DECATUR, Texas — The Decatur ISD Board of Trustees has tapped Debbie Boatright to serve as the district’s new Executive Director of Student Services, CTE, CCMR and Secondary Academics, effective immediately. The board voted to approve the hiring of Boatright, who most recently served as the Director of Accountability and Assessment, during its July 14 regular meeting.
“We are thrilled to see Debbie Boatright step into this vital, expanded role," said Superintendent Taylor Williams. "Her deep understanding of our district, combined with her proven leadership in assessment and educational excellence and eye for data-driven decision making will be invaluable as we continue to enhance instructional strategies."
The role is a unique position that will allow the district to better position support systems for students – particularly in relation to career and technical education (CTE), as well as college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) initiatives at the high school.
"It’s an honor to serve the entire Decatur ISD community—students, families, and staff—and to support the work happening across our campuses," said Boatright. “I’m especially looking forward to helping our district grow into its full potential as one of the top-performing districts in the state of Texas."
Boatright started her career as an elementary teacher for Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD in 1989. She began working at Decatur ISD as a middle school teacher in 2000. From there, she worked her way through several leadership positions, including campus instructional coach, testing coordinator, language proficiency assessment committee coordinator, assistant principal, and principal. Along the way, she’s earned experience at all levels – elementary, middle, and high school.
Among her distinctions, she was recognized as the 2022 Texas Statewide Network of Assessment Professionals - Region 11 District Testing Coordinator of the Year. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and reading from West Texas State University (currently West Texas A&M University), her master’s in educational leadership from Midwestern State University, and her superintendent certification in educational administration from the University of Texas at Tyler.
Outside of work, Boatright cherishes time with her family. She and her husband of 24 years have six children, four of whom graduated from Decatur High School. They are also proud grandparents to seven grandchildren, with one entering first grade at DISD this year. The Boatrights enjoy riding their Can-Am Spyder and traveling. Boatright is also an avid reader and learner.