During the combined July 28, 2025,
meeting, the DeSoto Independent School District Board of Trustees approved the
following appointments at the recommendation of the district’s administration:
Dr. Raul Pena, Executive Director of
School Leadership
Dr. Pena is a dynamic and
equity-driven education leader with over two decades of experience transforming
systems, accelerating student achievement, and expanding access for all
learners. A native Spanish speaker, Dr. Pena brings a unique blend of instructional
leadership, policy expertise, and cultural fluency to their work in advancing
student-centered reform across Texas school districts.
Currently serving as Interim Executive
Director of School Improvement in DeSoto ISD, Dr. Pena has held senior
executive roles including Superintendent of Hutto ISD, Chief Talent Officer and
Chief of Schools in Fort Worth ISD, and Executive Director in Dallas ISD. His
leadership has directly contributed to notable districtwide academic gains,
expanded early college access, increased college and career readiness, and
innovative use of data systems to drive performance. Under Dr. Pena’s guidance,
Fort Worth ISD increased its state accountability rating and launched
districtwide programs that improved equity in advanced coursework, SEL
supports, and parent engagement.
Dr. Pena has a proven track record of
driving fiscal efficiency while maximizing resources for student success,
including overseeing multimillion-dollar bond initiatives, staffing realignment
strategies, and the launch of teacher pipeline programs. He is also a
recognized collaborator with institutions like the George W. Bush Institute,
Commit Partnership, and Dallas College, and a key contributor to state
initiatives such as the Teacher Incentive Allotment.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Pena earned a
Doctorate in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Texas
and holds multiple certifications, including Superintendent, Principal, and
Bilingual/ESL. He is an active member of several professional organizations,
including TASA, TASB, and Phi Kappa Phi. With a bold vision for student
excellence, Dr. Pena continues to lead with integrity, compassion, and a
steadfast commitment to transformative public education.
As the Executive Director of School
Leadership in DeSoto ISD, Dr. Pena will serve as a key instructional and
operational leader, responsible for guiding and supporting campus principals to
ensure strong academic outcomes and effective school management. This role
provides strategic oversight and coaching to school leaders, aligning campus
goals with district priorities and accountability measures. In this role, Pena
will collaborate with departments across the organization to implement
data-informed improvement strategies, foster instructional excellence, and
build leadership capacity among campus principals. With a focus on equity,
innovation, and continuous improvement, the Executive Director of School
Leadership plays a critical role in cultivating high-performing schools that
meet the diverse needs of DeSoto ISD’s students and families.
Metric Manning, Director of Student
and Staff Support Services
Manning is a dedicated and visionary
education leader with over 12 years of experience improving student outcomes
and developing high-performing educators through strategic coaching,
data-driven instruction, and innovative leadership practices. Currently serving
as a District Coordinator for DeSoto ISD, Manning oversees key initiatives,
including federal grant implementation, professional development design, and
wellness-centered student spaces like Zen Dens.
Previously, as Principal of DeSoto
West Middle School, Manning led transformative efforts such as establishing the
Male Leadership Academy, creating inclusive master schedules that expanded
academic access, and improving campus culture through strong family and
community partnerships. At Duncanville High School, Manning was instrumental in
expanding career and college readiness, increasing the percentage of students
college, career, and military ready (CCMR) to 84.5%, and supporting the state's only campus with all three College and Career
Readiness School Models.
With a strong foundation in both
instructional and operational leadership, Manning has held multiple roles
ranging from Master Teacher to Principal Fellow. His work has consistently
resulted in improved student performance, increased teacher efficacy, and
nationally recognized school achievements—including contributing to a National
Blue Ribbon School designation.
Certified in multiple areas including
Principal as Instructional Leader (EC–12), Social Studies (8–12), and NIET/TAP
System Master Teacher, Manning also holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics
from Texas A&M University and two Master of Arts degrees from Dallas
Theological Seminary. Additionally, Manning earned a Master of Arts in
Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University.
A collaborative leader and advocate
for equitable education, Manning remains committed to fostering safe,
inclusive, and high-achieving school environments where all students can
thrive.
As the Director of Student and Staff
Support Services, Manning will play a critical role in shaping the overall
well-being and success of both students and educators. This position will be
responsible for developing and implementing systems that promote positive
school culture, student engagement, and staff support, with a strong focus on
personal development and relationship management capacity. A central component
of this role involves leading the design and execution of comprehensive social,
emotional, and character development frameworks that run parallel to academic
and intellectual growth. By embedding SEL practices into the fabric of school
life, the director ensures students are not only academically prepared but also
emotionally resilient, socially aware, and equipped with the character skills
necessary for lifelong success. Additionally, Mr. Manning will continue to
support campuses in strengthening discipline processes and procedures through
strategic partnerships, targeted professional development, and the
implementation of evidence-based practices aimed at improving student behavior
and outcomes. This deep, intentional work supports the whole child and creates
the conditions for meaningful learning and thriving school communities.
Twynette Anderson,
Director of Fine Arts
Twynette Anderson is an accomplished
fine arts educator and visionary leader with more than 14 years of experience
cultivating vibrant, inclusive arts programs across K–12 education. She brings
a wealth of instructional, administrative, and performance expertise to her new
role as Director of Fine Arts for DeSoto ISD. A proud advocate for arts
education, Anderson most recently served as the district’s Middle School Fine
Arts Coordinator, where she oversaw programming for more than 1,500 students,
led district-wide showcases, aligned curriculum with academic standards, and
provided targeted professional development for arts educators.
Throughout her career, Anderson has
successfully grown music programs, launched innovative initiatives such as
after-school drumlines and music technology curriculum, and secured competitive
grant funding to expand student access to quality fine arts resources. She has
served in multiple leadership roles, including department chair, PLC leader,
and campus leadership team member, and was recognized as the 2022 Teacher of
the Year at Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School before being named the
district’s overall Secondary Teacher of the year that same year.
Anderson holds a Master’s in
Educational Leadership from Northcentral University and a B.A. in Music
Management and African American Studies from Georgia State University, along
with multiple teaching certifications. A dynamic and collaborative leader, she
is deeply committed to fostering creativity, cultural literacy, and student
achievement through equitable and high-impact fine arts education.
As the Director of Fine
Arts for DeSoto ISD, Anderson will lead the district’s comprehensive vision for
arts education, ensuring that every student has meaningful access to
high-quality, culturally relevant fine arts programming. Her work will focus on
expanding and aligning curriculum across all grade levels and
disciplines—including music, visual arts, theater, and dance—while also
supporting educator development, community partnerships, and district-wide
performances. In her role, Anderson will serve as the strategic driver of the
Arts pillar within DeSoto ISD’s Triple-A Experience, advancing the district’s
commitment to excellence in Academics, Arts, and Athletics. Through innovation,
equity, and collaboration, she will help elevate the role of fine arts as an
essential component of a well-rounded education that inspires creativity,
fosters student engagement, and prepares students for college, careers, and
life.
For more information about
DeSoto ISD’s programs, services and initiatives, please visit www.DeSotoisd.org.
See event photos here.