SDM: Congratulations on DeSoto ISD’s historical bond achievement, totaling $199,855,000, and will fund critical renovations, repairs and new construction to enhance the district’s educational facilities, marking the first bond in 20 years. How will this bond shape the future of DeSoto ISD?
Dr. Usamah Rodgers: Thank you. This bond is a game changer for DeSoto ISD. For the first time in 2 decades, our community has come together to invest nearly $200 million into our schools. That means we can finally address long-overdue repairs, upgrade aging facilities, and build new, modern spaces that reflect the excellence our students deserve.
This isn’t just about buildings, it’s about creating safe, innovative, and future-ready environments where our scholars can thrive in academics, arts, and athletics, the foundation of our Triple A Experience. Our families and community have sent a powerful message: DeSoto believes in its children. This bond is proof of that commitment, and it ensures our students have the tools, technology, and opportunities to soar to even greater heights.
SDM: You have been transparent about the state and challenges of DeSoto ISD prior to assuming your role as the district superintendent in May 2022. What motivated you to seek this opportunity?
Dr. Usamah Rodgers: What motivated me was the incredible potential I saw in DeSoto ISD and this community. When I stepped into this role in 2022, I knew the challenges were real; declining enrollment, broken trust, and a need for stability. But I also knew that with the right vision, discipline, and accountability, DeSoto could reclaim its place as a leader in Texas education.
I believed then, as I do now, that when we serve students with excellence, operate with transparency, and rebuild trust with families, transformation is possible. This community was hungry for change and ready to do the hard work. That’s what inspired me to come here, the opportunity to listen, to engage with stakeholders, and to lead a culture shift grounded in high standards, accountability, and belief in our students’ limitless potential.
SDM: How has the district prospered under your leadership? Tell us about your leadership style and strategic approach to the transformation evident since your tenure.
Dr. Usamah Rodgers: Since 2022, our focus has been on stabilizing and strengthening DeSoto ISD financially, academically, and operationally. We’ve made steady progress: our financial outlook is healthier, accountability ratings are trending upward, and the culture in our schools has shifted to one of renewed pride and belief in what’s possible.
My leadership style is grounded in relationships and high expectations. I believe in collaboration, transparency, and making decisions anchored in data. We set ambitious but clear goals, track our progress, and take time to celebrate milestones along the way. Above all, every decision we make starts with one question: What’s best for students?
The transformation we’re seeing is not about me; it’s the product of principals, teachers, staff, families, and community members coming together under one shared vision of excellence for our scholars.
SDM: In the wake of recent tragic school shootings, has DeSoto ISD implemented any additional safety protocols and measures to ensure the safety of students and staff?
Dr. Usamah Rodgers: Absolutely. The safety of our students and staff will always be our top priority. In DeSoto ISD, we’ve taken a layered approach to strengthening campus security, upgrading surveillance, tightening entry protocols, and ensuring our teams are well-prepared through regular safety drills.
But safety is more than physical. It’s also about emotional and mental well-being. That’s why we’ve expanded access to mental health resources, added peer mediation and restorative practices, and created “Zen Dens” on every campus, intentional spaces where students can decompress, self-regulate, and recenter.
By focusing on prevention, support, and preparedness, we are creating an environment where families know their children are protected, cared for, and able to thrive.
SDM: Congratulations again! DeSoto High School’s accountability overall rating with the Texas Education Agency was upgraded to a “B” for 2024-2025. What key initiatives or strategies were instrumental in earning this notable rating?
Dr. Usamah Rodgers: DeSoto High School earning a “B” rating is a testament to the relentless work of our teachers, leaders, and most importantly, our students. We focused on strengthening the core of teaching and learning, aligning curriculum, providing targeted professional development, and using data every day to drive instruction. Across the district literacy and numeracy became non-negotiable across grade levels, and we expanded tutoring and interventions to ensure scholars who needed extra support had it.
At the same time, we doubled down on preparing students for life beyond high school. We focused on increasing the number of students graduating college, career and/or military ready, expanded Career and Technical Education pathways in areas like construction, cybersecurity, biomedical sciences, and healthcare, while also enhancing P-TECH and Early College opportunities. These programs are not just classes; they are gateways to industry certifications, college credit, and future careers.
Most importantly, each day we are working collectively to build a culture where excellence is the standard and not an option. Moving the campus from a “C” to a “B” proves what happens when high expectations meet hard work, and we’re not stopping until every campus and district overall reaches an “A.”
For more information, visit www.desotoisd.org.
