Teaching & Learning (CONSTRAINT 1)

CTE Construction Pathway 

We’re excited to announce that our new CTE construction pathway is in full swing! Students are getting hands-on experience as they learn the fundamentals of construction, teamwork, and project planning. This small new project marks a big step toward preparing our students for real-world careers in the skilled trades. We can’t wait to see how this pathway grows and the incredible things our students will build — both in the classroom and beyond! 

Pathways to Careers Training  

We had the wonderful opportunity to train and collaborate with teachers, equipping them with tools and strategies to strengthen career-connected learning in their classrooms. Together, we explored ways to bridge academic learning with real-world skills  helping students discover and prepare for their future career paths. We’re excited to see how this training will inspire innovative teaching and empower students across all pathways! 

DHS Salon Day – Saturday, November 1st! 

Come out and support our talented CTE Cosmetology students as they showcase their skills during Salon Day! Services are available by appointment only, so be sure to book your spot early. It’s a great way to treat yourself while helping our students gain real-world experience in a professional salon setting. We can’t wait to see you there! 

STEM Afterschool Program – Design. Connect. Create. 

Our STEM Afterschool Program at Frank D Moates is in full swing, giving students the chance to explore, innovate, and bring their ideas to life! Through hands-on projects, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, students are learning how to design solutions, connect concepts, and create with purpose. It’s all about curiosity, collaboration, and discovery — shaping the next generation of thinkers, makers, and innovators! 

Spooktacular Halloween Brunch

Join our culinary students Saturday, November 1st, from 9 AM to 1 PM for a delicious Spooktacular Halloween Brunch hosted by our talented DHS Culinary Department! Come enjoy tasty treats and creative dishes made by our amazing culinary students. Don’t miss this fun and festive event!

Principals Lowe, Paraham, Hicks and Strickland collaborating on their campus intervention plans

School Leadership (CONSTRAINT 3) 

This week’s focus centered on ensuring the successful launch of district benchmark testing across campuses and supporting principals in maintaining secure, technology-ready testing environments. I began the week visiting The Meadows Elementary, West Middle School, and McCowan Middle School to verify that appropriate technology and readiness measures were in place for our first official snapshot of student academic readiness. Working in collaboration with Executive Director White, we secured 100 additional devices to alleviate testing challenges at West and McCowan, ensuring smooth administration and preserving valuable instructional time. I followed up with these campuses later in the week to monitor progress and confirm that testing continued efficiently and securely.

Throughout my visits to The Meadows, West, McCowan, and Moates Elementary, I walked classrooms to ensure alignment with district testing expectations and observed students receiving their designated accommodations. Principals and I discussed the importance of modeling these accommodations for both scholars and teachers throughout the school year so that they are not isolated to testing windows. Mr. Paraham will lead a focused professional development session on November 7 to provide teachers who serve SPED and EB scholars with practical strategies for implementing accommodations meaningfully and consistently during daily instruction.

On Thursday, I conducted a campus visit to DeSoto High School to observe classrooms and review SPED compliance alongside Dr. Darden. The campus had clear signage, structured testing environments, and visible student engagement across testing areas. In the afternoon, I met with Dr. Strickland, Ms. Hicks, Ms. Lowe, and Mr. Paraham to collaboratively refine the Targeted Improvement Plans (TIP) and Local Improvement Plans (LIP) required by the state. The principals acted as thought partners, sharing best practices and leveraging district tools such as lesson slide decks, i-Ready, and DOL analysis to strengthen their instructional systems. The group collectively identified ways to ensure teachers receive actionable feedback, use data to drive instruction, and implement interventions with fidelity.

This week’s work reflects the district’s continued focus on instructional readiness, collaboration, and equity. By ensuring technology access, modeling effective accommodations, and aligning improvement planning to district systems, leaders are actively improving the learning environment for both teachers and students. These efforts directly support the Board’s goals around student achievement, instructional quality, and equitable access, and they embody our PRIDE values by demonstrating perseverance, responsibility, and excellence in service to our scholars.

Finance (CONSTRAINT 2)

District Revenues for FY26

 as of October 17, 2025

Maintenance & Operations General Fund (199)

• Local Revenue (57XX): $141,217

•  State Revenue Available School Funds (5811): $499,678

•  Foundation School Program (5812): $4,087,523

• TRS On-Behalf (5831): $664,857

• SHARS (5931): $0.00

• JROTC (5949): $29,969

Child Nutrition (240)

• Lunch Revenue (5751): $10,172

• Federal Dist by State (5939):

  • $3,321

• Federal Breakfast Revenue (5921):

  • $86,049 

• Federal Lunch Revenue (5922): 

  • $247,363

Debt Service (I&S) Fund (511)

• Local Tax Collections (5711/12/18/19/42): $103,448

Petroleum Update as of 10.03.25

Fuel updates will be given at the end of each month.  The next report will show on the 10.31.25 board update.

***School Finance Tidbits***

• What is FUND BALANCE?   

Fund balance is the difference between an organization an organization's assets and liabilities, essentially its net worth.  The purpose of fund balance is

1. to cover expenditures during periods when revenue collections are low.

2. to meet emergency or unforeseen costs, such as emergency repairs.

3. Cover unanticipated deficits in future years.

Components of fund balance

• Restricted: Funds limited by external requirements like debt covenants or grant restrictions.

• Unassigned: The remainder of the fund balance is is not restricted, committed, or assigned.

Fund balance vs Cash balance

Fund balance is a broader measure of net worth, including all financial elements, posted transactions, and budget checks.

Cash balance is a more narrow measure that shows only the cash that is available after transactions have been paid.

Human Capital Management

Substitute Fill Rate:           72.5%

Resignations:                      1

Terminations:                      4

Substitute and New 

Hire Onboardings:              7

Grievances                         1

• NAVEX Lunch and Learn Session 3: Closing the Case
  Successfully hosted the third session of the NAVEX EthicsPoint training series. This session focused on best practices for case closure, including documentation, communication, and compliance. A recording and presentation materials were shared with participants for future reference.

• Monthly Substitute Orientation
  October 22, 2025

• Continued facilitation of monthly onboarding sessions for new substitute teachers, ensuring readiness in district policies, classroom management, and instructional support.

• Monthly New Hire Orientation

October 22, 2025
Conducted comprehensive onboarding for new employees, covering district culture, compliance, and operational procedures to support a smooth transition into DeSoto ISD.

• Dallas Consortium for Teacher Excellence Summit
  DeSoto ISD participated in this regional summit focused on innovative practices in teacher recruitment, retention, and development. The event provided valuable insights and networking opportunities for district leaders and provided detailed strategies to support the implementation of HB 2.

• Reinvigorating Minds Initiative – EC-6 Certification Support
  Launching November 2025, this initiative will provide targeted exam preparation for aspiring educators pursuing EC-6 certification. The program aims to increase certification success rates through structured supports.

• Passage Preparation Sessions – Fall Break
  Two focused exam prep sessions will be held during Fall Break:

  • Tuesday - 10.14.25: 

Social Studies

• • Thursday - 10.16.25:

 Science of Teaching Reading
These sessions are designed to support teacher candidates in passing their certification exams through content review and test-taking strategies.

Student & Staff Support Services

Attendance

Vendor Meetings & Contract Management

• Met with Cassia K12 representatives to discuss services and potential partnership opportunities.

• Advanced progress on SchoolStatus Attend contract review and coordination

Compliance & Regulatory

• Addressed TEA Attendance Complaint/Audit requirements and documentation.

• Completed Friday compliance checks for attendance across campuses. 

• Successfully submitted SCG FOI Q1 Data as required

Campus Support & Collaboration

• Conducted DHS attendance support visit to provide technical assistance.

• Participated in campus attendance meeting to address concerns and strategize improvements.

• Distributed Daily ADA tracker to campuses for ongoing attendance monitoring

Administrative

• Attended budget meeting with Executive Admin Assistant to review department expenditures and planning

Child Nutrition

• The team is working closely with Whitsons to ensure the deli-style option is ready at the DHS main cafeteria. Our target is still November 3, 2025.

• Team members from Child Nutrition and Finance attended a TDA training at Region 10 ESC. The purpose of the training is to guide the RFP process for new Food Service Management Companies.

Fine Arts

DHS Eagle Marching Band Performs at Region XX UIL Competition

• On Wednesday, October 22, the DeSoto High School Eagle Band proudly represented our district at the Region XX UIL Marching Band Competition held at Kincaide Stadium. The ensemble earned straight 2’s from the judges—a solid showing that reflects hard work, perseverance, and musicianship.

• Although this was not the outcome the band hoped for, it’s nothing to hang their heads about. Their dedication, teamwork, and passion continue to elevate the program and inspire future performers. Every performance brings growth—and this one showcased the pride and power of DeSoto ISD Fine Arts.

Pink Warriors Project: Student Designers Honored

Today, we proudly recognize eight creative students who participated in the Breast Cancer Awareness T-Shirt Design Contest through the Pink Warriors Project, a partnership between DeSoto ISD Fine Arts, the PTSA, and the Office of the Mayor. The winning design will be announced today, followed by the official shirt reveal at Ziegler Park in DeSoto. This initiative celebrates art with purpose—using creativity to promote awareness, compassion, and community unity.

Middle School Homecoming Brings the Energy!

We had a successful McCowan vs. West Middle School Homecoming on Tuesday, October 21, filled with school spirit, energy, and pride!

The McCowan Dance Team and Band delivered exciting performances that lit up the field. At the same time, the West Middle School Band brought incredible energy, cheering on their football teams and creating a celebratory atmosphere. Events like this show the heart of DeSoto Fine Arts—collaboration, creativity, and community pride at every level.

Health Services

Our Director of Health Services worked on the following tasks this week.

• Finalizing mass casualty triage training for nurses. 

• Check-off prep for Special Population classroom assistants. 

• Campus supply orders

• Dallas County Health and Human Services school nurse meeting

Parent Engagement

• Mrs. Harden attended the TMVA Conference as a guest of VOLY, focused on strengthening DeSoto ISD’s volunteer program and expanding opportunities for family and community involvement. 

• Organized and coordinated the participation of 130 students in the Strong Youth Strong Communities (SYSC) Summit on October 21. This included managing logistics, coordinating with campuses, and ensuring a seamless experience for all participants. The district’s participation in this event resulted in a $7,500 grant award, which will directly support future student and family engagement initiatives.

• Continued preparation for the upcoming All Pro Dad Launch Party

• Worked with campuses to finalize and upload Title I documentation, ensuring compliance and consistency across sites. 

These efforts continue to strengthen DeSoto ISD’s commitment to family engagement, community partnerships, and fostering Eagle Pride through meaningful connections and experiences.

Student/Staff Support Services

• Wellness Wednesday brought the energy and rhythm with line dancing across campuses! Staff participation continues to grow, with many sharing that the movement and music help them physically and help them reconnect with colleagues.

• Kicking off Student Support Team meetings as they work to monitor campus initiatives and address behavioral trends with interventions to decrease distractions.

• Continued to support campus principals and staff with discipline related challenges.

• Planning for and scheduling interviews for the vacant Director of Athletics position. I

Communications

The Communications Department has concluded a comprehensive hiring process that included talent sourcing, rubric-based resume evaluations, interviews, and team debriefs. While several candidates demonstrated strong potential, the process also revealed key insights about current market conditions and talent dynamics:

1. Evolving Market Realities: In today’s job climate—especially among creative professionals—self-employment and contract work have become increasingly attractive. Many candidates with highly sought-after skillsets prefer flexible, hybrid, or remote arrangements and are often able to command higher compensation outside of traditional public-sector roles.
   
   

2. Young Talent Considerations: Early-career candidates, while often promising, tend to require significant coaching and development while also lacking the maturity, structure and discipline to serve in the professional capacity expected for the frequency and level of work the department engages in each day. Given the department’s current workload and demand for timely, high-quality output, capacity for professional coaching and skill development is limited at this time.
   
   

3. Internal Strength and Leadership: In light of these factors, our internal team members have demonstrated exceptional initiative, creativity, and commitment by stepping up to support and elevate the department’s work. Recognizing and rewarding this performance is critical to maintaining morale, continuity, and innovation.
   
   

Accordingly, the following internal staffing adjustments have been made:

• The Communications Specialist will advance to Communications Coordinator. This professional will lead and guide content development through  written, photo and video formats and support social media and newsroom mamangement.
  
  

• The Executive Administrative Assistant will advance to Communications Specialist. This professional will support content development and lead on strategy particularly with regard to social media.
  
  

• The District Receptionist will transition to the Executive Administrative Assistant role, with a backfill planned for the front desk position. This professional will support administrative support duties inclusive of  supporting the Chief Communications Officer, managing scheduling and logistical work and completing recurring outputs like compilation of hte WAIP and organizational calendaring among other duties as assigned.
  
  

These changes reinforce internal leadership, strengthen team stability, and enhance long-term departmental continuity—all of which directly contribute to improved standards, stronger relationships, and sustained innovation.

Departmental Priorities

As we stabilize this new structure, the team is actively:

• Reshaping internal systems and workflows for greater efficiency and predictability, including developing a 45–60 day lead time on major projects.
  
  

• Conducting a strategic alignment exercise to break down departmental priorities into specific goals, deliverables, and standards for each role and function.
  
  

This refinement will ensure greater clarity, accountability, and intentionality in how the department plans, executes, and measures its work.

Recent and Upcoming Campaigns

1. Hispanic Heritage Month:
The campaign received strong community engagement, with the top-performing post exceeding 2,000 engagements. The community’s positive response reflected appreciation for the creativity and authenticity of the storytelling approach.

2. National Principals Month:
The campaign’s innovative spotlight features were well received and provided meaningful recognition of campus leadership.

3. Upcoming Campaigns:

• Superintendent’s Toy Drive: Two promotional videos are in production to support holiday donations benefiting local charities.
  
  

• Choice Application Campaign – “The Right Fit Makes All the Difference”: This creative concept showcases a student exploring their aspirations—symbolized through different “fits”—with DeSoto ISD schools as the backdrop. Deliverables include video, news release, social media content, and media outreach focused on digital distribution.
  
  

• Board Appreciation Month: This year’s campaign will feature individual video vignettes offering a behind-the-scenes look at each trustee’s service and motivation. The team will coordinate with trustees for interviews and district visits to capture authentic moments that highlight your leadership and personal investment in DeSoto ISD’s continued progress.

  1. See Campaign plan and proposal here inclusive of individual trustee spotlight treatments
     
     

Through these staffing and structural refinements, the Communications Department is positioning itself for greater efficiency, strategic alignment, and long-term sustainability. The team remains committed to amplifying the district’s story, strengthening community engagement, and supporting the Board’s vision for continued growth and advancement.

• Additional Work and Projects:

  • School Bus Safety Video

  • Principals' Month Spotlights

  • Town Hall Marketing

  • ATECLC Resource Fair

  • DHS v CHHS Game Changes due to Incldement Weather

  • Wellness Wednesday coverage

  • All Pro Dads Launch Marketing

  • Salon Day Marketing

  • Middle School Showcase Marketing

  • 10/20 Board Meeting Coverage

  • 10/27 Board Meeting Prep and draft of coverage re: Tech as first major bond purchase

• Project Plans:

  • Board Appreciation Month

  • Choice Application Marketing

  • Sueprintendent's Toy Drive

  • Thanksgiving and Winter Break Holiday Content Plans

  • Early Ideation re: State of the District

• Recurring Work

  • Staff Newsletter

  • Parent and Family Newsletter

  • Staff Birthday List

  • WAIP

Technology 

In support of DeSoto ISD’s strategic vision for digital transformation, we are launching a district-wide technology modernization plan focused on:

• Enhancing learning experiences

• Strengthening campus safety

• Increasing operational efficiency

This initiative spans multiple focus areas and reflects our unwavering commitment to purpose-driven education and innovation.

1. Microsoft Intune Rollout

To reinforce cybersecurity and streamline device management, Microsoft Intune has been deployed across all district-owned devices. This cloud-based platform enables:

• Remote administration and policy enforcement

• Efficient app deployment and updates

• End-to-end device lifecycle management

2. Student Laptop Upgrades

With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, we are proactively upgrading student laptops to Windows 11-compatible models. These new devices offer:

• Improved performance and security

• Access to modern learning tools

• Priority rollout for high school students and campuses with aging hardware

3. Campus Digital Signage

To improve communication across campuses, digital signage is being installed in:

• Front offices

• Cafeterias

• Libraries

• Athletic facilities

These displays will deliver real-time updates, emergency alerts, event schedules, and student recognition—centrally managed for consistency and impact.

4. Threat Intelligence Summary

Abnormal Security continues to enhance email threat detection. Over the past week, the system flagged a noticeable increase in malicious activity, helping organizations stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Statistics:

• 640 email-based attacks recorded in the past 7 days

• 72 more attacks than the previous week (12.7% increase)

• 33,574 total threats identified since system integration

• Average of 91 threats per day over the system’s lifetime

• Consistent upward trend in attack volume highlights growing threat landscape

5. Security Camera Enhancements

To elevate campus safety, we are upgrading to high-definition IP cameras equipped with:

• Night vision and motion detection

• Integration with law enforcement systems

• Exploration of AI features such as facial recognition, license plate readers, and behavioral analytics

6. Document Management System Review

We are evaluating enterprise-grade document management systems to centralize records and improve collaboration. Key criteria include:

• FERPA and HIPAA compliance

• Accessibility for staff, students, and administrators

• Automation for approvals, archiving, and retention policies

Stakeholder feedback is being gathered through pilot programs and vendor demonstrations, with implementation planned following final selection.

7. Bond-Funded Technology Projects

Pending bond approval, DeSoto ISD is preparing to implement strategic upgrades through vendor partnerships:

• Chromebook/Laptop Deployment

• Audio-Visual Systems for stadiums, auditoriums, gyms, and boardroom

• Bells and Paging Systems for daily and emergency communication

• Baseball Field Technology including sound systems and live-streaming infrastructure

• Emergency Notification Systems across intercoms, signage, mobile apps, and classroom devices

• Smart Lockdown Systems with automated door locking and AI threat detection

• Board Room AV and security upgrades

• Expanded security camera coverage with advanced features

8. Password Management Improvements

To enhance digital security and user autonomy:

• Students can now reset their own passwords

• A new feature is in development allowing teachers to reset passwords for students in their classes—streamlining classroom tech support

9. Help Desk Metrics

Our Help Desk continues to deliver responsive support for the district’s growing technology infrastructure:

• Open tickets: 99

• Submitted in October: 99

• Closed in October: 167 

• Average resolution time: 37.5 minutes

These metrics reflect our commitment to timely service and continuous improvement.

10. Phone System Evaluation

To improve communication across campuses and departments, DeSoto ISD is actively evaluating modern phone system solutions. This assessment focuses on:

• Unified communication features such as voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, and mobile integration

• Enhanced security and reliability (panic buttons)

• Simplified management and scalability for future growth

• Integration with emergency notification systems and paging infrastructure

Pilot programs and vendor demonstrations have concluded and a recommendation will be submitted to meet the district’s operational needs and supports both instructional and administrative functions.

Our Commitment

Every initiative at DeSoto ISD is driven by our mission to prepare students for success in a connected, secure, and rapidly evolving world. Through strategic infrastructure upgrades, adoption of cloud-based tools, and expanded access to digital learning, we are:

1. Empowering students to lead with confidence

2. Equipping staff with modern, efficient tools

3. Creating safe and innovative learning environments

These efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to integrity, determination, and excellence.

Maintenance & Operations

Here is the list of work accomplished this past week:

A total of 88 work orders were completed, and 54 work orders are still in progress in the system.

Maintenance

• LG systems at Early College – Ongoing
  
  

  • Still waiting on parts

  • Compressor is out

• Finished flooring in the Eagle Suite
  
  

• Continuing replacement of burned-out canopy lights at KJ
  
  

  • Front side is complete

• Working on generators at the High School and McCowan
  
  

• Continuing trash cleanup on the visitor side of Ben Dial Stadium
  
  

• Installing Cat 5 cables for security cameras and TVs at McCowan and the AG Barn
  
  

• Ongoing repairs to the AG Barn fence
  
  

  • Cattle fence is complete; currently working on gates inside the AG Barn

• Continuing work on the awning for cooling tubs at Ben Dial Stadium
  
  

• Ongoing painting of the West MS gym and locker room
  
  

• Repaired ceiling in the old cafeteria at the High School
  
  

• Major plumbing work completed in the 200 hallway at Amber Terrace during Fall Break
  
  

• Dishwasher maintenance performed at The Meadows, Early College, Cockrell Hill, and West MS kitchens during Fall Break
  
  

• Painted the main hallway in multi-colors at Woodridge during Fall Break
  
  

Grounds

• Mowing and weed-eating throughout the district

Safety Drill Updates: 

As part of our ongoing commitment to student and staff safety, several important emergency drills were conducted across the district this week:

• DHS successfully conducted a fire drill, ensuring all students and staff are familiar with evacuation procedures and response times.

• DAEP carried out a lockdown drill, reinforcing protocols for securing classrooms and maintaining safety during potential threats.

• Moates Elementary initiated a HOLD procedure in response to an actual emergency situation. Staff and students responded swiftly and appropriately, demonstrating the effectiveness of our training and communication systems.

We commend all campuses for their diligence and readiness. These drills are vital in maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for everyone.