DHS Principal Lyle Lackey Chosen After Competitive
The Decatur ISD Board of Trustees has officially hired the district's new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. The school board named Lyle Lackey, current Decatur High School principal, to the position during the regular board meeting on Monday, May 12.
It’s a move that will allow the district to tap into one of Lackey’s greatest strengths: building and leveraging relationships.
“Mr. Lackey understands that every person in our system plays a critical role, and he has a remarkable ability to lift others up and help them see their value,” said Decatur ISD Superintendent Taylor Williams. “His presence in this district-level role will help ensure that every staff member—from day one—feels supported, connected, and appreciated. I look forward to seeing the innovative programs involving new teacher cohorts, mentoring, and “Grow Your Own” pathways come to fruition under his leadership.
Lackey will officially start July 1, enabling him to finish the school year at the high school. The search process for the new high school principal will begin later this month.
"I am eager to get started and honored by the opportunity to serve Decatur ISD in this new capacity,” said Lackey. “Building strong relationships has always been a cornerstone of my work, and I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across all departments to build upon the district's commitment to its people.”
The search for a new leader of human resources included a comprehensive, two-round interview process with a diverse committee of representatives from DISD’s departments of human resources, teaching and learning, and operations, and other DISD principals. Nearly two dozen candidates applied; five were interviewed.
“Mr. Lackey emerged as the clear choice to help lead our district’s human capital efforts with both heart and strategy,” said Williams. “Throughout his time as a high school principal, we have seen firsthand Mr. Lackey’s ability to build authentic relationships, make people feel seen and valued, and stay actively involved in all aspects of campus life. Whether it was through mentoring new teachers, celebrating staff accomplishments, or showing up for students and events with genuine enthusiasm, Mr. Lackey led with presence and purpose. We are thrilled to see this same level of commitment, care, and connection now benefit staff across the entire district.”
For the district, the selection of Lackey is an intentional move that will allow the district to be more strategic in regards to recruitment and retention of educators. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, each year roughly 8 percent of teachers change schools and another 8 percent leave the profession entirely.
“The profession of teaching is changing, which means the needs of teachers are also changing,” said Williams.” We have to be proactive in our approach and ensure we are providing multiple layers of support for teachers as they’re coming into our system.”
Innovative Approach to Educator Recruitment and Retention
In his new role, Lackey will focus on key priorities to recruit, develop, and retain exceptional educators:
Innovative recruitment efforts, including attending job fairs and visiting college campuses to connect with future educators and bring top talent to our district.
Intentional onboarding experiences that ensure new employees feel welcomed, informed, and part of the DISD culture from their first day.
New teacher cohorts launching next school year, beginning with those new to the profession and continuing through year three, creating ongoing community, collaboration, and support.
Expanded mentoring programs for teachers in years 0–3, offering guidance, feedback, and professional learning during these foundational years.
Targeted support for alternatively certified teachers, focusing on classroom management, pedagogy, and instructional practices to ensure their success.
Data-driven improvements
informed by feedback from new teacher surveys and exit interviews to improve retention and strengthen support where it’s most needed.
Champion and nurture best practices that support campus and DISD leadership in ways that align with district goals and state and federal requirements, while also maintaining the district's strong ethical and procedural background for serving DISD constituents.
About Lyle Lackey
A husband and father, Lackey is a longtime educator who has served as Decatur High School principal since July 2021. Concurrently, he was appointed to the acting superintendent role from May to June 2024.
During his tenure, he fostered community relationships to implement new initiatives such as the Decatur Chamber of Commerce’s junior leadership program; engaged in the selection process for new hires for leadership and campus positions, including over 100 new teachers; oversaw the daily management and operations at Decatur High School; served on administrative and instructional committees, and championed special projects that uplifted DISD students and staff. His areas of experience include building shared vision and organizational cultures, campus and staff development, district policy, and compliance.
Beyond Decatur, Lackey’s experience included roles as principal at Jayton-Girard ISD, assistant principal at Weatherford High School, and teaching and coaching positions for Mansfield ISD and Cleburne ISD. He completed his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in 1996 and his master’s degree in educational administration and principal certification from Lamar University in 2011. He obtained his superintendent certification from Lamar University in 2017.
Lackey is also a husband and father of three daughters, two of whom are still in Decatur schools and one of whom is an alumna. Lackey is actively involved in several Decatur community groups, including the Decatur Rotary and the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, and he is a member of the Texas School Coalition, the Texas Association of the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, and the Texas School Administrators Association.