Desoto independent school district

Curtistene S. McCowan is a trailblazing leader whose unwavering dedication to education, community service, and public leadership has left a lasting impact on DeSoto, Texas. As the first African American woman to serve as both president of the DeSoto Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees and mayor of DeSoto, McCowan has been a driving force in shaping the city’s educational and civic landscape.

As president of the DeSoto ISD Board, McCowan championed a variety of initiatives to improve educational opportunities for students. She was a fierce advocate for policies that not only supported academic achievement but also emphasized the professional development of teachers and robust community engagement. Under her leadership, the district made significant strides in fostering a more inclusive and high-quality educational environment. McCowan's efforts brought about stronger collaboration between the school district and the DeSoto community, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, had access to the tools they needed to succeed.

A key part of McCowan's legacy in education is McCowan Middle School, which opened in 2007 and was named in her honor. This new school reflected her vision of educational transformation. The opening of McCowan Middle School brought major organizational changes to DeSoto ISD, shifting the structure of intermediate schools and allowing for better alignment in serving students from grades 5 through 8. The decision to convert existing junior high campuses into middle schools, while expanding elementary schools to serve grade 5, created a more cohesive educational experience for students across the district. Today, McCowan Middle School stands as a beacon of excellence, offering a strong array of fine arts programs and serving more than 500 students who continue to benefit from McCowan’s commitment to educational opportunities.

In addition to her monumental contributions to education, McCowan’s influence extended to city government when she was elected mayor of DeSoto in 2015. As mayor, McCowan worked tirelessly to improve infrastructure, promote economic development, and create a more inclusive and thriving community. She was a staunch advocate for public safety and job creation, working to ensure that DeSoto remained a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Her leadership during this time was transformative, and she focused on building a more vibrant, cohesive, and accessible city for all residents.

McCowan’s leadership is rooted in a deep sense of service, which has been the cornerstone of her career. She continues to inspire others with her vision, integrity, and commitment to the community. Throughout her tenure in both the school district and city government, she has been a passionate advocate for uplifting marginalized voices, ensuring that people of all backgrounds have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. McCowan’s enduring impact on education, public service, and community development has made her a celebrated figure in DeSoto and beyond.

As we celebrate Black History Month, McCowan’s remarkable contributions stand as a shining example of the transformative power of leadership. Her unwavering commitment to inclusion, equity, and positive change continues to inspire future generations of leaders to strive for progress in their own communities. McCowan’s legacy is a powerful testament to the enduring impact of dedicated public service, and her work remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for years to come.