The week began with a focused welcome-back reset following the break. Monday was intentionally structured to close loops and reestablish momentum, with targeted follow-ups to principals regarding MOY i-Ready data, emerging classroom walkthrough trends, and spring instructional priorities. The day also included participation in the DeSoto ISD Mid-Year Celebration Awards, where we honored outstanding teachers and staff whose performance exemplifies excellence, commitment, and impact across our campuses.

On Tuesday, I met with the Teaching & Learning team and Dr. Rodgers to conduct a deeper review of district-level i-Ready MOY data, discussing implications for Tier I instruction, intervention alignment, and campus-specific leadership moves. Throughout the day, I observed campus-based professional development at Moates ES, McCowan MS, and West MS, where administrators and teachers engaged in data digs and worked collaboratively to reset expectations for the spring semester, emphasizing instructional urgency, consistency, and fidelity to agreed-upon strategies.

Wednesday included participation in a Region 10 Principal session, which provided critical state-level updates related to assessment, accountability, compliance, and upcoming requirements, ensuring campus leaders remain informed and proactive. Later that afternoon, I met with Dr. Rodgers for an executive leadership check-in to align priorities, monitor progress, and calibrate next steps as we enter the spring instructional push.

On Thursday, I participated in an all-day Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) training at Region 10 in Richardson alongside Principal Hicks. The session focused on high-leverage coaching practices grounded in Teach Like a Champion and Get Better Faster 2.0 by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo. The learning centered on strengthening instructional coaching cycles, increasing the precision of feedback, and upgrading classroom practice through disciplined execution—key leadership moves that directly support improved student outcomes.

The week concluded on Friday with intentional follow-up on parent communication and continued principal check-ins to ensure outstanding items were resolved, expectations were clear, and campuses were well-positioned to move forward with focus and clarity.

Overall, the week reflected a strong balance of celebration, data-driven leadership, professional learning, and accountability, reinforcing our commitment to instructional excellence and continuous improvement across all campuses.

Finance (CONSTRAINT 2)

District Revenues for FY26

 as of January 2, 2026

Maintenance & Operations General Fund (199)

• Local Revenue (57XX): $18,079,723

• 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): $11,197,543

Bond Interest Income 

698-5742:  $811,934

Available Balance on TAN:

$5,055,676

Human Capital Management

Substitute Fill Rate:         87%

Resignations:                       9

• Paraprofessional - 3

  • • ISC

    • Frank Moates Elem.

    • DeSoto High School

• Teacher - 6

  • Katherine Johnson TMA

  • Katherine Johnson TMA

  • Amber Terrace ECLC

  • Frank D. Moates Elem.

  • DeSoto High School

  • McCowan Middle School

Terminations:                       0

Substitute and New 

Hire Onboardings:                2

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:

12.18.2025

Student Safety

McCowan Middle School

Parent reported injury sustained by student at campus during gym class.

01.07.2025

Student Safety

Cockrell Hill Elementary

Parent reported an injury sustained by a student at the campus. Student alleges that he was physically harmed/assaulted by another student during class on December 17, 2025. 

Student & Staff Support Services

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Athletics

Continued with engagement meetings with department leaders. 

Continued deep dive in analyzing the athletics budget.

Supporting various sports by attending their events.

Attendance

Facilitated staff development for district PEIMS staff.

Assisted a McKinney-Vento family.

Met with the Federal Programs manager regarding grant funds.

Assisted with a CPS verification.

Meeting with Cassia K12 about starting a chronic student absenteeism campaign.

Fine Arts

Facilitated professional development for Fine Arts Staff.

Attended TDEA Conference with Fine Arts Staff Members.

• Parent Engagement

Final preparations for Parent University were completed, and the event is officially set to take place on January 24.

Leading the transition to using the Title I Crate as the centralized repository for all grant compliance and district documentation. This included completing and organizing folders, onboarding appropriate staff, and sending notifications to ensure campuses and departments are aware of submission expectations and timelines.

Supported campuses with documentation guidance, communication planning, and family engagement coordination to ensure readiness for upcoming events and compliance requirements.

• Student Support

Assisted campuses with student disciplinary issues.

Follow-Up Carepoint Calls with parents to ensure their issues were being addressed.

Communications

The Communications Department returned from the winter break operating at full capacity, supporting districtwide initiatives, major events, crisis response, and ongoing strategic communications efforts.

Major Event Coverage & Media Relations

• Produced live in‑game and post‑game coverage of the DeSoto Eagles’ football state championship win over the break.

• Developed and published a district resolution honoring the life and legacy of former DeSoto High School Football Coach Micheal Robinson.

• Coordinated media coverage with WFAA for the DeSoto scholar featured on Abbott Elementary.

• Created football‑specific coverage related to:

  • The state championship parade

  • Player participation in the Navy All‑American Game

  • Player involvement in an NFL Super Bowl promotional feature

  • Head Football Coach Mathis’ upcoming Black History Month recognition

Districtwide Communications & Reminders

• Issued return‑from‑break reminders for staff and students regarding operational expectations and the resumption of normal school business.

• Supported crisis communications for incidents at McCowan Middle School, Cockrell Hill Elementary, and The Meadows Elementary, including staff guidance and parent‑facing messaging.

Marketing, Campaigns & Promotions

• Launched the Choice Application Window marketing campaign:

  • Streaming cable ads live as of Jan. 5

  • Broadcast radio ads live as of Jan. 8

  • Social media paid ads scheduled to launch Jan. 10

• Continued development of weekly campus and program spotlights and finalized two‑sided informational one‑pagers for each campus.

• Produced a video promo for the Jan. 14 District Spelling Bee.

• Advanced promotional materials for:

  • Jan. 24 Parent University

  • Feb. 3 & 5 TELPAS Information Meetings

  • Additional upcoming district events and activities

• Initiated early ideation for campaigns supporting Early Childhood Enrollment.

Hall of Honor Initiatives

• Launched the application process for the Hall of Honor Committee, targeting approximately 15 participants.

• Reopened and promoted the Hall of Honor nomination submission process.

Podcast Production

• Recorded a new podcast installment featuring campus leaders and student representatives.

• Reviewed initial edits for the first two podcast episodes and provided feedback to the production team.

Upcoming Campaign Development

• Created concepts for the district’s Black History Month and MLK observance campaigns, moving into execution this week.

• Developed a proposal for the April 2026 State of the District event.

Training & Internal Communications Support

• Led development of training materials clarifying staff expectations related to de‑escalation, parent communication, and student safety.

• Designed a new training program for campus‑based communications liaisons focused on marketing practices and social media management.

Board & Departmental Operations

• Continued editing the Board Member Spotlight series, with releases pending final review.

• Reviewed applications for the receptionist position in anticipation of departmental transitions; interviews scheduled for next week.

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.  E-Recycling of Obsolete Equipment
   E-recyclers collected 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. 

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 (Dec 29, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026)

Abnormal Security detected 260 email-based attacks targeting DeSoto ISD during the past week, bringing the total since integration to 39,542. This represents a decrease of 118 attacks compared to the previous week, indicating a downward trend following the December spike. 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. 

• Network Stability: Core operations remained stable throughout the break period.

• Incidents: Site KJTMA experienced downtime specifically due to a local power failure.

• Hardware Audit: Successfully completed a comprehensive inventory of all active switches, including an assessment of their current support and warranty status.

10.  Help Desk Performance 

• Tickets Submitted: 86

• Tickets Resolved: 92

• Average Resolution Time: 30 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.

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

Work Orders

There were a total of 82 work orders completed and there are still 56 work orders in progress in the system.

Maintenance

• LG systems at Early College - Ongoing

• Finished replacing burned out canopy lights at KJ

• Still working on generator at McCowan

• Still installing Cat 5 for security cameras at AG Barn

• Finished 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

• Still working on greenhouse at Amber Terrace

• Finished painting Academy hallways - Entry area

• Finished installing card readers in 1300 hallway at High School - SpEd area

Grounds

• Mowing and weed eating around district

• Will clean out storage behind Admin

• Cleaned out classrooms in 2200 hallway at High School