Robert D. Cummings was a dedicated citizen, who, along with his family, has devoted many years of service to the Alief schools and the Alief community.  "Bob" was born on May 9th, 1921 in Toronto, Canada.  The family moved to Ft. Wayne, Indiana when Bob was 12 years old where he received his formal education.  He served in World War II in the Eighth Army Air Force.

Mr. Cummings was instrumental in organizing the Alief Chamber of Commerce and the Alief Community Fire Department.  He has served in the field of education on the local, state, and national levels.  He was a member of the AISD Board of Trustees since 1970 and has held several offices, including the presidency.  In 1981, he was appointed by the Chairman of the Texas Board of education to serve on a committee doing a comprehensive study on curriculum, vocational education, teacher competency testing, and finance.  He was also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).  He served on the TASB state committee for the Worker's Compensation Self-Insurance Fund.  From 1981 to 1983, he was president of the Gulf Coast Area Association of School Boards and served as co-chairman of that organization's legislative committee. He was also a member of the Texas Federal Relations Network which required trips yearly to Washington, D.C.   In addition, he served on the Texas Board of Education for 3 years (1989-1992).  Mr. Cummings worked as a manufacturer's representative and consultant. He died on November 22, 1992.

Mrs. Cummings was an active supporter of our school. She was involved in a variety of community organizations and served Alief students and community members in a variety of ways.

In 2006, the school was renamed "Robert D. and Helen L. Cummings Elementary School", as a way of honoring Helen Cummings for her contributions. A rededication ceremony was held, and Mrs. Cummings' name was officially added. Portraits of both Robert and Helen Cummings hang in our school entryway. She died on February 23, 2021.