The Alief ISD Board of Trustees proudly recognized the district as a statewide semifinalist in the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, a prestigious honor that highlights the collective dedication of students, staff, and the broader community. “In the tradition it established, H-E-B continues to give back to the community by investing in public education and honoring excellence and re-investing in such great work," says Deputy Superintendent of the Business Department, Charles Wood. “Alief ISD is proud to be in this group of semifinalists and proud to have H-E-B as such a strong business partner."
As part of this recognition, Alief ISD was named among the top 25 large school districts in Texas, placing it in an elite group selected from more than 2,000 districts statewide. The district received a certificate signed by Charles Butt, along with $1,000 in H-E-B gift cards.
Although Alief ISD did not advance to the final round, district leaders emphasized that this achievement reflects the excellence taking place across campuses every day. Being selected as a semifinalist affirms the district’s commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities and fostering a culture where students can thrive. “Being named a statewide semifinalist for the H‑E‑B Excellence in Education Awards is an incredible honor,” Deputy Superintendent of HR and Professional Learning, Elizabeth Veloz-Powell, said. “This recognition reflects the collective commitment of our educators and staff who work every day to support students and strengthen our schools. I am proud to serve alongside such dedicated professionals who truly make a difference for our students.”
According to Jill Reynolds, this year’s competition was especially strong, with more than 2,000 applications submitted from across the state. “Our judges definitely had their work cut out for them in narrowing the field,” Reynolds shared in the official notification.
This recognition underscores the hard work and dedication of the entire Alief ISD community, from teachers and staff to administrators, students, parents, and community partners who all play a vital role in the district’s continued success.
Being named a semifinalist in the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards is a testament to Alief ISD’s focus on excellence, innovation, and student achievement. The district celebrates this milestone with pride, knowing it stands among the very best in Texas.