Aldine ISD Breaks Ground on New Aldine Middle and Lane School Campuses

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Aldine ISD celebrated the groundbreaking for Aldine Middle School and Lane School on Tuesday, Dec. 9, as shovels turned the soil to mark the start of construction on both campuses.

Groundbreaking day for Aldine Middle School and Lane School.

District leaders, students, staff, the Lane family, elected officials, and community members gathered in front of the Earnest F. Mendel Aldine ISD Heritage Museum and Tax Office, looking ahead at what will become two new campuses shaping the next chapter of Aldine ISD.

These are the first projects that are part of the $1.8 billion bond approved by voters in November 2023. The bond package includes safety and security upgrades, facility enhancements, campus rebuilds and redesigns and instructional technology improvements across the district.

“Today is not just a groundbreaking, it’s a statement that every kid matters. Our community believes in progress,” said Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney. “It says we are preparing for the next generation of leaders, thinkers, creators, innovators, and preparing all students for their future. These new facilities will provide safer, more modern learning environments that will help every student reach their full potential.”

Both Aldine Middle and Lane School have rich histories that helped build the foundation of Aldine ISD.

Lane School, named in honor of Ellen “Ellie” B. Lane in 1985, began as a modest two-room schoolhouse built in 1910, when Aldine was still a collection of small rural schools. Over time, the school expanded, moved, and became what the community now knows as Lane School to support the needs of some of Aldine’s diverse learners.

The new Lane School.

Dale Prioleau, Lane’s principal for 10 years, reflected on Lane’s legacy and her influence on the district’s special education program.

“She often spoke of parents from other states who had heard about AISD’s forward-thinking approach to Special Education and traveled to Aldine to meet with her,” he said. “Many families moved here, so their children could receive what was considered a high-quality, innovative, and, in many cases, a unique special education experience. At the time, Aldine’s program was among the leading programs in the country.”

Roger Lane (far right) with other members of the Lane family.

Roger Lane, Ellen Lane’s son, shared stories about his mother at the event and expressed excitement that so many people cared about Lane School.

“It has meant so much to me because I know what went into it and what Ellie wanted it to be,” he said. “It’s satisfying and thrilling to see this kind of commitment and to know the dream is still alive.”

The new Lane School will be a three-story, 100,000-square-foot facility featuring academic wings, improved accessibility, specialized learning spaces, and updated instruction areas for about 150 students.

Aldine Middle School, opened in 1948 during a period of rapid district growth, is one of the oldest campuses in Aldine. Generations of students have walked its halls, each contributing to its history.

Jose Diaz, principal of Aldine Middle School, emphasized the importance of honoring that legacy while preparing for the future.

“We are pushing forward with our goals, strengthening our campus culture, and staying focused on our commitment to academic growth and student success,” he said. “We talk often about small, consistent actions—and this is where they matter. Every lesson taught, every effort made, and every challenge overcome writes the next chapter of this school’s story.”

The new Aldine Middle School.

The new Aldine Middle School will be a three-story, 226,000-square-foot campus for about 1,200 students, featuring a performing and visual arts wing, a modern athletics complex, and collaborative learning spaces.

Both new campuses are being designed by MWA Architects, which specializes in new education facilities, additions and renovations, creating high-quality learning environments. Construction is set to begin in 2026, with major construction work in 2027. Both campuses expect to open in Fall 2028.

To learn more Bond 2023, visit Aldineisd.org/bond-2023. 

Click here to see more pictures from the groundbreaking event.