Superintendents

Superintendents of Humble

Superintendent #10

Dr. Michael W. Say

Dr. Michael W. Say was born in Port Arthur, Texas and completed his Bachelor’s of Mathematics at Lamar University.  He began his teaching career teaching high school mathematics at Port Neches-Groves H.S. in 1963. He was recruited in 1966 to participate in a federal project in curriculum development and use of computer services in education in what later became Region 5.  While working on a Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Educational Administration at the University of Houston, Michael worked in Region 4 for five years and then in Houston ISD for seven years in various roles culminating in the position of Superintendent for Instruction and Support Services. 

Dr. Say joined Humble ISD in 1982 as Superintendent of Schools and lead the district for 19 years, through June 2001. In Humble ISD the enrollment in 1982 was approximately 13,000 students. During his 19 years as superintendent the enrollment doubled and his administration was tasked with providing excellent facilities for the growing student population.  His administration built 14 new campuses and support facilities, including the Curriculum Building, the CATE Center, Quest HS, and built additions to Humble and Kingwood HS. He is especially proud of the development of the ninth-grade centers that served Kingwood and Humble High Schools for several years and the development of the original concept for Quest High School.  During his tenure, Dr. Say and his team of administrators developed the Humble ISD Educational Foundation which has continued to grow and support many teacher initiatives.

He also served many leadership roles in the community including President of the Humble Chamber of Commerce in 1989, President of the Humble Rotary Club in 1991, President of the Kingwood Medical Center Board, and Board member of the Flaming Arrow District of the Boy Scouts.

Dr. Say received many awards for his leadership.  In 1998 the 51st Humble Livestock Show and Rodeo was dedicated to Dr. Say and in 1991 he received the Hayden McKay Outstanding Citizen Award from the Humble Chamber of Commerce.  In 1987 Dr. Say received the University of Houston, College of Education Distinguished Alumni Award.  Dr. Say was named 1992 Superintendent of the Year for Region 4 and named a state finalist for TASB Superintendent of the Year.

After his retirement in 2001, Dr. Say worked to provide leadership to other school districts.  He served as Interim Superintendent in Galena Park ISD, LaPorte ISD, and most recently in Splendora ISD as these districts searched for a permanent superintendent.  He remains active in the Humble Rotary Club and works on a committee that provides scholarships to Humble ISD students.

Dr. Say and his wife, Elaine, have been married for 41 years and have 3 daughters and 4 grandchildren.  Two of his daughters graduated from Humble High School and two of his grandchildren are currently in Kingwood High School.