01 | Impact

Teachers and leaders join forces to boost student reading skills

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Patty Willis, principal of Garcia-Leza Primary in Aldine ISD.
02 | Impact

Superintendents need support for a high-stakes role

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A photo of Kathy Rollo.
03 | Insight

The wisdom of Ruth Simmons: Four maxims to live by

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Dr. Ruth Simmons, founding board chair of The Holdsworth Center.
04 | Impact

Growing teachers into principals

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A school campus garden with a butterfly pictured against the sky.
A photo of Ryan Hawkins of Arlington ISD standing in a hallway on campus.

Who we are

Founded as a nonprofit in 2017 by H-E-B Chairman Charles Butt, we build stronger leaders for Texas public schools.

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Why leadership?

With strong leaders, teachers and students thrive. Great leaders draw out the best in people and inspire them to achieve the unimaginable. Leadership is not a skill people are born with – it can be taught and honed through day-to-day practice.

Our programs and services help expert educators become stronger leaders. We do this critical work because we know students’ futures are at stake.

Who we serve

Since 2017, we have served 1,371 leaders in 50 school districts across Texas, including superintendents, central office administrators, principals, assistant principals, teachers and other campus leaders.

A photo of a campus leader during a leadership program session at The Holdsworth Center's Campus on Lake Austin.

“No other experience has helped to make me a better leader and a better person. If you want to make an investment our children and the future of public education, invest in the people. That’s what Holdsworth does.”

Matt Varnell

Principal, Arlington ISD

A portrait photo of Charles Butt smiling.
Portait of Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth in the 1960s

I named the center for my mom because she was for the kids.”

— Charles Butt

Chairman of H-E-B and founder of The Holdsworth Center

Charles Butt, Chairman of H-E-B, founded The Holdsworth Center in 2017. He named it for his mother, Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth, a former school teacher who inspired in her son a great admiration for educators and a passion for helping all students succeed.

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Get involved

Donate and give students the gift of great leaders, or sign up for our email list to get Holdsworth updates, learning resources and inspiration delivered to your inbox.

Anitra Crisp, Principal in Southwest ISD, is pictured on campus wearing a black dress and black mask.