Spotlight on ministry: Misty Poe, superintendent

Misty Poe serves as the superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin. For more than 25 years, Poe has been involved with Catholic schools serving as a teacher, dean of students, assistant principal and principal of Catholic schools in Austin. She also served as assistant superintendent of Catholic schools for six years prior to being appointed superintendent in 2017.
As the superintendent of the 20 Catholic schools in the diocese, Poe sees her role as a ministry.
“As the superintendent, I have the opportunity to use my professional experience in guiding, supporting and walking with principals, teachers and staff to form children in wisdom and holiness,” Poe said.
“Every day is different in the Office of Catholic Schools, but everything we do is in support of our employees, pushing them to be the best they can be for the students we serve.”
Whether it is planning professional development for teachers, coordinating networking opportunities, reviewing policies and procedures, or offering opportunities for spiritual renewal for principals, Poe approaches every effort with joy and faith.
“The beginning of every school year is exciting, and this year, there is some uncertainty,” she said. “But I am confident our schools are ready for the challenge.”
Poe currently serves on the St. Edward’s School of Education Board and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) ESSA Private School Equitable Services Workgroup, is a commissioner for the Texas Catholic Conference Accreditation Commission, and she is a member of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishop’s Education Department Policy committee. She holds a degree in interdisciplinary studies from Southwest Texas State University and a master’s degree in school administration from Sam Houston State University. Poe and her family are parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish in Elgin. (Photo by Shelley Metcalf)