Aldine ISD Hosts System of Great Schools Learning Lab for Public School Districts

Disponible en: Español

Comprising the SGS panel are (seated, l-r) La Promesa Principal Ana Fernanda Flores-Bolívar, Chief Transformation Officer Dr. Adrian Bustillos, Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, Chief Academics Officer Dr. Faviola Cantú, and Gaby Sierra, executive director of transformation.

Recently, Aldine Independent School District (AISD) welcomed district leaders across Texas as part of the System of Great Schools (SGS) Learning Lab. This two-day event brought together public school districts dedicated to transforming educational opportunities for students and fostering sustainable, high-quality school systems.

The SGS initiative empowers district leaders with the tools, strategies, and support to understand school performance and community needs better. By leveraging data-driven insights, districts can develop schools that genuinely meet the demands and aspirations of families. The strategy operates through four key pillars:

Analyzing School Performance
Expanding Exceptional Educational Offerings
Enhancing Access to Options
Fostering Innovative Organizational Frameworks

Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney warmly welcomed visitors, setting the stage for a deep dive into Aldine’s efforts to provide students with innovative and tailored learning environments. During the Learning Lab, attendees had the unique opportunity to visit several Aldine ISD campuses, each showcasing a unique and inspiring learning environment.

The tour featured four schools — each exemplifying different aspects of the SGS Strategy.

Goodman Elementary School, led by Principal LaDon Ward, operates under the Accelerating Campus Excellence (ACE) model, a district initiative that provides additional resources and support to schools needing improvement, resulting in accelerated student outcomes.
Worsham Elementary School, with Principal Jacqueline Beas, also follows the ACE model, focusing on comprehensive reform and accountability.
Aldine Young Women’s Leadership Academy, led by Dr. Jericah Jackson, offers a college-preparatory experience and was created through the “Create New” action.
The HEAL Program at Nimitz High School, led by Principal Charles Land, is a specialized medical pathways program developed in partnership with Memorial Hermann. It provides students with hands-on medical training, mentorship opportunities, and a unique pathway to a career in the healthcare industry.

After the campus tours, participants reconvened for a panel discussion featuring key AISD leaders, including Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, Chief Transformation Officer Dr. Adrian Bustillos, Chief Academics Officer Dr. Faviola Cantú; Gaby Sierra, executive director of transformation, and Fernanda Flores, principal of La Promesa, a newcomer and dual language experience campus.

The panel reflected on the district’s progress and shared insights on implementing the SGS strategy across various campuses.

The Learning Lab also featured several professional learning sessions designed to help district leaders apply the SGS framework in their schools. Sessions covered topics such as:

SGS Foundations
Re-engineering Systems to Drive SGS
Board Pathway
Center for School Actions: Innovation Cohort
SGS 101

On Day 2, attendees participated in additional workshops, including optional sessions focusing on board engagement strategies to ensure district leadership aligns with the SGS vision.

Through the SGS Learning Lab, Aldine ISD shared how it reinforces its commitment to continuous improvement and innovation while providing an inspiring model for other districts striving to deliver world-class education.