Archbishop Aymond names Dr. RaeNell Houston Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Today, February 13, 2017, New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond announced RaeNell Billiot Houston, Ph.D. would be the next Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Dr. Houston has served as Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the archdiocese since 2012.

“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.  Throughout her career she has presented various workshops nationally and locally on literacy, curriculum and instruction, and diversity in the classroom.

As Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Dr. Houston led innovative curriculum and instruction initiatives in New Orleans Catholic Schools, managed the standardized testing processes and worked closely with officials at the Louisiana Department of Education. Dr. Houston’s experience working directly with school leaders and faculties and with parents and families through various school choice programs makes her uniquely qualified for her new role as Superintendent.

“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.”

Dr. Houston will take over the role of Superintendent of Catholic Schools on July 1. Current Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Dr. Jan Daniel Lancaster announced her resignation in Fall of 2016.