Baytown Mayor Stephen DonCarlos, third from right, poses with members of the Goose Creek CISD Board of Trustees and GCCISD Superintendent Dr. Toby York, second from right, after issuing a proclamation in honor of School Board Recognition Month on Monday, Jan. 23.

January is School Board Recognition Month

January is School Board Recognition Month January is School Board Recognition Month in Texas, offering students, parents, employees, and citizens the chance to express their appreciation to the individuals who volunteer their time to serve.

Districts across the state, including Goose Creek CISD, will use this opportunity to show their appreciation of the vital role elected boards of education play in their local schools and communities.

Goose Creek CISD honored the Board of Trustees on Monday, Jan. 23. Each campus placed a book and an e-book in its library in honor of the board members.

A proclamation from the mayor of Baytown, Stephen DonCarlos, was also read at the meeting, and Judge Don Coffey handed out certificates of appreciation.

Texans benefit every day from the tireless work and countless hours dedicated by a group of more than 7,300 men and women in communities across the state.

These public servants are elected to serve by local constituents and receive no compensation for their efforts.

These men and women are the school board members of Texas.

January is School Board Recognition Month and Goose Creek CISD is taking this opportunity to thank these local leaders for devoting time to support public education and serve our local schools.

“Even though we are making a special effort in January to show appreciation to our board members, we realize their contributions reflect a year-round commitment,” said Dr. Toby York, Goose Creek CISD superintendent. “They selflessly give of themselves to ensure that decisions directly affecting our local schools are made by representatives of this community. In these challenging times, they face difficult choices and shoulder critical responsibilities. Their ultimate goal is always focused on the success of every student enrolled in the district.”

“Our district is enriched by the contributions of these local citizens who truly care about our kids. Serving as a crucial link between the community and classroom, this board is responsible for an annual budget of $166 million, more than 21,500 students, nearly 3,000 employees, and 26 campuses. We applaud their efforts to serve as advocates for our children and the voice of public education,” Dr. York said.

The Goose Creek school board is comprised of five Goose Creek CISD graduates. Sampson, Coffey and Blackford are Sterling High School graduates, and there are two Robert E. Lee High School graduates – Loredo and Martin.

Trustees representing Goose Creek CISD single-member districts serve in staggered four-year terms.

Board meetings, which are open to the public, are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Administration Building, 4544 Interstate 10 East.

Even though the Goose Creek school district makes a special effort in January to show its appreciation, Dr. York said, “We recognize their work reflects a year-round commitment.” The men and women serving on Goose Creek CISD Board of Trustees are:


Jenice Coffey – represents District 5 and currently serves as president. Coffey has been a member of the board since 2009.
Howard Sampson – represents District 1 and currently serves as vice president. Sampson has been a member of the board since 2009.
Daniel Blackford – represents District 7 and currently serves as secretary. Blackford has been a member of the board since 2011.
Jimmy Smith – represents District 6 and currently serves as assistant secretary. He has been a member of the board since 2011.
Ken Martin – represents District 3 and has been a member of the board since 2008.
Agustin Loredo III – represents District 1 and has been a board member since 2006.
Carl Burg – represents District 4 and has been a member of the board since 2004.