BISD Superintendent Massey Advocates for Increased Education Funding and Reform at Brazoria County Economic Development Meeting
Brazosport Independent School District (ISD) Superintendent Danny Massey, on behalf of public school leaders in Brazoria County, presented to the Brazoria County Alliance for Economic Development, highlighting critical issues and concerns regarding the state’s lack of funding for public schools amid rising inflation and growing expenses.
Massey emphasized four key legislative priorities set by the Brazosport ISD Board of Trustees:
- Education Funding
- Assessment & Accountability
- Economic Incentive Programs
- Teacher Retirement System of Texas
In his presentation, Massey joined other public school leaders from southern Brazoria County in urging state lawmakers to prioritize increased funding for public education. He called for reform in the state's school funding system, an overhaul of the state’s accountability measures, and a strengthening of economic incentives for public schools.
"The basic per-student allotment has not been raised in six years, while the costs of salaries, utilities, and classroom materials continue to rise,” Massey stated. “He went on to advocate the need to alter the current funding formula to support local school districts instead of funneling school tax dollars into private school options through vouchers and education savings accounts.
Massey pointed to a significant flaw in the current funding system, which allocates funding based on average daily attendance, rather than actual student enrollment. “We should be funded for the students we serve, not just the ones who show up on any given day. Our expenses don’t change when a student is absent, but our funding does,” Massey explained. “Salaries, insurance, electricity—those costs remain constant, even when students are absent.”
Massey expressed grave concerns about the potential funding of private schools through vouchers or education savings accounts. He explained that private schools do not adhere to the same accountability standards as public schools, and using public funds for these schools would undermine the public education system. “Every dollar taken from public education weakens the system that serves the majority of Texas students,” he implored. Private schools do not adhere to the same standards of state-mandated curriculum, testing requirements, class sizes, and teacher certification as public schools. Private schools are not required to educate all students; they may select or reject any child as they choose.
The Superintendent also highlighted the underfunding of state-mandated programs, which leaves districts to cover gaps using funds designated for other essential resources. He pointed to critical security measures that were required by the previous legislative session but were severely underfunded, forcing districts to absorb the costs. Another great concern for public schools is the rising costs associated with special education and other essential programs are not being addressed by the current state funding allocations, further straining local school districts.
“The state’s current funding formula does not cover the true cost of specialized programs,” Massey explained. “Schools are left filling the gap with money that should be going toward other critical resources.”
Massey emphasized that the growing financial burden on districts is leading to difficult decisions about how to allocate funds for the essential services students need. As costs for specialized programs continue to rise, the shortfall in state funding means that districts are forced to use money intended for other critical areas, such as classroom materials and teacher salaries, to cover the gap.
State Assessment & Accountability was another central issue Massey addressed. He advocated for the repeal of the A-F grading system, which rates schools based on standardized state tests. He criticized the system for oversimplifying student performance and failing to account for the full range of student success. “Career and technical education programs, fine arts, and other essential areas of student growth are excluded from the current accountability system,” he said.
Massey addressed the importance of the continued partnerships that public school districts in Brazoria County have forged with business and industry in attracting new and expanded projects to our communities. These long-term tax agreements help the local communities, school districts, and businesses.
Furthermore, Superintendent Massey stated that Brazosport ISD advocates for a cost-of-living adjustment for retired educators and the removal of penalties that prevent them from returning to the workforce. This proposal aims to address the challenges of retaining experienced teachers, especially as the state faces a growing teacher shortage.
As the 2025 legislative session continues, public school leaders in Brazoria County will continue to press lawmakers to prioritize the needs of public education, calling for necessary reforms in funding, accountability, and support for teachers across Texas. Superintendent Massey and the BISD Board of Trustees will continue to advocate for public education reform and funding to continue to provide a quality education for ALL students.
To read more about BISDs 2025 Legislative Priorities, go to: https://www.brazosportisd.net/district/legislative_priorities