Poenitzsch named Learning and Innovation director
At a special meeting July 20, the Dripping Springs ISD Board of Trustees approved Superintendent Bruce Gearing’s recommendation of Nicole Poenitzsch as the district’s new Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Innovation.
Poenitzsch has served 12 years in education, most recently as assistant superintendent for Sealy ISD.
She began her tenure in public education as a high school English teacher and progressed through roles including department leader, junior high assistant principal, elementary principal, assistant superintendent and adjunct professor.
In her position at Dripping Springs ISD, Poenitzsch will oversee the Learning & Innovation Department, which covers all areas of teaching and learning for the district and includes working closely with administrators at each campus to plan the learning experiences for all students.
Poenitzsch received her Bachelor of Arts & Science degree from Texas Tech University, her Master of Education in education administration from the University of Houston-Victoria and her Doctorate of Education in executive leadership from Texas A&M University in College Station.
“I am honored to join in the collective effort of the district team. The district’s alignment to such a clear and transformational vision is inspiring” said Poenitzsch in a statement. “My family and I are incredibly excited about becoming part of the Dripping Springs ISD community and we look forward to what the future holds.”
Poenitzsch will begin her new responsibilities at DSISD in August. She replaces Diane Flaim who will be retiring from the district in December.
Ray to lead Sycamore Springs Elementary
The Dripping Springs ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the recommendation of Kristen Ray as principal of Sycamore Springs Elementary at its July 20 meeting.
Ray has been employed since 2014 as a senior consultant for The Leader In Me, which is part of the Franklin Covey Education Division, according to a district press release.
Ray began her career in education at Roosevelt ISD where she taught first grade in addition to serving as a Title 1 reading teacher. From there she moved to North East ISD as a second grade teacher. She continued for an additional 12 years at North East ISD serving as both assistant principal and principal for several different campuses.
Ray earned her bachelor’s degree in human development from Texas Tech University and her master’s degree in educational administration from Wayland Baptist University.
“I am honored to serve as the new principal at Sycamore Springs Elementary,” said Ray. “I look forward to partnering with the community, parents, and the amazing staff to create an empowering culture of learning for our students.”
