From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Schools system announced the new Assistant Superintendent of Student Services during its June Board of Education meeting.
Dr. Rachel Poovey has been in public education for 26 years. TCS said she has worked in a variety of roles for Decatur City Schools.
The Jefferson County native holds a Bachelor’s in Special Education from the University of Alabama, a Master’s in Mental Retardation, and Education Specialist degree in Administration from UAB. She received her Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Alabama. She is Nationally Board-Certified and is currently pursuing her national certification in assistive technology.
Poovey will replace Dr. Mandi Logan, who retired in June of 2021 to begin a career in the private sector. She will oversee a number of areas ranging from special education to residency.
“The TCS position focused on my areas of strengths and working with all students and staff,” said Poovey. “The experience I could bring to the position from my diverse experiences in education and the learning opportunities for me are a great match.”
In addition to her current position as Coordinator of Developmental Programs for Decatur City Schools, Poovey also gives her time and service to Rotary Club, Salvation Army Board of Directors, and Decatur-Morgan Hospital Guild. She also serves as director of the Morgan County Distinguished Young Women Program through a collaboration with Limestone and Lawrence counties.
Other job titles she has had within schools include teacher, assistant principal, elementary and middle principal, curriculum supervisor, and special education coordinator.
“These jobs have given me experiences that address most, if not all, facets of education from elementary to high school and central office,” Poovey said. “I have worked with a variety of school systems to train and grow as an educator. My experiences as a parent also help me be empathetic to the community and the needs of the future as I work to create new opportunities in the schools.”
Trussville Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill said that after a rigorous interview process, Poovey met all of the requirements for the position.
“Her experiences have prepared her for this level of leadership and her references confirmed our impressions of her expertise,” Neill explained. “We welcome Dr. Rachel Poovey to Trussville City Schools and we look forward to the ways she will enrich our team and our school system.”
Poovey said she looks forward to working in a growing community.
“This job also brings me closer to my family and into a friendly, growing community and will allow me to rekindle some friendships from my childhood,” Poovey added. “I have lived and worked in a wonderful family-focused community for 26 years and to make this move for my family I wanted to ensure this would provide them the same or better opportunities. Trussville City more than exceeds those expectations.”
Poovey and her husband, Michael, have two children – Jane Hollis, 20, and Owan, 17.