January is School Board Recognition Month, and DeSoto Independent School District is celebrating its trustees for their dedication and commitment to the district and its students.
This year’s School Board Recognition Month theme is Locally Elected, Community Connected, which highlights the connection between school trustees and their communities. School board members are the largest group of locally elected officials in the state.
“Our board members are vital. Their dedication, vision, and commitment shape the future of our schools and students,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers. “Our trustees show such dedication to their roles and advocacy for the absolute best for district scholars, that we want to take this time to reiterate our appreciation for their service to schools and this community.”
The DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees is tasked to govern the business decisions of the school system including the identification and appointment of a superintendent. According to the Texas Education Agency, “In each instance, the school board oversees the management of the district or charter school and ensures that the superintendent implements and monitors district operations. The board and the superintendent work together as a team to bring about the best education possible for the students they serve.”
Dan Troxell, executive director of the Texas Association of School Boards, applauded the efforts of volunteer trustees in providing leadership and good governance so that school districts can focus on educating the 5.4 million public schoolchildren in their care.
“Texas school boards are so important because they bring a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of their local communities to their role,” Troxell said. “Boards lead their districts by providing oversight, setting goals, overseeing the budget, and selecting and evaluating the superintendent. These volunteers serve for the betterment of their communities.”
The current roster of trustees in DeSoto ISD includes:
Chasiti McKissic, President, Place 2
Abe Cooper Jr., Vice President, Place 5
Traci McNairy, Place 7
Cynthia Watson-Banks, Place 1
Karen Lacy, Place 3
James Durham, Place 4
Dr. DeAndrea Fleming, Place 6
Learn more about school board service at tasb.org.