MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Mon, 14 Jul 2025
Dear Goose Creek CISD Community, I hope you are enjoying a restful summer with family and friends. As we prepare for the upcoming school year, I want to share an important update regarding my upcoming retirement and what this means for our district moving forward. As you may have heard, I have entered into a retirement agreement with our Board of Trustees. This agreement allows us to thoughtfully ...Read more...
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thumbnail for Carlaskio Smith Named Pumphrey Elementary Principal
Carlaskio Smith Named Pumphrey Elementary Principal
16 July
Join us in congratulating Carlaskio Smith on being named Pumphrey Elementary Principal! Mr. Carlaskio Smith is a passionate and student-centered educational leader with over a decade of experience in public education. Originally from El Dorado, Arkansas, Mr. Smith began his career as Executive Director of eXtreme Youth Programs through the SHARE Foundation, where he led community-focused initiatives aimed at youth development. Since relocating to the Houston area in 2015, Mr. Smith has served in multiple roles within Sheldon ISD, including Math Interventionist, Classroom Teacher at Garrett Elementary, and most recently, Assistant Principal at Monahan Elementary. His leadership has consistently reflected a deep commitment to student success, staff collaboration, and family engagement. Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Science in School Leadership, Management, and Administration from the University of Central Arkansas. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a Superintendent Specialization from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. During his free time, Mr. Smith is active in music ministry and enjoys spending time with family and friends. He is also a lifelong learner who continually seeks out tools and resources to support student achievement and educational excellence. "It s a true honor to serve at Pumphrey Elementary, where we can inspire growth, cultivate a love of learning, and ensure that every child thrives. - Carlaskio Smith
Thumbnail for Angie Putnam Named Director of Custodial and Grounds
Angie Putnam Named Director of Custodial and Grounds
14 July
Join us in congratulating Angie Putnam for being named Director of Custodial and Grounds. Angela "Angie" Putnam is a dedicated educator with 28 years of experience in public education, including the past 24 years serving Goose Creek CISD. She began her career as an elementary teacher at De Zavala Elementary, where she taught 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades. During her time there, she also served as a math coach and the Family Involvement Coordinator. Mrs. Putnam later moved to Gentry Junior School, where she served as a teacher, academic coach, and eventually assistant principal. Most recently, she served at Goose Creek Memorial High School as both Assistant Principal and Academic Dean, continuing her commitment to student achievement and staff support. Throughout her career, Mrs. Putnam has prioritized meaningful relationships, communication, and collaboration to support the diverse needs of the GCCISD community. She sees each interaction as a chance to contribute to student success and remains committed to working across departments because she believes it takes us all to grow GC Giants. Mrs. Putnam earned her degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University and Lamar University. She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Scott Putnam, for nearly 29 years. They have two sons, both proud products of GCCISD. Bryce works locally in Computer Aided Design, and Justyn is currently serving in the United States Marine Corps. Every day is a chance to learn and grow. I m excited to keep discovering more about education and believe it takes every role and person working together to ensure student success. - Angie Putnam
Thumbnail for Sarah Flusche Named Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction
Sarah Flusche Named Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction
24 June
Sarah Flusche brings more than two decades of dedicated service to Goose Creek CISD, where she has consistently demonstrated a passion for literacy and student success. She began her career as an English Language Arts teacher and advanced into key leadership roles, including Instructional Specialist for ELA, Coordinator for ELA and Languages Other Than English, and Associate Director for ELA and Library Services. These roles have equipped her with a strong foundation in curriculum development, instructional support, and educational leadership. A proud graduate of Goose Creek schools, Sarah s educational journey is deeply rooted in the community she now serves. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and a Master of Education in Administration from Lamar University, where she graduated with honors. Originally from Arkansas, Sarah moved to Texas as a child and has called this area home ever since. Her personal experience as both a student and educator in Goose Creek inspires her continued commitment to ensuring every child has access to high-quality learning. Outside of work, Sarah and her husband enjoy traveling. One of their goals is to visit all the major National Parks. So far, they have been to sixteen, and her dream is to one day see Acadia in the fall. This role represents an opportunity for me to support Goose Creek students, staff, and stakeholders, and I am excited to help reach the district s goal of empowering all learners.
No thumbnail found for Dr. Randal O’Brien Announces Retirement as Superintendent of Goose Creek CISD After More Than 30 Years in Education
Dr. Randal O’Brien Announces Retirement as Superintendent of Goose Creek CISD After More Than 30 Years in Education
21 June
After more than three decades of dedicated service in Texas public education, Dr. Randal O Brien, Superintendent of Goose Creek CISD, has announced his retirement. Dr. O Brien has served Goose Creek CISD for 12 years, first as deputy superintendent in 2013 before becoming the district s 15th superintendent in 2014. The Goose Creek CISD Board of Trustees formally accepted his retirement during the June 19th school board meeting. I am deeply grateful for the support shown to me and my family as we have worked hard over the past decade, or more, to ensure that every student is provided a high-quality education. Having been a student who could have easily fallen between the cracks myself, I have worked tirelessly to create pathways of success for all students, said Dr. O Brien. Dr. O Brien s educational career includes roles as teacher, principal, district administrator, and superintendent across Texas, making Goose Creek his capstone to a celebrated career. He holds degrees in business management, educational administration, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Throughout his career, he has built a strong reputation for student-focused leadership and community collaboration. Recognized as a Superintendent of the Year nominee in both Region 12 and Region 4, Dr. O Brien has championed his belief that leadership matters by serving in numerous leadership development academies and mentoring young aspiring administrators. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Clear Lake, helping to prepare the next generation of educational leaders. Outside of education, Dr. O Brien remains passionate about his role in community service through the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and various other local service organizations in which he volunteers. Under his leadership, Goose Creek CISD has made remarkable progress, including expanding Career and Technical Education programs, launching STEM and Early College initiatives, and enhancing local industry partnerships. Over his tenure, voters have approved over $600 million in school bond initiatives, which have provided new campuses, classroom expansions, safety upgrades, and district-wide technology improvements. Also, during this time, the district has grown by nearly four thousand students and attained national recognition for its Career Academies, the implementation of AVID instructional practices, the innovative Early Childhood Learning Academies, and numerous athletic and fine arts advancement experiences for Goose Creek students. Dr. O Brien and his wife, Monica, also a retired educator, reside in Baytown and enjoy spending time with their family, including three adult children and three grandsons. As he steps away from his professional role this fall, he looks forward to devoting more time to his loved ones, traveling, enjoying outdoor recreation, and continuing to support public education in new ways. From early in my career, I knew my passion was creating opportunities for student success. My mother taught me that true leadership begins with integrity, and that, along with my faith, has guided my journey. I ve been blessed with a supportive family, a visionary board, a brilliant executive team, devoted teachers, and a community that entrusted me with their most precious treasure: their children, said Dr. O Brien. The Goose Creek CISD Board of Trustees will now begin the process of selecting the district s next superintendent. Dr. O Brien has committed to staying through the fall semester as this process is completed to ensure a smooth transition. The district is committed to keeping stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the process.
Thumbnail for Heather Alarcon Named Stephen F. Austin Elementary Principal
Heather Alarcon Named Stephen F. Austin Elementary Principal
09 June
Heather Alarcon brings a strong background in education and leadership to her role as principal of Stephen F. Austin Elementary. She earned her bachelor s degree from Texas A&M University and her master s degree from Lamar University, and she is currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of Houston Clear Lake. Mrs. Alarcon began her career in education as a classroom teacher at Pasadena ISD, where she served for six years. She joined Goose Creek CISD as an assistant principal, including one year at Austin Elementary, before transitioning to a district leadership role as Human Resources Coordinator. Now returning to Austin Elementary, Mrs. Alarcon is eager to build strong partnerships with families, staff, and students to foster a positive, engaging, and high-achieving school environment. She and her husband, Adrian, live in Shoreacres with their two dogs, Juni B and Maggie. Together, they enjoy spending time outdoors and visiting Disney destinations. I'm honored and excited to return to Austin Elementary as principal and partner with our school community for a great year ahead.
Thumbnail for Ms. Celines Rivera Named Principal of Alamo Elementary
Ms. Celines Rivera Named Principal of Alamo Elementary
09 June
Originally from Puerto Rico, Ms. Celines Rivera brings more than two decades of dedicated service to the field of education. She began her career as a classroom teacher while earning her Bachelor's degree from National College University and later pursued a Master s degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University, an experience that deepened her commitment to purposeful, student-centered leadership. Now in her 22nd year in education, Ms. Rivera has served in multiple roles, including Bilingual Teacher, Instructional Coach, Elementary Assistant Principal, and Elementary Principal. These diverse experiences have shaped her belief that education is not solely about instruction but building trust, fostering connections, and creating a supportive community where every child can succeed. Her educational philosophy is grounded in character-building, kindness, and empathy. She believes that by nurturing these core values, schools can help students achieve academically while also helping them become compassionate, responsible individuals prepared to make a positive impact in the world. Serving Alamo Elementary is a true privilege and fuels my passion for creating safe, inclusive spaces where all children thrive.
Thumbnail for LaLynda Clements Named Principal of Liles Early Learning Academy
LaLynda Clements Named Principal of Liles Early Learning Academy
06 June
LaLynda Clements brings a strong educational foundation and a deep commitment to Goose Creek CISD to her role as principal of Liles Early Learning Academy. Throughout her career in the district, she has served in various roles, including kindergarten teacher, special education resource teacher, 504 coordinator, and assistant principal. Ms. Clements connection to the Baytown community began in high school when her family moved to the area. As a proud graduate of Sterling High School and former Sterling Star, she looks back fondly on the school that became her second home. She went on to earn both her bachelor s and master s degrees in journalism and communication from Stephen F. Austin State University. She later completed a second master s degree at Lamar University to pursue her passion for educational leadership. Outside of work, Ms. Clements enjoys spending time with her daughter, Graycen a University of Tennessee student and spirited SEC fan. Together, they make the most of summer and holiday vacations, with recent favorites including London and New York City. I m honored to lead Liles Early Learning Academy, where joy, discovery, and growth guide our work and where every child is nurtured, inspired, and empowered to thrive.
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