The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) has announced the winners of the 2024–2025 District of Distinction Award, naming Spring Independent School District (Spring ISD) as one of 16 districts to earn this honor for the seventh consecutive year in the state of Texas.

Spring ISD Board of Trustees honored the Performing and Visual Arts
Department with a Point of Pride Award during the Nov. 11 board meeting.

The award recognizes districts committed to providing a well-rounded curriculum that emphasizes strong visual arts education across all schools and grade levels, inspiring creativity and cultivating skills that connect students to their communities and beyond.

“Being one of only 16 districts statewide to achieve this milestone is truly a privilege,” said David Tijerina-Landgrebe, Interim Director of Performing & Visual Arts. “Maintaining this recognition for seven consecutive years reflects the exceptional dedication of our visual and performing arts educators, the talent and creativity of our students, and our district’s steadfast commitment to excellence in arts education.”

Over 1,200 districts and learning institutions in Texas were eligible to apply for the prestigious award. Only 109 districts met TAEA’s rigorous standards, and just 16 achieved recognition for seven consecutive years—placing Spring ISD among the top 1.3% of all visual art programs in the state.

“Spring ISD continues to set the bar high for visual arts education—fostering creativity, community engagement, and student growth through a strong, well-integrated curriculum,” said Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar. “This recognition is a true reflection of our visual art educators’ talent, dedication, and commitment to providing meaningful, high-quality art experiences for all students.”

Chelsi Johnston, visual arts teacher at Link Elementary School, has been inspiring young artists in Spring ISD since 2022. Now also serving as a district visual arts facilitator and lead teacher, Johnston takes pride in nurturing creativity and artistic growth among her students. 

“This achievement shows how passionate and dedicated our visual arts teachers are, as well as how unbelievably talented our students are,” said Johnston. “The requirements are rigorous and place extra work on our department to ensure we’re competing at a high level, but everyone does it because we know what it means to put our artists’ work in front of audiences. This accomplishment means we are taking our roles as arts advocates seriously and helping grow the next generation of creatives.”

The award recognizes not only excellence in the classroom but also districtwide efforts to engage all students in meaningful visual arts experiences, both on campus and in the community. Examples include student participation in regional and state events such as TAEA’s Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), Junior VASE, and the Texas Elementary Art Meet. TAEA also evaluates field experiences, community service, and exhibitions as part of the criteria for the award.

Spring ISD and other winning districts will be honored during the 2025 TAEA Fall Conference.