Each January, DeSoto Independent School District joins
districts across Texas in honoring the dedicated volunteers who serve their
communities as school board members. School Board Recognition Month is an
opportunity to recognize the leadership, service, and commitment of locally
elected trustees who work year-round to ensure students receive a high-quality
public education.
The 2026 School Board Recognition Month theme, “Our
Future Is Public,” underscores the vital role public education plays in
shaping Texas’ future workforce, strengthening communities, and supporting the
state’s economy. As trustees volunteer their time and expertise to guide the
direction of school districts, they make lasting investments in students and in
the long-term success of their communities.
“DeSoto ISD is grateful for the service and leadership of
our Board of Trustees,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah
Rodgers. “Our trustees approach their role with a deep sense of
responsibility and purpose. Their governance, vision, and willingness to make
bold decisions have positioned our district for stability, growth, and
continued improvement for the benefit of our scholars and families.”
School
boards are responsible for governing local school districts by
setting the vision and goals for student achievement, adopting policies,
approving budgets and tax rates, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, and
ensuring accountability to the community they serve. While trustees do not
manage the day-to-day operations of schools, their governance decisions shape
the conditions that allow students and staff to succeed.
Under the leadership of the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees,
the district has achieved several significant milestones, including:
- Successfully
leading the district out of general conservatorship, restoring
local governance and stability
- Developing
and adopting board goals aligned to improving student achievement
and outcomes
- Implementing
the TASB-recommended Lone Star Governance Framework, strengthening
governance practices and focus on results
- Securing
voter approval of the district’s first bond in 20 years, which is
also the largest bond in DeSoto ISD history, supporting critical
facilities and infrastructure needs
“These accomplishments reflect a board that is committed to
public education and to continuous improvement,” Dr. Rodgers added. “Their work
demonstrates that when governance is strong and focused, our future truly is
public.”
DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees (2025-2026)
- President,
Place 2: Chasiti McKissic
- Vice
President, Place 4: James Durham
- Secretary,
Place 1: Cynthia Watson-Banks
- Trustee,
Place 3: Karen Lacy
- Trustee,
Place 5: Abe Copper Jr.
- Trustee,
Place 6: Eboni Mitchell
- Trustee,
Place 7: Traci McNairy
The Our Future Is Public campaign is a year-round
initiative that highlights and elevates success stories from public school
districts across Texas, reinforcing the importance of strong public schools to
the state’s prosperity. To learn more about the campaign, visit Our Future
Is Public.
DeSoto ISD encourages students, staff, families,
and community members to take time this month to thank trustees for their
service and dedication to public education.