Meet Merrie
Merrie Fox
​Born and raised in Texas, Merrie grew up in a large extended family that valued hard work, education, and community. As a young girl growing up in the Houston area, she enjoyed riding bikes, building forts, and swimming with siblings, cousins, and friends. She was an avid softball player and a devoted fan of the Houston Astros. In the summers, family and friends piled into an old, converted school bus to go camping on the Guadalupe River. Despite limited finances, Merrie grew up with a sense of gratitude and the importance of helping others.
A Neighbor
In 1982, Merrie’s family moved to Canyon Lake to help her father, who had emphysema, escape the effects of air pollution. Those formative years deepened her understanding of the environment and the beauty of the Hill Country. Merrie now lives in New Braunfels with her wife, Lisa, and their two dogs. Together, they had the privilege of raising two wonderful children who serve their nearby communities as a teacher and a paramedic. Giving back has always been central to Merrie’s life, reflected in her work with Habitat for Humanity, First Footing, Family Promise, New Braunfels Angels, Riverside Pride, and her church choir. She enjoys cards, theatre, and live music, but most of all, she loves the chance to swim and kayak the beautiful Hill Country rivers.
An Educator
Merrie dedicated 31 years to serving students and families in Comal, New Braunfels, and Randolph Field ISDs. She earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise and Sports Science with a minor in Biology from Southwest Texas State University and began teaching and coaching in 1992. Later, she completed a master’s degree in Education Administration at Texas State University and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Northcentral University. Merrie went on to serve as an assistant principal and principal at both the elementary and middle school levels. Throughout her journey as a teacher and administrator, she witnessed the powerful role that public education played in transforming lives. She developed a deep passion for advocating for public schools, believing that regardless of their starting point, education empowers students and provides a pathway toward their goals.
A Leader
Merrie’s leadership journey began in high school as a Student Council member, Co-Captain of her volleyball team, and Senior Class President. As a teacher, she co-chaired the District Education Improvement Committee and served on the Superintendent-Teacher Council. As an assistant principal, she led teams in developing curriculum, emergency plans, grants, and policy proposals. As principal, she led three schools that earned “Recognized” or “A” ratings under the Texas accountability system. In 2009, she was selected by Raise Your Hand Texas to attend the Principals’ Center Summer Institute at Harvard and later served as a Principal Advocacy Fellow during the 86th legislative session. After retiring from public education in 2023, Merrie became Executive Director of Circle Arts Theatre in New Braunfels, continuing her lifelong commitment to leadership and community.
