Aspiring Superintendent Accelerator

Program Details

A yearlong program for aspiring superintendents designed to help them master the skills needed to be an exceptional superintendent from day one.

Nomination Window: July 12 – August 23

What People Are Saying

“Before Holdsworth, I was a JV player. After Holdsworth, I’m on the varsity team ready to be the starting quarterback.” – Terrence Sanders, Deputy Superintendent, San Marcos CISD

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Program Overview

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01 Learning focuses on communication, working with boards, managing public presence, investing stakeholders in a long-term vision and more.
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02 Leaders apply learning on the job, sharing the results with their executive coach (a Holdsworth’s Superintendent-in-Residence) and getting advice on how to hone their approach.
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03 In partnership with their superintendent, leaders tackle superintendent-level projects in their districts, gaining practical experience and developing skills in the most challenging aspects of leading a school district.

Inside The
Accelerator

Holdsworth’s Aspiring Superintendent Accelerator gives future superintendents the chance to grow through real-world experience, honest feedback and transformational coaching. Hear how Channelview ISD's Michael Houston is preparing for the superintendency alongside his superintendent and mentor, Dr. Tory Hill.

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Holdsworth Firsthand

Leaders say the Aspiring Superintendent Accelerator helped pull back the curtain on the realities of the superintendent’s role.

Stephanie Powelson-Garza
I believe this program is going to prepare me for the superintendency because of the real-world application and the level of coaching that we are receiving.

Stephanie Powelson-Garza

Donna ISD

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Dr. Lisa Adams
This experience has been phenomenal. Most programs are only classroom learning. I’ve never had this level of practical application, plus strong mentorship from both sitting and retired superintendents.

Dr. Lisa Adams

Deputy Superintendent  /  Temple ISD

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Dr. Janine Fields
I have a window into the superintendency that I think a lot of people in my role aren't able to have. This program has dramatically changed how I function as a leader.

Dr. Janine Fields

Deputy Superintendent  /  Mesquite ISD

Dr. Marcelo Cavazos
It’s like a medical residency for superintendents. We put them in as many real-life or simulated scenarios as possible to get them ready. It’s one thing to watch your superintendent run a board meeting, quite another when you’re the one in the hot seat answering tough questions.

Dr. Marcelo Cavazos

Holdsworth Executive Superintendent-in-Residence

FAQs

Who is eligible for this program?

Aspiring superintendents who work in Texas public school districts who meet all three of the following criteria:

  • Work in a district with 2,500 or more enrolled students
  • Report directly to the Superintendent
  • Hold or be within two years of earning Superintendent certification

Curious if an aspiring superintendent is a good fit for nomination? Find a nomination checklist in our application toolkit.

How do I apply?

Ask your superintendent to nominate you between July 13 to August 26. The process begins with a nomination form submitted by the superintendent. Nominees will then be invited to complete a written application and participate in an interview with the selection committee.

What is the timeline for applying?

  • Nominations: July 13 – August 26, 2026
  • Applications: September 2026
  • Interviews: October 2026
  • Selection Notification: November 2026

What does the program cover?

The curriculum builds essential superintendent competencies through job-embedded, real-world projects within participants' own districts. Topics include:

  • Creating a long-term vision
  • Effective communication with diverse stakeholder groups
  • Working with publicly elected boards and navigating politics
  • Managing public visibility and community relations
  • Leading and empowering senior leadership teams

What coaching and support are provided?

Each participant is paired with an experienced superintendent from Holdsworth's network who provides ongoing guidance, feedback, and support. Each participant's Sponsor Superintendent also plays an active role in supporting growth and development throughout the program.

What is expected of Sponsor Superintendents?

Sponsor Superintendent support is essential to the Accelerator experience. Sponsor Superintendents are expected to:

  • Delegate superintendent-level projects to the aspiring superintendent, with support to ensure their success
  • Engage regularly with Holdsworth coaches and staff to discuss progress and assess readiness
  • Attend 3 learning sessions at the Campus on Lake Austin

What does the program cost?

Thanks to the generosity of donors, each selected leader is awarded a full scholarship. There are no program costs to the district beyond travel to the Holdsworth Center in Austin, Texas.

Where do sessions take place?

All sessions are held at The Holdsworth Center's Campus on Lake Austin. Each session spans 3 consecutive days, beginning at 9:00 AM on the first day and concluding at 12:00 PM on the third day. Private overnight accommodations and all meals are provided on campus.

How long is the program and when are sessions held?

The Accelerator is a 12-month program. The first session takes place January 5-8, 2027, and the program concludes with a final session December 7-10, 2027. View the full session calendar here. All sessions are held at The Holdsworth Center's Campus on Lake Austin.

interested in learning more?

Are you interested in learning more about our programs? Sign up and we’ll keep you updated on application windows, webinars and information sessions.