Aldine ISD Board of Trustees Approves 2026-27 Tax Rate at September Board Meeting

During its Sept. 15 meeting, the Aldine ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to adopt a tax rate of $1.0144 per $100 of assessed property value for the 2026-27 school year. The tax rate includes $0.7119 for the Maintenance and Operations Fund (M&O), which covers the district’s day-to-day operations, and $0.3025 for the Interest and Sinking Fund (I&S), which is used to repay debt, such as voter-approved bonds. This rate is lower than the June proposal. However, the board could not officially adopt it until the Harris Central Appraisal District released the certified tax roll in August.

While the district’s tax rate determines how much Aldine ISD collects per $100 of taxable property value, individual property tax bills may vary based on a home’s appraised value. The Harris Central Appraisal District, not Aldine ISD, is responsible for determining property values.

Public Hearing on SB 12 Certification

The Board held a public hearing regarding Aldine ISD’s compliance with Senate Bill 12. The law requires the superintendent to certify to the Texas Education Agency that the district complies with provisions of the Texas Education Code prohibiting certain diversity, equity and inclusion duties and activities.
During the hearing, district officials outlined policy updates and steps taken to inform employees, contractors, students and families of the requirements.

Spotlight on Teaching, Learning and Leading

Interim Chief of Transformation Gabriela Sierra recognized eight students who recently participated in the School Board Members for Latino Equity (MASBA) Our Voice, Our Future (“Nuestra Voz, Nuestro Futuro”) contest. This year’s theme encouraged students to see themselves as storytellers and changemakers. Aldine ISD students earned the top three prizes in the contest.

• First place: Sophia Gomez, Garcia Middle School — “Reality of the Passing Grades”
• Second place: Mercedies Carrillo, Stovall Middle School — “Only Me”
• Third place: Saled Ginarte Ramos, Young Women’s Leadership Academy — “No Place Like Cuba”

The district also received the Outstanding English Language Learner Initiative Award from MASBA.

Recognition of Students, Staff and Patrons

Chief Communications Officer Sheila Adams highlighted recent events and accomplishments across the district, including:

Aldine ISD is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, recognizing the cultures, histories, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. With nearly 75% of Aldine ISD students identifying as Hispanic, the district will celebrate throughout the month with student artwork, cultural activities and opportunities for students, staff and families to learn more about the people and traditions represented across the Aldine community.

Aldine ISD recognized Grandparents Day on Sept. 13. The district had a little fun on social media by asking the community to share photos of students with their grandparents.

The district celebrated International Dot Day at Griggs Primary School on Sept. 15. Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney read “The Dot,” written by Peter H. Reynolds.

Aldine ISD Police Chief Paul Cordova recognized Antonio Iglesias as the Police Department’s Employee of the Month for his service, leadership and dedication to the school district and Aldine ISD Police Department.

Chief Operations Officer Dr. Fred Washington named Silvia Miranda De Alvarez of the Buildings and Property Department as the Operations Employee of the Quarter. Other nominees included Ana Ramirez of the Child Nutrition Services Department; Joe Phillips of the Buildings and Property Department; and Leslie Jackson of the Maintenance Department.

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.

Board President Dr. Kimberley N. Booker recognized Transportation Department employees Judy Berwick, Carla Randle, Sharon Joe, Joycelin Rubins and Jenetta Adams.

Assistant Board Secretary Angela Williams recognized Tyam Richard, principal of Hoffman Middle School, and Marilyn Doyle, a teacher at MacArthur High School.

Board Member Nataly Perez recognized Dr. Cierra Nickerson, principal of Avalos P-TECH School, and Kaileigh Newman, director of visual arts.

Board Action Items Approved

Trustees approved the following items:

• Minutes of previous meeting(s)
• Certification of compliance with laws under Texas Education Code Section 39.008, as enacted by Senate Bill 12 during the 89th Texas Legislature, to be submitted to the Texas Education Agency
• Memorandum of understanding between the Texas A&M University System and Aldine ISD for the 2026-27 school year
• Recognition of the Texas 4-H organization through the Harris County Extension Services Office and its eligibility for extracurricular status with Aldine ISD under the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program for the 2026-27 school year
• Teacher externship agreement between Workforce Solutions, Region 6 Education Service Center and Aldine ISD from May 1, 2026, through Jan. 31, 2027
• Texas Strategic Staffing memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Region 4 ESC, the University of Houston-Downtown and Aldine ISD for 2026-28
• Texas Strategic Staffing memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Region 4 ESC, the University of Houston and Aldine ISD for 2026-28
• Texas Strategic Staffing memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Region 4 ESC, Texas Woman’s University and Aldine ISD for 2026-28
• Single contracts and purchases of $100,000 or greater
• Board resolution to designate investment officers
• An order authorizing the issuance of Aldine Independent School District Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds, which may be issued in one or more series in accordance with specified parameters; levying an ad valorem tax and providing for the security and payment thereof; providing for the refunding and defeasance of certain outstanding bonds of the district; and enacting other provisions relating thereto

Prior to the start of the Sept. 15 Board meeting, the MacArthur High School JROTC presented the colors and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge. The Nimitz High School Band also performed.

The next Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, in the boardroom at the Donaldson Administration Building.

Click here to see more moments from the September Board meeting.