DeSoto Independent School District is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025–2026 Principal of the Year award: Homer D. Webb, III, Principal of the district’s Alternative Education Program, and Demitree Tatum, Principal of Woodridge Fine Arts and Gifted Academy.
These exceptional leaders exemplify the district’s commitment to academic excellence, student-centered leadership, and transformational campus culture. The 2026 Principal of the Year will be announced at Cadence of Celebration on May 15, 2026, DeSoto ISD’s annual employee recognition gala honoring excellence in education.
Homer D. Webb, III, Principal, Alternative Education Program
Homer D. Webb, III is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience dedicated to improving student outcomes and expanding opportunities for diverse learners. He currently serves as Principal of DeSoto ISD’s Alternative Education Program, where he has led transformative efforts to re-engage students and create pathways for academic and personal success.
Under his leadership, the campus has achieved significant gains, including a reduction in out-of-school placements and expulsions by more than 75 percent. Webb has implemented innovative academic and social-emotional learning programs, expanded community partnerships, and introduced experiential learning opportunities that support the whole child and promote long-term success.
Known for his strategic mindset and student-centered approach, Webb is skilled in developing systems that build staff capacity, strengthen campus culture, and drive measurable results. He has served on district-level discipline and attendance committees and is recognized for his ability to collaborate across campuses to improve outcomes for all students.
Webb holds a Master of Science in Education Administration from Dallas Baptist University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from The University of Texas at Dallas. He is certified as a PK–12 Principal and has completed advanced training in instructional leadership, crisis prevention, and mental health support.
A respected voice in the field, Webb has presented at professional conferences and contributes to organizations focused on alternative education and student support systems. His work has earned national recognition, including the prestigious LifeChanger of the Year Award, honoring his profound impact on students, staff, and the broader school community.
Demitree Tatum, Principal, Woodridge Fine Arts and Gifted Academy
Demitree L. Tatum is a seasoned educational leader with more than 25 years of experience dedicated to fostering academic excellence, creativity, and student achievement. She currently serves as Principal of Woodridge Fine Arts and Gifted Academy in DeSoto ISD, where she leads a dynamic learning environment that integrates rigorous academics with fine arts and gifted programming.
Tatum is known for her strong instructional leadership and commitment to developing innovative, student-centered learning experiences. Since assuming the principalship, she has focused on cultivating a campus culture where students are encouraged to think critically, express creativity, and excel across disciplines. Her leadership emphasizes the integration of technology, data-driven instruction, and high-quality teaching practices to support continuous improvement.
Prior to her role as principal, Tatum served in a variety of leadership and instructional positions, including assistant principal, instructional specialist, and campus instructional coach. In these roles, she coached and mentored educators, led professional development, and supported the design and implementation of curriculum and assessment systems aligned to student needs. Her early career as a classroom teacher further grounds her leadership in a deep understanding of effective instructional practice.
Tatum holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Concordia University and a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism from the University of North Texas. She is certified as a PK–12 Principal and in Gifted and Talented education, and has completed extensive training in instructional leadership, teacher appraisal systems, and early literacy development.
A collaborative and visionary leader, Tatum remains committed to empowering educators, engaging families, and ensuring all students are prepared to succeed in an ever-evolving world.
Leadership Perspective
Dr. Raul Peña, DeSoto ISD Executive Director of School Leadership, praised both finalists for their impact on student achievement and campus culture.
“Principals Webb and Tatum represent the very best of DeSoto ISD leadership—strategic, student-focused, and deeply committed to excellence,” said Peña. “Their ability to cultivate strong instructional systems while building meaningful relationships across their communities is what drives sustained success.”
DeSoto ISD Interim Superintendent of Schools Mr. Brent Mitchell added, “These outstanding leaders embody the heart and vision of DeSoto ISD. Their work is changing trajectories for students and strengthening the culture of our schools. We are proud to recognize them as Principal of the Year finalists and celebrate their continued impact.”
The district will announce the overall DeSoto ISD Principal of the Year during the Cadence of Celebration employee recognition gala on May 15, 2026. This annual event brings together staff and stakeholders to honor excellence across the district, with the Principal of the Year distinction representing the highest recognition for campus leadership and impact on student success.