Dr. Usamah Rodgers, DeSoto ISD Superintendent
Dr. Usamah Rodgers was recently named Superintendent of Schools in DeSoto ISD. Prior to being named superintendent she served as a deputy chief in the second largest school district in Texas. Dr. Rodgers is a thought leader, collaborator, innovator, designer and disruptor. Most notably Usamah Rodgers is highly regarded for her work designing, launching and leading one of largest implementations of the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program in the United States. Her work has created an opportunity for thousands of students to earn a high school diploma, an Associate degree and industry recognized certifications. Dr. Usamah Rodgers is a dynamic educator with a career that spans more than 20 years. Dr. Rodgers was named as the best K-12 Education Leader in 2020 by The Edvocate, a national organization that is devoted to advocating for education equity, reform and innovation. She was named Teacher of the Year in 1998 and Principal of the Year in 2009. Usamah has also received awards from various organizations namely the NAACP, National Council of Negro Women and the University of Texas at Austin. Usamah is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. Throughout her distinguished career Dr. Rodgers has presented at numerous national, state and local conferences speaking to thousands regarding the importance of access, advocacy, equity and excellence.
Superintendent Appointment Brief:
The school community packed the district board room for hours to learn about the trustees' decision regarding the official hiring of the district’s new superintendent.
Dr. Usamah Rodgers was previously selected as the Lone Finalist in April 2022 for the role of superintendent.
On May 16, amid a standing-room-only crowd of anticipatory people from the school and DFW community, Board President DeAndrea Fleming announced the results of the vote as passing 7-0.
Pausing to scan the room as it erupted with a myriad of cheers and sustained rounds of applause in support of the official hiring of Dr. Rodgers, Board President Fleming shared her sentiments.
“What a journey for DeSoto ISD! Today is the day that we can move forward from the past. Too many times we hold on to the things of the past as if they are still happening in the future, and today we have just made history in moving forward,” she began. “I think that we have found the best leader that we can possibly find for DeSoto ISD.”
To the incoming Superintendent Dr. Usamah Rodgers, Board President Fleming extended her gratitude and the commitment of the trustees.
“Know that you have the support of this board to make things happen for children. They have been waiting, wanting, and have been watching and it is time to get to work,” said Board President Fleming. “We, welcome Dr. Rogers to the cities of DeSoto and Glenn Heights as we serve students who attend school in DeSoto ISD.”
Taking in this announcement as she sat with her family, Dr. Rodgers came to the podium to address the board and community.
“Thank you for this opportunity to serve. I am delighted and excited to begin this journey. I do not take this responsibility lightly. I often say that this is heart work because you have to do it with your full heart and passion for the children that we serve. Ultimately, it is about them and their future and the difference that we will make for them collectively. I am excited to roll up my sleeves and work with everyone including parents and children,” began Superintendent Rodgers.
During her remarks, Dr. Rodgers spoke about the rigorous hiring process, but more importantly about the heart of the board and the community to restore hope and possibility in the school system.
“We are standing on principles or precipice of possibility we will work together collectively in service and support of our students. Victory is in the classroom. Each day we are going to provide excellent opportunities for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Rodgers. “We have to get it right for our students and my commitment is to serve our students. I am humbled, honored, and elated to serve my community.”
DeSoto ISD Superintendent Dr. Rodgers comes to the district as a noted, experienced and long-serving educator and leader.