When my family and I arrived in Baytown in the spring of 2013, our community had just approved a bond initiative that would bring new schools to meet the growing population's needs. Families were moving here, drawn by expanding opportunities in our local plants and industry. At that time, Baytown’s population was around 70,000, and Goose Creek CISD served about 20,000 students.
Today, our community has surpassed 100,000 residents, and Goose Creek now serves approximately 24,000 students. This growth reflects the tremendous vitality of our region. Upon joining the team, I spent time exploring our schools and surrounding industries, quickly gaining a deep appreciation for how integral our petrochemical partners are to both our local and global economy.
As we grew, our Board of Trustees reaffirmed our purpose and charted a clear direction for the future. Together, we established a Vision to empower every student with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a global community and a Mission centered on “Developing the Whole Child”. Guided by these principles, we set out to engage students through learning that connects directly to their interests and future goals. From this belief, our Career Academies were born, small learning communities within our high schools that allow students to explore pathways aligned with their passions and potential careers.
We began with three Career Academies across our traditional high schools and have since expanded to ten academies across four campuses, each offering multiple pathways. These academies maintain high standards and high expectations, offering rigorous coursework that includes Advanced Placement, dual credit, and hands-on, career-oriented experiences.
Today’s Career Academy options include Advanced Automotive, Agriculture Science (Veterinary), Future Educators, Culinary Arts, Global Business, Manufacturing and Industrial Maintenance, Health Science, Information Technology, STEM, and Digital Communications. Each pathway prepares students to enter college or the workforce with confidence, critical thinking skills, and a desire to contribute to society.
Currently, our eighth-grade students are exploring these opportunities as they select their high school courses and career pathways for next year. This is one of the most exciting seasons in our district as students begin to envision their future and take ownership of their educational journey. Whether their interests lead them toward health science, technology, education, or trades, they have the freedom to choose a path that reflects who they are and who they aspire to become.
The results of this vision have been remarkable. Dual credit enrollment has grown dramatically through partnerships with Lee College and other institutions. More than one-quarter of our students now earn college credit before graduating, up from less than ten percent a decade ago. Research from Columbia University has even recognized Goose Creek CISD as a model district for providing higher education opportunities to students.
The past decade has not been without challenges, yet our students stand ready to excel in life. By committing to the whole child, removing barriers, and creating pathways of opportunity, we have prepared them to thrive.
I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving this incredible community and witnessing the remarkable progress we have made together. It has truly been an honor to sit in the driver’s seat these past ten years, watching our Giants grow, dream, and achieve.
Thank you all for allowing me to be part of your journey.