TASA’s “Inspiring Leaders” tagline is not just a reminder of TASA’s commitment to leadership development; it describes our members themselves — school leaders who inspire others as they work to prepare future-ready students. Meet Danny Massey, one of those Inspiring Leaders.
Brazosport ISD Superintendent Danny Massey has worked in the district for 29 years, serving the last five in the leadership role. No stranger to accolades, Massey was named Region 4’s 2020 Superintendent of the Year and was also named Man of the Year by the Brazosport Area Chamber in 2019, yet it’s the success he’s seen in the district that makes him most proud.
“We have dramatically improved our student performance from a TEA accountability rating of a 74 to an 88. All three of our high schools have also earned an A rating in college-, career- and military-readiness. This is especially important as our mission is to graduate each student to be ‘future-ready,’” Massey says. “This shows that we are living our mission, and it’s not just a catchy phrase. We have also recently passed two bond referendums, and are transforming our facilities and campuses.”
During COVID-19, Massey has sent staff weekly inspiring emails, full of much-needed words of encouragement. Last spring, he created videos recognizing seniors for their involvement in the district’s athletics and fine arts programs. He even donned a tuxedo and traveled to the homes of winners of the BISD Foundation’s annual Grants for Great Ideas to present award checks in person.
Ron Redden, assistant superintendent of compliance and data quality in Brazosport, says Massey is an inspiring leader due to the way he brings out the best in those around him.
“For the last five years, he has been the inspirational leader of a remarkable turnaround of the district,” Redden says.
To Massey, leadership is all about helping others. And he believes that the best leaders are those who dedicate themselves to growing new leaders.
“We all can attribute our leadership experiences to opportunities others provided for us,” he says. “It’s important we pay it back and invest in others.”
Brian Cole, Brazosport’s assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, says Massey is known throughout the district and beyond for his transparency, visibility and positivity.
“Danny Massey continues to inspire me by maintaining a relentless focus on celebrating the great things that are going on in our district and in public education,” Cole says.
Through all of the hard work, the mentorship and the challenges, Massey stays focused by reminding himself of the many things that make him thankful, and those he feels drawn to serve.
“I believe that every day is a gift and it should be lived with the gratitude it deserves,” he says. “We must stay focused on what we believe benefits our students, which is building quality relationships, literacy, and college or career readiness.”
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