The Decatur ISD Board of Trustees officially hired Taylor Williams, a 2006 Decatur High School graduate, as its next Superintendent of Schools in a 5-0 vote during a special meeting on March 13, 2025.

Williams, a veteran educator with 15 years of experience in public education, rose through the ranks to her former position as Superintendent of Schools for Slidell ISD. Among her recognitions, she was honored as Superintendent of the Year for the Education Service Center Region 11 by the Texas Association of Schools in 2022, and she was named to the Wise County Messenger’s 40 under 40 list in 2023.

Williams began her career as a substitute teacher in 2009 in Slidell I.S.D. and quickly found her passion for education. Since then, she has earned certifications and taught in multiple subjects including Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, English as a Second Language, Family and Consumer Sciences, and English Language Arts and Reading ⎯ giving her invaluable context into the work of classroom teachers. She also rose through the leadership ranks and served as students services director, testing and textbook coordinator, principal and most recently, Superintendent of Schools for Slidell ISD.

Williams, who is married to Bert and a mom of three, is a passionate volunteer who has served with numerous community groups, including CASA of Jack and Wise Counties, Feeding Wise Kids, and Live Thankfully for Wise County. Williams is also a member of the Texas Association of School Administrators, the Texas Education Agency Commissioner’s Cabinet, and the Texas Rural Education Association. She earned her bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, both in education, from Texas Woman’s University.

The process to select a new superintendent began in December 2024 and included both a survey and focus groups that allowed the board to receive input from parents, staff, and community members regarding the characteristics they most desired in the district’s next leader.

Following an extensive search and interview process, Williams was announced as the lone finalist for the position of superintendent following a special board meeting on Feb. 18. By state law, the Board was then required to wait 21 days before it could vote to officially hire her as the new superintendent. Williams replaced Dr. Karen Rue, who served as interim superintendent during the board’s search for Decatur ISD’s next leader.