Aldine ISD Board Highlights Performing Arts Programs and Students, Staff Achievements

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The Aldine ISD Board of Trustees highlighted the district’s performing arts programs during its April 21 meeting, while also recognizing student and staff achievements and approving several action items.

Aldine Impact Award Winners

The Board of Trustees recognized recipients of the Aldine Impact Award, which honors employees and community members who go above and beyond the call of duty in their respective roles within the district.

Assistant Board Secretary Angela Williams recognized Patricia Allen, Aldine ISD police officer; Dr. Kwabenah Mensah, school assistant superintendent of secondary schools; Kimyetta Hall-Brown, career and technical education teacher at Garcia Middle School; Na’Leeyah Tatum, a senior at Carver High School; Michael Almaguer, Aldine ISD police officer; and Loveah Francois and Mia Cantu students at Eisenhower Ninth Grade School.

Board President Dr. Kimberley Booker recognized Perla Lane, executive director of facilities, planning, and construction; Timothy Momanyi, chief financial officer; Dr. Adrian Bustillos, chief transformation officer; Jasmine M. Crowell, lead counselor at Teague Middle School; and Allison Cormier Russ, lead counselor at Hoffman Middle School.

AISD Public Hearing on 2024-25 Annual Performance Report

Aldine ISD held a public hearing for the 2024-25 Annual Performance Report at the April 21, 2026 board meeting. Dawn Ayers-Rodriguez, chief of accountability, assessment and analytics, led the hearing.

According to TEA guidelines: a hearing for public discussion of the annual report must be held within 90 calendar days from the district receiving Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPRs), parents and property owners must be notified.

Spotlight on Teaching, Learning, and Leading

Chief Transformation Officer Dr. Adrian Bustillos highlighted the district’s comprehensive performing arts programs, which span from Reece Academy to Carver High School and include dance, band, choir, theater, and more.

Refugio Rodriguez, director of performing arts, provided an overview of program growth and student achievement across the district. Aldine ISD offers 10 performing arts categories and serves more than 18,000 elementary students, with thousands more participating at the secondary level.

Students earned numerous recognitions across all programs, including UIL state qualifications, sweepstakes and superior ratings, and invitations to prestigious performances. Notable highlights included the Aldine Orff Ensemble’s performance of “Water Dance,” Mariachi Acero’s invitation to perform at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and multiple student groups advancing to regional and state competitions.

The district also celebrated staff excellence. Eun Sung Kim, orchestra teacher at Carter Academy, received the Specs Charitable Foundation Award for Excellence in Music Education. Kirsten Kurtz, music teacher at Worsham Elementary, was named a finalist for the 2025–26 Teacher of the Year.

Students in band, choir, orchestra, theater, dance, and speech and debate programs continued to excel, earning top honors at UIL competitions and national-level events. Carver High School’s theater program earned 35 Tommy Tune Award nominations, with two finalists for The Wiz.

Recognition of Students, Staff, and Patrons

Chief Communications Officer Sheila Adams highlighted April events and accomplishments across the district.

• The Aldine Education Foundation awarded more than $490,000 in scholarships to 364 graduating seniors.
• Welcome to Aldine, Jameson, a Canine Companions facility dog is trained to support individuals with disabilities. Jameson was matched with Amanda Lee, a SLC teacher at Carmichael Elementary.
• 115 future educators signed letters of intent to return to Aldine ISD as teachers after completing their postsecondary degrees and certifications.
• The Nimitz High School Unified Track and Field Team qualified for the state meet for the second consecutive year.
• In support of prom season, Aldine ISD hosted a prom dress donation drive through April 25 at the Dr. Wanda Bambery Professional Development and Resource Center. Students were able to select a dress free of charge during a special distribution event.
• Families are also encouraged to participate in the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) end-of-year survey, open from April 20 through May 8, 2026.

Employees Recognized

During the April 21 board meeting, employees were recognized for their leadership, connections with their fellow employees, and impact on students.

Executive Director of Maintenance Herbert Harris recognized Susan D’Amico, executive director of Child Nutrition Services, as the recipient of the 2026 Nutrition Impact Award.

Perlinda Kaye Haynes was named the Operations teams Employee of the Quarter. Other nominees included: Maria Rosario with (Buildings and Properties), Dimas Deleon (central receiving), and Elvia Oveido (Child Nutrition Services).

Board Action Items Approved

The Board of Trustees approved the following action items:

• Minutes from previous meeting(s)
• The 2026-27 certification of provision of instructional materials
• Submission of low attendance waivers to the Texas Education Agency for Aldine ISD
• Administrator contracts for outside services with vendors
• Single contracts and purchases of $100,000 and greater
• A resolution to submit report on school bus seat belt costs to TEAs as required by SB 546
• HB 33 coordination and mutual agreement for complex emergency response
• A memorandum of understanding between Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Harris County Universal Services, and Aldine ISD for cloud-based AFIS Database Access

Prior to the start of the April 21 board meeting, Montserrat Valdez of Thompson Elementary School and Alonzzo Vazquez of Cypresswood Elementary School led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Flag. The Davis High School JROTC presented the colors, and the Aldine Orff Ensemble performed.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. at 7 p.m. in the boardroom at the Donaldson Administration Building.

Click here to see more moments from the April board meeting.