DeSoto ISD Leader Selected to Present at Statewide Stronger Connections Convening
DeSoto Independent School District proudly announces that DeSoto ISD Director of Student Services Metric Manning has been selected as a featured presenter at the upcoming Stronger Connections Convening in Austin this June. The selection highlights the district’s measurable success in strengthening student behavior systems, improving campus climate, and advancing academic readiness through a comprehensive student support framework.
Manning’s session, “District Transformation: One Step at a Time,” will spotlight the work of DeSoto ISD’s District Transformation sub-department, which supports the non-academic needs of students while directly reinforcing conditions for academic success. Funded through the Stronger Connections Grant, the team delivers aligned, research-based strategies including social-emotional learning (SEL), Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and restorative practices (RP).
“This opportunity reflects the intentional systems we’ve built to ensure students are supported holistically,” said Manning. “Our work is rooted in the belief that academic success is directly tied to student well-being. Through SEL, PBIS, and restorative practices, we are seeing tangible improvements in both behavior and readiness to learn across our campuses.”
The District Transformation team—comprised of four staff members with more than 35 years of combined experience—provides targeted support across multiple areas, including Character Counts (SEL curriculum), Safe & Civil Schools practices, campus discipline systems, restorative practices, Student Support Teams (SST), parent engagement through Parent University, and staff wellness initiatives such as Wellness Wednesday. The team also supports implementation of HB 1481 requirements, the Student Code of Conduct, and leadership development through the Assistant Principal Academy.
During the Fall 2025 semester, the impact of this work was evident:
- More than 600 students received direct behavioral support
- Over 10 professional development sessions were delivered to staff
- 11 campus “Zen Dens” were implemented to provide restorative spaces for students
- Districtwide SEL curriculum (Character Counts) was launched
- Safe & Civil Schools foundational practices were introduced
These efforts have translated into measurable improvements in student outcomes and campus discipline systems. Year-over-year comparison data demonstrates a significant reduction in exclusionary discipline practices:
- Out-of-school suspensions decreased by 22%
- Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) placements decreased by 22%
- Teacher removals from the classroom decreased by 31%
At the same time, the district saw a strategic increase in restorative and in-school interventions:
- In-school suspensions increased by 62%, reflecting a shift away from exclusionary practices
- Administrator conferences increased significantly, emphasizing proactive student engagement and intervention
“This work represents a fundamental shift in how we support students and staff,” said DeSoto ISD Executive Director of Student Support Services Dr. Gene Morrow. “By reducing exclusionary discipline and increasing restorative approaches, we are keeping students in the learning environment, strengthening relationships, and improving overall academic engagement.”
Manning will be joined at the convening by campus behavior coordinators and grant team members from key implementation campuses, including Cockrell Hill Elementary, West Middle School, and DeSoto High School. Their collective efforts have been instrumental in driving consistency and sustainability across the district.
“DeSoto ISD is committed to creating learning environments where every student can thrive,” said DeSoto ISD Interim Superintendent of Schools Brent S. Mitchell. “The success of our Stronger Connections work demonstrates that when we invest in student well-being, we see meaningful gains in academic readiness, school culture, and long-term student outcomes. We are proud to share our progress at the state level.”
The Stronger Connections Convening brings together education leaders from across Texas to share best practices aligned to a comprehensive Student Support Framework. As part of the event, DeSoto ISD will also participate in a statewide promotional effort highlighting the impact of grant-funded initiatives on student success.
Through this recognition, DeSoto ISD continues to position itself as a leader in building sustainable systems that support the whole child—ensuring that students are not only prepared academically, but also supported socially and emotionally to succeed.