For the third consecutive year, New Braunfels ISD has been recognized as a Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distinction for its outstanding visual arts program. This honor places NBISD among the top 8 percent of school districts in Texas for excellence in visual arts education.

TAEA announced the 109 recipients of the 2025-2026 District of Distinction Award on July 7th. More than 1,200 Texas school districts were eligible to apply, with only 109 meeting the standards required to earn the distinction.

“This recognition for the third consecutive year shows the passion, creativity, and dedication our visual arts teachers and students demonstrate every day,” said Dr. Marty Lenard, NBISD Director of Fine Arts. “At NBISD, we are committed to providing meaningful artistic experiences that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and help students develop the skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.”

The TAEA District of Distinction Award recognizes school districts that provide a well-rounded education by advocating for and integrating high-quality visual arts instruction. Honored districts demonstrate a commitment to fostering creativity, supporting social-emotional learning, and connecting students with their communities through the arts.

Each applicant submitted evidence demonstrating excellence across a comprehensive 14-point rubric during the 2025-2026 school year. The rubric evaluates areas including student participation in visual arts programs and competitions, community engagement, exhibition opportunities, leadership, and advocacy for the arts.

“NBISD has set a high standard for visual arts advocacy, integrated visual arts curriculum, encouraged creativity, community participation, and student growth,” said Nealy Holley, Chair of the Visual Art Administrators of Texas, a division of TAEA. “It is a true testament to your visual art educators’ skill, dedication, and flexibility that the quality of their programs continues to provide strong and comprehensive visual art educational experiences for students.”

NBISD will be recognized during the TAEA District of Distinction Awards Ceremony at the TAEA Fall Conference in November in Galveston.

About the TAEA District of Distinction Award

Now in its seventh year, the TAEA District of Distinction Award recognizes Texas school districts that demonstrate exceptional leadership and achievement in visual arts education. The award is administered by the Visual Art Administrators of Texas, a division of TAEA, and honors districts that promote excellence in visual arts through student participation in programs such as VASE, Junior VASE, and TEAM, as well as community engagement, exhibitions, field experiences, and advocacy efforts.

About the Texas Art Education Association

The Texas Art Education Association is the largest state professional organization for art educators in the United States. Its mission is to promote quality visual arts education through leadership, advocacy, service, and professional development.