessional - 1

  • • Security/Operations

• Teacher - 1

  • Woodridge Elementary

• Professional Staff

  • Finance

Terminations:                       0

Substitute and New 

Hire Onboardings:                1

Grievances                           1

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

  • • Termination  

NAVEX Incident Reporting Summary:

1.12.2026

Student Safety

Katherine Johnson

Staff member gave student their own medication, however, it was not the medication that needed to be administered.

1.13.2026

Student Safety

Frank D. Moates Elementary

Parent and student reported that a teacher grabbed her arm while trying to encourage her to engage in the PE activity.

01.14.2026

Student Safety

Cockrell Hill Elementary

Parent reported a teacher had exchange with volatile student in the hallway where the student made contact with the wall. 

01.16.2026

Employee Misconduct 

DAEP

Student engaged in negative exchange with teacher. Student alleged that the teacher pushed them. 

Student & Staff Support Services

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• Athletics

  • Attended the Regional Athletic Director's meeting.

  • Met with RISE FO to explore the services they can offer to our students.

  • Met with Nike to discuss the contract and maximizing the benefits for the district.

  • Met with bond team to review athletic facility needs.

  • Continued work on staffing and coaching assignments for FY27.

• Attendance

  • Planning for the upcoming CassiaK12 campaign.

  • Screening selective enrollment applications.

  • Planning meeting with Concentric about staff professional development.

  • Stronger Connections Team meeting.

  • Grant meeting Federal Programs Manager.

• Child Nutrition

  • Cafeteria monitoring visits

  • Final check at McCowan to ensure the new serving lines can be installed on Monday.

  • Ross & Alvarado participated in a Region 10 ESC training on procurement.

• Health Services

  • Continued work on the EMS activation protocol.

  • Reviewed the new policy updates released by TASB.

• Parent Engagement

  • Continued planning for Parent University.

  • Facilitating districtwide transition using the Title I Crate.

  • Campus guidance on documentation expectations, family engagement initiatives, and reporting deadlines.

• Student Support

  • Conducted student touchpoints at McCowan.

  • Assisted with the SSAC meeting.

  • Assisted Moates Elementary with a threat assessment.

  • Two parent meetings concerning issues at DHS and CHE.

Communications

Coverage and Engagement:
The Communications Department provided districtwide coverage and messaging related to key initiatives and events, including the opening of Board of Trustees election candidate filings, promotion of the annual academic calendar survey, a preview and recap of the district spelling bee, and communications supporting the DeSoto U Parent U event. These efforts ensured timely, accurate information was shared with staff, families, and the broader community.

Marketing and Promotions:
Choice program marketing campaigns are now live across all platforms and are performing strongly. Current analytics indicate a 70% click-through effectiveness rate on placements driving traffic to the district’s Choice webpage and application, reflecting high community interest and effective targeting.

Crisis and Reputation Management:
The team continued coordinated communications and training efforts related to EMS Activation protocols, including administrative regulations and cross-functional training in collaboration with district leadership. Additionally, communications were developed and supported to address budget realization updates and related stakeholder messaging.

Training and Capacity Building:
The department delivered Parent Engagement and De-Escalation training for executive staff, with plans to extend this training to principals, administrative assistants, and additional staff groups. Storytelling and marketing training for campus-based liaisons is also underway to strengthen localized communications and brand alignment.

Programs and Recognitions:
Work continued to rebuild the Hall of Honor selection committee. The team developed a formal training, training schedule, and meeting cadence to guide the selection process and communicated next steps to interested participants. The department is also finalizing Board of Trustees Spotlight videos and coordinating schedules with the Board administrative assistant and participating trustees. In addition, the team designed and scheduled content in observance of the MLK holiday break.

Financial Oversight and Strategic Adjustments:
In light of recent developments, the Communications Department is recalibrating the district podcast strategy, which may include sunsetting the project. The team is also revising plans for the annual State of the District presentation, shifting toward a video-based or virtual format. All contractor-based creative projects are being closed as part of ongoing financial oversight and cost containment efforts.

Presentations and External Engagements:
The team is refining the bond communications project in preparation for presentation at TASA on January 27 and is developing a presentation deck for President McKissic’s upcoming LTASB engagement.

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.  Interactive Screen Reenforment
   Starting Monday January 19th.  ProComputing will be reinforcing flat panel screens starting with Cockrell Hill. 

2.  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. 

3.  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. 

4.  Email Threat Intelligence
   Abnormal Security Weekly Update (Jan 5–11, 2026) 

Abnormal Security detected 496 email-based attacks targeting DeSoto ISD during the past week, bringing the total since integration to 40,064. This reflects an increase of 236 attacks compared to the previous week, signaling a renewed upward trend after the holiday dip. For detailed analysis and recommendations, please visit the Abnormal Security Portal.

5.   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.

6.  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. 

7.  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

8.  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. 

9.  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. 

10.  Help Desk Performance 

• Tickets Submitted: 27

• Tickets Resolved: 52

• Average Resolution Time: 34.6 minutes

• Average Satisfaction Rating: 4.6/5

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

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

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

There were a total of 94 work orders completed and there are still 47 work orders in progress in the system.

Maintenance

• • LG systems at Early College - Ongoing

  • Still working on generator at McCowan

  • Finished installing Cat 5 for security cameras at AG Barn

  • Still working on awning for cooling tubs at Ben Dial

  • Finished working on greenhouse at Amber Terrace

  • Put in new compressors in Auditorium units

  • Getting quotes for West Middle School Gym leak

  • Fixed water leak at Ruby Young

  • Painting handrails and doing wall repairs at Freshman

  • Paint walls and repair carpet in 2100 classroom at High School

Grounds

• • Mowing and weed eating around district

  • Will clean out storage behind Admin