Teaching & Learning (CONSTRAINT 1)

College Fair Was a Success 

Our recent college fair was a resounding success! The event was incredibly well attended, with students, parents, and educators filling the venue with energy and enthusiasm. Representatives from a wide range of colleges and universities engaged with future applicants, offering valuable insights and opportunities. The atmosphere was electric, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. It was truly an amazing day of learning, networking, and inspiration!

Pathways to Careers Implementation Has Bugun!  

Planning for the instructional implementation of Pathways to Careers has officially begun! This important initiative is designed to support STEM education and strengthen workforce readiness for our students. By aligning instruction with real-world skills and career pathways, we’re taking proactive steps to ensure our learners are prepared for the opportunities of tomorrow. Exciting developments are ahead as we build a strong foundation for future success! 

PLCs Are in Full Swing

Our recent PLC lookback was incredibly productive - we successfully analyzed BOY data and translated our findings into actionable next steps. We're also thrilled to have administered our first math DOL mini assessments this week and can't wait to dive into that data to enhance our instructional planning. 

STAAR Accountability and Parent Access

The 2023 STAAR School Report Cards (SRCs) are now available for distribution. State requirements specify that each campus must provide a copy of the SRC to a parent or guardian of every student no later than Thursday, October 9, 2025, which is a TEA-imposed deadline. Each leader has been notified and will send to all parents through our district and campus communication methods. 

Dr. Strickland, West MS Principal, modeling and setting clear expectations for instruction

School Leadership (CONSTRAINT 3) 

This week, School Leadership remained focused on strengthening instructional systems and cultivating a positive school culture across the district. I visited all 10 campuses—The Meadows, West, Moates, Cockrell Hill, Woodridge, DeSoto High School, Amber Terrace Early Childhood Center, Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet, McCowan, and DAEP—with multiple touchpoints at several sites. These visits allowed for classroom observations, feedback to principals, and alignment of Campus Improvement Plans.

Across campuses, leaders are centering their work around three priorities tied to Board Policy AE (Local) and the district’s goals: strengthening Tier I instruction through professional development, observation and feedback cycles, curriculum slide decks, and instructional rounds; progress monitoring at six-week intervals using BOY i-Ready, DOLs, and benchmarks; and accelerated learning through WIN time and small groups that target Tier II and Tier III scholars.

The impact of this work is becoming evident. Teachers are receiving more actionable feedback, PLCs are moving from compliance toward engaged planning, and students are benefiting from clearer lesson objectives, stronger connections to demonstrations of learning, and more targeted small-group support.

A highlight of the week was our first Instructional Leadership Principal Meeting, supported by Chief McCloud and the Instructional Design Leads. Principals unpacked second-cycle curriculum in literacy and math, reviewed slide decks, and calibrated look-fors for walkthroughs in level-based breakout sessions. This session reinforced the backward map introduced in July, helping leaders stay focused on instruction and reduce distractions.

This week’s work matters because it demonstrates clear alignment across campuses, builds principal capacity, and ensures that instruction remains at the center of our efforts. It reflects PRIDE—purpose in aligning to Board goals, results through progress monitoring, integrity in consistent follow-through, determination in overcoming challenges, and excellence in the instruction we expect in every classroom.

Finance (CONSTRAINT 2)

District Revenues for FY26 as of Sept 5, 2025

Maintenance & Operations General Fund (199)

• Local Revenue (57XX): -$32,759

•  State Revenue Available School Funds (5811): $199,871

•  Foundation School Program (5812): $1,635,009

• TRS On-Behalf (5831): $442,660

 Federal Revenue

• JROTC (5949): $18,114

Child Nutrition (240)

• Breakfast Revenue (57

• Lunch Revenue (5751): $2,169

Debt Service (I&S) Fund (511)

• Local Tax Collections (5711/12/18/19): $68,616

School Revenue Tidbits

General Fund Revenue is derived from property taxes, student enrollment/ADA as well as interest earned from our investment accounts.

Food Service Revenue is derived from federal national breakfast and lunch programs as well as our ala carte purchases from students and staff.

Human Capital Management

1. Employee Handbook Roadshow Training

September 08 - 12, 2025
The HR team conducted Employee Handbook Roadshow sessions for exempt campus staff at the following locations:

• DAEP

• DeSoto High School

• Frank D. Moates Elementary

• The Meadows Elementary

• Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy
  These sessions focused on key updates to district policies and employee expectations for the 2025–2026 school year.

2. Legislative Implementation Planning Meetings
HR participated in strategic planning meetings to prepare for the implementation of recent legislative actions:

• HB 3372

• SB 571

• HB 3

• HB 2

These meetings focused on compliance, operational adjustments, and communication strategies.

3. Support Planning for Uncertified Teachers
The department is actively developing a comprehensive plan to support uncertified teachers, with a focus on exam preparation resources and cohort-based support.

4. Partnership Meeting with Texas Teachers of Tomorrow
HR met with representatives from Texas Teachers of Tomorrow to explore expanded certification pathways and support for paraprofessionals and long-term substitutes.

5. ISC Departmental Climate Review
The two-week window for the Instructional Support Center (ISC) Departmental Climate Review has officially closed. Feedback is being compiled for analysis and action planning. Individual interviews will also be scheduled for team members from various departments.

6. Compliance Updates
The district has obtained all required state posters to meet SB 571 compliance and has initiated the implementation of NAVEX EthicsPoint, a platform for anonymous reporting and ethics management.

Student & Staff Support Services

Dr. Williams and Mr. Lair participated in the Attendance in Texas Conference held in Plano. The primary focus of the conference was to assist school districts in understanding and implementing the new attendance policies established during the 89th Session of the Texas Legislature. Attendees received strategies and resources aimed at enhancing attendance within our district.

Additionally, Dr. Morrow and Mr. Lair convened for their initial meeting with CassiaK12 regarding the development of our no-show campaign. They reported that outreach efforts had been made to 269 students who have ceased attending. The majority of these students have exited the district. Notably, Red Oak and Lancaster have welcomed an influx of new students; however, these students have enrolled in both in-state and out-of-state institutions, with a few relocating abroad. Efforts are underway to create a more comprehensive grid that will illustrate the relocation patterns of these students.

Dr. Morrow facilitated a meeting with the parent of a student involved in the wheelchair incident last week, alongside Mrs. Fuller, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Davis, and Dr. Darden. During this meeting, the parent was afforded the opportunity to review footage, pose relevant inquiries, and articulate her preferences for enhancing the classroom environment from both a safety and instructional perspective. Although the meeting exhibited some tension at times, it concluded on a constructive note, and we anticipate collaborating with the family moving forward.

The Child Nutrition department held its bi-weekly meeting with Whitsons, during which the following items were discussed:

- Lunch Schedules

- Cash Handling for Grandparents' Day

- Exemption Days

- Equipment 

- Work Order Completion 

Mr. Southall and Dr. Morrow are collaborating with Mr. White to devise a comprehensive plan for all Whitsons staff to complete their SB 571 training. Our internal staff has successfully completed the majority, if not all, of the required training sessions for this year.

Communications

The DeSoto ISD Communications Department has continued its efforts to elevate the district’s story, amplify scholar voices, and highlight organizational successes across multiple platforms. Below is a summary of recent work and ongoing projects:

• High-Profile Event Engagement
  
  

  • Coordinated DeSoto ISD’s featured appearance at the George W. Bush Presidential Center’s opening of the Game Changer exhibit.
    
    

  • The district’s Triple A Experience was on full display through student performances (band, cheer, dance) and interviews with Superintendent Dr. Rodgers and student representatives in Academics, Arts, and Athletics.
    
    

• Media Relations & Publications
  
  

  • Supported the publication of superintendent features in Texas School Business Magazine and Southern Dallas Magazine, spotlighting Dr. Rodgers’ leadership and vision.
    
    

  • Coordinated coverage with CBS 11 regarding DeSoto ISD’s STAAR performance and accountability progress, with Dr. Rodgers serving as the district’s key voice.
    
    

• Campaigns & Special Projects
  
  

  • Advanced the Attendance Awareness Month campaign: graphics distributed, first video released, with the second installment featuring Truancy Officer Angela Stanley scheduled this week.
    
    

  • Launched Hispanic Heritage Month content, including student and adult perspectives alongside district observances.
    
    

  • Developing creative for upcoming district celebrations: Homecoming, National Principals Month, and Grandparents Day.
    
    

• Website & Digital Presence
  
  

  • Preparing a refresh of the district website’s aesthetics with discovery meetings underway.
    
    

  • Training for campus and department web managers scheduled to begin in October, with follow-up page refresh sessions to ensure content accuracy.
    
    

  • Launched the Community VOICES page to ensure compliance with the Parent Bill of Rights; evaluating a formal tool to enhance legislative alignment.
    
    

• Staffing
  
  

  • Actively addressing the department’s current vacancy. Candidate invitations have been sent, including presentation guidelines. Interviews are scheduled for the week of September 22.
    
    

The Communications Department continues to strategically align storytelling, media engagement, and digital outreach with the district’s vision to highlight scholar achievement, support transparency, and build community trust.

Technology 

In alignment with our district’s strategic vision for digital transformation, we are launching a comprehensive technology modernization plan to elevate learning, enhance safety, and streamline operations across all campuses.

1. Microsoft Intune Deployment

To strengthen cybersecurity and simplify device management, Microsoft Intune has been deployed across all district-owned devices. This cloud-based solution enables remote administration, policy enforcement, and efficient app deployment. It also supports our device lifecycle—from provisioning and tracking to retirement—ensuring seamless management at scale.

2. Student Device 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, access to modern learning tools, and ongoing security updates. High school students and campuses with aging hardware are prioritized in the rollout.

3. Digital Signage Expansion

To improve campus-wide communication, digital signage is being installed in key areas such as front offices, cafeterias, libraries, and athletic facilities. These displays will deliver real-time updates, emergency alerts, event schedules, and student recognition—centrally managed for consistency and impact.

4. Student Device Distribution

Every student will receive a district-issued laptop for academic use as part of our device initiative. Distribution events are coordinated with campus leadership and include orientation, digital citizenship training, and access to tech support. Devices are tagged, enrolled in Intune, and preloaded with essential educational tools.

5. Campus Security Camera Enhancements

To improve campus safety, we are upgrading to high-definition IP cameras with night vision and motion detection. These enhancements boost visibility and incident response and integrate with law enforcement systems. We are also exploring AI-driven features such as facial recognition, license plate readers, and behavioral analytics.

6. Document Management System Evaluation

We are currently evaluating enterprise-grade document management systems to be implemented district-wide. This initiative aims to centralize digital records, streamline workflows, and enhance collaboration across departments. Key criteria include:

• Security and compliance with FERPA and HIPAA

• Integration with existing platforms such as Microsoft 365 and student information systems

• Accessibility for staff, students, and administrators

• Automation tools for approvals, archiving, and retention policies Stakeholder input is being gathered through pilot programs and vendor demonstrations, with implementation planned upon final selection.

7. Bond-Funded Technology Projects

Through strategic vendor partnerships, we are working to implement a series of bond-funded upgrades -once approved- , including:

Project Description

1. Chromebook/Laptop Deployment

2. Devices to support digital learning

3. Audio-Visual Upgrades

4. Modern AV systems for stadiums, auditoriums, gyms, and boardroom

5. Bells and Paging Systems

6. Updated communication systems for daily and emergency use

7. Baseball Field Technology

8. Sound systems and live-streaming infrastructure

9. Emergency Notification Systems

10. Integrated alerts via intercoms, signage, mobile apps, and classroom devices

11. Smart Lockdown Systems

12. Automated door locking and alerting via panic buttons or AI threat detection

13. Board Room upgrades

14. Security Camera upgrade

8. Password Management Enhancements

Students now have the ability to change their own passwords, empowering them with greater control and improving overall security. Additionally, a new feature is in development that will allow teachers to reset passwords for students in their classes—streamlining classroom tech support.

Every initiative is rooted in our commitment to purpose-driven education. By modernizing infrastructure, deploying cloud-based tools, and expanding access to digital learning, we are preparing students to thrive in a connected, secure, and rapidly evolving world. These efforts reflect our integrity, determination, and pursuit of excellence—ensuring every student is equipped to lead with confidence and succeed with purpose.

Maintenance & Operations

Here is the list of work accomplished this past week. There were a total of 123 work orders completed and there are still 49 work orders in progress in the system.

Maintenance

• LG systems at Early College - Ongoing

  • Still waiting on parts

  • Compressor is out

• Still painting at KJ

  • On hold due to students being back in classrooms

• Painting at High School

  • Working on 2200 hallway classrooms

• Eagle Suite

  • Still working on floors

• Still replacing burned out canopy lights at KJ

  • Waiting on lift rental

• Still waiting on HoltCat for generator at McCowan to get them back up and running

• Working on removal of trash compactors

  • Waiting on Star Waste Equipment to call for pick up date

• Contractors are still cleaning AG Barn

  • Trimming trees

• McCowan water heaters are done

• Installing window frame in Admin's ZenDen Room

• Working on pumps for Press Box at Ben Dial Stadium

  • Waiting on PO approval

• Cleaning trash out on Visitor's side of Ben Dial Stadium

Grounds

• Mowing and weed eating around district

Safety Drills 

• • Cockrell Hill-Fire Drill

  • DAEP-Fire Drill, Evacuation Drill