The Decatur Independent School District (ISD) will soon have a new leader at its helm.
The Board of Trustees officially hired Taylor Williams as its next Superintendent of Schools on March 13, 2025, following the state-mandated 21-day waiting period. Her first day will be March 24. Mrs. Williams will replace Dr. Karen Rue, who has served in the role on an interim, or temporary, basis as the board completed its search for the district's next leader. As her time with DISD comes to a close, Rue reflected on her accomplishments, the relationships she forged, and her excitement for the future.
"Decatur ISD is an amazing district," she stated. "We can all be proud of the work to strengthen communication with the greater Decatur ISD community."
Rue, who stepped into the interim role with the goal of ensuring a smooth transition to a permanent superintendent, expressed immense pride in the district's progress and highlighted the success of the "Superintendent Chats," which provided valuable insights from students, teachers, and PTO officers.
"No one knows better what it is to be a student than our students," Dr. Rue said. She also noted the positive growth of community engagement.
Additionally, Rue provided thought leadership and leveraged her 40-plus years of expertise to champion academics, community relationships, professional development of teachers and administrative leaders, and extracurricular student success -- among which, the Lady Eagles Basketball and Volleyball teams both won UIL State Championship titles.
When asked what she would miss most, Rue pointed to the people.
"School districts are people places," said Rue, who became a staple at DISD campuses and events. "I most certainly will miss working with such talented educators and wonderful students. I will miss the good friends I have made while in Decatur. This is a generous, caring community. I'm grateful for my time here."
Looking ahead, Dr. Rue expressed her anticipation for a more relaxed pace of life.
"My first thought is how much fun it will be to sleep late!" she joked. She and her husband, Gary, are eager to spend more time in Oregon with their children and grandchildren. "Being near family is our goal, and we hope to be spending a great deal more time with them."
Rue also addressed her initial analogy likening her role as an interim superintendent to that of a track relay runner passing the baton, which she shared during an interview with the Wise County Messenger.
"The Board of Trustees has found an exceptional leader to take the district into its future. It has been a joy to be a small part of the path Decatur ISD is on, and I am confident that the best is yet to come."