Dr. LaTonya Goffney, superintendent of Aldine Independent School District, was recognized by the Houston Chronicle as one of their Most Fascinating Houstonians of 2024. Goffney has led Aldine ISD since June 2018, committing herself to over 60,000 students and almost 10,000 employees. Goffney focuses on early childhood education, reading, professional development, communication, and most importantly community. She also served as superintendent at Coldspring-Oakhurst Consolidated CISD in Coldspring, Texas and Lufkin ISD. Goffney has shown her ability to lead in rural and large school districts and she has continued to carry her passion and dedication with her throughout the state of Texas.
Goffney has received numerous awards, in 2021 she was recognized by Acres Homes and given the Acres Homes Chamber of Commerce’s Community Excellence Award. In 2017, she was named Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards. She was also named Top 30 Women in Houston in 2022. Goffney is a native of Coldspring, Texas, and is a 3-time Sam Houston State University graduate. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in history, master’s degree in educational administration, and a doctorate in educational leadership. She is a part of a small, yet growing group of Black women superintendents in the United States. Studies show that less than 2% of school superintendents nationwide are Black women.
Goffney started Aldine ISD’s, Health, Education, And Learning High School (HEAL) initiative, it addresses the healthcare workforce challenges in Houston. This initiative is a part of the reason the Houston Chronicle recognized her and her achievements. The program is located in Nimitz High School’s 9th grade building, and it welcomed its first freshman class in August 2024. The HEAL program offers students a direct path to future careers in healthcare. The program is in partnership with Memorial Hermann Hospital and funded by a 250-million-dollar grant. When Goffney spoke with the Chronicle in August, she said she found the problem and the solution. “We have identified a problem: healthcare desert, lack of access. We identified a solution: training up our kids who are going to be amazing.”
Goffney’s story is a powerful example of what hard work, determination, and giving back can achieve. Growing up in Coldspring, TX, she had plans to make a difference, and today she is leading one of the largest school districts in Texas. Her leadership skills show how important it is to invest in education at an early age and ensure that every child has an opportunity to be successful, no matter where they come from. Her journey should be an inspiration to young Black girls inspiring them to dream big, work hard, and make a difference in their communities, proving that great leaders are built on service and dedication.
[Photo: Instagram]
