Art District of Distinction Award 2020
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Roger Brown and Visual Arts Coordinator Stacia Gower with the 2019 TAEA District of Distinction plaque

Out of 1,000 school districts statewide that were eligible, Humble ISD was among the top 4 percent honored with the 2020 District of Distinction Award by the Texas Art Education Association’s (TAEA). This marks the second year in a row Humble ISD has received the award.

The honor was given to the district for providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and reach all different learners.

“We’re thrilled to have received this honor for two years in a row,” Destry Balch, Humble ISD Director of Fine Arts, said.  “This award is a testament to the hard work put forth by our staff and students involved in the fine arts program.”

TAEA is a top advocate for visual arts in the state. The organization has previously honored outstanding TAEA members for work in their classrooms and districts. This is the second year that TAEA is honoring districts that meet rigorous criteria as evidenced from data. 

For the 2020 award, each district submitted documentation they met from the 12-point rubric over the 2019-2020 school year. Only 42 districts, including Humble ISD, met the high standard and will receive the outstanding honor indicating they are in the top 4 percent of districts in the state.

“Humble ISD has set a high standard for visual arts advocacy, integrated visual arts curriculum, encouraged creativity and community participation,” Stacia Gower, Humble ISD Visual Art Coordinator and Chair of the Administration and Supervision Division of TAEA, said.  “With the challenges educators faced this past school year it is a true testament to their skill, dedication, and flexibility that the quality of their programs continued strong and comprehensive.”

Forty-two districts, including Humble ISD will be honored at the TAEA Administration and Supervision Division meeting as part of the TAEA Conference on Nov. 21. The event will be held virtually this year.