New Aldine ISD Superintendent finalist

Dr. LaTonya Goffney
Dr. LaTonya Goffney

The Aldine ISD Board of Trustees named Lufkin ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney as the lone finalist as Superintendent of Schools for Aldine ISD. The announcement was made during the April 17 Board meeting.

Dr. Goffney has been Superintendent of Lufkin ISD since 2013.

She has 19 years of experience in the field of education.

She will succeed AISD Superintendent Dr. Wanda Bamberg, who is retiring after 11 years as the district’s superintendent.

Dr. Goffney will become the first African-American to serve as Superintendent of Schools in Aldine ISD.

She said she is looking forward to the opportunity to serve as superintendent of a large school district with a proven track record.

“I’m excited and honored about this opportunity to build on the foundation of success already established by the Board, superintendent and the administration of Aldine ISD,” Dr. Goffney said. “I look forward to looking, listening and learning to discover how best I can serve the students, staff and community of Aldine. As a child of poverty, I know firsthand the power of public education and how it changed the trajectory of my life. My family and I covet your prayers during our transition.”

Aldine ISD Board of Trustees President Steve Mead said he and the Board look forward to working with Dr. Goffney.

“We, as a Board, would like to welcome Dr. Goffney to Aldine ISD,” Mr. Mead said. “Dr. Goffney brings a wealth of educational experience having served as a superintendent in two different districts for a total of 10 years. We look forward to working with her, along with our administrative team. We believe Dr. Goffney will have a positive influence on our students and staff and will be a vocal advocate for the important role public education plays in the State of Texas.”

Dr. Bamberg said she looks forward to assisting her with the transition from Lufkin ISD to Aldine ISD.

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Goffney to Aldine and I look forward to working with her as she makes her transition from Lufkin to Aldine,” Dr. Bamberg said. “I know Dr. Goffney through state and regional professional organizations and she is well-respected across the state.”

She is a native of Coldspring, TX and began her career as a language arts teacher in Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD. She served as an assistant principal and principal in Coldspring-Oakhurst before serving as that district’s superintendent for five years.

Dr. Goffney earned her bachelor’s degree in history and English, a Master of Education degree in administration and a Doctorate of Education degree in Educational Leadership, all from Sam Houston State University.

In 2013, she was the recipient of the Distinguished Administrator of the Year Award by the faculty of Sam Houston State University’s College of Education. Dr. Goffney was named one of only 22 members of the 2012-13 Class of Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) International Emerging Leaders. The PDK Emerging Leaders program recognizes top educators from across the world. In 2017, Dr. Goffney was named the Texas Association of School Board’s (TASB) Superintendent of the Year for the state of Texas and the Region VII Superintendent of the Year.

During her tenure as Lufkin ISD’s superintendent, the Lufkin Education Foundation was established, as was the Leadership Academy for aspiring leaders in the district. Dr. Goffney created partnerships with Stephen F. Austin State University to create a STEM academy for high school students and with Angelina College to create an Early College High School.

State law requires that AISD wait 21 days before offering Dr. Goffney a contract.

Dr. Goffney and her husband Joseph have two children, Joseph Jr., 18 and Joslyn, 14.