Aldine ISD CTE Programs Spotlighted at Feb. 25 Board Meeting

Disponible en: Español

During the district’s Feb. 25 board meeting, Chief Transformation Officer Dr. Adrian Bustillos highlighted Aldine ISD’s Career and Technical Education Program (CTE) during the Teaching, Leading, and Learning segment. February is CTE month, and as it ends, Dr. Bustillos shared Aldine’s CTE program opportunities and impact on Aldine students and the community.

The district’s CTE program serves over 20,000 Aldine ISD students, equipping them with hands-on experience, industry certifications, and real-world skills to prepare them for high-demand careers in fields such as healthcare, technology, business, skilled trades, and more. Dr. Bustillos shared how CTE programs allow students to earn certifications before graduation through internships and apprenticeship programs and securing well-paying jobs essential to our local and national economy.

In addition, CTE programs bridge the gap between education and the workforce, ensuring that students can transition into a career field, further their education, or pursue military service after high school. Dr. Bustillos also shared during the meeting that Aldine ISD received a significant achievement of being named a District of Distinction for their commitment to excellence in CTE and presented the award to Brooke Martin, AISD executive director of CTE. Dr. Bustillos thanked the students, educators, and business and industry partners involved in the CTE program for their determination, passion, and collaboration as the program continues to be successful.

Hearing Held to Announce Targeted Improvement Plans

Chief of Accountability, Assessment, and Analytics Dawn Rodriguez presented a public hearing to notify the public of the district’s 2024-25 Targeted Improvement Plans (TIPs) for identified campuses. The campuses that will implement TIPs are Caraway Elementary School, Cypresswood Elementary School, Escamilla Elementary School, Francis Elementary School, Harris Elementary School, Ogden Elementary School, Stehlik Elementary School, Grantham Middle School, Hoffman Middle School, Jones Middle School, Lewis Middle School, Mead Middle School, Plummer Middle School, Stovall Middle School, Aldine High School, Davis High School, Eisenhower High School, Hall Success Academy, and MacArthur High School. Rodriquez said the campuses identified are rated Comprehensive Support and must submit an Effective Schools Framework (ESF) Aligned TIPs to address areas of low performance identified through the three state accountability domains. Targeted elements in the plans will be implemented and monitored throughout the year as campuses engage in the continuous improvement process.

Aldine Impact Award Winners

During the Feb. 25 board meeting, Aldine ISD Trustees recognized seven winners of the Aldine Impact Award. Employees and community members are rewarded for going above and beyond the call of duty in their respective roles with Aldine ISD. Board President Dr. Kimberley Booker nominated Justin Foster, Nimitz High School social studies teacher; Maria Cordova, custodial manager at Magrill EC/PK/K; Shalondra Moore, a counselor at Goodman Elementary; Chandra Watson, SLC aide at Ogden Elementary, and Alina Montoya, a fourth grader at Caraway Elementary School and the winner of the 2025 FFA t-shirt design contest. Vice President Connie Esparza and Dr. Viola M. García both nominated Mike Keeney, retired external media relations director. Board Secretary Steve Mead nominated Troy Carlyle, Eisenhower High School agriculture science teacher; Edward Arkadie, MacArthur High agriculture science teacher; Michael Johnson, retired agriculture science teacher; and Jacorey Burnett, MacArthur High School agriculture science teacher. Board Member Paul Shanklin nominated Peggy Russell and Benny Frank Calhoun, crossing guards at Harris Elementary.

Teaching, Leading And Learning Department Announces Spelling Bee Winner

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Faviola Cantu announced the Spanish Spelling Bee winner, Yaritza Valladares, from Garcia Middle School. Valladares will move on to the inaugural State Spanish Spelling Bee in El Paso, TX, this summer after winning second place in the inaugural Region 4 Spanish Spelling Bee earlier this month.

Goodman Elementary Counseling Team Recognized

Josefina Trevino, director of guidance, counseling, and support services, recognized Kesha Franks and Shalondra Moore, counselors at Goodman Elementary School. On Feb. 2, at the Texas School Counseling conference, the counseling team was awarded the Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas award (CREST) for having a data-driven school counseling program. Trevino said this is the first time Aldine ISD has received the CREST award.

Black History Month

Aldine ISD campuses and district staff celebrated Black History Month through events like the district’s first Black Excellence Expo, the 5th Annual Black History Month Oratory Competition, and a panel discussion. The district held observation days like African Heritage Day, Rep my HBCU & Greek Day, and Black Joy Day. It was an opportunity to recognize the contributions and influence of African Americans to history and culture.

Employees Recognized

During the Feb. 25 board meeting, Aldine ISD employees were recognized for their leadership, connections with their fellow employees, and impact on students.

Aldine ISD Chief Paul Cordova recognized Officers Michael Almaguer and Juan Rodriguez as his department’s Employees of the Month.
Chief Operations Officer Fred Washington named Judy Berwick and Sharon Joe of the Northside Transportation Department as his Employees of the Quarter. Wendy Bonilla of the Child Nutrition Services Department and Antonio Serna of the Maintenance Department were also nominees.

Staff Assignments

Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney announced one staff assignment during the Feb. 25 board meeting.

Timothy Momanyi was named Chief Financial Officer after serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Finance.

Trustees Approved Action Items

During the Feb. 25 board meeting, Aldine ISD approved the following action items:

Approved the closure of De Santiago Primary, Stovall Primary, Eckert Elementary, Oleson Elementary, Raymond Elementary, and Smith Elementary Schools and other school actions related to school consolidations, reorganizations, or repurposing for the 2025-2026 school year and rezone students to schools for 2025-2026.
Approved the amendments to the 2024-2025 Additional Day School Year school calendar
Approved a resolution for staff pay during district closure on January 21, 2025 through January 22, 2025
Approval single contracts and purchases of $100,000 and greater
Approval the monthly tax office refunds

Before the start of the Feb. 25 board meeting, Francis Elementary School led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the Texas Flag. The Nimitz High School ROTC Guard presented the colors. The March board meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 18, at 7 p.m. in the boardroom at Donaldson Administration Building.