OnYourMark Podcast

In today’s episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Dr. Jerry D. Hollingsworth, Superintendent of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District in Northwest Fort Worth, Texas. With more than three decades in education, Dr. Hollingsworth shares how listening, consistency, and community trust are driving the district’s next chapter of growth.

From a district-wide “listening tour” to implementing stronger Tier 1 instruction and a new balanced scorecard for accountability, Dr. Hollingsworth offers an honest look at leading through change while keeping students and teachers at the center.

Mindy and Dr. Hollingsworth also discuss the power of family engagement, what it takes to align instruction across 31 campuses, and how personal experiences with dyslexia have shaped his belief that every student deserves to grow at least one year—every year.

01:02 Introducing Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD & Community Overview

02:10 Dr. Hollingsworth’s Path from Classroom Teacher to Superintendent

04:26 Why Literacy Matters: Meeting Students Where They Are

06:40 How Changing Student Experiences Impact Early Learning

09:20 The Listening Tour: Hearing from Teachers, Families, and Staff

19:19 Personal Story: Raising and Supporting Struggling Readers

23:03 Setting Clear Priorities Through the Balanced Scorecard

27:29 Creating Transparency with Monthly Board Reporting

34:29 Leadership Lessons & Reflections on Literacy and Change

36:27 What Dr. Hollingsworth is Reading: Empire of the Summer Moon

39:15 Closing Reflections on Public Education and Democracy

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you care about literacy, leadership, and systemwide improvement, this conversation will resonate. Dr. Hollingsworth opens up about rebuilding trust after transition, balancing accountability with grace, and creating a culture where every teacher and student is supported to succeed. His practical wisdom and deep humanity make this an inspiring listen for any education leader navigating change.

Connect with Jerry D. Hollingsworth, Ed.D
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-hollingsworth-56633210
Website: https://www.emsisd.com/ 

Follow Us:

Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom
OnYourMark Website: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/
OnYourMark LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education

About OnYourMark Podcast
The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what’s possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child.

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