Former superintendent to be honored

Former Aldine ISD Superintendent M.B. “Sonny” Donaldson has been nominated for an honorary life membership in the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA).

Donaldson will receive his life membership during the TASA’s 2002 Midwinter Conference, set for Jan. 28 in Austin. Donaldson will be joined by other recipients who will be presented at the opening session of the conference.

Donaldson served as Aldine ISD’s superintendent for 15 years, from 1986 until his retirement in June of 2001. He spent his entire 34 years in education in AISD, serving as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, director of athletics and assistant superintendent of administration before his appointment as superintendent of schools in 1986.

Johnny Veselka, TASA’s executive director, said Donaldson was most deserving of the life membership because of his years of service to Aldine ISD.

“Congratulations on your exemplary career and your commitment to public education,” Veselka said.

During his tenure, Donaldson led Aldine ISD to five consecutive Recognized ratings from the Texas Education Agency, the establishment of intermediate campuses for fifth and sixth graders, ninth grade schools at the district’s four traditional high schools, and the restructuring of the district in 1994 when area superintendents were added to the administrative team. Donaldson also garnered a number of individual honors during his 14-year tenure as superintendent.

He was named Administrator of the Year by the Texas Educational Secretaries Association, Superintendent of the Year for Region IV in 1994 and 1995, a finalist for Texas Superintendent of the Year in 1994 and 1995 and in 1998 he was named Educator of the Month by Texas School Business magazine.