Katy ISD announced August 5 that it has been selected as one of only 109 districts across Texas to receive the 2024-2025 Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distinction Award. This prestigious honor celebrates outstanding leadership in visual arts education and marks the fifth occasion the district has received the recognition, the district said in the press release.

More than 1,200 districts in Texas were eligible for recognition from the Visual Arts Administrators of Texas (VAAT), a division of TAEA, based on a 14-point rubric evaluating district-wide commitment to the visual arts. Katy ISD’s visual arts program stood out for its active student participation, high-quality exhibitions, community services initiatives, cross-curricular collaboration, and active involvement in TAEA events and leadership, the district said.

“We are incredibly proud of our dedicated educators and talented students whose passion, creativity, and commitment to visual arts continue to enrich our schools and community in unique ways,” said Assistant Director of Fine Arts Laura Simoneaux. “This recognition is a testament to the district’s investment in nurturing artistic expression at every grade level.”

The 14-point evaluation assesses TAEA membership, student participation in regional and state competitions, as well as engagement with the local community through art-based services and enrichment activities. The honor also highlights the importance Katy ISD puts on comprehensive, equitable access to visual arts and lifelong learning, the district said.