The Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation hosted its annual Evening of Excellence Gala on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Baytown Houston. The event brought together educators, district leaders, local officials, and community partners for an evening celebrating innovation, achievement, and the strength of public education. Guests enjoyed dinner, silent and live auctions, and a high-energy performance by The Chee Weez.

The program featured a tribute to Bañuelos Elementary teacher Linda LeDay, who has earned an Innovative Teaching Grant every year since 2010, as well as a highlight from the Students’ Choice Awards program, presented in a video honoring Highlands Junior School theatre teacher Robert Richard. His story was shared through a heartfelt letter written by 2025 Robert E Lee alum Raye Lovell.

A special moment of the evening recognized the late Sandra Bell, one of the Foundation’s founders and a fierce advocate for educators. In her honor, the Foundation announced the creation of a designated fund that will support scholarships for developing teachers and paraprofessionals. The first gifts to the fund were pledged during the event.

The gala also included the presentation of the Roger Elswick Legacy Award. This year’s honoree was Gilbert Santana, a founding board member, generous donor, and longtime supporter of Goose Creek CISD and Lee College.

Proceeds from the gala will support the Foundation’s Innovative Teaching Grants, which fund creative, hands-on projects that enrich instruction and elevate learning opportunities for students across Goose Creek CISD.

Goose Creek CISD is proud to share that Dr. Joe Rodriguez has been named the lone finalist for Superintendent of Schools. As required by state statute, the district will now enter a 21-day waiting period prior to finalizing a contract. This announcement follows a thorough and thoughtful search process in which the Board of Trustees reviewed extensive community input and engaged in careful deliberation. The Board voted unanimously to advance Dr. Joe Rodriguez as the lone finalist, recognizing that his leadership style, experience, and vision align with the priorities of our students, staff, and families.

“The Superintendent Search was carried out with the full integrity that our community expects and deserves. Every community survey was reviewed, and every comment from our focus groups was carefully considered as we worked through this important decision. The Board is confident in the leader we have chosen to guide Goose Creek CISD forward with a clear focus on student achievement and success, and we believe Dr. Joe Rodriguez reflects the values, hopes, and priorities shared by our families, staff, and community.”

— James “Jim” Campisi, Board President, Goose Creek CISD

 With twenty-seven years in public education, Dr. Joe Rodriguez brings deep experience and a steady, student-focused vision to every role he serves. His career has included leading at every level—elementary school principal, high school principal, assistant superintendent, and five years as Chief of Schools in Fort Bend ISD, where he oversaw the daily operations of 81 campuses serving more than 78,000 students.

While in Fort Bend, he guided major districtwide initiatives that strengthened academic performance, expanded opportunities for students, and equipped campus leaders with clear systems of support. That work contributed to the removal of low-performing designations and statewide recognition for excellence.

In 2021, he stepped into the role of Superintendent of Fredericksburg ISD, bringing a student-first, team-centered approach that continues to shape the district today. Under his leadership, academic outcomes improved across campuses, the community passed the largest bond in history, employee salaries saw significant increases, and additional safety and security measures were implemented to protect students and staff.
Throughout his career, he has remained grounded in one belief: students achieve their best when supported by confident teachers, strong campus leadership, and a community that stands behind them. That commitment has guided his work and shaped the culture he strives to build.

He has also always felt a deep connection to the Baytown area, a place he and his family visit often. When this position became available, it immediately felt like the right opportunity, both personally and professionally. He looks forward to serving Goose Creek CISD families and ensuring every student has the tools, confidence, and support needed to grow into capable, responsible young adults.

Dr. Rodriguez holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in educational administration, and a doctorate in educational leadership. He and his wife, Clarissa—a veteran educator—enjoy raising their family and staying connected to the communities they proudly serve.

“Thank you to the Goose Creek CISD Board of Trustees for the honor of being selected as the lone finalist. I am someone who will work for you. I am truly here to serve you, the students, and the community, and I am excited to get started and add value to the district.”

— Dr. Joe Rodriguez, Lone Finalist for Goose Creek CISD Superintendent of Schools

Crockett Elementary welcomed district leaders and community partners this week for its AVID Showcase, an event highlighting the campus’s growing focus on college and career readiness, student leadership, and academic ownership. The showcase demonstrated how AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, has become a defining part of the Crockett experience from kindergarten through fifth grade, aligning with campus goals and shaping daily instruction.

Principal Tailis Oniwon, now in her fourth year leading AVID implementation at Crockett, shared how much the program has evolved. She noted that the campus has seen significant growth in student awareness of future opportunities and a stronger understanding of multiple pathways for success. She emphasized that campus goals are rooted in data and that when the staff identifies a need, they use AVID practices to guide solutions. She also shared the campus’s strong commitment to ensuring students can read and write at high levels.

A highlight of the showcase was the introduction of this year’s AVID Student Ambassadors. One student is selected from each third through fifth-grade class, and students are nominated by their teachers for leadership, communication, and responsibility. Ambassadors participate in leadership meetings and training with Principal Oniwon and Assistant Principal Jaylene Lemus. They also work with visiting groups who teach skills such as hosting campus tours and serving as positive representatives of the school.

Several ambassadors shared their experiences during the event. Fifth-grader Esteban Guajardo, in his third year as an ambassador, said he enjoys being a leader and that it feels cool to be a role model. Fourth-grader Ryli Starr, who is serving her second year, said she appreciates meeting new people and feels proud that others look up to her and can see what students at Crockett can accomplish. Third-grader Brody Hopkins said his favorite part of being an ambassador is the fun activities that follow the big tours. Third-grader Brinley Ralls said she loves meeting new people, communicating with others, and experiencing how enjoyable the role can be.

Ambassadors have been part of Crockett’s AVID structure for four years and represent the school’s focus on empowering student agency and leadership.

This year, the campus is focusing on helping students take ownership of their learning by setting personal and academic SMART goals, participating in goal conferencing, and reflecting on their progress. Students monitor their grades in TEAMS, track trends in Notability, and work to improve their writing, communication, collaboration, organization, and reading through daily WICOR strategies.

Next year, Crockett will build on this foundation with a campus goal centered on strengthening scholarly writing and communication across all content areas.

Principal Oniwon closed the showcase by reminding guests that AVID at Crockett is more than a program. It represents a campus-wide culture and a collective commitment to growing learners and leaders who are prepared for the future.

Story by: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications

Stephen F. Austin Elementary celebrated a special moment in campus history this week as the school opened a time capsule created by students and staff in the year 2000. Former students, teachers, and principals returned to campus to join current third-grade students for the unveiling and enjoy refreshments together in the school library.

Principal Heather Alarcon and Librarian Karen Trujillo led the event, carefully displaying each item for the group to see. The time capsule included treasures that reflected the era, including Beanie Babies, Hot Wheels cars, Pokémon cards, memory books, and other nostalgic items that sparked excitement from alumni and students alike. The capsule also included a VHS tape featuring each class introducing themselves, offering a nostalgic glimpse of the students and teachers who were part of the campus in 2000.

Barbara Wilson, who served eight years as principal and led the campus when the time capsule was created in 2000, returned for the celebration alongside former principal Laura Smith, who served the school for 20 years, with her last 12 as principal. Both reflected on the culture and community of Austin Elementary during their years of leadership.

When asked about her hopes for the students who would one day open the capsule, Barbara Wilson shared how meaningful it was to see former students return.

"One of the coolest things, even today, is seeing the students who came back. Thank goodness for social media. We have heard great responses."

Both Wilson and Smith spoke warmly about the school community as it existed in 2000, describing it as tight-knit, family-centered, and deeply connected. Smith emphasized how traditions like time capsules strengthen a school community across generations.

"Goose Creek is such a great district. I was born and raised here. I can look back and see pictures and memories and be in the same district and see kids who are now grown."

The principals also shared messages for the students who helped bury the capsule and described what it meant to reunite for this moment. Wilson described the emotional significance of the day.

"I was actually nervous, even though I am here every month. It feels different when the previous staff member comes back, and your heart is huge. You love these people. It is a great feeling."

Smith reflected on the deep bonds formed among the staff.

"We had a family, and these people became our best friends. Our kids would play in the hallway together. Many staff members brought their children to this campus."

Several former students also shared their favorite memories from their time at Austin in 2000 while holding items from the capsule. Brittany McArdle (Watkins), who was in fourth grade, remembered recess after lunch and visiting the snack bar for cookies and ice cream. Kylie Sobzcak (Peloquin), a fifth-grader at the time, recalled how much she loved Mrs. Hutchins, enjoyed snack time, and got to walk down to her mother’s classroom each day. Monica Perez (Suarez), who was in fourth grade, remembered the state test and proudly shared that she missed only one question on the reading test.

As current students listened to the stories and watched the items unfold, they received a firsthand look at Austin Elementary’s legacy, shaped by relationships and a strong sense of community.

Story by: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications

Goose Creek CISD recently highlighted a unique connection among its campus leaders on The Goose Call, the district’s official podcast. The special episode featured five high school principals who are proud graduates of the very schools they now lead, celebrating what it truly means to come full circle.

The featured principals include Earnest Brooks, Principal of Robert E. Lee High School and Robert E. Lee High School Class of 1994 graduate; Nathan Chaddick, Principal of Ross S. Sterling High School and Ross S. Sterling High School Class of 1987 graduate; Shonna Prentice, Principal of Stuart Career Tech High School and Ross S. Sterling High School Class of 1998 graduate; Laura Reyes, Principal of IMPACT Early College High School and Robert E. Lee High School Class of 1987 graduate; and Kelley Start, Principal of Goose Creek Memorial High School and Ross S. Sterling High School Class of 1996 graduate.

The conversation began with a trip down memory lane as the principals reflected on their student experiences, from pep rallies and halftime shows to cross-town rivalries at Stallworth Stadium.

“Anytime I step into Stallworth Stadium, memories flood back,” said Kelley Start. “I was a Sterling Star, and that experience shaped so much of who I am today.”

Earnest Brooks shared a spirited memory from the 1993 Lee versus Sterling game, a classic 15–12 Gander victory that still stands out in his mind.

“Walking the same halls today brings back that nostalgia,” Brooks said. “It makes me fight even harder to ensure students on our side of town get every opportunity to go out into this world and be somebody.”

The principals also spoke about what inspired them to enter the field of education and how their time in Goose Creek CISD played a role.

“My Sterling Stars director was a huge inspiration,” said Start. “If I hadn’t had that experience, I wouldn’t have wanted to be a Star Director and hopefully give those same opportunities to my students.”

“People see gifts and talents in you,” reflected Brooks. “Sometimes you’re destined to do certain things. This is the town I was chosen to give back to.”

Laura Reyes, whose mother also taught at Lee High School, added, “Once I got into schools, I felt the reason I was meant to be here. My mom was my inspiration. She led me into this work.”

While each principal’s story is different, their shared experiences growing up in Baytown have shaped their leadership and strengthened their bond with students, staff, and families.

“Knowing the different parts of Baytown, from Pelly to Old Baytown, helps me understand our community and where our families are coming from,” said Reyes. “That connection gives me passion for what I do every day.”

Shonna Prentice described her goal to ensure her staff and students feel that same sense of pride. “When I was in high school, my teachers were proud to be Rangers,” she said. “My goal now is to make sure my teachers are proud to be Titans.”

She also shared how her education journey began with a powerful moment of inspiration.

“I actually started in public relations before becoming a teacher,” Prentice said. “It was a third-grade teacher, Ms. LeDay, who showed me how one caring educator could completely change a child’s outlook. I knew then that I wanted to make that same kind of difference.”

For Nathan Chaddick, whose family roots in Goose Creek CISD span generations, the experience is deeply personal.

“My dad graduated from Lee in 1958 and never missed a Gander game,” he said. “There’s a special rapport that comes from being part of multiple generations in this community.”

Together, these five leaders embody what it means to come full circle, growing from students into the educators shaping the next generation of Giants.

“It’s powerful to see our alumni leading from within,” said Goose Creek CISD Executive Director of Community Engagement, Kendall David. “Their stories show how deeply connected this district is, and how, here in Goose Creek CISD, we truly grow Giants.”

You can listen to the full episode, “Full Circle: Five Principals, One District,” on The Goose Call podcast at www.gccisd.net/page/Communications.NewsHub

Scott Platt brings over two decades of experience in education, serving in roles that include classroom teacher, interventionist, teacher specialist, assistant principal, and principal. His focus has been on strengthening Tier 1 instruction, mentoring educators, and fostering inclusive, high-performing school cultures.

Beyond his work in schools, Mr. Platt is engaged in Houston’s arts community and passionate about the connection between creativity, learning, and leadership. He believes in developing the whole child and in the power of collaboration between teachers, families, and the community to ensure every student succeeds.

Mr. Platt earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in French from Belmont University and a Master of Education in Secondary Education from the University of St. Thomas. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Education at the University of Houston—Clear Lake. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, exploring new restaurants, reading, attending performances by the Houston Ballet and Houston Symphony, working out, and swimming.

“It’s an honor to join the Travis Elementary family. I look forward to working with our dedicated staff and families to continue building the pride and sense of belonging that make Travis special.”

Story by: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications 

Sixth graders from Cedar Bayou Junior School recently took learning beyond the classroom during a “Bear Takeover” of Galveston, Texas, where they explored the wetlands through a hands-on kayak field experience. This exciting opportunity was made possible through a grant awarded to Artist Boat, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting awareness and preservation of coastal and marine environments through science and art.

Through this partnership, the Goose Creek CISD Science Department and Artist Boat provided every sixth-grade student at Cedar Bayou Junior School with a comprehensive learning experience that combined conservation, marine science, and art education. The program included a four-hour kayak field trip on Galveston Bay, along with fifteen hours of interactive workshops and presentations held on campus.

“Artist Boat has provided our students with an incredible opportunity to study and understand science in the field. The students’ understanding of coastal marine conservation will be so much richer through this experience; it is a fantastic opportunity for GCCISD sixth-grade students,” said Emilie Olivier, GCCISD Associate Director of Science and Health.

As representatives of both their school and the Baytown community, students embraced the adventure with enthusiasm, observing wildlife and engaging in meaningful discussions about protecting local ecosystems.

The GCCISD Career & Technical Education (CTE) Department, through an ExxonMobil grant, also provided support for the buses to facilitate the field trips, making this a collaborative effort that ensures every student can participate in the experience.

The partnership with Artist Boat, the Science Department, and the CTE Department highlights Goose Creek CISD’s commitment to providing unique, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and environmental responsibility.

Story by: Kami Johnston, CTE Business and Community Partner Facilitator

The Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department proudly names Fueling Brains its October CTE Partner of the Month. This recognition highlights the company’s deep commitment to giving students diverse, hands-on experience across numerous CTE programs and guiding the future direction of CTE within the district.

Fueling Brains is a curriculum company that uses a holistic approach to advanced brain development, challenging traditional education with unique, research-backed care. Importantly, its work with GCCISD goes well beyond standard academics, providing students valuable internships in fields of construction, education and business.

Fueling Brains is a vital partner for several key GCCISD programs, ensuring students learn crucial job-ready skills. Students in GCCISD’s Construction programs take on practicum internships focused on CNC machines and up to date technologies used in the industry. Students are able to apply what they learn in the classroom in a hands-on real-world setting.

Interns from the Education and Training Program gain experience building curriculum-based lessons and projects for the company’s right/left brain classrooms. Further, students in the Global Business Academy receive practicum internships on an international stage, letting them examine the operations of global commerce and work with staff members worldwide. Every student participates in a capstone project that is presented at the end of the year to showcase the work they have done and the skills they have learned through their internship experience.

In addition to these opportunities, the company extends its influence by serving on GCCISD CTE Advisory Boards. By sharing their expertise in education, construction, and business, Fueling Brains helps guide the strategic planning and curriculum development for these programs, ensuring they remain relevant to industry needs.

Beyond strategic planning, Fueling Brains frequently hosts teachers for job shadow events, helping educators better prepare their students for jobs by gaining direct industry insight. The company also recently showed its dedication to teacher training by serving on an industry panel for GCCISD’s yearly back-to-school Professional Development Conference, where representatives offered valuable perspectives on various career paths.

GCCISD congratulates and thanks Fueling Brains for its continuous focus on student growth and its excellent work as the October CTE Partner of the Month. For more information on how to partner with GCCISD CTE visit our website, https://schools.gccisd.net/page/cte.SWC

Story by: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications 

Goose Creek CISD recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at De Zavala Elementary to celebrate the installation of a new sunshade structure designed to enhance outdoor learning and play, while promoting a healthier school environment.

De Zavala Elementary Principal Leah Abbate is joined by students, GCCISD staff members, and representatives from MD Anderson, Be Well™ Baytown, and Healthy Community Schools at the ribbon cutting for the school’s new sunshade.

The new shade structure provides a safer and more comfortable space for students to engage in outdoor activities. It supports the school’s ongoing commitment to sun safety education, which is integrated throughout the academic year through lessons and activities that emphasize the importance of protecting against harmful UV rays.

This project was made possible through the continued collaboration with Be Well™ Baytown, an initiative of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center sponsored by ExxonMobil. Since 2018, Be Well Baytown has supported Goose Creek CISD in expanding access to sun-safe environments and empowering families with knowledge about sun protection and wellness.

During the event, Amanda Kennington, Healthy Community School Coordinator for GCCISD, highlighted De Zavala’s ongoing success in implementing wellness initiatives and promoting healthy habits across the campus.

Principal Leah Abbate expressed gratitude for the support that made the project possible. “I would like to thank Angela Rowland and our staff for putting in the work to earn this shade structure on our campus,” said Abbate. “To MD Anderson, we sincerely appreciate your support of our sun safety efforts and cannot thank you enough for this beautiful sunshade. It’s wonderful to know our students will benefit from this addition for years to come.”

Currently, 94% of elementary schools in Goose Creek CISD have sunshades in their play areas, making them safer and more accessible. This ongoing expansion of sun-safe environments reflects the district’s commitment to student wellness and community collaboration.

The district extends its gratitude to Be Well™ Baytown, MD Anderson, and all partners who contributed to this effort, ensuring students across Goose Creek CISD continue to enjoy healthy, safe, and supportive outdoor spaces.