Melissa Macheska-Duarte, Ed.D.

Melissa Duarte has served communities and students for the past 32 years through her career in education.  She began as a middle school teacher.  During her tenure she has taught elementary, middle school, high school, college, and university level students.  She has been a curriculum coordinator, executive director, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent and currently superintendent of schools for Texas City Independent School District (TCISD).  Melissa is responsible for over 7,800 students in her role and approximately 1,300 employees.  She has led TCISD for the past three years.  During her time as an educator, she has helped districts and campuses overcome barriers and provide strong academic and educational opportunities.  

When Melissa stepped into her position at TCISD in July of 2020 it was during the pandemic.  Navigating virtual instruction, setting expectations for instruction, and supporting staff during this time of unknown was a challenge she handled with grace.  During the past three years, Melissa has been instrumental in starting a dual language program, an early college high school at both high school campuses, strategic planning and passing a bond that will provide many needed campuses in the district.  During this time, the district has expanded their career and technical education courses and will be opening a brand-new STEM/Robotics Center.  She provided leadership that progressed campuses that were struggling academically to achieve passing standards based on the state’s accountability system.  The district went from 42% of the campuses failing to 100% of campuses passing state standards.  Melissa’s passion is about providing students with a strong academic foundation that allows them to leave the educational system equipped to achieve any dream that they have.  Her purpose is to help those have the endurance to always DREAM BIG!

Melissa obtained a Bachelors in Business Administration, Masters in Educational Leadership and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas Pan American.  She has been honored to receive many accolades over the past three years.  She was named Citizen of the Year for the Texas City – La Marque Chamber of Commerce, she received the Women in Leadership Award for the educational sector and she was selected as the top 20 for the Galveston County Citizen of the Year award.

Melissa is visionary in the work that she does and is passionate about making a difference for students and the entire community.  In education, we provide experiences today that will prepare this years pre-kindergarten students for the world in 2037, when they graduate.  That is a tall task to prepare students for careers that don’t even exist.  The passion, excitement, and creativity that Melissa brings to the job makes a difference every day.  

Melissa is married to her loving husband, Darrell, and has four amazing children; Ryan, Aaron, Brittany, and step-daughter, Drew. She also has two beautiful granddaughters.