Following a comprehensive search of dozens of qualified candidates from across Texas, the EMS ISD Board of Trustees has selected veteran educator Jerry D. Hollingsworth, Ed.D., as the lone finalist for EMS ISD Superintendent of Schools. 

Dr. Hollingsworth currently serves as superintendent in Waxahachie ISD, where since taking the top role in 2021, he has led key initiatives to define the district’s strategic focus and core values, plan and prepare for student enrollment growth, align instructional best practices and professional development, and strengthen collaborative teams across district programs for the benefit of students and staff. Prior to his tenure in Waxahachie, Hollingsworth served three years as superintendent in Bandera ISD. 

“We are excited to bring our community a lone finalist who has both the experience of a veteran leader and the heart of a servant,” said Dr. Marilyn Tolbert, EMS ISD Board president. “With more than three decades in public education, Dr. Hollingsworth is experienced in all aspects of leading schools and districts in today’s dynamic K-12 environment and is known for his collaborative leadership grounded in student-centered decision making and transparent communication. He is very personable and approachable, and it is clear that he truly cares about the students, staff, and families he serves. 

“Our district is a destination for many families because of the strong foundations that have been built under the leadership of Dr. Chadwell and those who came before him,” Tolbert continued. “Looking to the future, we are excited about the positive impact that Dr. Hollingsworth will contribute to the continued success of EMS ISD.”

Throughout the interview and selection process this fall, EMS ISD Trustees relied heavily on feedback received from stakeholder focus groups and an online community in their screening and evaluation of applicants. The Board pledged early in the process that community input would be vital in the search for the district’s next superintendent. Prior to deciding on the lone finalist, Trustees compared each candidate with the key priorities the community identified as important for the next district leader. These included:

• Ability to manage change, including growth and changing demographics;
• Student-centered, and advocate for teachers and public education;
• Communication, transparency, visibility, accessibility and engagement;
• Experience in education, including both classroom and administrative roles;
• Knowledge of budgets and school finance, sense of fiscal responsibility;
• High expectations and accountability, with fairness, inclusivity, integrity and compassion.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we want to thank our students, staff, parents, and community members for sharing input and insight into this important process,” Tolbert said. “We read every comment submitted, and each Board member was so thoughtful in considering the community’s desires and expectations as they evaluated the strengths and contributions that our candidates would bring to the EMS ISD community. We are pleased to have found a candidate that represents both the Board’s goals and the community’s priorities.”

A graduate of nearby Boyd High School, Hollingsworth holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University and earned his master's and doctorate degrees from the University of North Texas. His service in public education began teaching US Government and Spanish in Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD. During his 31-year career, he has led three high-achieving campuses as principal – Grapevine High School, Stephenville High School, and Dawson Middle School in Carroll ISD; and served as assistant principal at the middle and high school levels. He also has extensive leadership experience at the district executive level, serving as an associate superintendent in Burleson ISD from 2014-2018 and as executive director of instructional leadership in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD from 2011-2014.

Hollingsworth also is active in professional organizations as well as his local community. He is a member of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), where he also participates in the TASA Future-Ready Superintendents Leadership Network and is a member of the Leadership Network’s Design Team. Locally, he is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club, and he is active with his local church. He and his wife of more than 28 years, Ginger, have three sons:  Wyatt and his wife, Talyn, both recent graduates of Texas Tech University; Lane, also a graduate of Texas Tech; and Clayton, who is a high school junior.

“I have known Jerry Hollingsworth through professional circles for many years and have always known him to be a man of integrity who leads with confidence, compassion, and a heart for others,” said Dr. Jim F. Chadwell, EMS ISD Superintendent. “His journey through public education has prepared him to continue pushing forward the goals and priorities already in place in our district while his varied experiences will bring new ideas for the future. He will be a great fit with the EMS ISD community and I look forward to how the district will continue to grow and thrive under his leadership.”

Now that a lone finalist has been named, state law requires a 21-day wait period before the candidate can officially be hired to allow for finalizing contract details. During this period, current Superintendent, Dr. Jim F. Chadwell, will begin working with Dr. Hollingsworth and the Board to plan the transition to EMS ISD. The Board will meet publicly on December 2, 2024, to consider an official contract.