We are excited to announce that for the second consecutive year Brazosport ISD’s nominee for the TEA 2020 Heroes for Children was chosen for this prestigious award. James ‘Jim’ Martin was honored this month by the State Board of Education as the District 7 Hero for Children.
John Quincy Adams said, “ If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” In less than 20 words our 6th president, John Quincy Adams, articulated the true essence of a leader. His words encapsulate Brazosport Independent School District’s nominee for the 2020 Heroes for Children Award, Mr. James ‘Jim’ Martin.
Jim Martin is truly the embodiment of a servant leader with his leadership crossing many avenues within our community. From serving on the Lake Jackson City Council and as the city’s youngest mayor, to establishing Brazoswood and Brazosport High Schools’ Interact Clubs, Mr. Martin has made his mark and then some. His leadership has motivated others around him to develop their own leadership skills while they discovered the power of service to their community.
When our schools are in need, Jim Martin never says “no,” and he never accepts “no” for an answer from others. Mr. Martin took the lead to volunteer on several critical district committees at a time when significant challenges were facing BISD. Jim Martin was not only a willing face on our visioning committees but stepped up as appointed leader to set the standard for the “Dream Team.” Because everyone around our area knows that if you ask Jim Martin to do something it will get done and get done well, much “more” did happen for BISD.
Since 2014, Mr. Martin has chaired two Long Range Facilities/Bond Planning Committees in 2014 and 2019. The 2014 bond committee was a 25 community member team and the 2019 bond committee a 35 member team with community members ranging from 18-80 year olds. Both committees worked to learn about school finance, taxes, feeder patterns and capital needs touring each facility. One of Jim’s themes continues to be “All-N for BISD” and that meant to him 100% commitment to the 12,400 students, 19 campuses and close to 1,600 employees.
Believing so strongly in the dream of the bonds and the ability to provide the best resources for current and future generations of BISD students to learn at excellent levels, Jim worked tirelessly as organizer for the 4BISD Political Action Committee (PAC) to get the facts out about the Bond Referendum and was instrumental in the 2014 bond winning 66.81% of the vote and the 2019 bond winning 78.69% of the vote.
Hand in hand with the Facilities/Bond Planning Committee was the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee where Jim has served from inception in 2012 to the present time. The committee was formed to ensure the integrity of the bond spending for the goal of creating and maintaining trust and transparency.
And finally, the BISD Education Foundation was restructured and reimagined with Jim Martin once again leading as president. He worked tirelessly on the major fundraising effort, the Throwback Prom, helping raise a remarkable $441,656 over the last 4 years. Brittany Rosenbohm, Education Foundation Director, said “Jim Martin’s impact on education in Brazosport ISD through his work and leadership with the BISD Education Foundation is immeasurable. His commitment to leading numerous fundraising efforts has led to the Foundation accruing a one million dollar endowment fund that will impact our students and staff for years to come.”
“There is not a person in our community who supports public education more than Jim Martin,” shared BISD Superintendent Danny Massey. “He works tirelessly to support our district through fundraising, bond planning, and financial oversight. His work ethic and enthusiasm in supporting Brazosport ISD students and staff is contagious and leads many others to support our district.”
Jim’s passion for public education, and especially for the children of our district inspires us all to become more involved, to see the bigger picture, to look towards the future and to be better than we ever knew we could. Mr. Jim Martin is a “Hero for Children,” because he is leading the way in commitment to current and future generations of students. BISD is well on its way to the dream of every student on every campus being prepared for a successful future.
The State Board of Education (SBOE) established the Heroes for Children award program in 1994. Since its beginning, the award has provided a means to recognize Texas residents who render selfless acts of service by offering their time, effort and support to public schools and students. The award honors volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to student learning or who have demonstrated sustained periods of involvement and support of public education. Each year, the 15-member Board recognizes one Hero from each of their districts.
Congratulations Jim on receiving this elite honor and thank you for always being “ALL-N-4 BISD!”
