A district leader is pictured smiling on campus.

Building stronger superintendents

We are transforming how superintendents are identified, developed and supported across Texas.

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Why Superintendents?

01 Great superintendents who stay long enough to see their vision come to life make an impact on student outcomes, according to research. Yet superintendent turnover is on the rise and the job is more challenging than ever for those stepping into the seat.
02 Because the path to the superintendency is often fragmented and unclear, leaders with great potential encounter barriers at every turn. When they do get into the seat, many are surprised to discover how unprepared they are for the reality of the job.
03 Holdsworth is working to break down barriers and strengthen the bench of superintendents by supporting aspiring and sitting superintendents to ensure they are equipped for success.
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The best leaders never stop growing

Stat 1
99 %

of superintendents and aspiring superintendents reported growth in key leadership competencies and 100% of superintendents made progress on an important district priority.

Stat 2
86 %

of superintendents who completed Holdsworth’s Superintendent Leadership Program stayed in their role over the past four years versus 60% of their non-Holdsworth counterparts.

Stat 3
26

Holdsworth alumni have moved into the superintendency.

Explore Programs

Superintendent Leadership Program
Superintendent Leadership Program

An 18-month program that gives dedicated, mission-driven leaders who are newer to the superintendency the skills and mindsets they need to succeed in a tough role.

Aspiring Superintendent Accelerator
Aspiring Superintendent Accelerator

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

Aspiring Superintendent Insights
Aspiring Superintendent Insights

A 2-day experience designed to give leaders insight about the superintendent role and their own strengths and areas of growth as they consider pursuing the superintendency.

Holdsworth Firsthand

At Holdsworth, superintendents and aspiring superintendents build the confidence and skills to make a positive difference for students.

Dr. Angela Dominguez
Holdsworth has really changed not just my mindset, but the lives of the 13,000 kids that I serve. I have become much more effective at what I'm able to provide to our students and staff.

Dr. Angela Dominguez

Superintendent  /  Donna ISD  /  Region 1 Superintendent of the Year

Dr. Anthony Mays
Holdsworth takes us wherever we are and pushes us to the next space and place of growth. They give us the tools to navigate effectively so we can remain in the role to be able to serve the students.

Dr. Anthony Mays

Superintendent  /  Alief ISD

Dr. Ricardo Lopez
The learning and networking at Holdsworth is second to none. I consistently use my Holdsworth tools for success and it’s made our district and school environment healthier and more impactful for students.

Dr. Ricardo Lopez

Superintendent  /  Garland ISD

In-house expertise

Current and aspiring superintendents in our programs benefit from coaching, support and practical advice and wisdom from our cadre of recently-retired superintendents.

  • 01. Dr. Marcelo Cavazos
  • 02. Sara Bonser
  • 03. Dr. Thomas Randle
  • 04. Dr. Art Cavazos
  • 05. Dr. Scott Muri
Dr. Marcelo Cavazos

Executive Superintendent-in-Residence

Dr. Cavazos retired from Arlington ISD after 11 years as superintendent. During his tenure, he spearheaded three strategic plans, two bond measures totaling $1.6 billion and one tax-ratification election to make Arlington ISD one of the most competitive school districts in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

01. Dr. Marcelo Cavazos

Graphic showing 82% of the 68 schools who completed the Campus Leadership Program in 2024 improved student outcomes on their campus.
Sara Bonser

Superintendent-in-Residence

Sara Bonser retired in 2022 after 33 years in public education. During her tenure as superintendent of Plano ISD, the district created a bold strategic vision that strengthened community partnerships, created welcome and enrollment centers to better serve students and families and passed a $1.5 billion referendum to improve and build new school facilities.

02. Sara Bonser

Graphic showing Gray saw that only 10% of their 4th grade African American students were performing at grade level in math. By the end of the program, that had grown to 65%.
Dr. Thomas Randle

Superintendent-in-Residence

With 26 years as a superintendent in Lamar CISD and LaMarque ISD, Dr. Thomas Randle is admired across Texas for his strong leadership. Under his leadership, Lamar CISD became well-known around the state for academic excellence even as it grew from 16,000 to 38,000 students, and successfully passed five bond elections totaling more than $1.3 billion.

03. Dr. Thomas Randle

Graphic showing only 33% of Collegiate’s English language learners were meeting grade level on their grade 6-8 math STAAR tests. After the program, that number rose to 86%.
Dr. Art Cavazos

Superintendent-in-Residence

Dr. Cavazos is a retired superintendent whose time in Harlingen CISD was synonymous with effective systems to cultivate innovative thinking and prioritize leadership development. During his tenure, HCISD created and implemented a strategic plan that scaled the specialty schools concept to create a district of choice, strengthened student achievement to include a college, career and community ready culture and focused on building leadership capacity.

04. Dr. Art Cavazos

Dr. Art Cavazos
Dr. Scott Muri

Leadership Coach

Recognized nationally as a visionary and transformational leader, Dr. Scott Muri spent 10 years of his 37-year educational career serving as superintendent of Spring Branch ISD and Ector County ISD. Innovation, strategy and improvement are hallmarks of Dr. Muri’s career as evidenced by student achievement gains, groundbreaking human capital accomplishments, and state/national leadership opportunities.

05. Dr. Scott Muri

Dr. Scott Muri

Stories

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.