DeSoto ISD Launches Major Technology Investment: Chromebook Integration to Transform Learning Across Campuses
DeSoto Independent School District (DeSoto ISD) is proud to
announce the Board of Trustees’ approval of one of the first major purchases
under the 2025 Bond Program—a transformative investment in technology
advancement designed to prepare every student for success in a rapidly
evolving digital world.
Through this initiative, 6,250 Chromebooks will be
deployed across district campuses through a classroom-based cart model,
ensuring equitable access to technology for all students while advancing the
district’s strategic vision for digital innovation, operational excellence, and
instructional equity.
“This initiative represents far more than a device
upgrade—it’s a statement of our commitment to prepare every DeSoto ISD student
for a future driven by innovation, collaboration, and digital literacy,” said Dr.
Usamah Rodgers, DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools. “By investing in
tools that foster creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking, we are ensuring
that our classrooms remain at the forefront of 21st-century learning.”
Transforming Classrooms for Future-Ready Learners
The Chromebook initiative supports DeSoto ISD’s shift toward
technology-enabled instruction, equipping students and teachers with
reliable, secure, and user-friendly tools that enhance collaboration and
personalized learning.
Key benefits include:
- Cloud-Based
Collaboration: Seamless integration with Google Workspace and
Microsoft 365 enables real-time creation, communication, and teamwork.
- Security
and Scalability: Centralized management and automatic updates provide
a secure, consistent experience across campuses.
- Cost-Effective
Access: High-quality devices at lower costs allow broader access and
long-term sustainability.
“Technology should never be a barrier; it should be a
bridge,” said Michael White, DeSoto ISD Executive Director of Technology.
“This investment ensures that every DeSoto ISD student, regardless of
background or circumstance, has the tools he or she needs to learn, explore,
and innovate.”
Closing the Digital Divide
The district’s investment ensures that access is equity,
aligning with DeSoto ISD’s mission to remove barriers to learning through
technology. Each campus will receive classroom carts proportionate to student
enrollment, ensuring consistent access in every core academic space.
“The Board’s decision to prioritize this investment speaks
to our commitment to both fiscal responsibility and instructional innovation,”
said DeSoto ISD Board President Chasiti McKissic. “Through this
initiative, we are delivering value that directly impacts student learning,
engagement, and readiness.”
Security, Accountability, and Access
Chromebook locker stations will be installed at
various campuses to provide take-home access for students in need of extended
learning opportunities.
These measures ensure that every investment is managed
securely, efficiently, and equitably—balancing access with accountability.
“We are building a system that not only empowers students
with technology but also teaches responsibility and stewardship,” said White.
“Our team is implementing thoughtful safeguards, from tracking systems to
repair workflows, to protect both students and district assets.”
Empowering Digital Citizens and Lifelong Learners
Chromebooks will be used to power DeSoto ISD’s commitment to
career readiness, digital citizenship, and academic excellence by
supporting:
- STEM
& Research Inquiry: Tools that promote investigation, coding, and
creativity.
- Accessibility
& Inclusion: Built-in features such as screen readers and voice
typing.
- Innovation
& Exploration: Multimedia learning opportunities, virtual field
trips, and interactive collaboration.
- Assessment
& Feedback: Real-time insights to personalize instruction and
monitor growth.
“This investment is about far more than technology—it’s
about transformation,” said Board President McKissic. “Our students
deserve classrooms that mirror the innovation of the world they’re stepping
into, and this initiative gives them that foundation.”
Next Steps and Long-Term Vision
The Chromebook rollout will occur in phased
implementation cycles, beginning with core classrooms and expanding into
elective and specialized courses.
“This is the kind of forward-thinking investment that
changes the trajectory of learning,” added Dr. Rodgers. “We are deeply
grateful for the community’s trust and partnership as we continue to create
learning environments that inspire excellence.”