Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney Delivers Annual State of the District Address

Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney delivered her first annual State of the District address on Wednesday, Jan. 15 to more than 250 invited guests gathered at the CityPlace Marriott at Springwoods Village. Among those present for the event were local faith leaders, elected officials, and community and business partners.

Goffney’s presentation focused on the district’s ongoing efforts to fulfill promises made in its strategic plan, A New Way Forward. The superintendent also outlined future goals, as well as inviting everyone in the room to form or expand partnerships to create more choices and opportunities for students.

In introducing the event’s theme — “A Celebration—Our New Way Forward” — Goffney invited her audience to hear about the achievements the district has gained. Attendees listened to what it takes to create success for schools and students. They also learn about new initiatives that launched this school year as well as her administration’s top priorities, which will be the creation of more choice options within the district.

“We must demonstrate what is possible for students who are black and brown and come from poverty,” she said. “Our vision is simple — we want all Aldine ISD students to receive dynamic, unparalleled instruction that guarantees them choices and opportunities in the future.”

The district moved from a C-rated school district to a B within one year. AISD increased its number of A and B campuses.

The work is not done. Goffney and her administration have ambitious plans to create more school choice and magnet programs in Aldine. Top priorities will be the creation of more choice options within the district. She informed the audience to be on the lookout for two single-gender campuses — one for girls and one for boys.

The district is also looking to expand the two-way dual language program. AISD also will look into increasing access to international baccalaureate programs, create an engineering Pathways in Technology Early College (P-TECH) program at Carver High School and bring more college-level courses to all high schools. A newcomer school for students who immigrated to the area from other countries.

Another goal is to improve literacy and reading performance in the district. The Literacy Task Force is working with pilot campuses to study best practices for literacy instruction and develop a framework that outlines the expectations of students and teachers.

“We want families to have access to high-quality schools. And we want our students to have more choices and opportunities to prepare them for their future better,” said Goffney.

Tiffany O’Neill with The Holdsworth Center said the event highlighted the district’s achievements and where Aldine is headed.

“What I love about Aldine is all the different points of transformation that are happening throughout the district,” O’Neill said. “And the energy behind these initiatives is so amazing.”

Replicating Successes Across the District

Aldine ISD is in the first year of its five-year plan. The superintendent said the focus is to increase and expand the reach and scope of successful initiatives such as improved school performance. AISD’s system of great schools includes expanding early childhood education options, college and career readiness programs, access to more choices and opportunities for students, strengthening professional development to better support teachers in the classroom, and new systems and processes to increase the district’s capacity to maintain a system of great schools.