Cheryl Fontenot Retires After 23 Years of Service to Aldine ISD

Cheryl Fontenot devoted 23 of her 31 years in education to Aldine ISD.

After working in the private sector for a few years, Cheryl Fontenot knew her first love was education.

So, in 1989, she left the private sector and entered the teaching profession, where she remained for the next 31 years. Fontenot spent 23 of those 31 years with Aldine ISD and retired after serving as principal of Jones Elementary School, a campus she opened in 2008.

Fontenot said the career change was an easy one to make.

“I chose education to make a difference in the lives of children,” she said. “Although I started in the private industry, I never looked back on deciding to become an educator. Not only have I been a part of opening minds and building self-esteem, but I have learned so much from my students. They have taught me to begin and end each day with a smile. I have also learned to listen more than you talk. Each day was eventful and never boring.”

Fontenot earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Houston and her master’s degree in educational leadership from that same university.

She began her teaching career in 1989 at Atherton Elementary School in Houston ISD, and in 1997, she joined Aldine ISD as the math skills specialist at Oleson Elementary School. From 1999-2004 she served as an assistant principal at Oleson before being named principal of Magrill Elementary in 2004. In 2008 she was tabbed to open Jones Elementary School and serve as that school’s first-ever principal.

Fontenot said she thoroughly enjoyed her 23 years in Aldine and her 31 years in education, where she had the chance to influence so many young lives.

“The rewards in education are priceless moments,” Fontenot said. “Some of the highlights of my career have been when students who once struggled in school reach out. They send me thank-you notes, graduation invitations for medical and law school, or just stopping by the school to say ‘hi.’ Their presence affirms that I made an impact on their lives. Another highlight of my career was opening Jones Elementary. It was not  easy, but as I look back over the years, I am excited about the positive culture and learning environment that Jones Elementary has become.”

While she is looking forward to retirement, Fontenot admitted she would miss the daily interactions with her students and staff.

“I will truly miss the students and staff in Aldine,” she said. “My experience in Aldine has been so rewarding. I am grateful for the opportunity to work for a school district that believes in equity for all students, no matter what their circumstances may be. This positive mindset leads to endless possibilities for our scholars in the future. I also pride myself on having outstanding attendance during my 23 years in Aldine. I was committed to leading by example and being present every day.”