Brent S. Mitchell, Interim Superintendent of DeSoto Independent School District, has announced the launch of a comprehensive districtwide stakeholder survey designed to gather input from students, staff, families, and community members to inform the district’s future priorities and decision-making framework through May 15.
Grounded in the guiding theme “Stability. Stewardship. Student Success.”, the survey initiative is intended to ensure that leadership decisions are directly informed by broad-based community voice and actionable data. The feedback collected will support the development of a districtwide action plan focused on academic performance, operational effectiveness, fiscal responsibility, and expanded opportunities for students.
“This work must begin with listening in a structured and measurable way,” said Mitchell. “We are committed to ensuring that every major decision reflects the voices and priorities of our students, staff, and community. Stability requires clarity in what we hear. Stewardship requires discipline in how we respond. Student Success requires that we align every action with what our community tells us matters most.”
Survey Purpose and Focus Areas
The districtwide survey will serve as the primary tool for stakeholder engagement and will replace informal feedback approaches with a more consistent and data-driven process. Responses will directly inform the superintendent’s entry priorities and guide the development of a short- and long-term strategic framework.
Key areas of focus include:
- Academic expectations and instructional priorities
- Fiscal stewardship and resource allocation, including bond investments
- Campus climate, safety, and student support systems
- Organizational effectiveness and operational alignment
- Student experience across Academics, Arts, and Athletics
- Community engagement and communication effectiveness
Guiding Questions
Participants will be asked to reflect on key questions such as:
- What are the most important priorities you believe the district should focus on right now?
- What changes would most improve the student experience in DeSoto ISD?
- What is working well, and what needs to improve across schools and departments?
- What should be the superintendent’s top three areas of focus?
- How can the district better support academic success and student opportunity?
- What does effective communication and engagement look like from your perspective?
Commitment to Data-Informed Leadership
In addition to survey feedback, district leadership will review key operational and academic indicators, including enrollment trends, staffing alignment, and resource utilization, to ensure decisions are grounded in both community voice and organizational data.
The district will also continue to prioritize the Triple-A Experience — Academics, Arts, and Athletics — ensuring that students are supported through rigorous instruction, creative expression, and competitive programs that reflect a well-rounded educational experience.
Transparency and Next Steps
At the conclusion of the survey window, the district will publish:
- A Stakeholder Feedback Summary Report
- A Prioritized Action Framework informed by survey results
- Key focus areas for academic and operational improvement
- A roadmap for continued community engagement and accountability
“We will be intentional about closing the loop with our community,” Mitchell said. “We will not only collect feedback, but also analyze it, act on it, and communicate clearly how it is shaping our direction forward.”
Click survey link here.
The districtwide survey will be distributed through official communication channels and made available on the district website.
For more information, visit www.desotoisd.org.