DeSoto ISD Honors School Board during Texas Association of School Board’s School Board Recognition Month

DeSoto ISD Honors School Board during Texas Association of School Board’s School Board Recognition Month
Posted on 01/08/2018
This is the image for the news article titled DeSoto ISD Honors School Board during Texas Association of School Board’s School Board Recognition Month

January is School Board Recognition Month and DeSoto Independent School District is joining other districts across the state to thank these community volunteers for their commitment and contributions to our public schools.

“School board members serve countless hours working to make public education the best it can be for every child,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent Dr. David C. Harris. In a climate of change and challenge, they develop policies and make tough decisions on complex educational and social issues that affect the entire community and the lives of individual students. They bear responsibility and oversight in DeSoto ISD for an annual budget of $227 million; 9, 800 students, in grades K to 12; more than 1, 200 employees; and 13 campuses.

“Preparing today’s students to be productive citizens and the leaders of tomorrow is a tremendous task. As elected officials, school board members are the voice of their communities, serving first and foremost in the best interest of our schoolchildren,” said Harris.

“We proudly salute these education advocates as they provide vision and leadership for student achievement, academic programs, district funding, and school facilities. Their service ensures that decisions about local public schools are made by those most familiar with the needs of our community’s children and families,” said Harris.  “These dedicated individuals deserve recognition and thanks for their unfailing commitment to the continuing success of our students now and in the future,” he said.

Under the leadership of the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees:

  • The DeSoto ISD has acquired more than $30M in grant funding, received the Texas Education Agency’s T-STEM designation, produced the 2016 Texas State Football Champion, and thousands of graduates who have gone on to compete at top colleges and universities across the country.
  • DeSoto ISD implemented a rigorous teacher evaluation system which considers teacher experience and performance as based on the quality of instruction through student performance, classroom observation and evaluation and student experience. This compensation model rewards the district’s most effective teachers and creates multiple touchpoints in which school leaders can evaluate, develop and coach teachers to develop more effective instructional practices leading to better learning experiences and educational outcomes for students.

  • DeSoto ISD has maintained a healthy fund balance that the district has continually and strategically developed over the past five years.

  • DeSoto ISD graduated its largest class in 2016 totaling over 700 graduates and welcomed its largest student population of over 10,000 students this year for the 2017-2018 school year.

  • DeSoto ISD continues to expand public school choice options for parents and families to support the unique goals and interests of an already-diverse body of students. This grant will further such initiatives in the district. These choice options include advanced academic opportunities, magnet and special program opportunities and special population program supplementation and development.

  • DeSoto ISD has worked diligently to invest in and expand early childhood programs. The district has expanded the number of students engaged in the pre-kindergarten program in the district and has developed partnerships with local childcare facilities to provide curriculum and instruction as well as staff to support student learning at these very early and critical stages of student learning and development.

Comprised of a committee of men and women of a diverse range of ages, races, backgrounds, professions, the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustee includes:  

  • DeSoto ISD School Board President Carl Sherman, Jr., Place 1
  • DeSoto ISD School Board Vice President Karen Daniel, Place 3
  • DeSoto ISD School Board Secretary Tiffany Clark, Place 4
  • DeSoto ISD School Board Trustee Kathy Goad, Place 2
  • DeSoto ISD School Board Trustee Aubrey C. Hooper, Place 5
  • DeSoto ISD School Board Trustee Donald Gant, Place 6
  • DeSoto ISD School Board Trustee Sandre Moncriffe, Place 7

“Great leadership always begins with a willing heart, a positive attitude, and a desire to make a difference. Please join us as we applaud these local leaders for helping our kids soar to success,” said Harris.