DeSoto ISD to Celebrate Legacy of Kathy Goad with Center Dedication and Ribbon Cutting
DeSoto Independent School District will honor the life and lasting legacy of longtime educator, student advocate and former trustee Kathryn “Kathy” Goad with a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially dedicating the Kathy Goad Center.
The ceremony will take place Thursday, Aug. 20, and will mark a new chapter for the district’s alternative education program while recognizing a woman whose decades of service centered on helping students overcome challenges and find pathways to success.
The DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved naming the DeSoto Alternative Education Program facility in Goad’s honor in February 2025 as part of the district’s inaugural facilities naming process.
Goad dedicated nearly three decades to serving students as a classroom teacher in DeSoto ISD before continuing her work in student leadership and academic recovery programs.
During her career, Goad led the Peer Assistance and Leadership program, known as PALS, at DeSoto High School. The program earned state recognition and was named among the top five programs in Texas. She also served as director of WINGS, or Where I Now Gain Success, a district program designed to help over-age and under-credited students continue their education and work toward earning a high school diploma.
Her connection to that work gives added significance to the naming of the district’s alternative education center in her honor. Goad’s service to DeSoto ISD continued after her career as an educator. She was elected to the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees in 2016 and served the district as a trustee for six years, including service as a board officer. Her commitment to DeSoto students and the school community also earned her recognition as a DeSoto ISD Teacher of the Year and the district’s Hall of Honor Distinguished Service recognition in 2014. Goad died July 8, 2022, but her influence continues through the students, educators and community members impacted by her commitment to education, mentorship and service.
The Aug. 20 celebration will provide an opportunity for the DeSoto ISD community to reflect on that legacy while formally introducing the Kathy Goad Center. Guests will be welcomed by DeSoto ISD student musicians before the ceremony and invited to experience a legacy gallery featuring photographs and an accomplishment display highlighting Goad’s life, leadership and contributions. A video tribute featuring reflections from family members, friends, former colleagues, students and community members will also be presented. The formal ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. at the Belt Line Conference Center and will include remarks from district and community leaders, a student performance and reflections from Goad’s family.
Lawrence Davis will deliver the keynote address, reflecting on Goad’s legacy, her impact on students and education, the history of DeSoto’s alternative education program and the significance of the center entering a new chapter bearing her name. DeSoto ISD Board President Karen Lacy will provide remarks on behalf of the Board of Trustees, joined by Board Vice President DeAndrea Fleming. Members of Goad’s family will also share reflections about her life and legacy. The program will culminate with the official unveiling of the Kathy Goad Center followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Goad’s family. The dedication represents more than a new name on a district facility. It connects Goad’s history of providing students with opportunities, guidance and second chances to the work that will continue inside the building bearing her name.
Through the Kathy Goad Center, DeSoto ISD will continue working to ensure scholars receive the support, resources and opportunities necessary to grow academically and socially and move forward on a path toward success.
Kathy Goad Center Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026
Pre-event experience: 5:40 p.m.
Ceremony: 6 p.m.
Location: Belt Line Conference Center
DeSoto ISD invites members of the community to join the district and Goad family in celebrating a legacy of education, service and commitment to DeSoto students.