DeSoto ISD Celebrates School Board

DeSoto ISD celebrates School Board Recognition Month this January
Posted on 01/10/2022
School Board Recognition Month

DeSoto, Texas– January is School Board Recognition Month and DeSoto ISD is honored to celebrate its trustees for their dedication and commitment to the entire school district community. The theme of this year’s celebration is Rising Above and is indicative of the work and spirit of the DeSoto ISD trustees and their instrumental role in guiding the district to its current level of success. 


“Our school board members are dedicated volunteers who spend many hours working to fulfill the district’s mission of all students, without exception, learning and growing at their highest levels,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Larry Lewis said. “The opportunity to celebrate our trustees during School Board Recognition Month is one way that our district can show our appreciation for all that they do throughout the year.”


The DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees serve as the link between the school community and classroom and are elected to establish the policies, set the vision, and provide the framework for learning. 


Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Executive Director Dan Troxell expressed the critical value that trustees bring to a school district.


“School boards are essential to a strong public education system. They provide the local governance and oversight that makes it possible for school districts to operate and successfully serve students, including establishing a strategic plan, adopting policies, approving a budget,” Troxell said. “It’s fitting that we celebrate them in January as their leadership is key to the success of every school district in Texas.”


Over the last year, through the partnership of the trustees, the superintendent, and the district administration, DeSoto ISD has made significant progress in several key areas, including its district operations and student achievements. Specifically, the district has developed a strategic plan to help improve student outcomes, improved its FIRST Financial Rating, initiated a Community Joint Strategic Plan through engaging leaders from the Cities of DeSoto and Glenn Heights, a major hospital system and a higher education institution, designed responses to the COVID-19 global health pandemic, and secured DeSoto ISD’s financial stability for the foreseeable future.


DeSoto ISD School Board President DeAndrea Fleming shared her sentiments about the progress of the district. “We’ve done some great work and made some significant progress on behalf of the district. The Board is excited about these major steps forward and is committed to doing what's best for students, staff, and our community.”


The district will host a limited celebration during the January school board meeting due to the continuing pandemic and the community is invited to express their appreciation online during the district’s social media campaign.


The 2021-2022 DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees:


DeAndrea Fleming - Place 6

Board President


Dr. Tiffany Clark - Place 4

Board Vice President


Abe Cooper, Jr. - Place 5

Board Secretary


Cynthia Watson-Banks - Place 1

Trustee



Kathy Goad - Place 2

Trustee



Karen Daniel - Place 3

Trustee



Traci McNairy - Place 7

Trustee



# # #