The Victoria ISD Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Elise Lopez as the district’s new Director of Fine Arts during its recent board meeting.
Lopez brings nearly two decades of experience in arts education, instructional leadership, and program development to Victoria ISD. Throughout her career, she has served students and educators across multiple fine arts disciplines, with a strong focus on expanding opportunities and fostering excellence in performing arts programs.
Most recently, Lopez served as District Theatre Coordinator for San Antonio ISD, a role she held for four years. In this position, she provided leadership and support for theater programs across the district, coordinated curriculum and instructional initiatives, organized districtwide events, and collaborated with campus leaders and educators to strengthen fine arts programming.
Prior to her district leadership role, Lopez spent four years as Head Theatre Director at Marshall High School and Longfellow Middle School in San Antonio ISD, where she led successful theater programs and expanded student performance opportunities. She also dedicated 11 years to San Antonio ISD as a music teacher, serving students at various campuses and building a strong foundation in arts education and student engagement.
Lopez holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University–San Antonio, a Master of Arts in Theatre from the University of Houston, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of the Incarnate Word.
As Director of Fine Arts, Lopez will oversee Victoria ISD’s comprehensive fine arts programs, including music, theater, visual arts, cheer, dance, band, and more. She will work closely with campus administrators and fine arts educators to support student achievement, foster creativity, and advance the district’s vision of providing exceptional learning experiences for all students.
Lopez joins a Fine Arts Department recognized for its tradition of excellence and student achievement. Victoria ISD students consistently earn top honors in regional and state competitions, including advancement to Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State ensembles, University Interscholastic League (UIL) State performances and competitions, Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) recognition, and numerous superior ratings across band, choir, orchestra, theater, dance, and visual arts programs.
Victoria ISD was recently named one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation for the eighth consecutive year, recognizing the district’s commitment to providing high-quality music education opportunities for all students.
Lopez is expected to begin her new role this summer in preparation for the 2026-27 school year.