Preparing for the start of a new school year, Garland ISD hired several new employees, many with impressive backgrounds. One holds the title of Texas’ Secondary Principal of the Year.
Des Stewart received this award from the statewide PTA organization in July. He served as the principal at Mansfield Legacy High School for two years before coming to GISD this summer as the director of area 6, which consists of Rowlett schools. Stewart’s tenure in education also includes additional principal positions as well as teaching, coaching and assistant principal ones.
“My purpose as an educator is to serve as a mentor and role model,” he said. “I came from a low-socioeconomic family where education was not valued. I broke that cycle and want to show students that anything is possible if they set their goals high, focus and dedicate themselves through hard work.”
But Stewart realizes that he does not work alone.
“Impacting students reaches beyond campus staff,” he commented. “PTAs are critical to the success of a school. They support everyone inside, volunteering their time and resources to help provide better learning experiences. Comprised of parents, they also create warm, closely knit communities.”
Stewart’s Principal of the Year award started as a nomination by Legacy High School’s PTA. Unaware of its submission, he was pleasantly surprised to learn he had won.
“My jaw hit the ground,” said Stewart. “I was only doing my job, but it feels good to know that what you do is appreciated.”
“Mr. Stewart is worth more than words can express to the Legacy students, staff and families,” commented PTA member Patti Jones. “His value to us cannot be measured except by the love and respect we all share for him. No matter the time of day—early morning or late evening—you could find Mr. Stewart among the students, greeting them by name with a handshake and a word of encouragement. The same was always true with the staff members and Legacy families.”
Jones presented Stewart with his award at the Texas PTA Summer Leadership Seminar July 19. As GISD’s new director of area 6, Stewart will oversee Rowlett High School, Coyle and Schrade middle schools, and Dorsey, Herfurth, Keeley, Pearson, Rowlett, Steadham and Stephens elementaries. He will walk the campuses weekly, helping facilitate curriculum, instruction and assessment at each. Stewart also hopes to become involved with district PTAs.
“I want to be active on campuses, serving in any capacity that will benefit students,” he said. “My goal is to get them real-world ready, making sure they have all the tools—educational and social—needed for whatever future they choose.”
