Aldine ISD superintendent, deputy to retire
The superintendent of Aldine ISD and her top deputy have announced they will retire at the end of the current school year, just before seismic changes are scheduled to take effect in the sprawling district covering much of northeast Harris County.
Wanda Bamberg, who has been superintendent since 2007, said Tuesday her departure will give the next superintendent more leeway to implement those changes.
The district is slated to open seven new schools in August and will also change the grade levels taught at elementary and middle school campuses.
“These new campuses and new things are the result of the bond referendum that passed under my leadership, so I can see why some would ask why I’m leaving now,” Bamberg said. “But with changes and new programs, it’s great for someone to come in and implement with a real sense of long-term goals versus have me stay another year or two and then have someone else come in.”
Also leaving is Archie Blanson, the district’s second-in-command, who has spent his entire 39-year career with Aldine ISD. He oversees facilities, human resources, transportation and the police department.
Aldine ISD students from kindergarten through the fourth grade attend elementary school; those in the fifth and sixth grades attend middle school; and students in the seventh and eighth grades go to junior high school.
The district plans to have students in grades 1 through 5 attend elementary school and students in grades 6 through 8 go to middle school. Students in preschool and kindergarten will take classes in the district’s early childhood learning centers.
Seven new schools will open next year, as will and two elementary schools that will be relocated to new campuses.
Bamberg is also one of a handful of female superintendents in the area, and Aldine was the largest school district led by a woman during the previous school year.
Only seven of the area’s 39 local school districts were led by women during the 2016-2017 school year. Statewide, about one in five 1 in 5 superintendents are women.
“I’ve enjoyed my role,” Bamberg said. “I’ve really had such tremendous support from everyone. It hasn’t been as much about my gender as about abilities, and I know many people out there — and capable women out there — who can take on a role like mine.”
Bamberg began her 36year career at Aldine ISD as an English teacher and served in several instructional roles. She held the title of assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for six years before rising to superintendent.