Superintendent Goffney to Receive National Champions of Equity Award From the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents

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Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney will be one of a handful of recipients of the inaugural National Champions of Equity Award from the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) at the annual gala on Saturday, October 9, from 6-9 p.m. at the Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater in Washington, DC.

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney congratulates a student during his 2019 high school graduation ceremony.

“I am humbled to be receiving the inaugural National Champions of Equity Award from ALAS. To be recognized for our dedication in the area of equity in education means so much to me,” said Goffney. “I was born in poverty, suffered early in life, and I am a first-generation college student. I loved reading, and I loved school. They provided a window into what was possible in life and helped me gain the tools and skills to create a future filled with opportunity. Many of my students in Aldine might be living through similar experiences of abuse, poverty or come from less-educated families. Many are challenged by language as they learn English with little assistance from their families with limited or no English proficiency. Ninety percent of our students are economically disadvantaged. That child was me. The pandemic exposed the inequities we all knew existed. Many students in Aldine, the state, and across the nation suffered. Equity is having access to highly effective teachers in a classroom with access to devices, a classroom with supplies, and a classroom with books. It’s about giving our most vulnerable what they need to grow and thrive. All of these essentials help to overcome the inequities of ZIP codes. Education for all is my passion. Again, it is a great honor to be recognized for doing what I love to do: uplifting all students and families.”

Goffney is being honored for her bold leadership in placing the needs of students and staff above all else. Particularly by being a voice for superintendents during a time of crisis. Her selfless act of sharing strategies and concerns during the outset of one the most trying situations. She has been a beacon of hope and inspiration to address how COVID19 exposed education inequities in the U.S.

“Dr. Goffney is a champion of her own right. ALAS is honoring Dr. Goffney for her dedication and commitment to all children, focusing on historically marginalized youth. She is unwavering in her selflessness to help others, humility in her leadership, and boundless love of children. We are proud to have Dr. LaTonya Goffney as an hermana (sister). Dr. Goffney is part of the ALAS family,” said Dr. María Armstrong, executive director of ALAS.

According to Armstrong, each of the recipients has been at the forefront of talking about exposed inequities. They sparked nationwide conversation during a time when people were paying attention. Armstrong added that Goffney is a proponent of sharing what she’s doing in Aldine ISD with ALAS through webinars, podcasts, and more. Goffney “does things with intentionality and purpose. She is a selfless advocate.”

The other recipients being honored include Dr. Don Austin, CA (Palo Alto ISD); Richard Carranza, NY; Dr. Gustavo Balderas, WA (Edmonds SD); and Theresa Pascea, IL (Waukegan School District #60).