What's New News Summary

Board Meeting Notice May 18, 2026

Tue, 12 May 2026 20:21:00 GMT

The next Regular Meeting of the BISD Board of Trustees will be held Monday, May 18, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Brazosport Independent School District Administration Building, 301 W. Brazoswood Drive, Clute, Texas, 77531. The notice for this meeting was posted in compliance with the Texas Open Meeting Act on May 12, 2026.

Board Meeting Agenda

Helpful Links:

BISD Summer 2026 Resources, Camps and Programs

Tue, 12 May 2026 14:51:00 GMT

The school year is almost over, but the learning doesn't have to stop! Keep Learning. Keep Growing. All Summer Long!

BISD’s 2026 Summer Learning Activities is your go-to resource for creative, engaging, and educational summer ideas for students of all ages. Including our BISD Reading Challenges, BISD Book Bus, BISD Meals on the Move, and many more exciting resources!

2026 Summer Learning Activities Website

Looking for even more ways to keep your child engaged, active, and inspired this summer? We’ve got you covered! Click on your campus Peachjar icon below to explore the full lineup of camps and programs available this summer. New opportunities are added regularly, so check back often!

Please note:

The grade levels listed on camp flyers refer to the incoming grade for the 2026–2027 school year.
Most camps include a participation fee. Be sure to check individual flyers for details.

Spots fill quickly—register early to secure your place!

Austin STEM Academy	Beutel Elementary	Brannen Elementary	Freeport Elementary
Griffith Elementary	Lanier Elementary	Ogg Elementary	Polk Elementary
Roberts Elementary	Rasco Middle School	Clute Intermediate	Freeport Intermediate
Lake Jackson Intermediate	Brazosport High School	Brazoswood High School	Brazos Success Academy

Thank you for helping us keep students curious, inspired, and future ready—Let’s make this summer one to remember!

Exporter Jazz Band Earns Top Honors at Two Festivals

Tue, 12 May 2026 13:59:00 GMT

The Brazosport High School Exporter Jazz Band recently earned top honors at two music festivals held in the Houston area.

On April 24, the band competed in the Bayou Classic Music Festival at Clear Lake High School, where they received a First Division Trophy and Outstanding Performance honors. Students also earned 10 Outstanding Soloist medals.

The following day, the Exporter Jazz Band competed in the Klein Forest Jazz Festival at Fallbrook Church in Houston and received First Division ratings from all three judges. In addition to the group honors, Juliette Trevino and Elias Rios were named All-Star Soloists. Rios also earned the title of Outstanding Trombonist of the Festival.

“These students continue to raise the standard through their dedication, musicianship, and teamwork,” said director Dennis Boucher. “To see them earn recognition at back-to-back festivals against outstanding programs from across the region is something they should be very proud of.”

Brazosport ISD congratulates the Exporter Jazz Band on their outstanding accomplishments and continued success representing the district through fine arts excellence.

Brazosport ISD Selects Brazoswood High School Band Director

Mon, 11 May 2026 14:56:00 GMT

Brazosport ISD is pleased to announce Risa Hsu as the new Brazoswood High School Buc Band Director. She brings a strong record of musical excellence, student development, and program leadership.

Ms. Hsu holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Michigan State University. Over her twenty years as a band director, Ms. Hsu’s bands have won numerous awards and distinctions. Prior to coming to Texas, she was the Director of Bands for two different school systems in Michigan. In both school systems, her award winning bands earned top ratings at the Michigan State Band Festival, with the Grand Ledge High School Wind Ensemble performing at the Michigan Music Conference, the equivalent of the Texas Music Educator’s Conference, or TMEA. Additionally, her marching bands performed at the Walt Disney Electrical Lights Parade, the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the 2016 Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, D.C.

In 2017, Ms. Hsu relocated to Texas. From 2017 to 2019, she was the Assistant Director of Bands at Angleton HS, where the Symphonic Band, under her direction, earned Sweepstakes for the first time in ten years. From Angleton, Ms. Hsu moved to Dickinson High School, where she served as the Lead Assistant Director for the past seven years. Each of her performing ensembles earned Sweepstakes every year that she has served the Dickinson HS Band, with the 2019 Symphonic Band earning national recognition as a Commended Winner in both the Citation of Excellence and the Mark of Excellence New Music Division for outstanding achievement in performance by a non-varsity high school band, both prestigious awards.

Ms. Hsu is known for her student-centered philosophy, emphasizing a clear developmental pathway from beginner band through high school. She believes each student should be equipped to reach their highest potential, with the goal of performing in one of the band program’s top ensembles before graduation. Her approach includes strong vertical alignment across feeder campuses, and she regularly collaborates with junior high programs, dedicating multiple days each week to support instruction and continuity.

Ms. Hsu has a strong connection to the Brazoswood community. She and her husband, former Brazoswood Head Band Director Martin Montoya, reside in Lake Jackson and are proud to call the community home. Their two sons currently attend Brazosport ISD schools.

“We are excited to welcome Ms. Hsu to Brazoswood High School and the Buc Band,” said Ron Redden, BISD Assistant Superintendent and Supervisor of Fine Arts. “Her passion for student growth, commitment to excellence, and proven leadership will continue the strong tradition of band success at Brazoswood.”

Please join us in welcoming Risa Hsu to Brazosport ISD and Brazoswood High School.

BISD Honors 2026 Setting the Standard Recipients

Wed, 06 May 2026 20:50:00 GMT

Brazosport ISD’s vision is “Setting the Standard for Educational Excellence,” and each year the district recognizes individuals or groups of staff members who exemplify that commitment through the Setting the Standard Award. This year’s recipients were announced as a surprise during the annual employee recognition banquet, where nominees were invited under the impression they were simply candidates for an undisclosed recognition.

This year, two Setting the Standard Awards were presented.

Lanier Elementary School Leo and Pearls Sponsors
The first award was presented to Erica Cray and Melody Glass, sponsors of the Leo and Pearls student organization at Lanier Elementary School. Leo and Pearls is a youth leadership initiative focused on building confidence, character, and leadership skills through mentorship and student engagement opportunities. Established eight years ago, the program continues to thrive because of the consistent dedication and creativity of Cray and Glass.

Their commitment to students is evident in the meaningful and memorable experiences they create—ranging from engaging classroom activities to schoolwide moments that encourage participation and connection. Through their leadership, students are given opportunities to grow in ways that extend far beyond traditional learning.

Cray and Glass were recognized for setting the standard in providing experiences that students would not otherwise have, while creating a culture of leadership and engagement.

Brazoswood Lady Buc Soccer Program
The second Setting the Standard Award was presented to Brazoswood High School Lady Buc Soccer Coaches Kim Blank and Laney Speer. In Brazosport ISD athletics, the goal is not only to compete and win, but also to use sports as a platform to teach life lessons. Under Coach Blank’s leadership, the Lady Buc Soccer program has embraced service as a defining value.

The Lady Bucs consistently volunteer across BISD campuses and throughout the community, while also organizing efforts to support students in need. Their commitment to service reflects a program culture that prioritizes impact beyond the game.

Recently, Coach Blank and the Lady Buc Soccer team were honored with the prestigious Grant Teaff Beyond the Game Award, presented at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco, recognizing their outstanding commitment to community service and leadership.

During the banquet, attendees viewed a powerful video that was presented to them as part of the Beyond the Game Award, highlighting the team’s service and the impact they continue to make. That video can be viewed below.

Coach Blank and Coach Speer was recognized for setting the standard in building a program culture rooted in service, leadership, and student development.

Setting the Standard
Both award recipients exemplify the heart of Brazosport ISD’s mission to graduate each student to be future ready. Through leadership, service, and dedication to students, Erica Cray, Melody Glass, Kim Blank, and Laney Speer continue to set the standard for excellence across the district.

Brazosport ISD congratulates this year’s recipients and expresses sincere appreciation for their continued impact on students, schools, and our community.

Lady Buc Soccer Team Beyond the Game VIDEO

2026 Brazosport ISD Teachers of the Year

Wed, 06 May 2026 20:26:00 GMT

During the district’s annual Employee Recognition Banquet we recognized two outstanding educators. These honorees were surprised with the announcement in front of their peers.

Each year, campus Teachers of the Year are celebrated at this recognition banquet. Each is called up to the stage and given a certificate, and the district winners are revealed live during the program. When their names were called, both educators took to the podium in recognition of the honor, sharing brief words of appreciation.

This year’s honorees represent campuses across the district and reflect the high standard of teaching and learning found in Brazosport ISD:

Elementary BISD Teacher of the Year: Emily Hall, Ogg Elementary
Secondary BISD Teacher of the Year: Misty Hankinson, Brazoswood High School

Emily Hall serves as a Pre-K Lead Teacher and Grade Level Team Lead at T.W. Ogg Elementary, bringing 20 years of experience in education, including six years as a paraprofessional and 14 years as a classroom teacher. She has played a key role in shaping early childhood instruction in Brazosport ISD, including leading the district’s first voluntary Pre-K RTI model to provide targeted support in early literacy and numeracy.

Throughout her career, Hall has demonstrated a commitment to mentoring and growing others, supporting paraprofessionals, student teachers, and new educators—many of whom have gone on to become campus leaders and Teachers of the Year. She is also actively involved in campus and district leadership, contributing to initiatives such as PBIS, campus improvement efforts, and district committees focused on continuous improvement.

Hall holds a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from Western Governors University and has earned certifications in EC–6 Generalist and English as a Second Language Supplemental. She has been recognized through the Teacher Incentive Allotment with an Exemplary designation and received the Mission First, Team Always Educator Award in 2025, along with recognition for 20 years of service in Brazosport ISD.

Misty Hankinson serves as a Chemistry teacher at Brazoswood High School, where she has taught since 2019. With more than two decades in education, her experience includes previous roles in both Texas and Oklahoma, teaching a range of science courses from physical science to chemistry.

She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Oklahoma. Hankinson earned National Board Certification in December 2023 and has been recognized for her excellence in the classroom, including the Phillips 66 Science and Math Teacher Recognition in 2022.

In addition to her work with students, Hankinson contributes to her campus through leadership and service, including the Campus Improvement Committee, mentoring new teachers, and supporting academic programs. She has also been selected for national-level professional learning opportunities, including the Dow Chemistry Teacher Summit through the American Association of Chemistry Teachers.

Through their dedication, relationships with students, and influence on their campuses, they continue to make a lasting difference. As District Teachers of the Year, Hall and Hankinson will advance to represent Brazosport ISD at the regional level.

We congratulate both educators on this recognition and the meaningful work they lead each day in their classrooms and across their campuses.

Last Days of School & Early Dismissals

Wed, 06 May 2026 16:54:00 GMT

As we enter the home stretch, we would like to remind you of the times for release on our early dismissal days for the end of the 2025-2026 school year.

School will dismiss early on: Wednesday, May 20, and Thursday, May 21 for all schools. Student dismissal times are as follows:

Grades PK-6 will dismiss at 12:05 p.m.
Clute & Freeport Intermediate will dismiss at 11:30 a.m.
Grades 7-12 will dismiss at 11:30 a.m.
BSA will dismiss at 11:30 a.m.
LLC grades 9-12 will dismiss at 11:30 a.m.
LLC grades 2-8 will dismiss at 12:05 p.m.

High school students who receive an exam exemption are excused only from taking the exam. Students are not exempt from attending school or class on exam days.

Brazosport ISD district offices and campuses will be closed on Fridays beginning May 29 through July 24.

The Administration Building will be open to the public Monday through Thursday, 7:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Most campuses and other BISD facilities will follow this schedule, but there will be some exceptions. Campus summer hours will be posted on the front door of each campus.

2026 Graduation Dates, Information & Watch LIVE Links

Tue, 05 May 2026 18:20:00 GMT

Below are the 2026 high school graduation dates and links to additional information for BISD seniors, parents, family, and guests.

Brazosport High School
Friday, May 22, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Hopper Field, 500 North Brazosport Blvd, Freeport, TX 77541
Guidelines and Information
Watch Live Here

Brazos Success Academy
Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Koch & Casey Auditorium - Brazoswood High School
Guidelines and Information
Watch Live Here

Brazoswood High School
Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Hopper Field, 500 North Brazosport Blvd, Freeport, TX 77541
Guidelines and Information
Watch Live Here

Bad Weather Plan - Delay, Delay, Delay, Postpone if Necessary

The graduation ceremonies for Brazosport (May 22) and Brazoswood (May 23) are currently planned to continue as scheduled at 7:30 p.m. at Hopper Field. If it rains at the time of graduation, but it is still safe to be outdoors, the ceremony will continue as scheduled.

BISD administrators will monitor the weather closely. If it becomes unsafe to be outdoors, students will be moved to the John Magee Performance Center at Brazosport High School (across from Hopper Field) for shelter. The Brazosport High School gymnasium and cafeteria will also be available for parents and other guests to wait out the weather. Updates on when the ceremony would proceed at Hopper Field would be communicated every 30 minutes on the BISD, Brazosport, and Brazoswood High School Facebook pages and via email to the parents of graduating seniors who have an email address on file with the district.

If the weather remains unsafe, a final decision on whether to postpone the ceremony will be made at approximately 9:30 p.m. each evening.

In the event of postponement:

Brazosport’s graduation ceremony, originally scheduled for Friday evening, will be rescheduled for Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Brazoswood’s graduation ceremony, originally scheduled for Saturday evening, will be rescheduled for Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

Again, all rescheduling decisions are contingent upon the weather being unsafe to remain outside.

We appreciate you celebrating this achievement with our students and look forward to seeing you at Hopper Field.

BISD Names Stephanye Durham as New Principal for Polk Elementary

Tue, 05 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Brazosport ISD is pleased to announce the selection of Stephanye Durham as the new principal for Gladys Polk Elementary School.

Durham is an experienced instructional leader with a strong background in campus leadership, instructional coaching, and school culture development. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating positive, structured learning environments where students feel supported, staff are empowered, and high expectations lead to strong outcomes.

Most recently serving as an assistant principal at Clute Intermediate School, Durham has led campus behavior systems, supported student interventions, and helped strengthen overall campus culture and student engagement. Her experience also includes facilitating professional development for teachers, working alongside PLC teams to support student growth, and overseeing daily campus operations, safety procedures, and student support systems.

Prior to campus leadership, Durham served as a Math Content Specialist at Brazosport High School, where she provided instructional coaching, designed professional learning for educators, and supported alignment between district and campus instructional practices. Earlier in her career, she served as a mathematics teacher and held campus leadership roles including department chair and UIL coordinator.

Durham holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sports Science from Texas State University. Her certifications include Principal as Instructional Leader (EC–12), Mathematics (4–8 and 8–12), Physical Education (EC–12), and T-TESS Appraiser.

Brazosport ISD Superintendent Danny Massey shared, “Stephanye Durham brings a strong focus on student success, positive relationships, and supporting great teaching and learning. Those qualities align with our commitment to setting the standard for educational excellence.”

Durham has also been recognized for her leadership and impact throughout her career, including being named Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year (2023–2024), District Secondary Teacher of the Year (2019–2020), and Campus Teacher of the Year (2019–2020).

In accepting the role, Durham shared her commitment to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families, and to leading a campus where students are supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow each day.

Brazosport ISD looks forward to the leadership, vision, and dedication Stephanye Durham will bring to Gladys Polk Elementary as the campus continues its commitment to excellence.

Jeremiah (JD) Luster Named Head Lady Bucs Basketball Coach

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:23:00 GMT

Coach Jeremiah (JD) Luster has been officially named the Head Lady Bucs Basketball Coach for Brazoswood High School, bringing a strong commitment to student development, relationship-building, and service across the district.

Since joining Brazosport ISD, he has made a positive impact in both academics and athletics, serving students at Madge Griffith Elementary and Brazoswood High School and consistently demonstrating a focus on supporting the whole student beyond the game.

Coach Luster is a graduate of Midwestern State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences. His experience in Brazoswood athletics includes serving as Varsity Assistant for Buc Basketball under Coach Kent Benedict, as well as supporting the football program and serving in multiple campus athletic roles. Most recently, Coach Luster served as Interim Head Coach for the Lady Bucs, where he helped establish structure, expectations, and renewed energy within the program. His approach and leadership have contributed to positive momentum, including increased engagement and the return of student-athletes who had previously stepped away from the program.

District leadership hosted a Lady Buc Basketball Profile meeting with approximately thirty participants, including student-athletes and parents. The discussion provided valuable feedback and insight into the program while reinforcing a shared commitment to continued growth and success.

“We are excited to name Coach JD Luster as the Head Girls Basketball Coach for the Lady Bucs,” said BISD Athletic Director Jay Zeller. “From the beginning of this process and during his time as interim head coach, Coach Luster has demonstrated strong leadership, built meaningful relationships with our student-athletes, and brought renewed structure and energy to the program. We have already seen positive momentum and increased engagement within Lady Buc Basketball under his direction. We are confident in his ability to continue growing a program rooted in accountability, development, and pride in representing Brazoswood.”