Aldine ISD Holds Annual State of the District Breakfast, Officially Opens the New Thorne Stadium

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Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney and Board of Trustees President Dr. Kimberley Booker, center. They were joined by members of the Thorne family, Aldine ISD Trustees, AISD administrators and business partners. 

Thursday, Aug. 29, was a busy day in Aldine ISD.

Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney held her annual State of the District Breakfast in the new Community Center of the new Thorne Stadium, and following the breakfast, she, along with the AISD Board of Trustees, district officials, members of the Thorne family and business partners came together to officially open the new Thorne Stadium during a ribbon cutting ceremony at midfield.

During the State of the District Breakfast, Dr. Goffney provided various district updates and highlighted accomplishments for the audience of more than 200 business and community partners.

Dr. Goffney also introduced the district’s new strategic plan, “Accelerate.” District leaders helped to introduce the new strategic plan and its core principles. Chief of Schools Dr. Javier Villarreal discussed “Students First,” Chief Academic Officer Dr. Faviola Cantu discussed “Instructional Excellence,” Chief Transformation Officer Dr. Adrian Bustillos discussed “Aligned Systems” and Chief Human Resources Officer Marcie Herrera discussed “Thriving Teams.”

Chief Operations Officer Dr. Fred Washington provided an update on projects that are underway from the $1.8 billion bond that Aldine voters overwhelmingly passed in November of 2023.

Dr. Goffney also shared with the audience the district’s new hashtag for the 2024-25 school year, which is “#AldineImpact.”

“This year, we are going to make an #AldineImpact,” Dr. Goffney said. “Amidst change and any chaos that may attempt to throw us off, we have a job to do. Our students are depending on us to stay focused on what’s important and to do our jobs so that we can make an impact. This is why you are here today – because you and your organization or business are a part of this journey and a key part in helping us make this #AldineImpact. You know that our goals for the future of our community and organizations are impacted by one another. Again, thank you for being here to celebrate with us and for being a part of the Aldine journey.”

Dr. Goffney also shared student data, demographics and a history of Thorne Stadium, which opened in 1979 and is named after former superintendent W.W. “Bill” Thorne, who served as superintendent from 1959-1973. Dr. Goffney shared with the audience that Mr. Thorne’s leadership, determination and dedication to Aldine’s students, staff and community members directed the district through some difficult times, which earned him the title, “Mr. Aldine.”

“His visionary approach to education paved the way for what Aldine ISD has become today,” she said.

She then introduced members of the Thorne family who attended the State of the District Breakfast.

Members of the Superintendent’s Student Ambassadors and district leaders provided additional support before the event. Board President Dr. Kimberley Booker provided remarks on behalf of the Board of Trustees and Chief Communications Officer Shelia Adams delivered welcoming remarks.

Student Ambassador Martha Canan-Melchor of Eisenhower High School introduced elected officials and the Board of Trustees, while fellow Student Ambassador Caleb Davis delivered closing remarks.

The Aldine ISD Police Color Guard presented the colors.

Following the State of the District Breakfast, attendees joined Dr. Goffney, the Board, members of the Executive Leadership Team and business partners at midfield for the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the new Thorne Stadium. The first game was played Thursday evening when Aldine High School hosted Fort Bend Kempner.

Drill teams from Aldine High School, Davis High School, Eisenhower High School, MacArthur High School and Nimitz High School, along with the Aldine High School Band, performed during the ribbon cutting ceremony.