Superintendent

Dr. Kimberley James

Dr. Kimberley James was named Superintendent of Willis Independent School District in April 2024. She has over three decades of experience in public education and has dedicated her career to improving student outcomes, developing future leaders, and building strong partnerships between schools and the communities they serve.

Prior to becoming superintendent, Dr. James served in a variety of leadership roles, including Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Corpus Christi ISD, a district serving more than 33,000 students, as well as Chief of Staff and campus principal. Her experience spans urban and suburban school systems, with 16 years of successful campus leadership at the middle and high school levels. She has also served as a special education teacher, dance team director, assistant principal, and principal across Humble ISD, Aldine ISD, and Aransas County ISD. Known as a turnaround principal, she has a strong record of improving instructional outcomes, designing academic systems focused on individual student needs, building high-performing employee teams, and fostering meaningful parent involvement. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to servant leadership, organizational excellence, and creating opportunities for students and staff to thrive.

Dr. James is an active community leader who values collaboration among schools, businesses, civic organizations, and community partners. She works closely with organizations throughout Montgomery County to strengthen workforce readiness, expand opportunities for students, and support the long-term success of the community.

A lifelong learner, Dr. James recently completed the highly selective Superintendent Leadership Program through The Holdsworth Center, where she was one of only 17 superintendents selected statewide for the 18-month executive leadership program. In 2025, she was recognized as a Distinguished Administrator by the Texas Music Educators Association for her support of student achievement and educational excellence.

Dr. James holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southwest Texas State University, a Master of Arts in Education Administration from Stephen F. Austin University, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She is a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi and remains passionate about developing strong leaders, strengthening communities, and ensuring every student is prepared for success after graduation.