Laredo ISD continues its five- year partnership with the Holdsworth Center to develop the District’s future leaders. LISD was one six districts selected in 2021 to partner with the Holdsworth Center, a non-profit organization founded by H.E.B. Chairman Charles Butt.
This strategic partnership helps districts such as LISD grow their own bench of strong, skilled leaders who create conditions in which teachers thrive and all students get what they need to succeed.
The collaboration began with LISD Central Office administrators attending leadership trainings throughout the year at the Holdsworth Center located in the Austin area. The training now includes a group of LISD Principals with more principals added in the coming months. The first group of LISD principals attending the professional development this summer at the Holdsworth Center included Melissa Valdez, Memorial Middle School; Cassandra Mendoza, Nixon High School; Jorge Silva, Gallego Elementary School; and Cindy Villarreal, D.D. Hachar Elementary School.
With input from the community LISD has determined their leadership definition and identified role specific behaviors for the District’s future leaders. This coming school year, LISD will ensure that all campus instructional staff know what the leadership definition is, how it was created, and the purpose behind it. Educators will use the definition as a tool to drive self-reflection and growth. The definition and role specific behaviors establish common language, expectations, and boost culture through specific recognition strategies aligned to the definition.
The Holdsworth Center positively impacts K-12 public education for Texas students by supporting and developing educational leaders. Charles Butt has directed much of his personal and corporate giving toward education, developing initiatives such as the annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, the H-E-B Read 3 early literacy program and Raise Your Hand Texas, an advocacy organization focused on public policies that support and improve our public schools. The Holdsworth Center builds on those efforts by strengthening the leaders who serve educators and students.