The Sheridan School District Board of Education voted Monday night to promote Dr. Heather Williams to Director of School Support and Leadership, effective July 1, 2026.
Dr. Williams currently serves as principal of East End Middle School, where her leadership has produced sustained academic improvement. When she assumed leadership of the campus, East End Middle School held a “D” letter grade from the Arkansas Department of Education. Under her direction, the school has earned an “A” grade for the past two consecutive years, reflecting significant gains in student achievement, instructional practices, and overall school culture.
Since joining the Sheridan School District in 2022, Dr. Williams has also completed her doctoral degree, further strengthening her background in educational leadership and school improvement.
“Dr. Williams has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a proven ability to improve outcomes for students,” said Chad Pitts, superintendent of the Sheridan School District. “Dr. Williams brings with her a broad range of experiences that will be beneficial in her new role, and her work at East End Middle School speaks for itself. We are confident she will have a positive impact across the entire district in this new role.”
In her new position, Dr. Williams will provide districtwide support to principals and school leaders, focusing on instructional leadership, accountability, and continuous school improvement. She will replace Alisa Gray, who has announced her retirement at the end of the current school year after years of dedicated service to the district.
Prior to joining Sheridan, Dr. Williams served as principal of Perritt Primary School in the Arkadelphia School District. During her tenure there, the school earned a R.I.S.E. Arkansas School Award, a distinction awarded to fewer than 40 schools statewide for developing a strong culture of reading, fostering community partnerships, and strengthening literacy instruction.
Dr. Williams’ leadership has also been recognized at the national level. In 2021, she was named National Outstanding Assistant Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue serving the Sheridan School District in this new capacity,” Dr. Williams said. “I look forward to supporting our principals and school leaders as we work together to ensure success for every student.”
Dr. Williams will continue serving as principal of East End Middle School through the end of the 2025-26 school year before transitioning into her districtwide role. The district will immediately begin a comprehensive search for her replacement at EEM.