Catholic school superintendent bids farewell after 30-plus years of service in Catholic education

Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Debra Haney, Ed.D., at center, meets with Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, at right, and Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, at left, during a farewell party in June. (Photo by Sean O’Driscoll/Herald)

HOUSTON — After more than 30 years in education as a teacher, principal, and culminating as Catholic Schools superintendent, Debra Haney, Ed.D., resigned from her position with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston at the end of June to relocate with her family.

Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, upon making the announcement, said, “We ask your prayers for Dr. Haney and her family as they prepare for this important phase in their lives.”

She and her husband, Jason, are moving to the College Station area, where they will build their new home.

When asked what she would consider her legacy in education, Haney pointed to coordinating the overall curriculum to interconnect all subjects whether it be science, religion, art, math, and other areas now known as STREAM.

“We have seen improvements in our students’ overall growth scores on our assessments, and we have seen a greater commitment to learning in our students as STREAM makes learning fun, relevant and meaningful to them,” Haney said. “STREAM allows for students to practice the skills of collaboration, communication, cooperation, critical thinking and problem-solving that are needed in today’s society and are applicable to daily living and future career success.”

In January, Dr. Mazie McCoy was named superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese, effective July 1. McCoy has more than 21 years of experience in Catholic education, including as principal and over the past two years as assistant superintendent of Governance and Leadership, overseeing the formation of principals, preparing those aspiring to be leaders, and assisting school pastors and local advisory school councils.