Nacogdoches ISD is once again an NAMM Foundation Best Communities for Music Education.
It’s the seventh time the district has earned the designation, which is awarded to school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, NISD answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs.
“This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the Nacogdoches ISD Fine Arts Department (including band, choir, elementary music, and growing programs such as jazz) along with the support of campus administrators, district leadership, and the Board of Trustees,” said Deshmond Johnson, NISD’s Director of Fine Arts. “The application process required comprehensive data on student access, participation, staffing, curriculum, facilities, funding, and community engagement.
“This award is a result of the dedication of our music educators, the commitment of our students, and the strong support of our parents and community partners who make music education a priority.”
Recipients of the 2026 award were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.
The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry.