Published On: July 31st, 2025By Leticia Fehling

Aldine ISD Earns TAEA District of Distinction for 7th Consecutive Year

Only 16 districts statewide have earned the honor every year since its inception.

Aldine ISD’s commitment to arts education continues to set the standard in Texas. For the seventh consecutive year, the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) has named Aldine ISD a District of Distinction, placing the district among the top 1.3% of visual art programs in the state.

Out of more than 1,200 eligible districts, only 109 earned the prestigious designation for the 2024–2025 academic year. Notably, Aldine ISD is one of just 16 districts in Texas to have received the honor every year since the award was established.

“This recognition is a testament to the passion and professionalism of our incredible visual arts educators (pictured above) and students,” said Kaileigh Newman, AISD director of visual arts. “Year after year, they showcase excellence, creativity, and a commitment to providing meaningful learning experiences at all grade levels.”

The TAEA District of Distinction Award recognizes school districts that demonstrate exceptional leadership in promoting the visual arts in both their schools and the broader community. The award is based on a rigorous 14-point rubric that examines district-level participation in art education associations, student involvement in exhibitions and competitions, community engagement, and cross-curricular collaboration.

Active participation in TAEA through membership and exhibitions
Student involvement in visual arts contests
Field experiences and community service through the arts
Cross-curricular collaboration
Inclusive opportunities for students across all grade levels

According to the TAEA Visual Art Administrators of Texas, Aldine ISD’s program “met or exceeded” all rubric criteria. The association praised Aldine for its impressive level of participation in visual art learning experiences.

“Aldine ISD 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 continued to provide strong and comprehensive visual art educational experiences to students.”

Empowering Creative Expression

Year after year, students in the arts program earn district, area, regional, state, and national honors. A couple of highlights of the 2024-2025 school year include Alisson Garcia Molina and Diana Puente, both of whom attend Aldine High School. Alisson received a National Gold Key in Photography from the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, one of the highest honors in student art.

“I hope to become an art professor or teacher,” said Alisson. “All of my art teachers have taught me something valuable, and I want to pass on that love of self-expression.”

Diana Puentes poses (l-r) with teacher Birgit Langhammer, and Kaileigh Newman, AISD director of visual arts, at the 2025 RodeoHouston School Art Exhibition. Diana’s artwork received a Special Merit this year.

Diana was selected to attend the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Western Art Academy, a prestigious summer program held from June 15 to July 12, which brings together top high school artists from across Texas. Upon hearing the news that she had been selected for the summer program, Diana, a shy student, said, “I was so excited and surprised, but also a little bit scared. It will be the first time I will be away from home … I am excited about the opportunity to create art for four weeks and learn a lot about art making.”

A Program That Reaches Every Student

With 37,442 students participating in fine arts classes across the district, Aldine ISD’s program continues to grow in both reach and rigor. To ensure students have access to high-quality instruction and opportunities, the district is expanding its support for educators. For the 2025–2026 school year, Aldine ISD will adopt The Art of Education Flex curriculum, including on-demand professional development resources.

“With high levels of expectations, we strive to provide high levels of support,” said Newman. “This new curriculum is one more way we’re investing in our teachers and students.”

Partnerships That Build Connections

Aldine ISD’s Visual Arts Department actively collaborates with organizations throughout the Houston area. This year, the district will:

Continue its partnership with the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art to create a second Art Car entry for the 2025–2026 Art Car Parade.
Launch a new partnership with Art Connect Houston to bring community-based fine arts programming directly into schools.
Collaborate with Public Art of the University of Houston to provide field experiences and curated tours for both students and educators.

These partnerships help students connect their learning to the world beyond the classroom and offer professional exposure to careers in the arts.

Looking Ahead

The TAEA District of Distinction Award will be presented during the 2024 TAEA Fall Conference in Round Rock, Texas. Aldine ISD visual arts leaders will accept the award at the official ceremony on Friday, November 21.

Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney celebrated the recognition as a reflection of the district’s broader mission to educate the whole child.

“The arts are essential,” said Dr. Goffney. “They fuel creativity, foster critical thinking, and provide students with powerful ways to express themselves. I’m incredibly proud of our visual arts team for this remarkable achievement.”

As Aldine ISD celebrates its 90th anniversary, distinctions like this highlight the district’s enduring focus on preparing students for bright futures — through academics, leadership, service, and the arts.