Story by: Kendall David, GCCISD Executive Director of Community Engagement

Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) employees once again demonstrated their strong commitment to students, families, and the community through the successful 2025–2026 United Way campaign.

GCCISD has maintained a long-standing partnership with United Way of Greater Baytown Area & Chambers County in support of services that strengthen families and improve lives for the students they serve. During this year’s campaign, 1,001 district employees collectively raised $51,614, directly supporting United Way programs that provide essential resources and support throughout the community.

To help recognize the success of the campaign, the district was honored to welcome United Way CEO Mrs. Reabold to celebrate the generosity of GCCISD employees and the campuses that led the way in participation and giving. District leaders expressed appreciation for every employee who contributed, noting that the campaign’s success reflects the service-minded spirit of GCCISD.

Pictured, from left, Joe Rodriguez, GCCISD Superintendent; Renee Stripling, Highlands Elementary campaign coordinator; Blanca Capetillo, Highlands Elementary Principal; Melissa Reabold, United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County CEO; and Jim Campisi, GCCISD School Board President. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.

Pictured, from left, Pictured, from left, Joe Rodriguez, GCCISD Superintendent; Michelle Jackson, Robert E. Lee High School Assistant Principal; Clemencia Vigil, Robert E. Lee High School campaign coordinator; Melissa Reabold, United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County CEO; and Jim Campisi, GCCISD School Board President. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.

Pictured, from left, Pictured, from left, Joe Rodriguez, GCCISD Superintendent; Carlaskio Smith, Pumphrey Elementary Principal; Michelle Grimes, Pumphrey Elementary campaign coordinator; Melissa Reabold, United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County CEO; and Jim Campisi, GCCISD School Board President. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.

Several campuses were recognized for outstanding employee participation. POINT Alternative Center earned the third-highest participation rate at 50 percent, led by Principal Bill Kimbel and United Way campaign coordinator Nancy Hockless. Clark Elementary received recognition for the second-highest participation rate at 70 percent under the leadership of Principal Kem Scheidt and campaign coordinator Michelle Schramm. Highlands Elementary achieved the highest employee participation rate at 85 percent, with leadership from Principal Blanca Capetillo and campaign coordinator Renee Stripling.

Campuses were also recognized for the highest monetary contributions within their size categories. In the small campus category, ranging from one to 85 employees, IMPACT Early College High School led contributions with a total of $2,095 under the leadership of Principal and campaign coordinator Laura Reyes. In the medium campus category, ranging from 86 to 115 employees, Pumphrey Elementary raised $3,027, led by Principal Carlaskio Smith and campaign coordinator Michelle Grimes. In the large campus category, ranging from 116 to 259 employees, Robert E. Lee High School contributed the highest amount at $5,135, with leadership from Principal Earnest Brooks and campaign coordinators Clemencia Vigil and Connie Guerrero.

GCCISD extends sincere gratitude to all employees who participated in the 2025–2026 United Way campaign. Their generosity continues to strengthen the partnership with United Way and ensures vital resources remain available to support students, families, and the greater Baytown and Chambers County communities.

Each January, Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) proudly joins school districts across Texas in honoring the dedicated individuals who serve their communities as volunteer school board members. School Board Recognition Month provides an opportunity to recognize trustees for their leadership, service, and commitment to ensuring students receive a high-quality public education.

The 2026 School Board Recognition Month theme, “Our Future Is Public,” reflects the powerful role public education plays in shaping the next generation. Through their time and expertise, GCCISD trustees guide the district's direction while investing in student success, workforce readiness, and the long-term strength of the community.

The Board of Trustees' leadership impacts nearly 24,000 students across GCCISD each day. From academic opportunities to facilities planning, safety initiatives, and student support systems, trustees help create the conditions for students to learn, grow, and thrive.

To celebrate School Board Recognition Month, campuses across the district created posters and visual displays expressing gratitude for the board’s service and dedication. These student- and staff-created tributes reflect the district's appreciation for the trustees’ commitment to public education.

In addition to campus celebrations, trustees were formally recognized through a proclamation from City of Baytown Mayor Charles Johnson, a proclamation from Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, a resolution from State Representative District 143 Honorable Ana E. Hernandez, and certificates from Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. Trustees also received a book dedication in their honor, recognizing their lasting impact on students and the community.

GCCISD extends sincere appreciation to its Board of Trustees for their dedication, leadership, and service to students, families, and the community. Their commitment to public education continues to strengthen opportunities for today’s learners while building a brighter future for generations to come.

Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) is proud to announce that four outstanding student musicians have earned recognition through the Texas All-State audition process, one of the highest honors a secondary music student can achieve in the state of Texas.

Eli Ortiz, Baritone Saxophone, Robert E. Lee High School - 1st Alternate

The following students were selected through a highly competitive audition process involving thousands of students statewide:

• Arnel Zalamea, Choir, Ross S. Sterling High School
• Meg Gregory, Choir, Robert E. Lee High School
• Seth Lewis, Tuba, Robert E. Lee High School
• Eli Ortiz, Baritone Saxophone, Robert E. Lee High School - 1st Alternate

Texas All-State musicians and alternates are selected through multiple rounds of auditions, judged by expert panels, and represent the top student performers in the state. Earning All-State or Alternate status reflects exceptional musical skill and dedication to artistic excellence.

“These students represent the very best of Goose Creek CISD Fine Arts,” said Dr. Ray Lavan, Director of Fine Arts. “Their achievement is the result of years of commitment, strong instruction, and the support of outstanding teachers, families, and campus leaders. We are incredibly proud of them.”

Students selected for All-State will perform in the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State ensembles, while alternates stand ready to represent the district at the highest level should opportunities arise.

GCCISD congratulates these students and their directors for this outstanding accomplishment and for continuing a strong tradition of excellence in Fine Arts.