Former Aldine ISD Deputy Superintendent, Black Elementary Namesake Kenneth D. Black Passes Away

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Mr. Black leaves a legacy of leadership and service at Aldine ISD.

Kenneth D. Black

The Aldine ISD family is mourning the loss of retired Deputy Superintendent Kenneth D. Black, a longtime educator and administrator whose leadership helped shape the district during a period of tremendous growth and whose legacy lives on through Black Elementary School and the countless students, educators, and leaders he inspired.

Black passed away on July 10 at the age of 97.

Black devoted 46 years of full-time and part-time service to Aldine ISD, leaving an enduring impact on generations of students, educators, and school leaders.

His Aldine career began in 1956 as a fifth-grade teacher at Orange Grove Elementary School. One year later, he became assistant principal, and in 1961, he was named principal of Orange Grove. His leadership abilities soon led him into district administration, where he served as director of elementary schools, director of instruction, assistant superintendent of instruction, and, ultimately, deputy superintendent in 1973.

Black served as deputy superintendent until his retirement in 1986, helping guide Aldine ISD during one of the most transformative periods in the district’s history. As Aldine experienced rapid enrollment growth, opened new campuses, and expanded educational opportunities for students, Black played a key role in supporting the district’s continued progress.

Although he officially retired in 1986, he remained active in Aldine ISD as a recruiter and later served as a university supervisor for student teachers through Sam Houston State University, helping prepare the next generation of educators.

In recognition of his distinguished service and unwavering dedication to students, the Aldine ISD Board of Trustees named Black Elementary School in his honor when the campus opened in August 1989.

The school’s website describes Black as “an extraordinary individual” who guided generations of students, teachers, and administrators and who believed in helping children grow into successful citizens with high expectations and bright futures.

Those who knew him personally remember him not only for his leadership but also for his kindness, humility, unwavering faith, and genuine care for others. Family members and former colleagues recall his wit, wonderful storytelling, loyal friendship, and his ability to make everyone around him feel valued.

Former colleagues described Black as a mentor who loved the Aldine community, invested in educators throughout their careers and inspired others to focus on solutions. Many remembered his warm smile and his favorite question: “Are you part of the problem or part of the solution?” — a simple phrase that reflected his practical wisdom and positive approach to leadership.

Education was a lifelong calling for the Black family. His wife, Naomi Ruth Black, dedicated 37 years to Aldine ISD as an educator before her passing in 2018. Together, they devoted their lives to serving students, supporting public education, and mentoring future generations of educators.

Mr. Black is survived by his daughter, Terri Young, and her husband, Russell; granddaughter Sarah Zapata and her husband, Carlos; and great-granddaughter Addison Naomi Zapata.

A memorial service celebrating Mr. Black’s life will be held Tuesday, July 21, at 2:30 p.m. at Christ Church Methodist, 6363 Research Forest Drive in The Woodlands. The family has requested that the committal service remain private for family members.

Aldine ISD extends its heartfelt condolences to the Black family, friends, former colleagues, and all whose lives were touched by Mr. Black’s decades of service, leadership, and commitment to public education. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Aldine students, educators, and school leaders.