Decatur ISD Superintendent Taylor Williams is one of 17 superintendents in the state selected to join the prestigious Superintendent Leadership Program offered by the Holdsworth Center, a non-profit organization focused on supporting and developing public school leaders in Texas.
Williams, a 2006 graduate of Decatur High School, will join an exclusive cohort of Texas superintendents in the 18-month program, which is designed to provide sitting superintendents with world-class professional development, executive coaching, and a strong peer network. The program is fully funded by The Holdsworth Center's founder and philanthropic supporters, covering the cost for participants.
“I am deeply honored and excited to have the opportunity to participate in the Holdsworth Superintendent Leadership Program,” Williams said. “This is an invaluable chance to connect with and learn from some of the most effective leaders in education, and it will directly benefit our students, staff and community in Decatur ISD. My goal is to bring the very best leadership practices back to our district to ensure we continue our legacy of excellence.”
The Superintendent Leadership Program is tailored to address the complexities of the superintendent role, which Holdsworth President Lindsay Whorton has noted is "comparable to a Fortune 500 CEO" but often lacks the same opportunities for specialized leadership development. The program aims to help superintendents thrive in the demanding role and extend their tenure, which is crucial for promoting long-term student success.
Decatur ISD Board President Stan Shults expressed strong support for Williams’ selection.
“The Board is incredibly proud of Mrs. Williams for earning this recognition,” Shults said. “Her selection is a testament to her dedication, experience, and the vision she has for our district. Investing in her growth through a program of this caliber is an investment in the future of Decatur ISD and our students.”
Williams has 15 years of experience in public education and was hired as Decatur ISD’s superintendent in March 2025. Before returning to her alma mater, she served as Superintendent of Schools for Slidell ISD, where she was honored as Superintendent of the Year forRegion 11 in 2022.
The 18-month Holdsworth program includes learning sessions at The Holdsworth Center's Campus on Lake Austin and ongoing executive coaching from a cadre of experienced superintendents-in-residence. The program focuses on strengthening skills in areas such as communication, board relations and building strong, dynamic teams.
Williams will begin the program’s next cohort during the fall semester.