Public nominates Dr. Randy O’Brien and Howard Sampson for facility namings; board pulls naming items for future consideration

Community members used the public-comment period at the Goose Creek CISD Board of Trustees meeting on June 2 to nominate two local leaders for facility naming honors and to present supportive letters and background.

Paul Wankiewicz, speaking for the Rotary Club of Baytown, requested the board name the district’s professional development and event center after Superintendent Randy O’Brien, citing his leadership, community partnerships and support for Rotary events. Wankiewicz read a letter of support from Rotary members and said O’Brien offered the district facility for the club’s 2026 Catfish Festival.

Janice Coffey, a former 27-year district teacher and eight-year board member, also urged the board to name the professional-development center for Dr. Randall O’Brien, listing his district accomplishments, including multiple campus construction projects and creation of career academies. Coffey told trustees she believed O’Brien’s long service made him an appropriate honoree.

Separately, Martin Lamond and Warren Singleton urged naming the Stallworth Stadium field house after Howard Sampson. Speakers highlighted Sampson’s 16 years of service on the school board, his athletic achievements, and his long career in the community.

The board chair noted that agenda items 8 and 9, which covered building namings, had been pulled from the meeting and would be considered at a future meeting. No formal action or vote on the naming requests occurred on June 2.

Why it matters: Facility naming recognizes community leaders and former district officials, but trustees postponed formal consideration. Trustees asked staff to reopen the nomination window and provide a consolidated list of unnamed auxiliary buildings for public nominations.

Supporting speakers and groups: the Rotary Club of Baytown and several community members were present in support; trustees received letters and public testimony.