Several Staff Assignments Announced, Employees and Board Members Recognized at the July Board Meeting

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The July 15 board meeting was a celebratory occasion, as several new staff assignments were announced for the upcoming school year, and awards and honors were presented. In addition to district employees, the Aldine ISD School Board was even recognized for obtaining a historic designation, demonstrating its commitment to leadership, public education, and student success.

TASB Recognizes the Aldine ISD Board of Trustees                                                                             

Aldine ISD Board of Trustees with representatives of the Texas Association of Schools Boards (TASB).

The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) recognized the Aldine ISD Board of Trustees with the TASB Master Trustee Designation Legacy Award. On June 20, 2025, after Board Vice-President Connie Esparza graduated as a member of the Leadership TASB Class of 2025, it marked the first time during the program’s 29-year history that all seven members of the Aldine ISD school board earned the Leadership TASB Master Trustee Designation. President Dr. Kimberley Booker, Vice President Connie Esparza, Secretary Steve Mead, Board Member Paul Shanklin, Board Member Rose Avalos, Board Member Randy Bates, and Board Member Dr. Viola García were all honored for achieving the Master Trustee Designation.

Kaye Dewalt (center in red) with members of the AISD Legal Department and representatives of the State Bar of Texas School Law Section.

Aldine ISD Counsel Kaye Dewalt Receives Kelly Frels Lifetime 

The State Bar of Texas School Law Section recognized Kaye Dewalt with the Kelly Frels Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is given annually to an outstanding member of the school law community. Dewalt was recognized for her many years of contribution to public and school-based legal practice.

Aldine Impact Award Winners 

(Left to right) Christine Kujawa, Board Member Dr. Viola M. García, Aundrea Schultz, and Board Secretary Steve Mead.

The Aldine ISD Board of Trustees recognized the 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 Member Dr. Viola M. García nominated Christine Kujawa, multilingual program director for the Accelerated English Academy and Secondary Newcomer Program (Grades 6-12), and Aundrea Schultz, who recently retired as a director in the Student Services Department after 58 years in education.

Staff Assignments Announced

During the July 15 board meeting, Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney announced several new staff assignments.

• Isaac Carrier was named principal of Lewis Middle School after serving as the officer of partnerships and certifications/school climate and culture specialist for the Harris County Department of Education.
• Michael Bland was named principal of Stovall Middle School after serving as the dean of graduates at Wiley University in Marshall, Texas.
• Lidia Calderon was named principal of Aldine Ninth Grade School after serving as the curriculum assistant principal at Nimitz High School.
• Ahmad Traylor was named principal of Teague Middle School after serving as the curriculum and instructional coordinator of secondary schools in the Wharton Independent School District.
• Dr. Kanisha Wiley was named principal of Aldine High School after serving as principal of Aldine Ninth Grade School.
• Jose Diaz was named principal of Aldine Middle School after serving as principal of Orange Grove Elementary School.
• Ricardo Pequeno was named principal of La Promesa School after serving as principal of Odom Elementary School.
• Tyam Richard was named principal of Hoffman Middle School after serving as principal apprentice of Navarro Middle School in the Houston Independent School District.
• Salvador Peralta was named a director in the Student Services Department after serving as principal of Aldine Middle School.
• Aniyushka Martin was named executive director of the Multilingual Services Department after serving as a multilingual specialist in the Pasadena Independent School District.
• Latashia Abrams was named executive director of the Family and Community Engagement Department after serving as its director.
• Deanna Longo was named tax attorney in the Legal Department after serving as a partner with Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, L.L.P.
• Kanika Middleton was named assistant general counsel and tax litigation of the Legal Department after serving as a tax attorney.
• Diaka Melendez was named chief of school improvement and student support services after serving as the assistant superintendent of student support services.

Trustees Approved Action Items

• Approved minutes of the previous meeting(s).
• Approved board nominations for Slate of Candidates for the TASB Board of Directors.
• Discussed and considered board approval of a delegate and alternate to the 2025 Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Delegate Assembly.
• Approved the 2025-26 Compensation Manual.
• Approved single contracts and purchases of $100,000 or greater.
• Approved renewals for purchasing cooperative and interlocal agreements.
• Approved the monthly tax office refunds.
• Approved the general fund and child nutrition fund budget amendment #1 for 2025-2026
• Approved a resolution adopting prevailing wage rates for Aldine ISD public works/construction projects.

The August board meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 19, at 7 p.m. in the boardroom at the Donaldson Administration Building.

Click here to see more pictures from the July 15 board meeting.