DeSoto ISD continues to Soar Higher as Incumbent Trustees McKissic and Watson-Banks Re-Elected
Two incumbent candidates, trustees Chasiti McKissic and Cynthia Watson-Banks, were re-elected to their respective seats on the DeSoto Independent School District Board of Trustees during the May 2025 local elections. Neither candidate ran opposed and, as a result, were officially sworn in by district alumnus and 2024 DeSoto ISD Hall of Honor inductee Judge Michael Jones in a ceremonial installation preceding the May 14 community reception celebrating the passage of its first bond in 20 years—also the largest in district history.
Watch the May 14, 2025 Swearing-In Ceremony
The re-election of McKissic and Watson-Banks signals the continuation of the district’s positive trajectory—one defined by stability, a unified focus, and a collaborative spirit between the Board of Trustees and district administration. This alignment is instrumental as DeSoto ISD works to refine its systems, elevate student outcomes, and solidify its place as the premier educational choice for families in the region.
With the current seven-member board having served together since 2024, the body enters the next chapter of leadership without transition, preserving the progression of the district’s mission to ensure students, without exception, learn and grow at their highest levels. Their unified approach has positioned the district to build upon recent successes, including the historic 2025 bond passage and measurable strides in governance and academic outcomes.
Continued Strategic Focus
In its most recent efforts, the Board has prioritized the revision of board goals originally established in 2021, signaling a renewed commitment to student achievement, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. The Board continues to actively engage research based governance, with focused work in areas including policy refinement, financial oversight, curricular innovation, and improving outcomes for all students.
This consistent leadership provides an opportunity for continuity and stability as the Board’s vision is implemented by the superintendent and administrative team, reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation, equity, and excellence.
About Trustee Chasiti McKissic, Place 2
A proud DeSoto High School graduate, former district parent, and spouse of a DeSoto ISD alumnus, Chasiti McKissic was first elected to the Board of Trustees in May 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston, a Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching from Texas Woman’s University, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas.
With 13 years in education, McKissic has held roles ranging from classroom teacher to district administrator and currently serves as a Regional Director of Operations. She is the president of the Southwest Dallas County Alliance of Black School Educators (SWABSE), a founding member of Impact DeSoto, and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She was recently inducted into the 2025 DeSoto ISD Hall of Honor Alumni Hall of Fame.
McKissic remains dedicated to promoting Excellence in Academics, Engaging the Community, and Encouraging Student Voice—pillars she believes are essential to the success of all DeSoto ISD students.
About Trustee Cynthia Watson-Banks, Place 1
Cynthia Watson-Banks, a seasoned educator and advocate, has dedicated her life to student success and equity in education. With seven years as a Special Needs Coordinator for Head Start of Greater Dallas and 20 years in the classroom at DeSoto ISD, Banks has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students.
Originally from Lorenzo, Texas, Banks graduated from Lorenzo High School and attended West Texas State University. She is a wife, mother, Life Member of the PTA, and member of Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. A committed volunteer with Sisterhood Helping Hands, Banks believes in building meaningful relationships across the district to foster collaborative learning environments.
She is passionate about ensuring that every child has equitable access to a high-quality education, grounded in fairness and strong community partnerships.
Board Officers Established at May 27 Meeting
At the May 27, 2025, regular business meeting, the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees voted to continue its current leadership configuration, reflecting the board’s collective confidence in its existing officers and reinforcing its consistent direction and vision.
- President: Chasiti McKissic
- Vice President: James Durham
- Secretary: Cynthia Watson-Banks
Appointments for TASA/TASB Delegate and Alternate were tabled for a future decision.
As DeSoto ISD enters this next phase, the Board of Trustees remains committed to building upon its foundation of progress to deliver exceptional educational opportunities and ensure long-term student success.