The Hurst‑Euless‑Bedford ISD visual and performing arts department presented a wide‑ranging update that tied arts participation to academic outcomes and outlined plans to expand opportunities across grade levels.

"My department currently serves over 19,000 of the 23,000 students in this district," the VPA presenter said, noting district metrics showing higher weighted GPA and daily attendance among arts participants. The presenter cited external studies — including College Board and Brookings Institute research mentioned during the presentation — to contextualize program benefits such as higher SAT averages and reduced chronic absenteeism.

The board recognized student artwork selected for the district’s 2025 holiday card. Miss Cumberlege announced five honorable mentions and named Hayden Hernandez (Shady Brook, sixth grade) the overall card winner; the artwork will be used on the front and back of the district card distributed broadly.

The presentation chronicled program elements including Suzuki strings (serving over 400 students on 10 campuses), expanded orchestra pathways, choir alignment and state/national recognitions: the LD Bell band’s recent national appearances and Central junior high and Trinity percussion invitations to national music clinics. The presenter said the district had 250+ performances over 84 school days and estimated VPA social media had generated more than 243,000 views since August.

Looking forward, the department described continuing instrument replacement cycles, a VPA signing day recognizing students who plan to continue arts in college, expanded shared resources for teachers, and efforts to lift secondary participation above current rates.

What happens next: Trustees asked follow‑up questions about program classification (e.g., how clubs like step club are categorized) and thanked staff for outreach and programmatic accomplishments; no board action beyond recognition was required.