Aldine ISD Parent Ambassadors Expand Family Voice in District Decision-making

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Aldine ISD continues to elevate family leadership through its District Parent Ambassador Program, a Family and Community Engagement (FACE) initiative designed to ensure parent perspectives help shape conversations affecting students, schools, and the broader community.

Launched internally in September 2025, the program includes 15 parents and guardians who previously served on the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee for at least two years. After completing district training in communication, leadership, and family-school partnerships, these experienced volunteers take on expanded roles as Parent Ambassadors.

Ambassadors represent campuses across the district and serve as bridges between families, schools, and district leadership. Throughout the school year, they participate in meetings, training sessions, engagement activities, and feedback forums that strengthen communication, build trust, and support strong family-school partnerships.

The program is led by the FACE Department, with FACE specialist Nancy Gauthier coordinating the initiative and helping ensure ambassadors feel welcomed, respected, informed, and empowered while amplifying family voices districtwide.

Parent Ambassadors help shape district surveys, support family engagement initiatives, and participate in focus groups and advisory meetings. At their final meeting of the 2025-2026 school year, ambassadors heard from Executive Director of Grants Tiffany Manwaring about federal funding priorities, including ESSA, IDEA-B, and Perkins V.

Their feedback helps guide district conversations on expanded learning, summer enrichment, college and career readiness, student wellness and mental health, professional development, multilingual and immigrant student support, family engagement, special education, and career and technical education.

Ambassadors also reviewed the District Parent and Family Engagement Policy and shared ideas on how schools and families can work together to support student success.

“Parents and families are essential partners in education,” said LaTashia Abrams, FACE executive director. “Their feedback helps ensure schools create meaningful opportunities for collaboration, build trust, and support the academic and social success of every student.”

During the year, ambassadors discussed ways to strengthen school culture and trust by promoting welcoming, family-friendly environments and reinforcing the role of family engagement in school improvement.

Adams and Abrams also recognized several campuses —, Hinojosa EC/PreK/K School, Houston Academy, Lewis Middle School, Marcella Elementary, Ogden Elementary and Reece Academy — for providing outstanding customer service to families.

For participating parents, the program provides opportunities to learn, lead, and help other families stay informed and connected.

“I serve on the committee because I am passionate about supporting families and ensuring parents feel informed, heard, and empowered,” said Reginald White, whose children attend Cypresswood Elementary and Blanson CTE High School. “Strong family engagement is key to student success.”

White said the program helped him connect families to resources, answer questions, and build trust between schools and the community.

Cassidy Muhammad, whose children attend Reed Academy, Grantham Academy, and the HEAL Program at Nimitz High School, said she serves to support her community every day.

“I’ve learned that being active and visible matters deeply for my family, my neighbors, and children across the district,” Muhammad said. “I help other parents connect to resources, find ways to contribute, and stay informed.”

Sharon Samuel, representing Reece Academy, said serving as an ambassador helped her learn more about district initiatives and share that information with other families.

“Serving as a Parent Ambassador has given me the opportunity to learn about new district initiatives, support our school community, and help ensure parents have a voice at the table. I have seen firsthand how Aldine ISD partners with families, not only to support students, but to care for the whole family. Access to information makes a difference, and I am proud to help share the many resources, events, and opportunities available to our families,” Samuel said.

Through the Parent Ambassador Program, Aldine ISD continues to support family leaders dedicated to student achievement, collaboration, and strong relationships across the district.