An associate superintendent of Catholic schools in New Orleans has been named the new superintendent of the system.
42-year-old RaeNell Houston will be the first African-American to hold the job when she assumes the post on July 1, succeeding the retiring Jan Lancaster.
“We are blessed to have Dr. Houston taking on the role of Superintendent,” said Archbishop Aymond. “She brings with her the professional experience and expertise necessary to lead our schools, blended with her vision and desire to make our schools Christ-centered communities of diversity where we strive not only for academic excellence but to form our young people in the faith. She is a woman of strong faith and family and is well prepared to lead our school family.”
Dr. Houston holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of New Orleans. She has both a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialty in Reading from Louisiana State University. Dr. Houston has taught elementary and middle school as well as on the university level.
“I am very excited and feel blessed with this opportunity to put my skills to work in service of the Church, our school families and the broader community,” says Dr. Houston. “I am cognizant of the various challenges facing Catholic schools here in New Orleans and throughout the country, but trust that with God’s help and hard work, we can provide viable and sustainable strategies to make Catholic education accessible and desirable for families and educators.”
The school system serves 37,000 students in eight parishes in the New Orleans area.