January is School Board Recognition Month, and Goose Creek CISD is celebrating its trustees for their dedication and commitment to the district and its students.
The theme of this year’s School Board Recognition Month is Forward, Together, which highlights the collaboration among school leadership, teachers, and parents on behalf of students.
“I am proud to recognize our school board members for their hard work in helping to make our district successful,” Superintendent Dr. Randal O’Brien said. “We appreciate the hard work and time these generous volunteers devote to attending meetings, workshops, conferences and events; staying current with district projects and progress; reviewing and updating policies, as well as representing the district’s stakeholders.”
To recognize the board, all 32 Goose Creek CISD schools designed posters, which decorate the walls in the boardroom, depicting the theme. Goose Creek CISD’s board was selected as a 2022 Honor School Board as part of the 2022 Texas Association of School Administrators School Board Awards, and a plaque with a resolution, a lapel pin, mouse pad, portfolio, pen and station bearing the Honor Board logo were presented to trustees at the Jan. 9 meeting.
A proclamation in the board’s honor from the City of Baytown and a certificate of appreciation from Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia’s office were presented. The librarian from each school selected a book in honor of the Goose Creek CISD school board. Dinner provided by Chef Tina Andrade and the Stuart Career Tech High School Culinary Arts students was a highlight of the celebration.
Dan Troxell, executive director of the Texas Association of School Boards, applauded the efforts of trustees in providing leadership and good governance so that school districts can focus on educating the 5.4 million public schoolchildren in their care.
“Texas school boards are critical to the success of students and the future of Texas,” Troxell said. “Boards lead their districts in the right direction, providing oversight, setting goals, overseeing the budget, and selecting and evaluating the superintendent. These volunteers serve for the betterment of their local schools and communities.”
Some of the recent construction projects supported by the board include the Sheila C. Liles Early Learning Academy, Jessie Lee Pumphrey Elementary, San Jacinto Elementary and the GCCISD Robotics Center. Examples of honors received are IMPACT Early College High School’s 2021 College Success Award-Gold, Stephen F. Austin Elementary and Robert E. Lee High School’s selection as Apple Distinguished Schools and the Trusted Learning Environment Seal for Cyber-security.
Serving as president, Richard Clem from District 4 was elected in May 2017. Tiffany Guy, District 6, elected in May 2019, serves as vice president. Serving as secretary, Howard Sampson, District 1, was appointed to the board in 2009 and has continued to serve on the board. Helen Berrott-Tims, District 5, joined the board in May 2021 and serves as assistant secretary. Board members Shae Cottar, District 7, elected in May 2019; Mercedes Renteria III, District 2, elected in May 2021; and Jessica Woods, District 3, elected in May 2015, round out the list of distinguished board members.
Goose Creek CISD thanks these board members, proudly known as a 2022 Honor School Board, for their service to the district and its students, staff and parents.