DeSoto ISD Names Dr. Leon Darden as the Principal of DeSoto High School
DeSoto Independent School District is proud to announce the
official appointment of Dr. Leon Darden as the Principal of DeSoto
High School, following approval of the administration’s recommendation by
the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees during the Monday, November 3, 2025,
special called meeting of the Board.
“On behalf of the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees, we are
thrilled to officially appoint Dr. Leon Darden as Principal of DeSoto High
School. His leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence have already made
a meaningful impact on students, staff, and the campus community. We are
confident that under his guidance, DeSoto High will continue to soar
academically, culturally, and athletically, embodying the very best of Eagle
Pride,” said DeSoto ISD Board President Chasiti McKissic.
Dr. Darden has served as Interim Principal since June 2,
2025, a period during which his leadership has breathed new energy,
life, and expectation into the DeSoto High School campus. His leadership is
guided by his empowering call to action, “Accountability Over Everything,”
which aligns seamlessly with the district’s EAGLE PRIDE mantra
encouraging Purpose, Results, Integrity, Determination, and Excellence.
“Dr. Darden’s steady and visionary leadership has inspired a
renewed sense of purpose and pride at DeSoto High School,” said DeSoto ISD
Superintendent Dr. Usamah Rodgers. “His commitment to building strong
relationships, fostering accountability, and creating a culture of excellence
embodies what it means to lead with Eagle Pride. We are confident that he will
continue to elevate the standard of achievement and engagement for our scholars
and staff.”
Dr. Darden brings more than 20 years of educational
leadership experience with a deep commitment to serving students from
diverse and underserved backgrounds. A results-driven and visionary
administrator, he has led campuses across Texas with a focus on academic
excellence, innovative instructional practices, and positive school culture.
“Dr. Darden is poised to lead DeSoto High School into its
next era of greatness,” said DeSoto ISD Chief Academic Officer Dr. Stephanie
McCloud. “His focus on the whole-child experience reflects the district’s
Triple A model—Academics, Arts, and Athletics—ensuring every scholar has
the opportunity to thrive.”
Dr. Darden’s career in DeSoto ISD includes several impactful
leadership roles. He began as Principal of The Meadows Elementary, where
he advanced student achievement and strengthened parent engagement. He later
served in Student Support Services, shaping districtwide student success
initiatives, before returning to campus administration as Principal of the
DeSoto Alternative Education Program. He went on to lead the DeSoto High
School Freshman Campus and later served as Director of the DeSoto High
School Early College High School, where he championed academic readiness
and post-secondary pathways for students.
Prior to joining DeSoto ISD, Dr. Darden served as Principal
of Advantage Academy in Grand Prairie, leading a PreK–6 campus focused on
literacy and community engagement, and as Principal of Chilton Secondary
Schools (Grades 6–12), where his leadership earned the school seven TEA
academic distinction designations in just two years, including high marks
for academic growth and post-secondary readiness.
Throughout his career, Dr. Darden has:
- Designed
and implemented campus-wide instructional strategies, including Explicit
Instruction and RTI frameworks.
- Launched
a New Teacher Academy and multiple career academies in
Criminal Justice, Business Technology, and Health & Human Services.
- Led
professional development focused on instructional excellence, student
behavior intervention, and diversity training.
- Achieved
measurable student success in both traditional and alternative education
settings.
Dr. Darden earned his Doctorate from Dallas Baptist
University, a Master of Arts in Education Administration from Concordia
University–Austin (graduating with a 4.0 GPA), and a Bachelor of Arts in
Public Relations from Baylor University. He is a certified EC–12
Principal, a member of the Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society, and an
active contributor to multiple professional education organizations.
DeSoto ISD celebrates this appointment as a milestone in the
district’s ongoing commitment to strong, student-centered leadership.
Please join DeSoto ISD in congratulating Dr. Leon
Darden on his official appointment as Principal of DeSoto High School. His
passion for student success, dedication to accountability, and unwavering
pursuit of excellence continue to set the standard for Eagle leadership.