DESOTO, Texas — Normally, the teachers track attendance. But Friday, at DeSoto Independent School District’s Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School, half the staff called out in protest.
“There weren’t many teachers. It was just people from the school board,” said a student, who wanted to remain anonymous.
Staff said at least 30 teachers and staff members staged a sickout -- calling out to protest disciplinary actions against teachers when trying to keep classrooms under control.
“I think it’s bad, because we don’t have a chance to get our education and learn,” said the student.
DeSoto ISD Chief Communications Officer, Tiffanie Blackmon-Jones, said the district got word of the sickout late Thursday.
“We did begin working proactively to understand what we needed to do to prepare to ensure that school took place today,” Blackmon-Jones said. “What that looks like was getting on the phone and making sure that we had subs, which we have a great body of substitute teachers available here in DeSoto ISD… We also worked with our central staff to invite them to come and support us today.”
That also meant changes to classroom schedules.
“We’re working really hard to adhere to their normal schedule. It has been slightly modified,” said Blackmon-Jones.
“We really just stayed in the gym all day and played and talked,” said the student.
There have been concerns for teacher safety and support from the district.
“A lot of people talk, act up, not listening to the teachers and being disrespectful,” said the student.
“Somebody has to make some decisions to help the teachers. Get them better pay. The parents need to be more involved in getting the kids to show discipline also,” said a parent, who also wanted to remain anonymous.
DeSoto ISD said these concerns exist in other school systems throughout the county, but this is an opportunity to address those needs.
“One of the first steps is addressing student behavior, clarifying what our expectations are for them, helping coach them around those appropriate behaviors and practices. Also looking at what do our teachers need in feeling supported,” said Blackmon-Jones.
It is a support that up-and-coming educator and DeSoto alumna Kai Dillard also would like to see.
“When you sign up to be a teacher or when you apply to be a teacher, you know that you’re not just a teacher. You know that you’re a therapist. You know that you’re a mother,” Dillard said. “In any district, the teachers need to be paid more.”
The next school board meeting is Monday, Dec. 18, but the silent protest already speaks volumes.
“If that’s a way for them to get excused or for it to get through or get by for them to get the message over, then touché,” said Dillard.
“There are kids who want to learn and get their education,” said the student.
They want an education that students, teachers, staff and parents can work together to uphold.
DeSoto sent WFAA a full statement Friday night:
"This morning, district administrators were informed of a planned teacher protest in response to concerns over student behavior and disciplinary issues. As a result of the influx in teacher absences at one campus, the district orchestrated a response that included the assignment of additional substitute teachers and the reassignment of district central staffers to assist in supporting the campus to ensure a continuation of learning and operations.
While the campus moved to a slightly modified schedule, students were actively engaged and learning; staff were active and responsive to fulfill instructional and supervisory needs on campus; and community groups joined us as volunteers to support hallways, gyms, and the cafeteria activity--a demonstration of the coming together of the village required to ensure successful outcomes for our scholars.
The district will review the concerns that led up to today’s adjustments which will include an analysis of trends around student behavior and data at all district campuses; partnering with groups and organizations that specialize in designing and implementing restorative responses to student behavior and that which provide social-emotional support to scholars. We will also look at conducting focus groups to understand concerns, successes, and sentiments regarding school experiences from various perspectives inclusive of students, staff, and parents.
The concerns presented in this matter exist in school systems across the country; DeSoto ISD is not an anomaly. However, where the district has an opportunity to do something different, is in how it teaches and responds to the concerns of both our students and educators as the district continues to provide reorientation regarding engagement in education and school settings in a post-pandemic world.
The District’s primary focus remains the physical, mental, and emotional welfare and safety of all, and is committed to taking appropriate measures to address these matters. DeSoto ISD assures its community that it is dedicated to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for students, staff, and families."