Richard and Kitty Spence devoted 63 years to students in the Aldine Independent School District and their years of dedicated service and loyalty was richly rewarded during the Board of Education meeting on Feb. 15.
On that night, AISD Trustees unanimously approved naming the district’s newest elementary school after the Spence’s. Richard and Kitty Spence Elementary School, located on Gears Road, will open at the start of the 2005-06 school year.
“It’s one of the best things that can happen to anyone,” Kitty said, referring to having a school named after she and her late husband, who passed away in March of 1999. “I think Richard would have been as touched as I am. I can’t thank the board and my Aldine family enough for this wonderful honor. I hope we are deserving.”
The Spences are definitely worthy of having a school named in their honor. At Tuesday night’s board meeting, the boardroom was full of long-time colleagues of the Spence’s, including former AISD Superintendent M.B. “Sonny” Donaldson, former Deputy Superintendent Kenneth Black, former Aldine High School head football coach Bill Smith, and other former co-workers and friends. The Spence’s three children, Doug, Gail and Susan also attended, along with Mr. Spence’s daughter Lockie Spence Goode, the Spence’s two grandchildren, Garrett and Jordy and other family members.
During her remarks after the board approved the naming of the school in her and her husband’s honor, Mrs. Spence said she always considered Aldine to be her second family.
Both were products of Aldine ISD as Richard graduated from Aldine High School in 1945 and Kitty graduated from the same school in 1949.