HISD mourns loss of former Board of Education Trustee Arthur Gaines

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The HISD family is mourning the loss of former Board of Education District IV Trustee Arthur Gaines, a pioneering servant and leader in the state’s largest school district.

Gaines was elected to the HISD Board of Education in 1991, served as board president in 1995, and retired in 2007 at the age of 81. He passed away on Friday. A lifelong educator, Gaines joined HISD in 1948 as a classroom teacher. He was among the district’s first wave of high-ranking African-American administrators, and he held several top-level positions in central administration.

“Mr. Gaines was a pillar of the HISD community and a selfless public servant,” said HISD Board President Manuel Rodriguez, who served on the board with Gaines. “He was a true gentleman, a wise friend, and generous mentor to me and many others who served on the board over the years. HISD is a great school district because of the foundation put in place by people like Mr. Gaines.”

Current District IV Trustee Jolanda Jones said Gaines was an effective advocate for all children, and particularly those in his community, which includes the Third Ward and Sunnyside areas on Houston’s south side.

“Mr. Gaines is a legend in our community, and I am proud to serve the neighborhoods he once represented,” Jones said.