Tim Lowke and Jager Loyde have been named the District’s Director of Fine Arts – Visual Arts and Director of Fine Arts – Music, respectively.
Their appointment as directors comes after a reorganization of the District’s Fine Arts Department to better support the needs of growing programs, staff, and students. The visual arts’ position will focus on serving elementary music, theatre, and visual arts, and the music position will focus on supporting band, choir, and orchestra.
“I am excited to continue my work with Round Rock ISD fine arts faculty, students, and community in this expanded role,” Lowke said. “As an arts educator for more than 30 years, I am focused on supporting faculty in their endeavor to bring the very best fine arts teaching, learning, and program experiences to our students resulting in the excellence our parents, community, and students expect.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to share my experiences and perspectives with educators, students, and community members who are passionate about personal growth, student achievement, and leadership,” Loyde said. “I am excited to continue to build and support fine arts programs where all students have access to the unique social, emotional, and intellectual benefits achieved through artistic excellence. I believe the arts are transformative and empower the lives of students, families, and communities.”
Lowke has served as the Assistant Director of Visual Performing Arts since 2015. During that time, he has supported program development in the visual arts, which resulted in Round Rock ISD’s appointment as a District of Distinction by the Texas Art Education Association for two consecutive years. He was also named the 2018 Texas Educator of the year by the National Art Education Association. He has over 30 years of experience in education, with 15 of those years being a visual arts teacher at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Loyde has served as the Assistant Director of Instrumental Music since 2018. In the past three years, his efforts to support music education at all levels has led to the District being named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants and the creation of the District’s Council of the Arts podcast and website and annual music awards. He was also named to the faculty of the Bands of America Honor Band for the Rose Parade in 2022 and was selected as a guest conductor for the 2019 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. He has 12 years of experience in education, with nine being as a band instructor and director at the high school level.
Lowke has a Bachelor’s in Art Education from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s in Educational Administration from Texas State University.
Loyde has a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of North Texas and Master’s in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin University.
