Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) has earned the Texas Art Education Association’s (TAEA) District of Distinction recognition for the fourth year in a row. This accolade highlights the district's ongoing commitment to outstanding visual arts education and fostering student creativity.

Lindsay Ripley, SBISD’s Visual Arts Coordinator, expressed pride in the district’s achievement. “This award is no easy task. It’s a difficult achievement, and our students and teachers knocked it out of the park,” Ripley said. “Winning for the fourth year is truly an honor.”

Ripley noted the importance of art education in developing well-rounded students. “Art education is essential for a comprehensive education. We ensure our students have access to innovative curricula and rigorous projects, which foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills,” she said.

The TAEA’s District of Distinction award is presented to schools and districts that excel in visual arts education and promote art as a vital part of the curriculum. The association’s mission includes advancing professional development, advocating for quality art education, and recognizing exceptional contributions in the field.

SBISD’s rigorous art programming aligns with the Core Characteristics of a T-2-4 Ready Graduate, preparing students for academic and professional success. Ripley highlighted that the award reflects the district's dedication to a well-rounded education, one reason families choose SBISD schools for their children.

“We offer students opportunities to compete at local, state, and national levels, helping them become lifelong artists and creatives. Our dedicated educators inspire them to excel and win. Both our students and teachers truly deserve this recognition,” Ripley said.

Felipe Contreras, an art teacher at Spring Woods High School and part of the award-winning team, praised the collective effort. “This award reflects not just one teacher or program, but the whole team as a collective powerhouse,” Contreras said. “We’re among the top 5 percent of art education programs in Texas. The program in Spring Branch is amazing, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

This ongoing recognition underscores SBISD’s exceptional commitment to advancing visual arts education and its role in developing future artists and creative thinkers. Learn more about the arts in SBISD here.