We’re thrilled to announce that two superintendents-in-residence will join our team in July 2021—Dr. Art Cavazos, superintendent of Harlingen CISD in the Rio Grande Valley, and Dr. Thomas Randle, superintendent of Lamar CISD in Houston.
Both are skilled, seasoned leaders who are retiring at the end of this school year. Throughout their long, distinguished careers, these two superintendents have earned respect from all corners of Texas – from their peers, community members, parents, staff and students. They have navigated just about every challenge imaginable – including the toughest year on record for public education – and still remain optimistic and energized.
Coaching and mentoring
Our superintendents-in-residence will deepen our in-house expertise and will help Holdsworth expand our reach beyond the 19 districts enrolled in The Holdsworth Partnership (more to come in July.)
Dr. Cavazos and Dr. Randle will serve in a coaching and mentoring capacity, supporting sitting district leaders to drive a vision for positive change while avoiding common pitfalls. We couldn’t be happier to have them on board.
Dr. Thomas Randle
Randle brings to the table 44 years of experience in public schools, 26 of them as a superintendent.
I always say I am not political, but I understand politics. Leaders must be able to navigate through those waters.
As someone who attended both segregated and integrated schools as a student, he feels strongly about helping other leaders fight for equity in a politically polarized atmosphere.
“I know what it’s like when teachers do not treat all kids the same or have the same high expectations,” Randle said. “I always say I am not political, but I understand politics. Leaders must be able to navigate through those waters. If they stay true to their mission of providing the best education possible for all kids, they will be able to accomplish a lot.”
Equitable treatment
In his years leading Lamar CISD, Randle has established a culture of high expectations and equitable treatment for all students. Building on that culture through the Holdsworth Partnership, he and his team have built a strong bench of skilled leaders who are ready and able to deliver on excellent and equitable results for students.
“Our school system excelled in many areas, despite the challenges of the pandemic,” Randle said. “Our partnership with The Holdsworth Center proved to be invaluable as we already had the leadership development strategies in place to respond to such unforeseen adversity.”
While many speculated that Randle would spend his retirement years on a tractor at his farm in Independence, Texas, he is excited for the opportunity to use his expertise in service of Holdsworth’s mission.
“I personally believe the success of public education in Texas will depend on the development of strong leaders, and The Holdsworth Center is well-positioned to champion this work,” Randle said.
Dr. Art Cavazos
As the child of blue-collar workers, Cavazos’ mother told him education – not money – would be his inheritance. He went on to become a math teacher, then a counselor, a principal, and an administrator, spending the last 20 years of career at Harlingen CISD.
In his role as superintendent, Cavazos transformed Harlingen CISD into a district of choice that provides a quality education grounded in strong character.
“When I decided to step away from superintendency, I made a commitment to continue supporting public education,” Cavazos said. “I believe Holdsworth is an engine for systemic, scalable change that impacts student achievement. That engine is now shifting to full speed.”
“Every great idea will live or die on the leader’s desk,” he said. “Our job is to help leaders be bold, to find the opportunities and hurdle over the bureaucracy that can block courageous decision-making.”
