Editor's note: this article has been updated to include the correct spelling of Centennial Elementary School Principal Alison Pierce's last name.

Humble ISD was recently named as one of three recipients of the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association of School Boards’ Caudill Award, the highest honor presented at the organizations' annual Exhibit of School Architecture, officials said in a Jan. 25 news release.


Each year, TASA and TASB’s Exhibit of School Architecture showcases new and renovated schools from throughout the state, highlighting excellence in the planning and design of learning environments.

According to the news release, HISD’s Centennial Elementary School—designed by Joiner Architects Inc.—was selected as a recipient for the Caudill Award for its focus on telling the 100-year story of the district, which includes themed pods for each grade level that showcase the area’s history, such as an origin-of-oil theme for third-graders and a forest theme for kindergartners.

“Centennial Elementary School is a wonderful, innovative school that celebrates the history of our community and brings together important aspects of learning, including the mental and physical health benefits of natural light, safety for all staff and students, and inspiring and motivating spaces that join the best of innovative workspaces,” HISD Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen said in an emailed statement. “We have learned so much about what is possible in building construction that brings long-term learning to life for all children. Centennial thoughtfully showcases all of the important parts of education together in one facility.”


Fagen also praised the HISD staff members who helped contribute to Centennial Elementary School's design.

“[Deputy Superintendent] Roger Brown, [Chief Communications Officer] Jamie Mount, [Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education] Luci Schulz, [Centennial Elementary School Principal] Alison Pierce and their teams were integral partners with Joiner Architects in the vision and design of this school,” Fagen said. “I could not be prouder of the creativity and collaboration demonstrated in this project and what it has brought to our students, staff and community.”

Katy ISD's
Gerald D. Young Agricultural Sciences Center and Austin ISD's Doss Elementary School were also named as recipients of this year's Caudill Award.


HISD will officially be recognized for its achievement with Centennial Elementary at TASA and TASB’s 2022 Midwinter Conference held Jan. 30-Feb. 2.