Catherine Williams-Ridley Named CHS Principal

Catherine Williams-Ridley Named CHS Principal
Posted on 06/09/2020
Ms. Williams outside

We are excited to announce that Castleberry High School has found its new principal! Catherine Williams-Ridley has been named CHS Principal. Ms. Williams began her educational career in Fort Worth ISD in 1998 as a Special Education Teacher and Coach. Ms. Williams taught and coached for 10 years across three campuses Dunbar, Eastern Hills, and Southwest High School. While at EHHS the Girls' Track Team won back-to-back Regional Championships, a 3rd place team finish at state, and numerous athletes received scholarships to college. Ms. Williams was selected "teacher of the year" by the faculty in 2004 and was recognized by the School Board for her accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom.

Ms. Williams served as the Assistant Principal at Southwest High School from 2008 to 2015. Ms. Williams oversaw the English, Social Studies, and Special Education departments. In 2010 the Social Studies department received on of only four district gold performance ratings from TEA for being commended in Social Studies. Ms. Williams served as Principal of Leonard Middle School from 2015-2020. Under Ms. Williams' tenure the campus received its first ever distinction in Science from TEA, became a Common Sense certified campus, and increased attendance by three percent. Through generous donations from the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, Ms. Williams implemented an incentive-based campus-wide positive behavior intervention system for students and teachers, as well as, a full social emotional wing to address mental health needs of students.

Ms. Williams received an athletic scholarship to college where she became a National Champion, three time All-America, in the shot and discus. Ms. Williams received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, and her Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Prairie View A&M. Ms. Williams has a 10-year old daughter, Fallyn, who will attend A.V. Cato Elementary next year.

Ms. Williams is a life-long learner who is extremely passionate about education and giving back to her community. She is honored to serve as the new principal of Castleberry High School and looks forward to building on the previous accomplishments of CHS students, staff, and community members. Her immediate goals are to build relationships, learn how she can best align the campus vision to support all stakeholders in achieving campus and district goals; while continuing to cultivate the rich culture of education excellence within CHS, where students graduate prepared for college, career, or the military.