DeSoto ISD Strengthens Fiscal Stewardship Through Restructuring, Strategic Planning, and Intentional Financial Oversight
As part of its ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and long-term financial sustainability, DeSoto Independent School District is actively implementing stronger financial management practices aimed at restoring and enhancing fiscal stewardship throughout the district.
Under the leadership of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers and Interim Chief Business Officer Michael McSwain, the district has restructured and reduced prior bond debt obligations, increased internal financial controls, and made strategic adjustments to spending and resource management to work toward a more secure and stable financial future for DeSoto ISD.
As school districts continue to grapple with the realities of declining enrollment and state funding, like other school systems, DeSoto ISD is working to actively redesign its future from a financial perspective.
“These factors have presented us with unique challenges, but they’ve also given us the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to financial integrity and community trust,” said Dr. Usamah Rodgers, DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools. “Rather than dwell on the past, we’ve chosen to be future-focused—making responsible, student-centered decisions that reflect our mission of building a stronger, more sustainable DeSoto ISD.”
Since assuming role of superintendent in June of 2022, Rodgers has led the district to undertake bold and intentional steps to restore financial confidence and performance, including:
- Restructuring and reducing bond debt to ease long-term repayment pressure
- Implementing internal financial controls and audit practices to monitor spending and improve accountability
- Reducing operational expenditures through efficiency-focused practices and contract review
- Prioritizing resource alignment to support student learning and staff support
“The financial turnaround we are pursuing is rooted in sound fiscal policy and disciplined execution,” said Michael McSwain, Interim Chief Business Officer for DeSoto ISD. “We’ve taken a deep dive into every financial process—from payroll to purchasing—and we are aligning our resources with our district’s academic and operational goals. Every dollar matters, and we’re committed to using our resources wisely.”
The DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees has also played a critical role in guiding and supporting the district’s fiscal reform efforts. Under the governance of Board President Chasiti McKissic, the Board has prioritized financial transparency and long-term viability through thoughtful oversight and collaboration with district leadership.
“Restoring fiscal integrity is not just about balancing a budget—it’s about restoring trust,” said Chasiti McKissic, President of the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees. “Our current leadership team is doing the hard but necessary work of rebuilding systems and confidence. This is about ensuring that every DeSoto ISD student, teacher, and staff member is supported by a school system that is financially sound and prepared for the future.”
With a renewed focus on stewardship, accountability, and student success, DeSoto ISD is charting a new course—one that is grounded in strong leadership, smart decision-making, and a deep responsibility to the community it serves.