All 4 Incumbent Trustees re-elected
By Mike Keeney
Aldine voters overwhelmingly approved all three bond propositions totaling approximately $1.8 billion during the Nov. 7 election. It was the largest bond referendum in the history of Aldine ISD.
Proposition A passed with 8,696 votes for and 4,031 against (passing by 68.3%). There were 12,727 votes cast in the Prop A election.
Proposition B passed with 8,198 votes for and 4,452 against (passing by 64.8%). There were 12,650 votes cast in the Prop B election.
Proposition C passed with 6,903 votes for and 5,617 against (passing by 55%). There were 12,520 votes cast in the Prop C election.
Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney thanked the community for its support and added that now the work begins to implement the three propositions.
“The Aldine community has spoken, and all three propositions, A, B, and C were approved,” Dr. Goffney said. “Thank you to everyone who has put time, energy, and heart into this effort. Thank you to all who volunteered and shared the message, and a special thank you to those who voted. The passing of all three of these propositions marks a significant milestone in the history of our district. We will continue our legacy of positively impacting students who walk through the halls of Aldine ISD buildings now and in the future.”
The 2023 school bond’s focus is on safety and security, facility enhancements, and instructional technology and was divided into three propositions.
Proposition A will provide for campus rebuilds, campus redesigns and renovations, safety and security, facility improvements and high-priority maintenance, technology infrastructure, and transportation at a cost of $1,622,325,676.
Campus rebuilds will include:
1. Carver Magnet High School
2. Aldine High School
3. Aldine Middle School
4. Hambrick Middle School
5. Orange Grove Elementary School
6. Odom Elementary School
Campus redesign projects will include:
1. Dwight D. Eisenhower High School
2. MacArthur High School
Safety and security projects will include:
— A dedicated district police department
— Updated security technology systems
— Safety film — Site fencing and lighting
— Emergency generators
Technology infrastructure projects will include wireless network system updates (enhanced WiFi).
Transportation projects include the rebuild of the East Transportation facility, the purchase of additional buses, some of which will be dedicated to special education, and the addition of vehicles to its white fleet.
The bond program includes campus facility improvements and high-priority maintenance projects across the district, including installing digital marquees, life-cycle replacements (roofs, plumbing, and HVAC), science lab improvements, and athletic facility improvements.
Proposition B will cover instructional technology at a cost of $65,547,500. Instructional technology enhancements will ensure Aldine students and educators have a technology-rich learning environment that supports, amplifies, and expands the impact of effective teaching practices so that our students are future- ready. The technology projects are focused on student and staff device refreshes (iPads, laptops, and Chromebooks) and classroom technology (interactive display panels).
Proposition C will provide for constructing an Education and Performance Center at a cost of $122,282,967. This center will serve as the district’s premiere performing and visual arts venue, able to accommodate groups of varying sizes.
Aldine ISD taxpayers will not see a tax rate increase for the next three years, according to Chief Financial Officer Stan Osborne. “We are always mindful of the community’s tax contribution for Aldine students and are committed to responsible, transparent planning and use of those tax dollars,” Osborne said.
So what, now what?
Aldine ISD will convene a Bond Oversight Committee within the next few weeks. Its role will be to monitor the progress of the district’s bond program, review and ensure that the district follows voter-approved bond programs, and monitor the scope of work to ensure projects are completed on time, with quality, and within budget.
Initial bond projects include the rebuilding of Carver High School, the rebuilding of Aldine Middle School (including Lane School), and the construction of the Education and Performing Arts Center.
“Every community member’s contribution is vital in bringing these plans to fruition,” Dr. Goffney said. “We invite each of you to be an active part of this exciting chapter. Our work has always been, is, and will always be about the people. Our community is why we exist.”
During the spring of 2023, the district convened a Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) co – chaired by Chief of Staff Sheleah D. Reed, Chief Financial Officer Stan Osborne, and Chief of Operations Fred Washington. The LRPC was composed of various community stakeholders who made recommendations to the Board after reviewing a comprehensive facilities assessment to address and plan for district improvements proactively.
Community meetings were held in September and October, where district leaders shared information and received feedback directly from the community. Aldine ISD will inform the community as the work unfolds on the three propositions. Additional updates and information can be found by visiting the Aldine ISD Bond webpage.