Denton ISD Campuses Honored with 2025-26 Stars of Distinction Awards

The Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) have announced the recipients of the 2025–26 Stars of Distinction Awards as part of the annual Exhibit of School Architecture. Two Denton ISD campuses were recognized among this year’s honorees.
 
Dorothy Martinez Elementary, designed by Pfluger Architects, received a Star of Distinction for Transformation, while Newton Rayzor Elementary, designed by Corgan, earned a Star of Distinction for Planning.
 
“These awards reflect Denton ISD’s commitment to creating learning environments that support our students today and well into the future,” said Dr. Susannah O’Bara, Superintendent of Schools. “Martinez Elementary and Newton Rayzor Elementary are excellent examples of how thoughtful design and planning can transform the student experience, aligning with our district’s mission to empower lifelong learners.”
 
Both campuses represent the community’s investment in Denton ISD schools through voter-approved bond programs—Martinez Elementary as part of the 2023 Bond and Newton Rayzor Elementary as part of the 2018 Bond. This recognition highlights not only the strength of the district’s bond program but also the dedicated work of the Bond committee and the value of collaboration. Pfluger Architects and Corgan partnered closely with Denton ISD to bring these projects to life, combining innovative design expertise with the district’s vision for modern, student-centered learning spaces.
 
The Exhibit of School Architecture recognizes newly constructed or renovated Texas public education facilities completed within the past five years. A 12-member jury, composed of school board members, administrators, and design professionals from the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Southern Region, reviewed 43 projects statewide and awarded a total of 106 Stars of Distinction for excellence in one or more of six categories: Design, Value, Wellness, Community, Planning, and Transformation.
 
“Facilities are more than just buildings. They shape how teachers teach and how students learn,” said Brandon Boyter, Denton ISD Executive Director of Construction, Planning & Growth. “Recognition from TASA and TASB highlights the district’s efforts to ensure that our schools are designed with intention, creativity, and purpose.”
 
The award-winning projects will be showcased September 12–13 at txEDCON 2025 in Houston and are also featured online at www.texasschoolarchitecture.org.