The Holdsworth Center

09/18/2026

Texas school board trustees don’t lack for training. What they rarely get is three days in the same room with their superintendent.

That’s what our Texas School Board Institute is built for! Superintendents and their elected trustees learning side by side on governance, core beliefs and goal setting at our campus on Lake Austin.

Boards and superintendents walking away aligned for the kids they serve — that’s the whole idea.

Texas school districts with 2,500 or more students are eligible. Express interest now and get notified when registration opens in October.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4rsKGNX

Texas superintendents and trustees describe what makes the Texas School Board Institute different from other school board training -- and what they took home.

09/17/2026

🎉Congratulations to Lockhart ISD Superintendent and Holdsworth Alum, Dr. Mark Estrada, for being named Masba: School Board Members for Latino Equity Superintendent of the Year, recognizing his leadership, commitment to students, and outstanding service to the Lockhart community!

Read the full announcement:

09/16/2026

Can't attend our next Place the Ladder in person? No worries - you can listen along on the livestream.

Learn more and register today! https://bit.ly/4xl9lWs

09/15/2026

We are so excited to share that three Holdsworth alumni are among the top five 2026 Superintendent of the Year state finalists named by Texas Association of School Boards!
🏆 Roland Hernandez | Corpus Christi Independent School District
🏆Tory Hill | Channelview ISD &
🏆Ginger Carrabine | Bryan ISD

Congratulations to all five finalists, and the outstanding superintendents of Texas!

Read the full announcement: https://bit.ly/4xreBYK

09/14/2026

Exciting news for the future of school district leadership: Harvard Graduate School of Education has officially launched the Initiative on Superintendent as Civic Leader (ISCL), a new effort to strengthen superintendents' ability to lead with civic imagination, democratic purpose and political skill.

We're proud that Holdsworth President Dr. Lindsay Whorton is serving on ISCL's steering committee, helping guide strategy, partnerships and field-building as the initiative takes shape. Superintendents carry the weight of their communities' futures, and we're honored to stand alongside HGSE and partners nationwide in supporting them.

Congratulations to founder Dr. Jennifer Cheatham and the whole ISCL team on this launch! 🎉

Read the full announcement https://bit.ly/4ig1mWc

The new initiative will strengthen superintendents’ civic leadership through executive learning, research-based tools, and field-building partnerships aimed at advancing the future of public education

09/10/2026

🎉It is Teacher Retreat selection day!🎉

Out of over 2000 statewide nominations 150 Texas public school teachers have been selected to attend our October retreat!

Check your nomination status or learn more about our Teacher Retreats: https://bit.ly/4b6o66T

09/09/2026

We are thrilled to see GPISD Superintendent and Holdsworth Alum - Dr. Gabe Trujillo - named Man of the Year by the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce! Congratulations on this recognition and we are celebrating with you. 🎉🏆

09/08/2026

Know an educator who goes above and beyond?

🏆 Nominate them for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards! Since 2002, H-E-B has given nearly $15 million to celebrate the teachers, principals, counselors, early childhood programs and schools shaping the future of Texas.

Show your favorite educator some love — nominate today! 💚
https://heblovesteachers.com/nominate/

09/04/2026

The best leaders aren't the loudest in the room. They're the calmest.

On Thursday, September 17, The Holdsworth Center — in partnership with the Texas Book Festival — welcomes legendary investor David Booth, founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors, to our Campus on Lake Austin for a candid conversation on leadership, staying steady under pressure, and building something that endures.

The conversation will be moderated by Robert S. Kaplan, Holdsworth board member and Vice Chairman of Goldman Sachs.

While our work centers on developing great school leaders, the lessons David shares speak to anyone who leads: founders, executives, investors, and community builders across Austin.

🗓️ Thursday, September 17 · 5–7 PM · Campus on Lake Austin
📖 Every ticket includes a copy of Booth's book, "Stay Calm"
🎟️ Tickets are limited — reserve yours: https://bit.ly/4f9McQt