DeSoto, TX – DeSoto Independent School District (ISD) is celebrating a historic
achievement following the overwhelming success of the May 3, 2025, bond election,
which saw a passage rate of 70%. This marks the district’s first bond in 20 years,
totaling $199,855,000, and will fund critical renovations, repairs, and new
constructions to enhance the district’s educational facilities. In recognition of this
milestone, the district is hosting a celebratory reception to honor the efforts and
collaboration that led to the success of this bond.
The celebratory event will take place at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at
the Belt Line Conference Center, located at 200 E Belt Line Road, DeSoto. Students,
staff, families, community members, and stakeholders are invited to join in the
celebration that will mark the beginning of a new chapter for DeSoto ISD.
To RSVP for the event, please send an email with the subject line “Constructing the
Future Reception” to Gloria.Castillo@DeSotoISD.org.
A Collaborative Path to Progress
The approval of the bond comes after a comprehensive and collaborative process
that began with a facilities study highlighting urgent concerns with district buildings.
A Facilities Planning Committee was formed, consisting of district and community
stakeholders, who reviewed these reports, engaged in focus groups, and held work
sessions to develop strategies for improving and revitalizing district facilities.
In January 2025, the committee presented their findings to the DeSoto ISD Board of
Trustees and the community, sparking further discussions about the need for a bond
election. By mid-February, the Board unanimously approved the decision to place
the bond measure on the May 2025 ballot.
Details of the Bond
The bond proposal was divided into three propositions:
● Proposition A: $152,655,000 for the renovation and replacement of multiple
school facilities, including Frank Moates Elementary School and Cockrell Hill
Elementary School, as well as major improvements to middle and high school
campuses and district administration buildings. This will result in a tax rate
impact of $0.1187 (11.9 cents).
● Proposition B: $38,635,000 to replace the Field House and construct a
Student-Athlete Success Center, along with improvements to district athletic
facilities. This proposition will result in a tax rate impact of $0.0300 (3 cents).
● Proposition C: $8,565,000 for high school stadium renovations, with a tax rate
impact of $0.0067 (less than 1 cent).
The bond’s passage will directly impact the quality of education for thousands of
DeSoto ISD students, creating updated learning environments, enhancing safety, and
providing modernized athletic facilities.
A Renewed Focus on Trust, Transparency, and Engagement
Under the leadership of Dr. Usamah Rodgers, who became superintendent in 2022,
DeSoto ISD has focused on rebuilding trust and engaging with the community
through strategic communication and engagement around academic progress,
financial planning and management, and operations and safety. This approach,
which included information around:
● Communicating clearly and empathetically during crises, including academic
performance trends, safety concerns, budget challenges, and organizational
changes and initiatives.
● Boosting engagement with families and community partners, increasing
participation through various points of access and programming.
● Showcasing cost-saving efforts that recaptured over $16 million in operational
funding while creating strategies to decrease spending while maximizing
resources.
● Decreasing annual student attrition from 16% to under 4% by re-engaging
families and focusing on culture and customer service.
● Build strong partnerships with local organizations and national entities to
support, reinforce, and enhance curricular offerings in DeSoto ISD through the
Triple-A Experience of Academics, Arts, and Athletics.
These efforts culminated in the successful passage of the bond, marking a
transformative moment for DeSoto ISD.
Looking to the Future
The passage of this bond will not only address immediate needs but will also help lay
the groundwork for a brighter future for DeSoto ISD. The district’s historic win is a
testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of students, staff, families, and
community stakeholders.
As the district embarks on this new phase of growth, DeSoto ISD is committed to
continuing its engagement with the community.
As a reminder, the celebratory event will take place at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May
14, 2025, at the Belt Line Conference Center, located at 200 E Belt Line Road, DeSoto.
For more information or to RSVP for the event, please contact Gloria Castillo at
Gloria.Castillo@DeSotoISD.org.
About DeSoto Independent School District
DeSoto ISD is a public independentschool districtserving more than 5, 700 students and 900 employees.
The district comprises 10 campusesserving studentsfrom early childhood through graduation. DeSoto
ISD’s mission isto ensure students, without exception, learn and grow at their highest levels. The District’s
2021 Be The Future Strategic Plan focuses on equity, access, and excellence to provide a holistic and
well-rounded educational experience to students and familiesin DeSoto, Glenn Heights, and Ovilla.
For more information about DeSoto ISD, visit www.desotoisd.org.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login