DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees Approves First District-wide Staff Compensation Increase
In a special called meeting on June 23, 2025, the DeSoto Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to approve a comprehensive compensation and benefits proposal, marking the district’s first district-wide salary increase in more than eight years outside of COVID-related ESSER funds. This vote followed a detailed presentation during the June 16 regular board meeting, which outlined the district's strategy to strengthen employee retention and recruitment by addressing teacher compensation, cost-of-living pressures, and employee wellness.
As part of the approved plan, DeSoto ISD will implement House Bill 2, the Teacher Retention Allotment, providing $2,500 per step for teachers with 0-4 years of service and $5,000 for teachers with 5 or more years, totaling an estimated $1.5 million investment. This adjustment will place the starting salary for teachers in DeSoto ISD at $61,000 and better aligns DeSoto ISD teacher salaries with those of similarly sized and demographically comparable districts across the region.
The board also approved targeted compensation increases for other critical staff roles:
- 3% increase for principals
- 5% increase at the midpoint for other staff including paraprofessionals, clerical and auxiliary staff, and professional staff
- 7% increase for assistant principals
“This is a major milestone for DeSoto ISD,” said Michael McSwain, Interim Chief Business Officer. “Our staff are the backbone of this district, and these adjustments are a reflection of our commitment to valuing their contributions and building a more competitive, sustainable compensation structure for the future.”
In addition to salary enhancements, the proposal included significant expansions to employee benefits and wellness offerings, such as:
- A $410 monthly contribution toward health insurance premiums—the highest among Best Southwest school districts
- Free access to prescription savings programs, telehealth, healthcare transportation services, and an Employee Assistance Program offering no-cost legal, financial, and mental health counseling
- No-cost $10,000 life insurance for all full-time staff
- Free Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 enrollment for children of district employees
“This compensation plan represents more than just numbers—it represents a renewed commitment to our people,” said Dr. Usamah Rodgers, Superintendent of DeSoto ISD. “We are choosing to invest in the educators and professionals who show up every day to serve our students. These increases not only help us retain exceptional staff but also send a clear message: we see you, we value you, and we’re committed to your wellbeing.”
The plan is designed to ensure staff are fairly compensated by aligning salaries with competitive market rates, addressing the rising cost of living, and reducing teacher and staff attrition.
DeSoto ISD Board President Chasiti McKissic added, “The board believes deeply in rewarding hard work and dedication. This is not just a financial decision—it’s a moral one. Our educators and support staff deserve competitive compensation, and this move strengthens our foundation for continued excellence in student outcomes.”
With this historic vote, DeSoto ISD moves toward a more competitive, caring, and comprehensive compensation model that supports employee wellbeing and positions the district as a destination for educational excellence and professional fulfillment.