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.

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.

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.

Alicia Brooks brings a wealth of experience, passion, and innovation to her role as Principal of the Peter E. Hyland Empower Academy. With a dynamic background in both classroom instruction and educational technology, Mrs. Brooks has served Goose Creek CISD in numerous capacities over the years, including Math and Computer Science Teacher, Basketball and Cheerleading Coach, OG sponsor of the Blarglefish Robotics Team, Educational Technology Specialist, Director of Information Services, and most recently, Principal of the GCCISD Virtual Academy. Her leadership at the Virtual Academy demonstrated her commitment to reimagining education through flexible, student-centered learning environments, which aligns seamlessly with the Peter E. Hyland Empower Academy's mission. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Mrs. Brooks was raised by two educators who instilled in her a lifelong love of learning and service. She attended college in Iowa, where she played basketball and earned a degree in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science. She began her teaching career at Hazelwood East High School before relocating to Baytown, Texas, after marrying her husband, who currently serves as Principal of Lee High School. Together, they are proud parents of two children: Yasmine Brooks, a Sterling High School graduate and recent Kinesiology graduate from Texas Southern University, and Derrick Brooks, a current Sterling High School student. This role represents everything I believe in innovation, opportunity, and a deep commitment to meeting students and families where they are.

Mark Gorena brings a deep commitment to student success, collaborative leadership, and community engagement to his new role as principal of San Jacinto Elementary. He began his career in public education in 2010 in Irving ISD and has served as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, and campus administrator. He joined Goose Creek CISD in 2020 as assistant principal at Lamar Elementary and was later named principal, serving from 2023 to 2025. These experiences helped shape his leadership philosophy, which is grounded in equity, shared responsibility, and the belief that every child can succeed. Mr. Gorena holds a bachelor s degree from the Austin Graduate School of Theology. He previously attended the University of Texas at Austin and earned a master s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University in 2014. Prior to entering education, he served as a youth pastor for 20 years, a role that continues to influence his heart for service and mentorship. He and his wife are proud empty nesters and lifelong advocates for public education. Mr. Gorena is excited to begin this new chapter at San Jacinto Elementary, guided by a quote that reflects his approach to leadership: The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. Ralph Nader "I m excited for the journey ahead and grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, families, and staff of San Jacinto Elementary."

Goose Creek CISD Continues to Seek Community Input for Naming of Stallworth Stadium Field House and the Professional Development and Event Center Goose Creek CISD is extending the time frame for the community to participate in the naming of the Field House at Stallworth Stadium and the Professional Development and Event Center at the Education Service Center. This is an opportunity to honor individuals who have made a significant impact on our district or society. This is a meaningful chance to honor individuals who have made a lasting impact on our district or broader society. How to Submit a Nomination Suggestions for the name must be submitted in writing as a separate document and may be: Mailed to: GCCISD Superintendent s Office, P.O. Box 30, Baytown, TX 77522 Faxed to: 281-420-4815 Emailed to: noemi.garcia@gccisd.net Delivered in person to: Goose Creek CISD Administration Building, 4544 Interstate 10 East Deadline Extended : Nominations will be accepted through June 19, 2025. Nomination Requirements According to Board Policy, a facility may be named for: A living or deceased person who has attained local or national prominence in education, science, art, statesmanship, political science, or military achievement An early pioneer of the Goose Creek CISD area or the state of Texas An outstanding President of the United States Students and citizens are encouraged to nominate individuals who reflect the diversity of our community. Each nomination must include three paragraphs outlining: Biographical information The nominee s significant contributions A statement explaining why the field house or the professional development and event center should bear their name Citizen Participation Community members may present their nominations during Citizen s Participation at the June 19, 2025, Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Each speaker will be limited to three minutes, with a maximum of five speakers per nomination. The Board of Trustees may or may not take action on the name at the June 19, 2025, meeting . For more information, please contact the Goose Creek CISD Superintendent s Office at 281-707-3418 .

Luis Muñoz is a proud Goose Creek CISD graduate and dedicated educator with 19 years of experience in public education. He began his career in the district as a substitute teacher and has since served in various roles, including Bilingual Elementary Teacher at Carver Elementary, Family Involvement Coordinator and Assistant Principal at Ashbel Smith Elementary, Assistant Principal at Horace Mann Junior, and most recently, Principal at San Jacinto Elementary. Mr. Muñoz brings a strong background in bilingual education, family engagement, and campus leadership. Throughout his career, he has worked collaboratively with teachers, families, and community partners to support student achievement and success. A product of Goose Creek schools, Mr. Muñoz attended San Jacinto Elementary, Baytown Junior, and Ross S. Sterling High School. He began his higher education journey at Lee College before earning a bachelor s degree in economics with a minor in government from the University of Texas at Austin. He later completed his master s degree in educational leadership at the University of St. Thomas. Deeply rooted in the Baytown community, Mr. Muñoz is committed to giving back to the district that shaped his own educational journey. With family still actively involved in GCCISD, including a nephew entering IMPACT Early College High School, his dedication to student growth and community partnership remains stronger than ever. We only have our students for three short years, so there's a real urgency to prepare them academically, socially, and emotionally for high school and beyond.