Melendez Named to New Role: Chief of School Improvement

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Diaka Melendez, Chief of School Improvement and Student Support Services

Aldine ISD has promoted Diaka R. Melendez to Chief of School Improvement. In her expanded role, Melendez continues to oversee key student support services — including athletics, school administration, guidance and counseling, health services, and mental health and support services — while now directly supporting two school assistant superintendents and a cohort of opportunity schools.

The campuses include Elementary Team 1, under the leadership of Scott Dubberke, which comprises Caraway, Dunn, Francis, Harris, Ogden, Spence, and Stehlik elementary schools; Secondary Team 2, led by Dr. Kwabena Mensah, which includes Aldine, Grantham, Hoffman, Lewis, Mead, and Stovall middle schools.

Melendez shared that as AISD looks to realign and allocate resources and support to our campuses, district leaders have identified our Opportunity Schools. The realignment allows district and campus leaders to provide additional support, focus on accelerating outcomes, and help remove barriers and obstacles in a more timely and effective manner.

“These campuses will receive more specialized support from all areas of the district, including leadership support and student support services, to increase student outcomes,” said Melendez.

A former teacher and coach at Nimitz Ninth Grade School, Melendez began her education career at Aldine ISD in 2002. She returned to the district in 2022 as Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, bringing over 20 years of experience in public education, including campus and district leadership roles in Humble ISD and Spring ISD.

Now, in her new role, Melendez said she is energized by the opportunity to serve the community where she started her career.

“I want to see our students and staff live in all the potential possible each and every day,” Melendez said. “Choices and opportunities change lives.”

For Melendez, success is not limited to test scores or accountability ratings. “Success is growth — plain and simple,” she said. “By growing our students in all areas, not just academics, we ensure they are on a path to success and ultimately graduation.”

She credits the Effective Schools Framework as a valuable tool for advancing schools. Still, she emphasizes that real change comes from consistency and commitment.

“Clear expectations, strong relationships, and removing barriers for our opportunity schools will lead to stronger outcomes,” Melendez said.

Equity remains central to her leadership philosophy. “We do not take shortcuts, make excuses or limit the possibilities of our students despite resources and backgrounds,” she added.

Known for her collaborative leadership and relentless pursuit of student success, Melendez is driven by the belief that all students — regardless of their circumstances — can achieve at high levels when given the proper support.

And when she’s not focused on supporting schools, Melendez enjoys cheering on her favorite football team. “I am a die-hard New Orleans Saints fan — even though I’m from the San Francisco Bay Area,” she said with a smile.

As Chief of School Improvement, Melendez is committed to working closely with school leaders to ensure that every student has access to high-quality instruction, supportive services, and meaningful opportunities for success, aligning with the district’s strategic goals.

“Diaka understands what it takes to break down barriers and create opportunities for every student,” said Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. “Her deep commitment to education, relationships, and results makes her the right leader to support our opportunity schools and advance the goals in our strategic plan. I am confident she will continue to make an impact across our district.”