Aldine ISD Trustees Re-Name AEC in Honor of Former Assistant Superintendent of Administration Ken Knippel

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During his 39 years in Aldine, Ken Knippel worked diligently to have the district build a new alternative education facility. That dream became a reality in 2015 when Aldine voters overwhelmingly passed a $798 million bond referendum.

Ken Knippel devoted 39 years to the students and staff of Aldine ISD.

Part of the bond package included building the Aldine Education Center, a facility Mr. Knippel advocated for during his tenure as Assistant Superintendent of Administration.

Unfortunately, Mr. Knippel passed away in February of 2020. To honor his legacy, Aldine ISD Trustees during their July 21 Board meeting unanimously voted to rename the Aldine Education Center (AEC) after Mr. Knippel. The school will now be known as the Kenneth R. Knippel Education Center.

Dr. Viola M. Garcia, the chairperson of the Schools Names Committee, made the recommendation to rename AEC after the long-time Aldine ISD employee. Joining Dr. Garcia on the Schools’ Name Committee were Board Vice-President Rose Avalos and Board Member Steve Mead.

Mr. Knippel devoted 39 years to Aldine ISD and was a respected educator and leader across the district. Mr. Knippel served as a teacher, coach, and as an assistant principal at Aldine Middle School and MacArthur High School. He served as principal of Dunn Elementary School, Parker Intermediate School (which he opened), Nimitz Ninth Grade School (which he also opened), and Nimitz High School. He completed his Aldine career as the Assistant Superintendent of Administration, a position he held for 13 years.

Mr. Knippel was instrumental in seeing AEC become a reality, and it was one of the many significant accomplishments he achieved during his 39-year career.

Mr. Knippel is survived by his wife Susan and daughters Katherine (Katie), son-in-law Andres Gomez and granddaughter Alexandra, daughter Emily and son-in-law Stephen Lopez and daughter Amanda.

Mrs. Knippel thanked the Board for renaming AEC in her husband’s honor, something he would have been incredibly proud of, she said.

“The AEC was a very special place to Ken,” Mrs. Knippel said. “He always wanted students and the teachers, administrators, and staff who serve them to have the best environment and resources available to help students be successful. Ken would be overjoyed to be considered for such a great honor. We are very grateful and deeply touched that the Board recommended Ken for this prestigious recognition. Please accept our sincere appreciation. Thank You!”

Although they worked together for a short time, Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney said she knew Mr. Knippel was a special person.

“I cherished the time I spent with your husband,” Dr. Goffney said to Mrs. Knippel. “His legacy extends beyond the leadership here. He impacted thousands of lives.”

Board President Paul Shanklin said Mr. Knippel’s absence had left a void in Aldine.

“Ken, you are truly, truly missed,” Mr. Shanklin said. “Ken was a straight shooter.”

Dr. Garcia, the longest-tenured Trustee, said Mr. Knippel impacted so many students’ and Aldine employees’ lives over his 39 years in the district.

“There are so many employees who Ken mentored. Ken had a huge impact on the district,” she said.

Ms. Avalos, who worked with Ken at MacArthur High School when both served as assistant principals, became a bit emotional when she spoke of her long-time friend.

“I think you all know how much Ken meant to me,” she said, fighting back the tears. “We grew up together, and he made me laugh. We sure could use him now. He has left an amazing legacy.”

Mr. Mead agreed with Ms. Avalos concerning the legacy Mr. Knippel left behind in Aldine.

“Ken was a great man and a great leader,” Mr. Mead said. “We sure do miss him.”

ACE Principal Gerald Schattle, whose family was influenced by Mr. Knippel, was elated with the news of the name change.

“Getting this news was awesome. I’m excited about the renaming of AEC to the Kenneth R. Knippel Education Center,” Schattle said. “The Schattle Family has been connected with Mr. Knippel since he was principal at Dunn Elementary. He was my brother Jamie’s principal from elementary through high school. For my dad and me, he was our principal when we were teachers at Nimitz High School.

“Mr. Knippel gave me my first teaching job in 2005 and then called me when I earned my position as principal at AEC. Mr. Knippel was more than a boss; he was a mentor and pushed me and everyone to the highest standard. Being the first principal of KEC is a highlight in my career as an educator,” he said.

Tom Colwell, who serves as Aldine ID’s Director of Safe and Secure Schools and another long-time friend and colleague of Mr. Knippel’s, was also happy to hear about the name change.

“I was thrilled when I learned AEC was renamed the Kenneth R. Knippel Education Center,” Colwell said. “It is a truly deserving honor for a former district leader who made such an impact in Aldine. Ken had such a positive influence on so many people in the district – employees, students, parents, and community members – for so many years. It’s tremendous that his name will now adorn the building that he was instrumental in having built.”

A date for a formal dedication ceremony will be announced at a later date.

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