BISD Celebrates School Board Members for Their Leadership in Shaping Tomorrow’s Texas
We would like to honor our Board of Trustees during School Board Recognition Month for their unwavering leadership, dedication, and vision that shape the future of education in our community. This year's theme, "Leadership for Tomorrow’s Texas," highlights the vital role of school boards in preparing students to lead, innovate, and excel in a rapidly evolving world.
BISD’s Board of Trustees consists of seven dedicated individuals who volunteer countless hours to ensure the district fulfills its mission of graduating each student to be future-ready. Their strategic leadership helps guide decisions that impact academic excellence, safety, fiscal responsibility, and opportunities for growth.
Superintendent Danny Massey expressed his gratitude stating, "Our trustees are more than just community volunteers—they are advocates for every student, staff member, and family in BISD. Their vision, courage, and dedication ensure our district is a place where students receive a world-class education and are equipped for success in life. I appreciate their commitment to making Brazosport ISD the best it can be."
BISD Board Members represent a broad range of professional backgrounds and experiences, but all share a common goal: supporting students. Each trustee brings a unique perspective and passion to the table:
- Mason Howard, Board President: A lifelong resident and proud graduate of Brazosport High School, Mason has served on the Board since 2011. With deep ties to the community, Mason and his wife Paulette, a retired BISD educator, raised two BISD graduates. His business, Mason Builders, has been shaping the area since 1999. Mason’s love for his hometown fuels his passion for making BISD an outstanding place for students and families.
- Jerry Adkins, Board Secretary: With 42 years of Dow Chemical project management expertise and leadership experience as Mayor of Clute, Mr. Adkins brings a wealth of knowledge to his role, guiding both municipal growth and educational excellence. He and his wife, Barbara, raised three BISD graduates. His leadership extends far beyond the district, serving as a past president of the Gulf Coast Area Association of School Boards, a member of the TASB Governmental Relations Team, and a two-time delegate to the National School Board Association Advocacy Institute. He emphasizes collaboration, stating, “We work as a team to provide the best education possible for all BISD students.”
- Scott Schwertner, Board Vice President: A proud BISD graduate and dedicated advocate for education. Serving his fourth term since 2014, Scott’s passion for BISD runs deep, having seen his two daughters benefit from the district’s educational opportunities as graduates. Scott’s professional experience as a partner at Invoke Tax Partners and his civic service as a former Lake Jackson City Councilman bring valuable perspective to his board service. He says, “A strong BISD is vital to the success of our community and the future of our children.”
- Joe Rinehart, Board Assistant Secretary: With 34 years in public education, Joe’s career began at Freeport Intermediate School in 1978 before moving to Brazoswood High, where he taught every social studies course and was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2001. Joe’s civic service includes terms on the Lake Jackson City Council and as Mayor from 2012 to 2018. His educational insight enriches the board—he believes a classroom teacher’s perspective is invaluable. He and his wife, Becky, also a retired BISD educator, are proud parents of two Brazoswood graduates.
- Chris Dunn, Board Member: A dedicated advocate for educational excellence and a proud product of Brazosport ISD, just like his two adult children. Chris and his wife Sherry have called this community home for over 45 years. Before joining the Board in 2019, Chris was actively involved with students through volunteering in youth sports and umpiring high school baseball across Texas. His calm and fair decision-making—honed on the baseball diamond—translates seamlessly to his role as a trustee, where he carefully weighs each issue. With over 25 years of experience at BASF in Freeport, Chris brings valuable insight to his service. He believes the greatest resource of the Brazosport community is its youth.
- Liz Cuellar, Board Member: Liz has called the Brazosport area home for over 50 years and is a proud BISD graduate. Alongside her family, Liz volunteers extensively to support students and staff, earning recognition as Bess Brannen Elementary’s Volunteer of the Year. Liz is a passionate advocate for education, serving six campuses as a LIFT UP Mentor and Reading Hero. Appointed in June 2018 and elected in 2019, Liz’s commitment to excellence is unwavering. She reflects, “I have witnessed how unique each student is, capable not only of learning but also of succeeding.”
- Ken Schulte, Board Member: Ken’s journey with BISD spans over 30 years of service as an educator, coach, and maintenance director where his leadership and dedication to operational excellence left a lasting impact. His connection to the district runs deep—he is a proud BISD graduate, and his children and grandchildren have followed the same path. Ken’s passion for student success and safe, high-quality schools drives his service. He believes in the importance of providing top-notch education, facilities, and staff while holding district leadership accountable for maintaining excellence.
The BISD Board of Trustees makes critical decisions that affect curriculum development, district policies, financial management, and school safety. These leaders guide BISD in staying at the forefront of education while holding steadfast to its mission of "setting the standard for educational excellence."
Throughout the month we will highlight each of our board members on our social media pages. As we celebrate School Board Recognition Month, we encourage the entire community to take a moment to thank our school board members. Their leadership today is shaping the Texas of tomorrow, ensuring that each student is prepared to thrive in a global society.
Thank you, BISD Board of Trustees, for your Leadership for Tomorrow's Texas and your unwavering dedication to student success!