New cohort from Permian Basin joins Aspiring Principal Program

The Holdsworth Center has announced a new cohort of 33 educators selected for its Aspiring Principal Program, part of a major regional investment to strengthen school leadership across the Permian Basin region.

The cohort is supported by nearly $5 million in grant funding from a coalition of partners, including the Permian Strategic Partnership ($2.7 million), the Scharbauer Foundation ($2.1 million), and the Still Water Foundation ($100,000).

This investment is expanding access to high-quality leadership development for educators across West Texas and southeastern New Mexico—and making the program free for participants, removing a major barrier to entry.

“Principals are hugely important when it comes to influencing student outcomes,” said Permian Strategic Partnership CEO Tracee Bentley. “We feel confident this investment is going to create stronger schools for our Permian communities.”

Building the Next Generation of School Leaders

The Aspiring Principal Program is an intensive, yearlong experience designed to prepare educators to step into campus leadership roles. Participants engage in project-based learning, receive executive coaching, and complete field visits to observe high-performing principals across Texas.

The program comes at a critical time, as districts nationwide—and especially in rural regions—struggle to find enough qualified school leaders.

“It’s no secret that school districts are struggling to find enough leaders ready to fill these critically important roles,” said Ector County ISD Superintendent Keeley Boyer. “We are so excited and grateful for this generous investment in our amazing educators.”

The program is already showing signs of promise. One graduate and two soon-to-be-graduates of Holdsworth’s Aspiring Principal Program have been named principals for the upcoming school year: Kimber Anderson and Amanda Courtright in Midland ISD and Amanda Anderson in Ector County ISD.

Selected Aspiring Principals

The following educators have been selected for the newest cohort:

A Long-Term Investment in Schools and Communities

The Aspiring Principal Program reflects a broader strategy to strengthen leadership pipelines in the Permian Basin—ensuring schools have the skilled leaders needed to support teachers and improve student outcomes.

“Serving as a principal is deeply rewarding, yet it comes with real challenges,” said Mary Ann Beninati, president and CEO of the Scharbauer Foundation. “It’s essential that we equip educators for success through strong preparation.”

By investing in aspiring principals today, the Holdsworth Center and its partners are working to build stronger schools—and stronger communities—across the region for years to come.