Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays’ Week Ahead – February 24, 2025

Recently, I encouraged us all to stay focused on the main thing—teaching and learning. As the superintendent, I find it challenging to focus solely on instruction in our classrooms when we have difficulties with state funding for public education. Additional funding for safety and security and special education is essential to meeting our district’s needs. The basic allotment has not increased since 2019 despite rising insurance, fuel, and electricity costs needed to keep the lights on in Alief ISD school buildings.

Several proposals are currently being discussed among our state leaders that would add vouchers and slightly increase funding to the basic allotment. As our state leaders consider taking public dollars to fund private schools, I wonder how private schools will be held accountable? Financially and academically, public schools are held to high standards. Will private schools be held to the same standards? If there is a different standard and they are both using public tax dollars, as voters, we should all be compelled to ask, “Why?”

Accountability questions regarding public tax dollars are fair and should be asked. Below are our officials for the House and Senate education committees. As we become more informed voters, I encourage everyone to call or write to ask these questions and others to learn how Texas students will be cared for in the next couple of years. Alief ISD Advocacy Day is coming soon and we will be advocating for fairness with public tax dollars.

In this special Black History Month celebration, Alief ISD reflects on the past, present, and future with an inspiring group of individuals. Alief Alumni, former NFL player and motivational speaker, Fendi Onobun, Aerospace Engineering Instructor Steward Bailey, and Alief ISD students Elizabeth Ibeku and Victory Okoroji come together to share their stories and insights. Join them as they discuss their journeys, achievements, and the importance of honoring Black history and culture. This powerful conversation highlights the impact of education, perseverance, and community in shaping the future.

Explore the Alief ISD SmugMug photo gallery and relive unforgettable moments from school events, celebrations, and achievements. Browse through vibrant snapshots capturing the spirit, talent, and dedication of our students and staff. Check out the gallery here!

For the first time since the 2010-2011 season, an Alief ISD basketball team has made a deep playoff run, bringing excitement and pride to the district. Back then, it was Alief Elsik that reached the regional tournament, while Alief Taylor fought hard but fell short in the regional final. Now, as our teams continue to strive for excellence on the court, this historic milestone serves as motivation for the next generation of athletes. Congratulations to our players, coaches, and supporters for their hard work and dedication. Thank you for making us proud! #AliefProud

More than 100 intermediate students showcased their creativity and innovation at their very first STEM Fair, demonstrating impressive problem-solving skills and a passion for science and engineering. We are incredibly proud of all the participants for their hard work and dedication. A special congratulations to the winners of the science and engineering projects—your achievements are an inspiration to us all!

Do you have a special celebration or achievement you’d love to share? Submit your celebration here and let us highlight the amazing moments that make Alief ISD so special!

Mark your calendars and check the flyers for details! The 2nd Annual Alief International Parade and Taste of Alief are happening on March 29! Celebrate the diversity of Alief with a vibrant parade, delicious food, and community fun—all for FREE!

The Schools of Choice Application for the 2025-2026 school year opened January 7, 2025. Looking to explore unique learning opportunities for your student? Don’t miss out on applying to Alief’s Schools of Choice! Learn more and apply here.

Join the Alief Alumni Influencer Association and Stay Connected! Be a part of something bigger by joining the Alief Alumni Influencer Association—a network of proud graduates making a difference! Whether you want to reconnect with old classmates, mentor current students, share your success story, or give back to the community that shaped you, this is your chance to stay involved. Join today and continue making an impact!

Each month, one student, two teachers, and two support staff will be selected as an MVP Award winner by their peers.

These winners are chosen based on evidence of their support of customer service and positive climate and culture in Alief ISD, and they will be celebrated during our next regular board meeting.

We encourage our stakeholders to submit the March MVP Award Submission by March 25th.