District Leaders Meet with Business Partners

At the virtual Business Partners Meeting on November 18, Aldine ISD leaders shared information with 30 stakeholders.

Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney welcomed everyone. She shared that she is grateful for their partnerships with Aldine ISD. Her goal is to develop and sustain partnerships with stakeholders and determine how to work together to improve student achievement in Aldine ISD.

Abel Garza, assistant superintendent of government relations and constituent services, shared the district’s main focus — school finance — for the 87th legislative agenda. The focus will be on maintaining and sustaining funding for HB 3.

Other areas the district will focus on in the 87th legislature include closing the digital divide in learning. The district seeks to sustain funding for electronic equipment and support virtual learning and support virtual learning and staff training. Aldine ISD currently offers great choices but seeks to expand its programs to provide even more options. Aldine ISD is also guarding against the expansion of charter schools. The district aims to prohibit the expansion of charter schools next to public schools rated “B” or better. Aldine also wants the state to assist school districts with additional resources to address health and safety needs, mental health issues, homelessness, food insecurity, suicide prevention, staff shortages, attendance, and engagement resulting from COVID 19. Lastly, Garza briefly discussed accountability and shared how the state accountability system should be a tool to help local school boards and educators to improve student performance.

Linda Flores Olson, director of the Aldine Education Foundation, shared information about the Foundation’s mission. The Foundation works to raise private funds to improve education for the students in the district. AEF supports Aldine ISD’s pursuit of excellence in teaching, innovation in the classroom, and superior learning opportunities for all students. The Foundation raises funds through a variety of events to strengthen student success. Some of the areas include:

• Student Scholarships
• Innovative Grants
• Educator of the Year Awards
• Foundation Scholars
• Educational Excellence Grants

Flores shared ways business partners could assist with supporting students in Aldine.

Dr. Martha Escalante, director of the Family and Community Engagement Department, shared recent FACE highlights, including the Back to School Expo, FACE campus liaisons, volunteer programs, parent training sessions, Outreach Thursday, as well as a community food fair. Every FACE initiative aims to strengthen partnerships with our families, communities, and business partners and go into the community and serve.