Dr. Shannon Allen is the superintendent of the Beaumont Independent School District. She made history on April 17, 2019, by being named the first female superintendent in the district. A Beaumont native and a graduate of BISD, Dr. Allen is uniquely qualified to serve the community as the district's leader through her background and work experience of twenty-three years at BISD.

The Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) currently oversees twenty-six schools that includes thirteen elementary schools, five middle schools, and three high schools. They serve in the education of 16,215 students with a total of 1,054 graduates in the class of 2023. Of those graduates, 173 received certifications and forty-four received associate degrees in addition to their high school diploma.

BISD has created innovative campuses that are focused on the improvement of student outcome and to ensure that every student is attending a high performing school with the launch of three new district led models which includes Homer Drive Elementary, Martin Elementary, along with expansion of the partnership with the Paul Brown Learning Center and Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT). Charter campuses have been formed with Third Future at Willy Ray Smith Middle School, Fehl-Price Elementary School, and Dr. Mae E Jones-Clark Elementary. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle school also has a charter campus under BISD with the Green Dot public school program.

Unique Partnerships such as a real estate partnership and a maritime dual enrollment partnership have recently been formed. The real estate partnership has been developed through an online, self-paced program for juniors and seniors to learn about and complete an internship with a realtor, real estate company, or construction company. At the end of this real estate partnership, students will be eligible to take their Texas Real Estate Examination. Working with Lamar State College – Orange, the maritime program provides Coast Guard approved training allowing students to earn college credits in Intro to Tugs and Towing, Seamanship I, Terrestrial Navigation, and Basic Stability Ship Construction.

New this year to BISD campuses are book vending machines that were launched with the help of our local United Way. Students will receive a token for good behavior, academic performance, etc. that will allow them to have a book of their own.

Safety has been a continued priority in the district with implementing heightened security. BISD works with not only their own police officers, but also city and county resources. They are also training staff on what to do in certain situations and how to properly prepare for an event to make sure a response is quick and appropriate to keep everything safe.

There are over 80% who are school dependent on the district for more than just educational services. All Beaumont ISD students receive a free breakfast and free lunch on school days. To help support their education through technology, a partnership with T-Mobile’s Project 10Million, families in the school district can be eligible for free internet access via mobile hot spots to use with the Chrome devices each student is provided.

BISD has 1,686 registered volunteers and 127 community and business partners. They are always looking for more volunteers and members to work with students. They believe that involvement with the community is a building block in creating strong campuses and district. You can become a volunteer with BISD at www.bmtisd.com/volunteers.

Photos by: Karen Bourdier