Our schools are facing challenges that directly impact both the people who work in them and the students we serve. As educators and staff, we know firsthand how rising expectations, increasing responsibilities, and ongoing safety concerns shape our daily reality. These pressures—combined with the growing cost of living and widespread burnout—make it essential for us to advocate for meaningful improvements.

We are coming together to call on the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees to take decisive action that reflects the value of our work and the needs of our district. We are asking the Board to approve the following:

• A 5% salary increase across the board to ensure competitive compensation and improve retention.

• Utilize a progressive discipline process that shall be implemented when possible with at‑will employees.

• A comprehensive anti‑bullying workplace policy, including:

  • A clear and explicit definition of workplace bullying, with examples of prohibited behaviors.
  • Established investigation timelines to ensure prompt and consistent handling of reports.
  • Anonymous reporting channels to allow employees to safely report concerns.
  • Strong protections against retaliation for employees who report bullying or participate in investigations.
  • Required annual training for principals, assistant principals, and supervisory staff to ensure consistent understanding and enforcement of the policy.

• An employee wellness policy that includes: Three mental health days per year, with the ability to roll them over, and mental‑health literacy training.

• Improved access to technology resources, ensuring educators have the tools necessary to meet instructional demands.

• Compensation for class coverage and class splitting, recognizing the additional workload placed on educators due to staffing shortages.

• Reduction in the number of PD days, allowing educators more time to complete essential work in their classrooms.

We invite you to add your name to the letter addressed to the Board of Trustees so our collective voice is heard. By standing together, we can create a future in DeSoto ISD where every employee feels respected, supported, and equipped to continue making a meaningful difference in students’ lives.