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Days after state officials gave Elgin Independent School District a D in its annual accountability rating, the district earned recognition as one of the top school systems in Texas for visual arts.
The Texas Education Agency released its 2024-25 ratings last week, with Elgin ISD receiving a score of 66, a slight improvement from last year. Despite the mark — under a system revamped in 2023 to be more demanding — the district was selected for the 2025 District of Distinction Award from the Texas Art Education Association.
“Elgin 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. Only 109 districts statewide — about 8% — earned the honor, which recognizes school systems that inspire and connect students to their communities, according to officials. Elgin ISD Director of Fine Arts Alyson Keller said the recognition reflects the dedication and guidance of the district’s teachers.
“Their vision for what is possible for our students is endless and they work tirelessly to seek out lessons and experiences which afford our students every opportunity to engage in the arts in a meaningful way,” Keller said.
According to the district, Elgin’s campuses offer more than 35 fine arts courses, with about 80% of students enrolled in at least one during the last school year. The district’s new Performing Arts Center is expected to open this year and will host student art exhibitions and performances.
Elgin ISD will be formally honored at the TAEA District of Distinction Awards Ceremony during the association’s fall conference Nov. 21 in Round Rock.
The district’s D rating from TEA places it above the threshold that would trigger state intervention. The tougher STAAR exams and stricter college and career readiness benchmarks have shown mixed results statewide, with 24% of districts improving their grade while 15% saw a decline.
More on the grade and its local impact to come in the Courier.
