Shelly Laaser DISD Interim Director of Child Nutrition

Decatur ISD Welcomes Back Shelly Laaser as Interim Director of Child Nutrition

Decatur ISD

October 21, 2025

DECATUR, Texas β€” Decatur ISD is proud to announce the appointment of Shelly Laaser, MS, RD, as the Interim Director of Child Nutrition. Laaser, a familiar face in the district, began serving on Oct. 1, returning to the department she previously directed for nearly a decade.

β€œWe are delighted to welcome Shelly Laaser back to the DISD leadership team,” said Superintendent Taylor Williams. β€œShelly is uniquely qualified for this role, bringing not only tremendous professional expertise as a registered dietitian and consultant but also a deep knowledge of our staff, our students and our community. Her history of success here ensures we will continue to provide the highest standard of service to our students.”

Laaser, a Decatur High School alumna, previously served as DISD’s Director of Child Nutrition from 2013 to 2022. During that time, she established a high standard of service across school cafeterias. 

β€œIt’s wonderful to be back home and to serve alongside such a talented group of child nutrition staff,” said Laaser. β€œThe very best part of my job is being in the campus kitchens and watching our staff members interact and serve the students and staff with kindness, professionalism and pride. With that, I’m eager to return to the director role to ensure the continued excellence of the district’s child nutrition program.” 

Following her tenure at DISD, Laaser founded Elevate Student Nutrition, a consulting firm where she provided specialized support and expertise to child nutrition programs across Texas. Her extensive experience includes serving as a child nutrition consultant for the local Education Service Center Region 11 and holding dietitian and food service director positions.

Laaser is a Decatur High School Class of 1993 graduate. Her family has deep ties to the district: her mother, Lou Hitt, taught kindergarten at Decatur Elementary School and Rann Elementary for 36 years. She lives in Wise County with her husband, Jared. Their sons, Thaine (DHS '18) and Cale (DHS '22), are both DHS alumni. Laaser was named the 2020 Wise County Messenger Person of the Year.

Laaser holds a bachelor of science degree in nutrition science from Texas A&M University and a master of science degree and dietetic internship from Mississippi State University. 

Laaser replaces Kimberly Nash, who left the district in September to work for the ESC Region 11. During Nash’s tenure, she implemented and oversaw several processes that put the district’s child nutrition program on a positive trajectory.