DeSoto ISD Approves Three New Principals

DeSoto ISD Approves Three New Principal Appointments at May 27 Board Meeting
Posted on 05/29/2025
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DeSoto Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees approved the appointment of three principals at the May 27 regular business meeting.

The Board approved the following candidates for appointment following a recommendation by DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers:

Dr. Brittany Strickland, DeSoto West Middle School

Yolanda Hanspard, Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy

David Paraham, Frank D. Moates Elementary School

About Dr. Brittany Strickland

Dr. Brittany Strickland is an experienced educator and leader in DeSoto ISD, currently serving as interim principal at DeSoto West Middle School. She holds an Doctorate of Education in Higher Education and an Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, along with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Henderson State University.

Dr. Strickland's tenure in DeSoto ISD includes roles as an assistant principal at Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School and as an instructional specialist and reading interventionist at the same campus. She has also served as a campus behavior coordinator, contributing to the development of positive school environments. During her tenure as the interim principal at DeSoto West Middle School, Strickland demonstrated her leadership capabilities and commitment to student success.

Dr. Strickland's diverse experience and educational background position her as a strong candidate to lead DeSoto West Middle School in fostering academic excellence and a supportive learning environment.

About Yolanda Hanspard

Yolanda Hanspard’s appointment follows her recent service as interim principal at Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy. Ms. Hanspard holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from Spelman College, a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Lamar University, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Christian Leadership at Liberty University. Her extensive experience includes roles as Assistant Principal and Summer School Principal in DeSoto ISD, Instructional Coordinator at DeSoto West Middle School, and Fine Arts Department Head at McCowan Fine Arts Academy. She has also coordinated STEM summer camps and served as a summer school principal at both DeSoto ISD middle schools and Cockrell Hill Elementary.

Ms. Hanspard is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, Texas Education Theatre Association, and the American Federation of Teachers. She is also affiliated with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Parent Teacher Student Association.

Her leadership philosophy centers on fostering resilience, integrity, scholarship, and empowerment—values that align with KJTMA’s mission to provide rigorous STEAM instruction and real-world exposure in aviation, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing industries.

With a proven track record of academic excellence and community engagement, Mrs. Hanspard is poised to continue advancing KJTMA's commitment to student success and innovation.

About David Paraham

David Paraham brings over two decades of experience in education leadership. He most recently served as principal at Woodway Elementary in Fort Worth ISD, where he led initiatives to enhance student engagement and academic achievement.

Mr. Paraham's career includes roles as an assistant principal at various campuses in Dallas ISD, including Mark Twain, Hotchkiss, and Umphrey Lee Elementary Schools. He also served as assistant principal at The Meadows Elementary and Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School in DeSoto ISD . Earlier in his career, he taught in Richardson ISD and Grand Prairie ISD, gaining a diverse perspective on educational needs across different communities.

He holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Toledo. Mr. Paraham is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, ensuring that every student reaches their fullest potential.

Each principal underwent a rigorous selection process inclusive of panel interviews, presentations and other assessments prior to their recommendation, Each principal is slated to open their respective campuses at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.

For more information about schools, programs and academic experiences in DeSoto ISD, please visit the DeSoto ISD website.