Aldine ISD Honors Legacy of Three Former Trustees

Celebration recognizes decades of service and impact from Rose Avalos, Connie Esparza, and Steve Mead

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:54pm

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Aldine ISD leaders, staff, families, and community members gathered to celebrate the extraordinary service and lasting legacy of three former trustees: Rose Avalos, Connie Esparza, and Steve Mead. The reception honored their collective impact in shaping the district through major initiatives, crisis response, and ongoing advocacy for public education.

Why it matters

The three former trustees helped guide Aldine ISD through significant milestones, including the implementation of strategic plans, bond measures, and a commitment to ensuring every student graduates with choices and opportunities. Their leadership and community-focused approach were instrumental in strengthening the district and supporting student success.

The details

Together, Avalos, Esparza, and Mead served on the Aldine ISD Board of Trustees for decades, bringing unique perspectives and deep personal connections to the district. Avalos, an Aldine native, dedicated over 30 years to the district as an educator and nearly 20 years as a trustee. Esparza, a longtime Aldine resident and retired Houston Community College Northeast educator, consistently advocated for bilingual learners, parent engagement, and equitable opportunities. Mead, a graduate of Aldine High School and local business owner, was known as a steady, thoughtful leader who brought the perspective of a parent, neighbor, and advocate.

  • The reception was held on March 31, 2026.
  • Avalos was elected to Position 3 in May 2006.
  • Esparza was appointed to Position 4 in February 2017.
  • Mead was first appointed to Position 5 in January 2004.

The players

Rose Avalos

An Aldine native who dedicated more than 30 years to the district as an educator and nearly two decades as a trustee. She was elected to Position 3 in May 2006 and served as a teacher, counselor, program director, assistant principal, and principal, including being named Principal of the Year in 2002 and 2003.

Connie Esparza

A longtime Aldine resident and retired Houston Community College Northeast educator who brought a strong voice for families and the community. She was appointed to Position 4 in February 2017 and consistently advocated for bilingual learners, parent engagement, and equitable opportunities for all students.

Steve Mead

A graduate of Aldine High School and local business owner who has dedicated more than 50 years of service to the community. He was first appointed to Position 5 in January 2004 and was known as a steady, thoughtful leader who brought the perspective of a parent, neighbor, and advocate.

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What they’re saying

“Because of your leadership, Aldine ISD is stronger. We're in a better position for the future. Your fingerprints are everywhere, in our schools, in our programs and in the lives of students we serve. While your time on the board has come to a close, your impact will continue to shape this district for years to come.”

— Dr. LaTonya Goffney, Superintendent

“It's been a wonderful experience, a wonderful journey. The only thing I ever wanted was to make a difference. I hope that I have and want to continue to do so.”

— Rose Avalos, Former Trustee

“I've always sat on the board with the intention of being a voice for the people I serve. I am very blessed, I am very humbled and overwhelmed by what has been said about me.”

— Connie Esparza, Former Trustee

“My philosophy in life has always been not to run from things, but to try to change things. That's what I've tried to do with my time on the board. We're so fortunate to have the board we have, and we're really so fortunate to have our Superintendent, Dr. Goffney.”

— Steve Mead, Former Trustee

What’s next

The Aldine ISD Board of Trustees will continue to build on the legacy of Avalos, Esparza, and Mead as they guide the district's future initiatives and strategic priorities.

The takeaway

The celebration of these three former trustees underscores the vital role that community-focused leadership plays in shaping the success and direction of a school district. Their decades of service, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to student success have left an indelible mark on Aldine ISD.