Bellville ISD is thrilled to announce that Dr. Nicole Poenitzsch has been named the 2024 Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). This prestigious honor was presented during a special ceremony at txEDCON24, the annual convention co-hosted by TASB and the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), held on September 28, 2024. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the SOTY Award, which recognizes exceptional superintendents who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication to student achievement, and a commitment to fostering innovative educational environments.
A Distinguished Leader Among Texas Superintendents
Dr. Poenitzsch, who has led Bellville ISD since 2019, was selected from a pool of five state finalists, representing the best in public education leadership across Texas. Alongside Dr. Poenitzsch, this year’s finalists included Gonzalo Salazar from Los Fresnos CISD (Region 1), Brad Owen from Burkburnett ISD (Region 9), Kimberley Cantu from Mansfield ISD (Region 11), and Darryl Henson from Marlin ISD (Region 12). These superintendents were chosen from regional finalists representing different Education Service Centers (ESC) in Texas.
The 11-member selection committee highlighted Dr. Poenitzsch’s servant leadership, her ability to create opportunities for all students, and her collaborative, hands-on approach to problem-solving. In particular, the committee noted her dedication to stepping in wherever she is needed—even in the classroom—to ensure the success of her students. Her joy and enthusiasm for public education were described as contagious, making her a standout among this year’s exceptional group of candidates.
A Visionary Leader with a Heart for Public Education
Dr. Poenitzsch’s leadership has been transformative for Bellville ISD. She brings a deep belief in the power of public education to unlock the potential in every child. As she said during her remarks at txEDCON24, “I believe that every child has beautiful potential within them. I believe that public education is a means for opportunity, and I believe that it’s our job to create conditions to help our kids figure out those unique gifts that they have, help them discover it and develop it so they can be fulfilled individuals, compassionate citizens, compelled to positively contribute to the world around us.”
Since taking on the role of superintendent, Dr. Poenitzsch has championed initiatives that place student success at the forefront. She is committed to building equitable, inclusive learning environments that offer every student the chance to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. Her leadership has fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration, with an emphasis on using cutting-edge educational tools and practices to prepare students for the future.
A Career of Excellence
Dr. Poenitzsch has been a dedicated educator since 2005. She began her career as a teacher and coach, and steadily advanced into administrative leadership positions, earning her superintendent certification in 2012. Prior to joining Bellville ISD, she served as Assistant Superintendent of Learning & Innovation in Dripping Springs ISD, where she led efforts to enhance curriculum, integrate technology, and promote student-centered learning.
Dr. Poenitzsch holds a Doctorate of Education from Texas A&M University, a Master of Education from the University of Houston-Victoria, and a Bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University. Her academic background and years of experience in educational leadership have equipped her with the skills and insight necessary to lead a district as dynamic and diverse as Bellville ISD, which spans 385 square miles and serves approximately 2,300 students in Austin County.
Commitment to Community and Collaboration
In addition to her work within the school district, Dr. Poenitzsch has built strong relationships with parents, community members, and local organizations. She believes that education is a shared responsibility, and her efforts to engage the entire Bellville community have resulted in a sense of unity and purpose. Her collaborative approach with the Board of Trustees and her staff has ensured that every decision is made with the best interests of students in mind.
During her acceptance speech at txEDCON24, Dr. Poenitzsch expressed deep gratitude to her family, her Bellville ISD team, and the Bellville ISD Board of Trustees, praising their dedication to the district’s students. She noted that her accomplishments would not have been possible without the support and commitment of her entire team.
A Prestigious Honor for Bellville ISD
The Superintendent of the Year award, sponsored by TASB and underwritten by Balfour, has recognized superintendents for excellence in educational leadership since 1984. Candidates are chosen based on their leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee relations, and commitment to public involvement in education. The winning superintendent’s district receives a $5,000 award, and the superintendent is honored with a custom ring. Each of the finalists’ districts also receives $1,000 in recognition of their excellence.
Dr. Poenitzsch’s selection as 2024 Superintendent of the Year marks a proud moment in Bellville ISD’s history and is a reflection of the district’s commitment to providing a high-quality, student-centered education. As TASB Executive Director Dan Troxell stated, “This award puts a spotlight on the dynamic relationship between school boards and superintendents—relationships that are critical to achieving excellent outcomes in both district governance and student academic achievement.”
Looking Forward to the Future
Bellville ISD is honored to have Dr. Nicole Poenitzsch at the helm as we continue our mission of nurturing and educating the next generation of compassionate, capable citizens. Her visionary leadership and deep passion for public education have already made a profound impact on our district, and we are excited to see what the future holds under her continued guidance.
Congratulations, Dr. Poenitzsch, on this well-deserved recognition! Your commitment to Bellville ISD, our students, and the community at large inspires us all.
