A Message From Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney

Disponible en: Español

Dear Aldine Community,

¡Siéntanse orgullosos de sus raíces! I learned this phrase in Spanish this week, and it rings true across all cultures. It means ‘Be proud of your roots!” I am proud of my roots. My grandparents raised me in Coldspring, Texas, and taught me the value of hard work. I meet so many people connected to Aldine ISD and are proud to tell me stories about what it means to them to call Aldine home. As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s share the stories of our roots — where we’re from and how we can make an #AldineImpact in the lives of the students at Aldine ISD.

Awards/Grants

What a way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month! Our district recently received two Outstanding Awards from the Mexican American School Board Association (MASBA) for our SHINE (Supporting Honoring Inspiring New Educators) initiative and our Parent Leadership Academy. I’m so proud of our two La Promesa students, Karla Mejía González and Belinda Rojas Salazar, who delivered impressive speeches at the conference, and Jocelyn Bedolla from Avalos P-TECH and Emily Lucio from Aldine High, who placed second and third in the MASBA District Art Contest.

Additionally, Magnet Schools of America has nationally recognized Grantham Academy for Engineering and Reece Academy for Montessori as Certified Schools. They are among the 46 nationally recognized in 2024. These recognitions highlight the dedication of our leaders, staff, and community.

It takes a village to raise healthy, prepared students. That is why I am excited that we’ve been awarded a $72,000 Be Well Acres Homes Program grant through MD Anderson. The grant will enhance physical activity and wellness programs for students at six AISD campuses in the Acres Homes community. Healthier students are better learners!

School Safety

The recent hoax threats affecting local districts remind us of the importance of safety. Whether serious or not, threats are crimes and must be reported immediately, not reposted. Please speak with your children about the consequences of inappropriate online behavior. Schools nationwide are much safer than a generation or two ago due to districtwide efforts and initiatives to increase safety and increased community awareness. Your role in this cannot be overstated. Together, we can ensure a safer environment for everyone.

New Tax Rate

As a reminder, our 2024-2025 budget stands at $723.7 million, a 10.73% decrease from last year, reflecting the challenges of declining enrollment and reduced funding. Despite this, we’ve managed to offer additional compensation to full-time employees and incoming teachers without any position cuts. Recently, the AISD Board of Trustees set the 2024-2025 tax rate at $1.034 per $100 valuation, which is lower than the 2023-2024, yet it will cover bond payments and ensure continued operations. This resilience and careful planning ensure that Aldine ISD students receive a dynamic and unparalleled education that guarantees choices and opportunities today and in the future.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Serving Aldine ISD has also broadened my understanding of Hispanic culture. In this issue, you will learn how Board Trustee Connie Esparza taught me about el Mes de la herencia hispana (Hispanic Heritage Month). That conversation in 2018 sparked the idea of developing a Hispanic Heritage Month program for staff at our leadership buildings and our award-winning student mariachi program and group.

We remain committed to promoting cultural diversity and identity, increasing professional development and the pipeline to leadership positions, increasing Spanish interpretation at district events, and taking a deep dive into improving the academic opportunities and choices for not only Hispanic students but all students — all means all in Aldine. These are exciting times for Aldine, and I look forward to the future and all the possibilities. We have achieved so much over these years and will continue to make an #AldineImpact — ¡sí se puede!

Gratitude

Before I close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my Superintendent’s Student Ambassadors and Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee. I am inspired by all of our student and parent leaders and look forward to their #AldineImpact! In addition to schools promoting School Attendance Month, September celebrates IT professionals for keeping us engaged and connected, teachers’ assistants fostering inclusivity, providing targeted support, and enriching the learning experience; and payroll staff ensuring we get paid. Your contributions are invaluable and greatly appreciated.

As always, follow us on our website and online to learn about the achievements of our board members, educators, and students, as well as upcoming events. You’ll also discover how our district administrators are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Let’s all join in and celebrate our community’s rich Hispanic heritage and continue making an #AldineImpact for all students each and every day!

With Aldine Pride!