Aldine ISD Announces Executive Leadership Appointments for the 2026-2027 School Year

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Leadership changes strengthen talent development, campus leadership, and school improvement in support of the district’s strategic plan, Accelerate.

As Aldine ISD prepares for the 2026-2027 school year, Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney has announced three executive leadership appointments to strengthen talent development, campus leadership, and school improvement across the district.

The leadership changes place experienced Aldine leaders in key roles aligned with the district’s strategic priorities and its commitment to accelerating student outcomes. Together, they will strengthen three areas essential to student success: attracting and developing exceptional employees, supporting campus leadership, and advancing instructional excellence.

“Strong schools are built by strong leaders who are committed to serving students and supporting one another,” Dr. Goffney said. “Dr. Villarreal, Ms. Melendez and Dr. Wynne each bring proven leadership, deep knowledge of our district and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. These appointments reflect our investment in developing exceptional leaders who will strengthen our campuses, support our employees and help us accelerate student outcomes. As we begin a new school year, I am confident they will continue advancing our strategic priorities and ensuring every Aldine ISD student has meaningful opportunities to succeed.”

Dr. Javier Villarreal, Chief of Talent and Performance Management

Dr. Javier Villarreal has been named chief of talent and performance management after previously serving as chief of schools and chief of human resources.

In his new role, Villarreal will oversee the district’s human resources functions, including recruitment, staffing, employee relations, compensation, benefits, leave administration and performance management. He will also lead programs and practices that support employee recruitment, development and retention across the district.

Villarreal has served Aldine ISD since 2018 and brings extensive experience in campus leadership and human resources. As chief human resources officer, he led initiatives that strengthened talent acquisition, enhanced employee relations, refined employee benefits, and implemented the Teacher Incentive Allotment, making Aldine ISD the largest district in Texas to create a pathway for all teachers to earn designations.

His return to a talent-focused role allows him to combine his human resources expertise with the broader district perspective he gained while leading Aldine’s schools.

“Returning to a talent-focused leadership role is incredibly exciting because it allows me to bridge my background in human resources with my recent experience as chief of schools,” Villarreal said. “Having seen firsthand how every decision at the district level impacts our campuses, I look forward to applying that whole-district perspective to our talent strategy. By aligning our talent initiatives with our instructional priorities, we can continue strengthening support for our campuses and accelerating student outcomes.”

Villarreal said his priorities for the coming year include reducing staffing vacancies, navigating staffing adjustments and budget constraints, and providing exceptional customer service to employees.

Diaka R. Melendez, Chief of Schools

Diaka R. Melendez has been appointed chief of schools after serving as chief of school improvement and previously as assistant superintendent of student support services.

As chief of schools, Melendez will lead school administration, instructional programs and instructional support. She will work closely with the district’s school assistant superintendents to support campuses, strengthen instructional leadership and help ensure high-quality learning experiences for students across Aldine ISD.

Melendez joined Aldine ISD in 2022 and brings more than 20 years of experience in education. Before returning to Aldine, she served as executive director of curriculum and instruction in Spring ISD and held campus leadership positions in Humble ISD. She began her career in Aldine in 2002 as a teacher and softball coach at Nimitz Ninth Grade School.

Melendez said leading the district’s school improvement efforts reinforced the importance of supporting the whole child while strengthening the connection between campus leadership, student support services and instructional success.

“My priorities are the strategic priorities we have shared with our schools, with a strong emphasis on administrative excellence,” Melendez said. “Excellence starts with leadership, and I truly believe that when we demand excellence, every child benefits.”

As principals and campus leaders prepare for the new school year, Melendez offered a simple but powerful message.

“Love our kids and let your passion be the fuel when you grow tired,” she said. “Be the leader your students deserve and never take shortcuts when it comes to administrative excellence.”

Dr. LaToya Wynne, Associate Superintendent of School Improvement

Dr. LaToya Wynne has been named associate superintendent of school improvement after serving as school assistant superintendent of elementary schools.

Wynne began her career in Aldine ISD as a first-grade ESL teacher at Stephens Elementary School and has nearly 20 years of experience in education. She has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and district leader. Before returning to Aldine, she served as executive director of teaching and learning in Klein ISD, where she supported 13 campuses.

In her new role, Wynne will help lead the district’s efforts to strengthen instructional systems and support continuous improvement across schools.

“School improvement means aligning district resources and support across our schools to ensure rigorous learning experiences that lead to improved student outcomes,” Wynne said. “My priority is to align our district’s strategic priorities with effective instructional practices on every campus through continuous improvement and consistent monitoring.

“I believe a ZIP code should never determine the quality of learning students receive,” Wynne said. “I’m excited to support district and campus leaders in sustaining continuous improvement through strong instructional systems that positively impact student achievement and growth.”

Wynne said campuses can expect focused support to strengthen Tier I instruction, enhance collaborative planning, build stronger data-analysis systems and expand coaching and feedback for instructional leaders and teachers.

Looking Forward

As Aldine ISD prepares to welcome students and staff back for the 2026-2027 school year, these leadership appointments underscore the district’s commitment to investing in its people, strengthening support for schools, and creating the conditions for every student to thrive. Together, these leaders along with the entire Executive Leadership Impact Team will help advance the district’s strategic priorities while ensuring students remain at the center of every decision.