Lamar CISD Board Approves Namesakes for Six New Campuses
At the December Board meeting, the Lamar CISD Board of Trustees approved six names for new campuses including elementary schools 35-38, middle school 7, and a future campus site. In the next phase, these elementary schools will be matched with the respective namesake. Learn more about each namesake's background and contributions to the community.
Antonio “Tony” G. Becerra
Born in Needville, Antonio "Tony" G. Becerra was a WWII veteran, a successful local businessman, and a voice for equality. Through the Tony Becerra Ministries, he left a legacy of helping combat homelessness, hunger, and substance recovery, as well as supporting education through scholarships. He was also Councilman for the City of Rosenberg and Tony Becerra Park was named after him.
Alice Deanne Sbrusch Fagert
Born in Wharton, Alice Deanne Sbrusch Fagert was a lifelong learner and educator for the Richmond/Rosenberg area for 47 years. She received numerous awards during her career including Lamar CISD Teacher of the Year and the Houston Chronicle Golden Apple Teacher Award. She taught English and Language Arts, and her passion for teaching inspired a generation of educators to come.
James “Dick” Richard & Marinella Haygood
Husband and wife, James “Dick” Richard & Marinella Haygood, were former teachers in Lamar CISD. Mr. Haygood spent many years in community service, including Boy Scout leader, Little League coach, Optimist Club member, and frequent visitor to nursing home residents with singing and storytelling. Ms. Haygood mentored aspiring artists through the Art Club for more than 27 years. The couple helped shape thousands of young minds before retiring.
Alma Lemon Slawinski
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Alma Lemon Slawinski later moved to Rosenberg where she was an educator at Lamar Consolidated High School for 35 years. She received numerous awards during her career. After retiring from teaching, Slawinksi became involved in many organizations, including leading tours at the Astrodome, volunteering at OakBend Hospital, and interpreting at George Ranch Historical Park.
Judge RH “Sandy” Bielstein
The namesake for middle school #7, the Trustees reserved Judge RH “Sandy” Bielstein's name for the next school-naming cycle at the April 2022 Board meeting. The campus will join the Tomas High School and Ella Banks Junior High School complex located at 24730 Easton Ramsey Way and will open in fall 2025. Judge Bielstein dedicated his life to public service in many ways, including as a marine, police officer, and lawyer. He later opened his own practice before being elected as a judge in Fort Bend County.
Additionally, the Trustees selected Kay Danziger as a campus namesake in a future cycle after she retires from the Board of Trustees. Danziger is originally from Dallas, and she earned a degree in elementary education from the University of Texas in San Antonio before moving to Rosenberg. She has served her Fort Bend community with distinction in education and taught for 32 years in Lamar CISD. She serves on countless Fort Bend County boards and currently serves as the Lamar CISD Board of Trustees Secretary. Her immense contributions have resulted in tens of thousands of hours of service to the Fort Bend County community.
“I appreciate this Board for seeing fit to add my name,” Board Secretary Danziger said. “When I leave this Board, I will be honored to have a school named after me.”
Elementary school #35 will be located at Bellaire Boulevard at FM 723 and will open in fall 2025. Elementary school #36 will be located at Cross Creek West in Fulshear and will open in fall 2025. Elementary school #37 will be located near Peek Road and Beechnut Street and will open in fall 2026. Elementary school #38 will be located at Brookwater Estates in Rosenberg and will open in fall 2026.
The elementary schools and middle schools will be built with funds from the bond that passed in November 2022.
“It is a tremendous honor to preserve the legacy of these individuals who helped shape our community,” Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens said. “As our District continues to grow, we are proud to share the story of our namesakes and give their history a permanent address.”
Source: LCISD
