Dear Aldine ISD Staff,

In recent years, Aldine ISD has had to face some tough realities: student enrollment declines, a lack of affordable housing throughout the community, declining birth rates, and decreased funding from the state. While challenging for us all, these uncertain times have not diminished our commitment to providing our students with the best education possible so that they graduate from our district with choices and opportunities. As you know, we continue to celebrate our students, new programs, and initiatives, but the reality remains that we must make hard decisions in the best interest of our students and district.

Last night, the board approved several recommendations that go into effect for the 2024-2025 school year:

• Consolidation of elementary programming by closing Conley Elementary resulting in students being zoned to Carmichael Elementary and Spence Elementary.
• Consolidation of elementary programming by closing Sammons Elementary resulting in students being zoned to Carter Academy and Hill Elementary.
• Consolidation of elementary programming by closing Gray Elementary resulting in students being zoned to Stehlik Elementary and Goodman Elementary ACE School.
• Redraw the boundaries of Lewis Middle School and Teague Middle School to send students to Stovall Middle School and Aldine Middle School.

Their approval of the recommendations is the result of months of collaboration and feedback from district stakeholders. It is also not a one-time event; rather, it is a multi-layered strategy that will be executed over time and has long-reaching and long-term benefits that impact our ability to close the budget shortfall and enhance Bond 2023. Additional recommendations for future school years are not off the table, instead, they will be considered each year as part of an annual optimization process.

I understand that this may cause concern given recent news about school districts across the country and even right here in the Houston area. The difference is that in Aldine ISD, we are not eliminating people. We are eliminating positions and closing campuses to offset unnecessary costs so we can compete for talent. Attracting and retaining high-quality teachers and administrators to prepare our students for success is more essential than ever, and that comes with a price tag. When you compound that with the fact that the state legislature did not provide additional funding to public schools, you’re left to figure out a way to make up that difference. The closure of these campuses means we get to keep what matters most in Aldine: our people.

I know amazing things happen in our buildings every day. It’s what makes closing schools so hard. It is what makes change hard. What I know for sure is that it is not the physical building that makes great things happen. It is the great community of talented educators, enthusiastic students, engaged families, and supporters that make our school communities what they are. And that is not changing.

We will meet with everyone impacted and will continue to share updates as they are available.

Thank you for your continued support and leadership.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent of Schools