DeSoto ISD Earns 2026 Best Communities for Music Education Recognition from The NAMM Foundation
DeSoto ISD has been named a 2026 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award winner by The NAMM Foundation, marking a significant national distinction and the seventh time in district history that DeSoto ISD has earned this honor. The district is especially proud to have regained this designation reaffirming its continued commitment to excellence, equity, and access in fine arts education.
The Best Communities for Music Education Award is one of the most respected national recognitions in the field of arts education. It highlights school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing high-quality music education opportunities for all students.
“This recognition reflects the intentional and sustained work happening across our campuses,” said DeSoto ISD Director of Fine Arts Twynette Anderson. “From instruction to access, staffing to student participation, our fine arts programs continue to strengthen the overall student experience and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive creatively.”
Now in its 27th year, the BCME designation is awarded by The NAMM Foundation, an organization founded in 2006 to support music education through the philanthropy of the music products industry. A supporting organization of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the Foundation is widely respected throughout the national music education community for its commitment to expanding access to music learning.
The recognition is earned through a rigorous, data-driven application process that evaluates the depth and sustainability of district music programs. Criteria include:
- Detailed district-wide reporting on student access, participation, and course offerings
- Program data including enrollment, staffing, scheduling, and curriculum alignment
- Equity and access measures that demonstrate removal of barriers and expansion of opportunity
- Budget and resource allocation reflecting investment in instruments, materials, and instruction
- Community and administrative support showcasing engagement and district-level commitment
- Verification by school officials ensuring accuracy and accountability
Unlike a nomination-based honor, BCME recognition requires comprehensive documentation and evidence of impact across an entire school system.
The award provides national recognition and reinforces community pride, while also elevating the visibility of music education programs. It serves as both validation of district efforts and a valuable tool for ongoing program evaluation and improvement.
DeSoto ISD’s recognition places it among a select group of districts across the country honored for their commitment to providing a well-rounded education that includes robust arts programming for all students.
“This distinction is about more than music,” said DeSoto ISD Executive Director of Student Support Services Dr. Gene Morrow. “It represents opportunity, access, and the belief that every student deserves a complete educational experience that nurtures both academic and creative excellence.”
DeSoto ISD extends its appreciation to its fine arts educators, students, families, and community partners whose dedication continues to make this achievement possible.
For more information about DeSoto ISD, visit www.desotoisd.org.