Aldine ISD Trustee Approve One-time Incentive to Fully Vaccinated Employees at Sept. 21 Board Meeting

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During the September 21 Aldine ISD Board meeting, Aldine ISD Trustees approved a COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program to offer a one-time $500 incentive to qualifying full-time employees, permanent part-time employees, dedicated substitutes, and long-term substitutes serving as the teacher of record who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. AISD Trustees took this action with the safety and well-being of staff and students in mind. The voluntary program will begin Thursday, September 23, with all incentives paid by December 10, 2021.

“COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe and effective against the virus,” said Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. La Tonya Goffney. “By increasing the number of vaccinated staff, we increase our ability to provide our students with a safe and healthy classroom where they can continue with in-class instruction.”

Employees must complete the COVID-19 vaccine incentive form and submit proof of vaccination by November 19. Qualifying full-time employees, permanent part-time employees, and dedicated substitutes are eligible to receive a $500 incentive.

AISD will utilize district Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds and emergency COVID-19 relief money to fund the incentive. The initiative will also give the district an idea of how many employees are fully vaccinated. This may help to inform the contact tracing and quarantine processes, which are different depending upon vaccination status.

“We feel a responsibility to encourage every possible preventative measure to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” said Superintendent Goffney.

Aldine ISD continues to encourage the following of the three Ws — wearing a mask, washing your hands, and watching your distance — to prevent the spread of the virus effectively. In addition, the district requires staff, students, and visitors to wear a mask while on district buses and when visiting campuses and administrative buildings.

Trustees Approve Tax Rate for 2021-22 School Year

 During the September 21 Board meeting, Aldine ISD Trustees approved the 2021-22 school year tax rate. Chief Business and Operations Officer Dr. Tamika Alford-Stephens recommended the Board set the 2021-22 tax rate at $1.2669 per $100 valuation ($.9644 for maintenance and operations and $.3025 for the interest and sinking fund. The 2021-22 tax rate is $.0075 lower than the 2020-21 tax rate. The tax rate provides for the day-to-day operations of Aldine ISD, pays outstanding bonds in the succeeding years, and other lawful purposes. Trustees unanimously approved Dr. Alford-Stephens’ recommendation.

Staff Assignments Announced

During the September 21 Board meeting, Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney announced several staff assignments.

Scott Dubberke was named Director of Human Resources – Staffing after serving as Principal of Gray Elementary School.

Teresa Lane was named Director of Child Nutrition Services after serving as Assistant Director of Nutrition and Food Services with Klein ISD.

After serving as Principal of Hall Success Academy, Dr. Marcie Strahan was named Director of Social and Emotional Learning and Student Culture.

Dr. Dametra Skinner was named Director of Federal and State Compliance after serving as Program Director of Middle School Mathematics with Aldine ISD.

Annetta Modset was named Director of Professional Learning after serving as Senior Manager of Academics/Professional Development Operations with Houston ISD.

After serving as the Teacher Excellence Initiative Manager with Dallas ISD, Dr. Susan Simpson was named Director of Human Resources – Performance Management.

Susana Velis was named Director of College Readiness after serving as the College Transition Facilitator with Spring Branch ISD.

After serving as an Assistant Principal at Jones Middle School, Jonathan Kegler was named Principal of the Young Men’s Leadership Academy.

Luther Dollar was named an Assistant Principal at Eisenhower High School after serving as Dean of Students at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Metro Nashville Public Schools.

After serving as the District Educational Technologist and Development Specialist with Houston ISD, Dr. Jocelyn McDonald was named Program Director of Technology Applications and STEM.

Suzanna García was named Program Director of Professional Learning after serving as Digital Learning Coordinator with Aldine ISD.

Andre Crawford was named Assistant Director of Facilities with Child Nutrition Services after serving as Assistant Project Manager at GHD.

Kaleshia Young was named a Social and Emotional Learning and Student Culture Social Worker after serving as the Service Coordinator at Harris County Center for Mental Health and Intellectual and Development Disabilities.

Angela Ford-Robinson was named a Counselor at Davis High School after serving as a Speech Teacher at Blanson CTE High School.

Linda Baker was named a Counselor at Cypresswood Elementary School after serving as a Fourth-Grade Teacher at Kujawa Elementary School.

Traci Luera was named a Counselor at Grantham Academy after serving as a History Teacher at Garcia Middle School.

Jo Ann López was named a Counselor at Hambrick Middle School after serving as a Bilingual Teacher at Hinojosa Primary School.

Torivio Treviño was named Auxiliary/Substitutes Coordinator after serving as an Assistant Principal at Hartman Middle School with Houston ISD.

Teaching, Learning, and Leading highlights Summer Learning Experience

Dr. Katy Roede, Chief of Schools, highlighted the district’s Summer Learning Experience during the Teaching, Learning, and Leading Department’s presentation at the September 21 Board meeting. Dr. Roede shared with the audience that Aldine’s strategy for addressing learning recovery focused on the four T’s – Time, Talent, Tier I, and Targeted Supports. During the Summer Learning Experience in June, thousands of primary, elementary, middle, and high school students participated in content learning, enrichment, and credit recovery programs filled with engaging academic courses. Students participated in exciting and collaborative learning that bridged their academic content to real-world applications and college and career opportunities. Dr. Roede recognized the district leaders that made the learning experience happen for AISD students this past summer. Heading at the primary level were Jones Primary School Principal Rosiland Burns and Magrill Primary Assistant Principal Brandy González. Primary students participated at five sites, and more than 1,500 students had access to literacy lessons through CKLA and Benchmark and SEL lessons through Quaver. The team partnered with Lakeshore and Waterford for supplies and incentives for students. Gray Elementary Principal Scott Dubberke, Stephens Elementary Principal Shauna Showers (now the principal of MacArthur High School), Dunn Elementary Principal Therese Pollard led the elementary summer learning program. Nearly 5,000 students were invited to participate on 13 campuses. Each school incorporated an opportunity hour at the end of each day with a variety of enrichment opportunities. The East Aldine Management District donated funds for instructional materials and incentives. Assisting from the Teaching and Learning team were Tracy Mansfield, Gwen Delgado, Marissa Bueno, Rebecca Jahr, Angela Cala, Migdalia Treviño, Tyneshia Hall, and Jamie Barrs. Jones Middle School Principal Marcus Pruitt led the middle school program, and it included 3,000 students. The program was called the Summer of Opportunity. It included enrichment opportunities such as dance, music production, art, and digital media design. Students also took a field trip to the Buffalo Soldiers Museum. Hoffman Middle School Assistant Principal Comenici Noble-Taylor assisted Mr. Pruitt. Assisting from the Teaching and Learning Department were Deborah Johnson, Michelle Becwar, Dametra Skinner, and Willette Troutty-Aubrey. The high school program was led by Eisenhower Ninth Grade Principal Jane Ocañas, Davis High School Principal Anthony Watkins, MacArthur High School Assistant Principal Maria Bauhs, and Aldine High School Assistant Principal Shavonya Vaughn. Nearly 10,000 high school students took part in credit recovery and initial credit courses, enrichment such as TSI preparation and boot camps, and dual credit opportunities. CTE courses were also available based on industry-based certifications such as BIM, Automotive, Digital Media, and Health Science. There were also opportunities for recent immigrant students through AEA programs around the district. Assisting from the Teaching and Learning Department were Xandra Williams-Earlie, Charity Bostick, Shanaya Anderson, Veronica Johnson, Britany Edwards, and Uwe Langhammer.

Employees Recognized

 During the September 21 Board meeting, several Aldine ISD employees were recognized for their daily commitment and dedication to the district.

Aldine ISD Police Chief Paul Cordova recognized Sgt. Renee Hall as his Department’s Employee of the Month.

Herb Harris, Executive Director of Maintenance, named Jesse Acosta as his Department’s Employee of the Month.

Patrick Mouton, Executive Director of Facilities Planning and Construction, named Javier Del Pilar as his Department’s Employee of the Month.

Steve Oakes, Director of Warehouse Services, named Keldrick Clayborne his Department’s Employee of the Month.

Milo Ortiz, Executive Director of Buildings and Properties, named Grantham Academy the Building of the Month. The head custodian is Rita Canseco, and the school’s Principal is Ivan Hepworth.

German Enamorado, Executive Director of Transportation, named Kathy Copeland as his Department’s Employee of the Month.

Susan D’Amico, Executive Director of Child Nutrition Services, named Tamonica Smith as her Department’s Employee of the Month.

Grants announced

 Stacey Smith, Director of Special Programs, announced several grants during the September 21 Trustees meeting.

Aldine ISD received a $2 million grant from the Texas Education Agency to enhance opportunities for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. AISD will serve as the lead agency for eight school districts (Bellville, Cleveland, College Station, Klein, Magnolia, Sheldon, Tomball, and Waller ISDs). There are 1,600 students between the ages of 3-9 that will receive iPads with communication software tools, sensory materials, and behavior reinforcement materials for GAP units. Thanks to the grant, teachers from the eight school districts have received Curriculum Team-Based Evaluation and Functional Behavior Skills training. In addition, instructional staff and paraprofessionals received Culturally Responsive Training.

Escamilla Elementary School Principal Susan Rehan and teachers Dr. Monica Loas, Morgan Delaney, and Kirstie Polzin received $4,500 in Donors Choose grants to fund several school endeavors.

Tracy Bailey, Executive Director of Special Education, Angel Webb, and Terra Thompson secured a $100,000 grant from Chiefs of Change. The funds will target literacy with interventions and support of M-Class intervention kits for elementary campuses. The Special Education Department is partnering with the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) to provide training and resources that support the instructional framework and remove barriers to learning for all students.

The grants announced at the September 21 Board meeting totaled $2,111,463.

Trustees Approve Action Items

 During the September 21 Board meeting, Aldine ISD Trustees approved several action items. Action items approved were:

• Approved to submit the Annual Staff Development Minutes Waiver Application to the Texas Education Agency
• Approved to submit the Alternate Grade Seven Reading Instrument Waiver Application to the Texas Education Agency for the 2021-22 school year
• Approved an Interlocal Agreement between Aldine ISD, the City of Houston, and Fulgent Therapeutics LLC for COVID 19 testing from October 1, 2021, through July 31, 2022
• Approved a resolution for staff pay during the closing of the district on September 14
• Approved a resolution for a COVID-19 Vaccine Employee Incentive
• Approved bids for the following items: awards, incentives, and spirit apparel, fundraiser vendors, instructional supplies, materials and equipment, professional and consulting services, retail stores, travel and tour services, general operations maintenance and facility suppliers, custodial equipment, approval of bid contract renewals and miscellaneous
• Approved contracts and purchases of more than $50,000
• Approved an Interlocal Agreement with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Cooperative Purchasing
• Approved the General Fund Budget Amendment for Period 3 of the 2021-22 school year
• Approved the monthly Tax Office refunds
• Approved a Continuing Education Workforce Agreement between Aldine ISD and Lone Star College for the 2021-22 school year
• Approved a facility use agreement between Aldine ISD and Lone Star College for Adult Education and Literacy Services for the 2021-22 school year
• Approved the Consent Agenda

Before the start of the September 21 Board meeting, the Eisenhower High School JROTC presented the colors. The Pledge of Allegiance and Pledge to the Texas Flag were led by Ermel Elementary students Romeo Majano, James Majano, Rylee Hampton, and Lexi González. Those students were Second Lt. Leslie Castelán, First Sgt. Mario Farías, Sgt. First Class Kelly Martínez and Major Yasmín Rodríguez.

The October Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 19, in the Board Room of the Donaldson Administration Building.