Aldine ISD Board Makes History With 100% Master Trustee Designation, Earns Legacy Award

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Board Trustee Connie Esparza

Aldine ISD is celebrating a historic milestone after all seven members of its Board of Trustees earned the prestigious Leadership TASB Master Trustee designation — a testament to the Board’s steadfast commitment to governance excellence and public education.

The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) recognized this rare achievement during the 2025 Summer Leadership Institute (SLI), held at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. In a ceremony that brought together education leaders from across the state, Aldine ISD’s board was honored with TASB’s inaugural Legacy Award—a distinction reserved for school boards that demonstrate enduring service, visionary leadership, and full participation in the association’s highest-level development program.

Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney praised the Board for its dedication to continuous growth and service.

“Our Board has made history, and we couldn’t be prouder,” Dr. Goffney said. “Achieving 100% Master Trustee designation is no small feat — it speaks volumes about their dedication to servant leadership and our shared belief in the power of public education. We are grateful for their commitment, and we know this experience will have a lasting #AldineImpact on our students, staff, and families.”

The seven trustees honored with the Master Trustee designation are:

– Dr. Kimberley Booker, President
– Connie Esparza, Vice President
– Steve Mead, Secretary
– Paul Shanklin, Member
– Rose Avalos, Member
– Randy Bates, Member
– Dr. Viola García, Member

The Leadership TASB program is a rigorous, year-long leadership development journey for experienced school board members. It connects trustees with peers from across Texas to study best practices in governance, advocacy, equity, and student outcomes. Each year, the program culminates at TASB’s flagship SLI conference, which provides both new and veteran trustees with tools to create their own learning path.

Vice President Connie Esparza was also individually recognized that evening as a graduating member of the Leadership TASB Class of 2025. Esparza began the year-long program in 2024, after being selected for her track record of leadership and community impact.

“I am deeply honored to have completed this program and to help our Board reach this milestone together,” Esparza said. “Leadership TASB has given me the chance to learn from other trustees across the state and bring fresh ideas back to our community. It’s all about serving our families, our educators, and our kids — that’s why I do this work.”

Board President Dr. Kimberley Booker echoed the significance of this collective accomplishment.

“This designation not only represents our individual growth but also our united commitment to excellence that benefits every student and family in Aldine,” Dr. Booker said. “It paves the way for thoughtful governance, stronger advocacy, and an even brighter future for our district.”

Each trustee will now join a statewide network of Master Trustees dedicated to championing Texas public schools. Their collective achievement affirms Aldine ISD’s mission to ensure every student has access to the opportunities, resources, and support they need to thrive.

About the Summer Leadership Institute (SLI)

TASB’s Summer Leadership Institute is the association’s premier annual conference for school board members. Held June 18–21, 2025, in Fort Worth, SLI offered sessions on legislative updates, student outcomes, ethics, school finance, advocacy and more. Trustees also earned continuing education credits while learning best practices to guide and support their districts.

If you want to know more about the TASB Summer Leadership Institute, click here: https://www.tasb.org/training/summer-leadership-institute.aspx

As Aldine ISD’s Board heads into a new school year, this milestone reinforces its shared vision: a commitment to leadership, equity and excellence that leaves a lasting #AldineImpact for generations to come.