Dignitaries Attend Swearing-in Ceremony A. Davis

Dignitaries Gather for the Swearing-In Ceremony for SBOE Member Davis
Posted on 01/27/2023
A Davis Story ImageDESOTO, TEXAS - DeSoto ISD had the pleasure of hosting the swearing-in ceremony for Texas State Board of Education Member Aicha Davis of District 13 on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, in the DeSoto High School Courtroom amongst district students, staff, leaders, and trustees along with several nation, state, county, and local elected officials.


Davis, a former DeSoto High School secondary teacher, was re-elected in November 2022 for her second term and is poised to continue her work around improving the state of education in Texas. 


“It is exciting to be sworn in on the campus where I served as a teacher. This district means so much to me. Getting to know my students while teaching here is what changed my perspective on what I wanted in Education. It influenced me to fight for children to ensure they have opportunities, said Davis. “This district is my home and will always be my home.”


Some of the highlights of her first term in SBOE member District 13, which serves Dallas and Tarrant Counties, include leading the statewide adoption of African American Studies, creating a paid internship for underrepresented college students with the Texas Permanent School Fund, championing efforts for the Crown Act with the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, and being elected as the vice chair of the Committee on School Initiatives.


Davis shared that this second term will include more planning initiatives to ensure that students' essential needs are met, they are safe in their schools, and that the curriculum is designed to improve the outcomes for all students. She also shared that one of the goals is to develop a long-range plan for education in Texas so that generations that follow can see is offered in the school of the Lone Star state.


Following the actual swearing-in ceremony conducted by Dallas County Justice of the Peace Valencia Nash, District 1, Place 2, Davis also spent time engaging in a panel discussion with current DeSoto High School student government and campus leadership ambassadors. 


“It was a special moment for me. It is something new and I love the work that she does. It is near and dear to my heart,” said Dylan Sutter, DHS student vice president as he recounted his experience seeing SBOE member Davis and civil right activist Opal Lee, noted as the grandmother of Juneteenth. I never thought that I would get to see her in real life. It was really special to be here and to have this experience.”


DeSoto ISD’s mission is to ensure that students learn and grow to their highest levels and Davis’ message to students who attended the ceremony is in alignment. 


“I hope that it influences the students to get involved in what is happening regarding their own education, to hold an office and make decisions that will improve outcomes for students all around Texas,” said Davis. “Thanks to all of the voters who gave me another chance to serve. I sincerely love being in this capacity to make decisions that support all of our schools.”


Newly elected U.S. District 30 Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, representatives from the offices of Texas Sen. Royce West and Rep. Carl O. Sherman Sr., and representatives, L. Tomlinson’s charitable organization supporting education, and civil rights activist Dr. Opal Lee were amongst the several state, county and local dignitaries who joined Davis for this official ceremony along with the notable Ms. Opal Lee, known as the “grandmother of Juneteenth” who spoke during the event.
DHS Students and Ms. Opal Lee
“Today was marvelous! It is awesome to know that these young people are going out and doing things that are going to affect all of us. These are the ones who are going to turn this country around,” said Lee who was selected as one of Davis’ community heroes during her first term.

DeSoto ISD Superintendent Dr. Usamah Rodgers, district trustees, and other local school district and university leaders were also on-hand to mark this occasion. 

“It was great to see district students witness this remarkable moment in time and meet prominent state and local officials, especially since member Davis is a former teacher in our district. These leaders and history makers are now examples of success that they can use to shape their own pathway,” said Rodgers.



As she begins her second term with the Texas State Board of Education, Davis will represent about 1.7 million Texans who reside in parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.