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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.