October 13, 2021
Humble ISD Fine Arts teachers and their families celebrate the district's third consecutive win as a District of Distinction during the annual Faculty Art Exhibition and Reception on September 22, 2021 at the administration building.
Out of 1,200 school districts that were eligible across Texas, Humble ISD was among the top 4 percent honored with the 2021 District of Distinction Award by the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA). This marks the third 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 a variety of learners.
“We take great pride in how we enrich our students with learning opportunities from a quality, award-winning fine arts program,” Destry Balch, Humble ISD Director of Fine Arts, said. “Winning this award for a third-straight year speaks volumes about our students and our staff.”
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 third year that TAEA is honoring districts that meet rigorous criteria as evidenced from data.
For the 2021 award, participating districts submitted documentation that each met from the 14-point rubric over the 2020-2021 school year. Out of 1,200 districts in Texas, only 41 districts, including Humble ISD, met the high standard and will receive the outstanding honor.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Roger Brown and Director of Fine Arts Destry Balch with the District of Distinction plaque at the Texas Art Educators Association Conference in Round Rock.
“Humble ISD has set a high standard for visual arts advocacy, integrated visual arts curriculum, encouraged creativity, community participation and student growth,” Stacia Gower, Humble ISD Visual Art Coordinator and Chair of the Administration and Supervision Division of TAEA, said. “The past school year, educators faced many challenges associated with constantly changing guidelines and instruction procedures as well as participation in contests and visual art events. It is a true testament to our visual art educators’ skill, dedication, and flexibility that the quality of their programs continued strong and comprehensive.”
Humble ISD and 40 other districts will be honored at the TAEA Administration and Supervision Division meeting and during the TAEA Fall Conference General Assembly on Nov. 5.