NCEA 2023 Catholic Leadership Summit and New Superintendents Academy (CLS) is being hosted by the Diocese of Raleigh, NC, October 21 – 25. I had the privilege of talking with the Diocese of Raleigh Superintendent, Lytia Reese, about her thoughts on the role of a Catholic school superintendent and more.
As the superintendent of schools, Ms. Reese leads 28 Catholic early childhood, elementary and high schools. A product of Catholic schools K-college, Ms. Reese received her Bachelor of Science in economics and finance from Christian Brothers University and received her Master of Arts in instructional and curriculum leadership from the University of Memphis. She has dedicated her vocation in education to serving under-resourced students and embodied the tradition of her Dominican roots by modeling her instruction and leadership around the four pillars of Dominican education: preaching; prayer; study; and community.
A teacher for over 15 years, she spent much of her career serving students attending Title I schools. In 2012, she began her appointment as principal in Jubilee schools in the Diocese of Memphis, working with students who would not have been able to afford a Catholic education without significant financial assistance. She continued her service to under-resourced students in the Diocese of Galveston-Houston as the assistant superintendent of Urban Achievement, where she oversaw and supported 13 schools whose primary mission was to serve students who could not afford a Catholic education.
Prior to becoming an educator, Ms. Reese worked in the financial sector as a manager at The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Memphis Branch. She discovered her love of teaching through her involvement with Junior Achievement where she taught financial literacy to middle-schoolers.
Q. How are things going post-pandemic? Upticks in enrollment?
A. Our schools responded quickly to the needs of our existing families during the pandemic and provided a high-quality Catholic education to them and to the new families who joined our schools. Many of these families have continued their education in our schools, and we are grateful they decided to remain a part of our communities. The Diocese of Raleigh is in a period of growth. Over the past two years, the diocesan-wide enrollment has increased over 10.2 percent, with school year 2022-2023 reaching the highest enrollment to date.
Q. How do you view Catholic education as a ministry of the Church?
A. Catholic education is a clear expression of the evangelizing mission of the church. Our schools nurture an environment where students are accompanied in their academic and spiritual formation and can experience the depth and beauty of sacramental life. Catholic schools transform communities by ensuring all students are formed into passionate disciples and leaders for the Church who evangelize through sacred scriptures, practice our faith traditions, and serve as the hands and feet of Christ.
Q. What is most challenging as a Catholic school superintendent?
A. The demands of the superintendency are many. However, right now, shouldering the concerns around school safety in a comprehensive way, in today’s climate, is the most challenging aspect of my job.
Q. What is most rewarding?
A. In consultation with Bishop Luis and in collaboration with pastors, principals and directors, we have developed a shared vision and mission to guide and grow the future of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Raleigh. This newly established vision and mission truly drives the diocesanwide strategic plan for schools, the resources and supports we offer, and the operational decisions for our 28 Catholic schools. I am excited by the substantial strides our schools have made, especially in the areas of academic excellence and operational vitality.
Q. What do you think are the most important characteristics of a Catholic school superintendent?
A. In my first few years as a superintendent, I have had the opportunity to provide improved support to our schools by restructuring the Office of Education. As families and the educational landscape evolve over time, ensuring the operational vitality of our schools requires that we provide timely, strategic resources and consultation to each of our schools. This characteristic – to listen to the voices of our stakeholders, evaluate data and make collaborative, impactful decisions for positive change – has allowed us to move forward with our schools in a time of unprecedented growth.
Q. Catholic school superintendents are more than administrators – they are faith leaders of their school communities. What does it mean to you to be a faith leader of Catholic schools?
A. As a student in Dominican schools growing up, I experienced an introduction to my role models in faith leadership. Their example has stayed with me as a superintendent. I find that constant prayer, reliance on the grace and power of God and the sustaining joy of a faith-filled life are crucial to this role. As the faith leader of the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Raleigh, there is a profound responsibility in ensuring the formation of our students, faculty and staff. This responsibility is accompanied by the joy of being a witness to God’s work in our schools.
Q. How do you think Catholic schools show they are Catholic to their communities?
A. Each school has a unique charism that is evident to each person and visitor in the community. These beautiful facets of the community vary, but the steadfast tenets of Catholic schools must be present in every school. The USCCB states, “Our schools serve both the faith community and society by educating children, young people and adults to contribute to the common good by becoming active and caring members of the communities, cities, and nation in which they live.” Our schools must fully live out this call to be caring members of their communities by creating safe, welcoming spaces for all who enter.
Q. How important are parents/families in the Catholic school experience? How do your schools foster that relationship?
A. Our school communities are based on a core belief that parents are the first educators in the lives of our students. As we work to form disciples and scholars, we accompany the students and their families as they encounter Jesus Christ through our schools and parishes. Parents entrust the care of their children to our schools, and we are grateful for this opportunity to teach students how to live well now to be able to live with God for all eternity. The constant theme of opportunities for parent engagement through service, conviviality and celebration create a joyful environment for families!
Q. What is your vision or hope for Catholic schools going forward?
A. The Diocese of Raleigh Office of Education has a “Vivid Vision” based on the NSBECS as we work toward multiple goals for our schools. I look forward to continuing to support our schools as we: