Dr. Randal O’Brien observes student projects during the STEM Showcase at the GCCISD Robotics Center.
Dear Goose Creek CISD Family,
What a year it has been! I cannot believe our 2022-2023 school year has officially ended and we are preparing for the start of the 2023-2024 school year on August 14th.
As I look back over last school year, I can’t help but be thankful. It is true that we have faced challenges (some we could control and others we couldn’t) but through it all, we remained steadfast in the district’s mission to develop the whole child, while aligning ourselves with the vision to empower every student with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a global community. We couldn’t do that for our 24,000-plus students without the support of our stakeholders. I am thankful for the support of our Board of Trustees. Having seven bosses can be challenging for anyone, but we are able to work through any challenge with respect because we keep our students and staff first and foremost in our minds. I am thankful for the nearly 4,000 employees that are a part of our GCCISD team. There are no small roles. Everyone plays a part in the success of our students. I am eternally grateful that they chose to work here in our district. I am thankful for our students. Those 24,000 human beings count on us to keep them safe and to prepare them for life after high school. I see the fruits of our labor every day I walk the halls of our 32 campuses. As a former classroom teacher, I know how difficult it can be when a student does not have support from the home. It not only affects teachers personally, but professionally as well. I am thankful for our amazing parents that do continue to support the district by supporting their student. Educating students is not an easy task, but having your support helps our district to achieve its goal of educational excellence!
The growth in our district has allowed us to successfully open several new facilities this school year. The Shelia C. Liles Early Learning Academy, Jessie Lee Pumphrey Elementary School, new San Jacinto Elementary School, and the Robotics Center help to make our district one of the most innovative in the Houston area. We are thankful for the support of our community. It is because of your vote in favor of the 2019 bond that we were able to complete many of these projects.
We are thankful that our community is so invested in our district. You make your voices heard on matters that are important to you, most notably the return of graduation to Stallworth Stadium. Our last
commencement ceremony on the turf was over a decade ago. Seeing the smiling faces of our students, staff, and families truly made the experience one of the best in my nine years in this position. I want to thank every staff member that helped to make this event possible. I know that it was a huge undertaking, but you made it happen for our community, just like I knew you would!
The late John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” I am thankful for you, and I hope to continue to show my appreciation through my actions in support of Goose Creek CISD.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer and I look forward to seeing you in August!
Best Regards,
Dr. Randal O'Brien, Superintendent of Schools
Goose Creek CISD