Spotlight On: Rebecca Brown, Superintendent, Dickinson ISD
In an interview with Invest:, Rebecca Brown, superintendent of Dickinson ISD, said that strategic growth, equitable access, and workforce readiness are at the heart of the district’s vision for the future. “Education isn’t just about the years students spend in our schools — it’s about what happens after they graduate,” she said.
What are your initial priorities and your primary focus for Dickinson ISD?
One of the most pressing priorities in Dickinson ISD — and across the state of Texas — is public education funding. The recent legislative session has concluded, and we are closely monitoring the final decisions that will directly impact how schools are funded. With our fiscal year beginning on July 1, timely clarity is essential. We must be able to make informed decisions about teacher raises, employee compensation, and overall budget allocations that directly affect students and staff.
In addition to funding, student achievement remains at the forefront of our mission. Dickinson ISD currently serves approximately 12,500 students, and while we are still a single-high-school district, that one campus educates over 4,000 students, each grade level averaging around 1,050 students. As our enrollment continues to grow, so does our commitment to delivering high-quality learning experiences for every student.
Our student body reflects the rich diversity of our community, representing a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds. We deeply value that diversity. At Dickinson ISD, we are committed to ensuring that every student — regardless of background or life circumstance — has access to the resources, opportunities, and support needed to thrive.
To meet the demands of our growing community, we’ve already broken ground on a new elementary school set to open next year. Projections show that our enrollment could reach 15,000 to 16,000 students within the next five years. While the need for a second high school is on the horizon, our current top priorities remain clear: securing sustainable funding, advancing academic excellence, and supporting the social-emotional needs of our students.
The lasting effects of COVID-19 are still felt, particularly in the area of student mental health. That’s why we are working intentionally to ensure our campuses provide not only rigorous academics but also the emotional and social support systems that empower students to succeed in school and in life.
How do you think Dickinson ISD contributes to the economic vitality and attractiveness of the region, both for families and for businesses?
Dickinson ISD is uniquely positioned along the I-45 corridor heading toward Galveston, serving a diverse region that spans five cities: Dickinson, League City, Texas City, San Leon, and Bacliff. Our coastal communities, such as San Leon and Bacliff, provide waterfront access and a distinct coastal charm, while areas like League City and Texas City are experiencing rapid residential and commercial growth. Texas City, in particular, is emerging as our fastest-growing sector, with developments like Lago Mar bringing hundreds of new homes, and with even more planned on currently undeveloped land near the freeway.
This wave of growth is drawing families to Dickinson ISD who are seeking the perfect balance—a small-town feel with easy access to major urban hubs. Just 30 minutes from downtown Houston, our district offers the convenience of city life paired with a tight-knit community spirit that families value. With 14 campuses and a single high school that serves as the heart of our district, Dickinson ISD maintains a strong sense of identity and connection.
Here, students, staff, and families aren’t just part of a school system — they’re part of something bigger. There’s a genuine sense of pride and belonging. Whether you’re drawn to coastal living, suburban neighborhoods, or proximity to a major city, Dickinson ISD offers the best of all worlds: city access, small-town relationships, and the natural beauty of our Texas Gulf Coast.
Are there any national or state-level trends in K–12 education that you think will significantly influence your decisions in the coming years?
Public education is influenced by many interconnected factors: community needs, economic trends, and long-term workforce demands. In a fast-growing district like ours, it’s essential to remain responsive and forward-thinking in every aspect of planning and operations. These dynamics shape how we support our students, staff, and schools every day.
One of the most exciting components of our vision is the development of a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center. This facility is a cornerstone of our strategy to prepare students for a variety of future paths — whether they choose to enter a skilled trade, serve in the military, or pursue a two- or four-year college degree. Our responsibility is to ensure every graduate leaves with real choices and the preparation to succeed in whatever path they choose. Our state-of-the-art CTE Center will offer a diverse range of programs, including HVAC, fire science, law enforcement, robotics, aviation, maritime, and much more. Given our coastal location, maritime training is especially meaningful and aligned with regional industry needs. We are also proud to be the first district in Texas to offer a Radiologic Technology Program in partnership with Galveston College, complementing our existing medical and dental pathways.
At Dickinson ISD, we believe education extends far beyond the classroom. It’s not just about the time students spend in our schools — it’s about equipping them with the skills, credentials, and confidence to thrive after graduation. Preparing students for real-world careers is not just a goal; it’s a core part of our mission.
What are the opportunities for deeper collaboration with local businesses and higher education institutions to support students in making informed choices?
We are proud to maintain strong partnerships with local higher education institutions such as College of the Mainland and Galveston College, where many of our students earn dual-credit hours while still in high school. We also collaborate with the University of Houston-Clear Lake to expand collegiate opportunities. As a result, some of our students graduate having completed the equivalent of two years of college coursework, saving their families tens of thousands of dollars and accelerating their path to a degree.
Our commitment to student success goes beyond academics. We actively partner with local chambers of commerce and civic organizations, including the Rotary Clubs in Texas City, League City, and Dickinson. These partnerships are vital. The workforce and business community play a key role in helping us design an educational strategy that looks ahead, not just to graduation, but to the next 5 to 10 years. Together, we explore critical questions: What will future jobs in oil and gas, maritime, healthcare, and other local industries require? What skills and certifications should our students have?
By involving industry leaders in our planning, we ensure our curriculum and CTE programs are aligned with real-world needs. These relationships help us fulfill our mission: when students walk across the stage at graduation, they leave not only academically strong but fully prepared to thrive in the workforce.
How are you preparing your students to use AI responsibly while also nurturing critical thinking?
Technology continues to be a top priority in our district, and artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most rapidly advancing areas impacting education today. To stay ahead, we are launching a districtwide AI Task Force this year — bringing together technology staff, administrators, teachers, students, and parents. The purpose of this group is to explore how AI is currently being used in classrooms and to develop clear, thoughtful guidelines and best practices for responsible implementation.
While AI presents exciting opportunities, it also comes with challenges. Because this technology is still emerging in the education space, we are taking a cautious, informed approach. Our focus is on understanding the benefits while also identifying potential risks, particularly around data privacy, academic integrity, and ethical use. This work aligns with our broader technology strategy and directly supports the growth of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, where we are intentionally investing in resources that prepare students for careers in tech-driven industries.
To support this work, we are engaging experts to help us monitor trends, evaluate tools, and make informed decisions about which platforms best serve our students and staff. While the process is ongoing, one thing is clear: preparing students for a future shaped by technology and innovation is not optional — it’s essential.
What is Dickinson ISD doing to stay competitive and support your teaching staff?
Teacher recruitment and retention begin with relationships and a strong sense of community. With over 12,500 students and more than 2,000 dedicated employees, cultivating a positive, unified district culture is essential. In today’s competitive landscape, educators have choices — and it’s our responsibility to make Dickinson ISD the place they choose to stay and grow.
We focus on creating that sense of belonging. From elementary to high school, every campus shares the Gator mascot, reinforcing a deep-rooted identity and pride that connects our entire district. We also remain committed to keeping our salaries competitive and ensuring that our teachers are compensated fairly for the invaluable work they do.
But compensation alone isn’t enough. Retaining exceptional educators means making them feel seen, heard, and respected. Our teachers are not just classroom leaders — they are thought partners in our district. We include them in strategic planning, seek their input on major initiatives, and value their voice in shaping the direction of our schools.
When teachers feel empowered, appreciated, and part of something greater, they’re not just employees — they’re invested members of the Gator Nation. That’s the culture we are committed to building every day.
What are your top priorities for Dickinson ISD over the next two to three years?
As a fast-growing district, Dickinson ISD is projected to surpass 15,000 students within the next five to eight years. With new housing developments emerging across our community, expanding our facilities has become a top priority. Currently, we are moving forward with two major construction projects — a new elementary school and a state-of-the-art Career and Technical Education Center — both set to open in fall 2026.
Looking ahead, we are preparing for another bond proposal to fund additional critical projects, including expanding Dickinson High School, constructing a dedicated Fine Arts Center, and enhancing our athletics facilities. As superintendent, my focus is on ensuring that our growth is strategic and sustainable: adding new buildings where needed, upgrading older campuses, maintaining the highest standards of safety, and reinforcing our commitment to academic excellence. This includes much-needed renovations to some of our aging facilities to ensure that all students have access to safe, modern, and inspiring learning environments.
Our long-term vision is clear: to make Dickinson a destination district — one where families choose to live because of the strength of our schools. A place where parents feel confident that their children are receiving a high-quality education and are supported socially, emotionally, and academically. Whether it’s preparing students for college, career, or life, we are committed to delivering the best for every learner, no matter their background or circumstances.
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