Teaching & Learning (CONSTRAINT 1)

8th Grade Showcase 

• The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department hosted a successful 8th Grade Showcase, giving students a firsthand look at high school programs and career pathways. Eighth graders explored courses in health science, engineering, culinary arts, business, and more through engaging demonstrations and conversations with teachers and students. The event inspired future high schoolers to start thinking about their pathways and how CTE connects learning to real-world opportunities. 

Data Meetings Rooted in Strategy

Our recent meeting with the Academic Facilitator and Instructional Design Leaders was productive and strategy-focused. Together, we analyzed student data, identified key trends, and outlined next steps to drive instructional improvement and strengthen student outcomes. 

Course Catalog Planning Underway

The Course Catalog Steering Committee held an impactful planning session to review programs, align course offerings, and ensure pathways support student interests and future readiness. The team’s collaboration is setting the stage for a clear, engaging, and forward-thinking course catalog for the upcoming school year. 

Spelling Bee Steering Committee 

Excitement is building as the Spelling Bee Steering Committee kicks into full gear! Planning is well underway to organize an engaging and memorable event that celebrates students’ love of words and learning. We met this past week with all campus committee chairpersons.

Stem Fest Planning  

Planning is in progress for our upcoming STEM Fest, scheduled for December! The event will showcase hands-on activities, innovation, and creativity as students explore science, technology, engineering, and math in exciting, interactive ways. 

ELAR- DHS Planning Session 

The High School ELAR planning session was a great success, thanks to the collaborative efforts of AP Smith, Mrs. Wallace (Instructional Design Leader), and myself. Together, we analyzed data, aligned instructional goals, and planned next steps to strengthen teaching and learning across English I and II classrooms. 

This week’s focus centered on instructional urgency, system alignment, and leadership recognition across campuses and departments.

I began the week at The Meadows Elementary, collaborating with campus leadership to review benchmark data, student interventions, and instructional readiness. The visit reinforced the district-wide sense of urgency as we prepare for disaggregating interim assessments and continue strengthening Tier I instruction. Later in the week, I conducted additional visits to both The Meadows and Frank Moates Elementary, engaging in data-driven discussions on intervention effectiveness, classroom walkthrough calibration, and WIN Time implementation.

During my second visit to Frank Moates, I witnessed Mr. Paraham lead his grade-level leadership team through a high-level discussion on campus culture using a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) framework. His facilitation reflected exceptional leadership—modeling reflective practice, shared accountability, and strategic problem-solving. We also engaged in follow-up feedback on how to sustain and deepen this campus-wide culture work.

On Wednesday, DeSoto ISD joined regional partners at the Best in Southwest Early Literacy Summit hosted by Duncanville ISD, where we collaborated on strategies to accelerate early literacy outcomes aligned to Board Goal 2. That same day, we hosted our October Principal Meeting, which also served as our Principal Month BBQ celebration honoring campus leaders for their steadfast dedication. The meeting centered on Positive School Culture (ESF Lever 3) and featured sessions on teacher wellness (Zen Dens), Edugence data monitoring, and intentional teacher support systems led by Student and Staff Services and Human Capital teams.

On Thursday, I participated in the CCMR Monthly Meeting with high school administrators and counselors, reviewing postsecondary readiness indicators, TSI2 participation, and systems alignment for College, Career, and Military Readiness. I also collaborated with Region 10 to finalize Targeted Improvement Plan (TIP) submissions and confirm TEA alignment, while working with district departments to verify employee completion of Region 10 compliance and SB571 training prior to payroll verification for the October 3rd professional learning day.

Throughout the week, I continued refining upcoming leadership meeting agendas and monitoring campus progress toward the October Monthly Map priorities—teacher feedback, RtI/MTSS implementation, and student engagement practices.

In summary, this week reflected a strong balance of instructional leadership, operational accountability, and culture building—anchored in data, collaboration, and recognition of the outstanding leaders who make DeSoto ISD the Best in the Southwest.

Finance (CONSTRAINT 2)

District Revenues for FY26

 as of October 24, 2025

Maintenance & Operations General Fund (199)

• Local Revenue (57XX): $157,890

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

• Foundation School Program (5812): $4,087,541

• TRS On-Behalf (5831): $664,857

• SHARS (5931): $0.00

• JROTC (5949): $29,969

Child Nutrition (240)

• Local

  • Lunch Revenue (5751): $11,970

• Federal

  • School Breakfast Program (5921): $86,049

  • National Lunch Program (5922): $247,363

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

Debt Service (I&S) Fund (511)

• Local Tax Collections (5711/12/18/19/42): $104,734

***SCHOOL FINANCE TIDBITS***

School funding = formulas + local effort.  School districts receive money from three main sources: local property taxes, state aid, and federal funds.

ADA vs Enrollment:  Texas fund schools based on Average Daily Attendance (ADA) - not just total enrollment - meaning every absence costs the district money.

Maintenance & Operations (M&O) funds pay for daily operations like salaries, utilities, and supplies, while Interest & Sinking (I&S) funds can only be used to repay debt for buildings and capital projects.

Annual audits are required. Every district must undergo an external audit to ensure financial transparency and accuracy.  Internal controls protect funds.  Procedures like purchase approvals, segregation of duties, and reconciliations help prevent fraud.

JUST SAY...

A school's electricity bill for one month can rival a family's bill for a year.

School finance isn't just numbers - it's how we turn dollars into opportunities for kids!

Public schools are like small cities: we manage millions, feed thousands, and light up communities!

Human Capital Management

Substitute Fill Rate:         72.0%

Resignations:                       3

Terminations:                       0

Substitute and New 

Hire Onboardings:                3

Grievances                           1

Reinvigorating Minds Initiative
Beginning November 2025, we will launch bi-weekly examination preparation sessions focused on EC-6 and STR certification support. This effort aims to strengthen instructional readiness and educator success.

Seasons of Documentation: Executive Team Presentation – October 29, 2025
A comprehensive presentation was delivered to the Executive Team covering evaluation protocols and documentation practices to ensure consistency and compliance across departments.

Completion of TEA Investigation
We have successfully concluded the TEA investigation, with all required documentation submitted and reviewed.

Documentation: The Truth, Tricks, and Treats; Strengthening documentation coaching and intentional support for employees

 Principal Presentation – October 29, 2025
Principals received targeted training on documentation standards, T-TESS evaluation procedures, and best practices for performance management.

Assistant Principal Academy – October 30, 2025
A session was conducted for Assistant Principals focusing on leadership responsibilities related to evaluations and documentation.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for HCM
We continue to make steady progress in developing SOPs for Human Capital Management, with several drafts under internal review and refinement.

Navex Lunch and Learn Series - Session 4

The final NAVEX Lunch and Learn session offered employees a Power Hour to ask questions and explore platform features. The series successfully enhanced user confidence and understanding of compliance tools. 

Student & Staff Support Services

• Athletics

A seven member committee conducted interviews for the vacant Director of Athletics position. Following the interviews, the committee thoroughly reviewed the interviewees and how their skillset would best align to district needs.

The committee did make a recommendation to Dr. Rodgers. Special thanks to the committee members who served on the interview committee.

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• Attendance

State & Regional Collaboration

• Participated in TCSS/TEA & Region 10 District visit call regarding SCG and Zen Dens programs

• Completed Region 10 Homeless and Foster Care Quarter 2 trainings to maintain compliance and best practices

Vendor Meetings & Platform Evaluation

• Met with Raawee Attendance platform representatives to explore attendance management. 

Campus Support & Attendance Management

• Conducted two campus ADA support visits to provide technical assistance and guidance. 

• Implemented ADA verification process to enhance accuracy and accountability. 

• Maintained Daily ADA tracker distribution and monitoring across campuses

McKinney-Vento & Special Populations

• Provided McKinney-Vento supports to ensure compliance and student services for homeless students

Professional Development

• Preparation for November 7th Professional Development session

Administrative

• Attended weekly grant expenditure budget meeting with Executive Admin Assistant to review spending and compliance

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• Child Nutrition

The team continued to support the campus cafeteria staff with a variety of needs/issues.

The power outage around Moates Elementary caused a brief panic as the freezers and coolers were off-line for a few hours. There were no reported food loss.

The team met with our Region 10 ESC support staff member to finalize our FSMC review for the fall. During that meeting the team was also provided information on upcoming TDA deadlines.

The team, along with Whitsons discussed options to provide supports for families impacted by the government shutdown.

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• Safety

Another campus passed its Intruder Detection Audit this week! We are very proud of our campuses for keeping the building secure.

DeSoto and Glenn Heights Police Department jointly conducted lock down drills on some of our campuses this week. The ISC was also part of these drills.

Dr. Morrow met briefly with the principals to inform them that they will have greater input on the evaluation of the security officer/s assigned to their campuses.

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• Student Support

This week marked the exciting launch of Zen Wednesdays across our campuses! Staff are invited to take a mindful pause and recharge in their designated Zen Dens, with this month’s theme centered on Purpose. 

As a part of our Wellness Wednesday staff wellness initiative, we encouraged everyone to take advantage of this space for reflection, connection, and renewal.

Facilitated professional development session with campus principals focused on enhancing student and staff wellness initiatives. 

Provided updates and next steps principal need to take to ensure fidelity of implementation.

 Cockrell Hill Elementary was recognized as the Character Campus of the Six Weeks 

Communications

This week, the DeSoto ISD Communications Team continued to advance the district’s strategic communications and engagement efforts across multiple platforms and initiatives. Highlights include:

• Student and Family-Focused Communications:
  
  

  • Supported awareness and promotions for Red Ribbon Week.
    
    

  • Completed promotional content for the Principal Spotlight Series, rounding out Principals Month recognitions.
    
    

  • Created communications for Salon Day and the All Pro Dad Launch Event, which featured NFL Hall of Famer Tim Brown.
    
    

  • Covered the CTE 8th Grade Showcase and highlighted student achievements, including the Flag Football team recognition by Texas State Board of Education Rep Dr. Tiffany Clark.
    
    

  • Drafted parent notifications regarding food resources amid reductions or pauses in SNAP and EBT benefits, launch of elementary intramural sports programs, upcoming STEM Carnival, and the Frank D. Moates Girls STEM Program.
    
    

  • Provided updates on DHS Varsity Football and Volleyball matches.
    
    

  • Crafted parent communications regarding a DHS campus altercation, offering conflict resolution guidance and updates from DeSoto PD regarding parking enforcement.
    
    

• Board and District Initiatives:
  
  

  • Highlighted the Board’s approval of the first major Bond purchase for district technology investments.
    
    

  • Shared the Board’s celebration of the district’s Parent Engagement efforts.
    
    

  • Submitted a proposal seeking Board support for the second season of the district podcast.
    
    

• Staff-Focused Communications:
  
  

  • Launched internal communications regarding the Golden Apple Awards, Professional Development registration, and other staff reminders.
    
    

  • Facilitated leadership headshots for new and returning leaders.
    
    

  • Compiled summaries of sponsorship activity from Convocation in response to a Trustee Tracker.
    
    

• Strategic Planning and Event Coordination:
  
  

  • Collaborated across departments to design systemic communication solutions for multi-department events.
    
    

  • Began outlining key signature district events including State of the District, Choice Marketing Enrollment, Employee End-of-Year Banquet, and the Hall of Honor.
    
    

The Communications Team continues to support the district holistically, ensuring DeSoto ISD is positioned as the premier choice for families in the Best Southwest.

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. Network Infrastructure

Network Fiber Break 

Date of Incident: October 28, 2025

Time of Initial Disruption: 3:30 PM

Impacted Sites: FME, MMS, WRE, HC, ATE

Vendor: Conterra Networks

Incident Overview

A fiber disruption occurred across five district sites due to infrastructure instability. Immediate vendor engagement led to temporary restoration at four locations (FME, MMS, WRE, ATE) by end of day. HC remains pending final repair.

Scheduled Maintenance

• Planned Outage: October 29, 2025 at 8:00 PM

• Scope: Final fiber switch activation impacting HC

• Expected Downtime: Brief internet and internal link interruption

• Communication: Staff notified; contingency plans in place

Strategic Impact

• Post-upgrade benefits: Increased reliability, higher bandwidth capacity, and improved performance across all affected campuses

• Vendor assurance: Permanent fix with enhanced fiber routing

• STATUS: Full restoration completed on October 30

9. Help Desk Metrics

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

• Current open tickets: 81

• Total submitted in October: 131

• Total resolved in October: 176

• Average work time per ticket: 43.1 minutes

• Average overall survey rating 4.6 out of 5 stars

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

Work Orders

• ✅ 127 work orders completed

• 🔄 59 work orders currently in progress

Maintenance Highlights

• Early College LG Systems – Work is ongoing; awaiting parts due to a compressor issue.

• KJ Campus Canopy Lights – Front side completed; remaining areas still in progress.

• Generators – Maintenance underway at both the High School and McCowan campuses.

• Ben Dial Stadium – Continued cleanup on the visitor’s side.

• Security Infrastructure – Installing Cat 5 cabling for security cameras and TVs at McCowan and the AG Barn.

• AG Barn Fence Repairs – Cattle fencing completed; gate repairs inside the barn are ongoing.

• Ben Dial Cooling Tub Awning – Installation still in progress.

• West MS Painting – Completed.

• Gym 2 Painting – Currently underway.

• Boys’ Varsity Locker Room – New lockers and lighting installed.

Groundskeeping

• Regular mowing and weed eating across the district to maintain clean and safe outdoor spaces.

Safety and Security

• Lock Downs-

  • The Central Administration Building 

  • DHS

  • Amber Terrace

  • McCowan

  • KJTMA

  • West

  • CHE

  • Moates

Fire Drills-

• West

• KJTMA