Superintendent Dr. Demetrius McCall Completes Acclaimed Holdsworth Leadership Program

Sheldon ISD is proud to announce that Superintendent Dr. Demetrius McCall has successfully completed the rigorous 18-month Superintendent Leadership Program at The Holdsworth Center in Austin, Texas.

The Superintendent Leadership Program selects a limited cohort of dynamic superintendents—typically those in their first five years of the role or newly leading larger districts—and provides a best-in-class leadership experience. 

Over 18 months, participants engage in immersive learning sessions at Holdsworth’s Lake Austin campus, focusing on executive leadership skills such as strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and navigating complex political and operational landscapes.

“Having exceptional superintendents at the helm of all Texas districts is critical to improving outcomes for students in the face of great headwinds battering public education,” said Dr. Lindsay Whorton, president of The Holdsworth Center. “The diverse skills needed to be an effective superintendent are comparable to a Fortune 500 CEO, but the job doesn’t come with the same opportunities to study the tenets of great leadership or work with an experienced coach.”

A key feature of this program is the pairing of each superintendent with an executive coach, often a seasoned superintendent-in-residence. This mentorship provides tailored guidance and professional support as participants tackle day-to-day challenges.

Superintendent Dr. McCall was one of only 17 selected statewide for this cohort, joining peers dedicated to district excellence. Through the program, he strengthened leadership capacity by collaborating with experienced educators and leadership experts to reimagine district strategies and refine district priorities.

During Superintendent McCall’s tenure—and fortified by insights and networks gained at Holdsworth—Sheldon ISD has realized notable community impact, including:

• Sheldon ISD earned eight distinctions on the 2025 STAAR administration.
• Good Reason Houston recognized Sheldon ISD as the only district in Region IV to demonstrate growth in both reading and math for grades 3–8.
• Dr. McCall was named one of NSPRA’s “Superintendents to Watch,” honoring innovative and effective use of communication and technology.

“Being part of the Holdsworth Leadership Program has been a powerful growth experience,” said Superintendent Dr. Demetrius McCall. “I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from an incredible network of leaders and mentors. The insights gained have helped clarify our district’s priorities and position us to more effectively serve our students, staff, and community.”

About The Holdsworth Center

The Holdsworth Center is a non-profit that builds stronger leaders for Texas public schools through world-class leadership programs. Since its founding in 2017, Holdsworth has served more than 1,900 educators in 88 school districts across Texas.