In an interview with Community Impact, Alvin ISD Superintendent Carol Nelson, discussed her time serving the district following the announcement of her retirement Feb. 10.
Nelson began her career with the district in 1989 as a teacher and went on to serve as librarian, assistant principal, principal, director, associate superintendent and, in 2019, was appointed superintendent.
Nelson will be retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year. AISD’s superintendent search is currently ongoing.
Out of your service of over 30 years to the district, what are you most proud of in your time here at Alvin ISD?
There are so many things I reflect back on that make me proud over the 30 years in Alvin ISD. I would have to say that I am proud of the staff that serve our students and the success that our students have shown over the years, be it in the classroom, on a field or a stage. Alvin ISD is a great place to raise a family, and I am proud to call it home!
Before becoming superintendent, you served as a classroom teacher, campus librarian, assistant principal, principal and associate superintendent. Which role was your favorite, and why?
Each position I have held has been deeply meaningful to me and has played an important role in shaping the professional and personal journey that has led me to where I am today.
How have you helped manage the district's enrollment growth in your time here?
Each year we work with our demographer to forecast areas of growth throughout the district. We analyze birth rates, housing starts and projections for each grade level. We then review our facilities and their capacity to determine where we may need new facilities or adjust boundaries.
Alvin ISD has passed a handful of bonds, and one was passed under your leadership in 2024. How do you hope that bond will be remembered as part of your legacy?
I would hope that the community saw that I was a good steward of their tax dollars and that each decision was student-centered. I am proud of the fact that we have delivered our bonds on time and under budget.
What advice would you give to the next superintendent regarding the 2024 bond's implementation moving forward?
If asked, I would explain the projects that our Citizen Advisory Committee proposed and the voters approved so that they would understand the intent of the bond. Long-range planning is important so being able to communicate the plans with a new superintendent is important for the future of the district.
What impact do you hope the 2024 bond has on Alvin ISD students and families for years to come?
Bonds shape far more than just the physical buildings. It will shape the daily experience of students and their families for decades to come. I would hope that with the renovations at both Alvin High School and Manvel High School will serve students for many years with updated [career and technical education] areas, [large group instruction] areas and additional classroom spaces. The safety and security part of the bond is crucial to continue to update existing facilities and infrastructure. New schools will serve areas where there is growth, and finally future land purchases are important for long-range planning.
Are there particular programs or initiatives that you feel have made a lasting difference for students?
I believe that our student-centered focus on academics for each and every student has made a lasting difference on student outcomes. Our support of central administration for campuses has been important. We have grown programs and focused throughout on what is best for our students. It’s not about a specific program but about the overall experiences that our students receive each and every day of their educational journey. Preparing them for beyond high school has been a major focus, be it the workforce or college.
How did your goals for the district evolve over the years in response to student needs, community growth or trends in education?
As superintendent, I am continually reviewing our goals and adjusting in areas where needed. You must be able to pivot and adjust with the ever-changing environment be it the pandemic, weather events such as the tornado or legislative changes that affect us. You also cannot lose sight of the ultimate goal which is the success of your students. You must put great systems in place, strong instructional strategies, great professional learning for your staff then support them throughout.
How has the district worked to prepare students for college and future careers?
Our CTE programs are some of the best in the state. Our students are either securing jobs in the workforce right out of high school or going onto college to continue their education. Our staff has worked diligently to partner with businesses to give students real life experiences.
What do you hope to see out of the state in terms of funding or new initiatives and implementations for students and staff?
I hope that the state will eventually fund all unfunded mandates that have been placed on schools. School districts continue to have so much placed on them that is beyond educating students. I would also like to see the state develop an easier pathway to the workforce for students who do not plan to attend college.
Which role is often overlooked and/or misunderstood, and what do you wish readers understood about this role?
Prior to becoming superintendent, the role that is probably most misunderstood is a librarian. The public thinks the librarian just checks out books all day. They do not realize that our librarians have a master’s degree and have a deep knowledge of many areas of curriculum. They had to have been a classroom teacher for at least three years. They continue to plan lessons that align with the [Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills]. Beyond that they are trained in how to select age-appropriate materials for all students. Librarians also plan with teachers and assist with many other areas of the school.
What advice do you have overall for the next superintendent who will lead Alvin ISD?
Anytime there is a change in the superintendency, it is important to have a smooth transition. I will be available to assist in any way that I can to make the transition smooth for the district. As for advice, I will not be giving the new superintendent any advice unless they ask for it.
What are you looking forward to most in your retirement?
Of course spending more quality time with my husband, children and grandchildren.
