Los Fresnos CISD Introduces Aníbal Villarreal as Director of Fine Arts

Los Fresnos CISD is proud to introduce Mr. Aníbal Villarreal as the Director of Fine Arts. Since joining the district in August 2024, Mr. Villarreal has brought a wealth of experience, passion, and vision to the role—just in time to lead the district into an exciting new chapter with the opening of its state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center (PAC).

As Director of Fine Arts, Mr. Villarreal will oversee all aspects of the district’s fine arts program. He will also be at the helm of operations and programming for the new Performing Arts Center which will officially open its doors to the public on ‘Saturday, September 13, 2025.

The Los Fresnos CISD Performing Arts Center (PAC) is a remarkable addition to the district and the greater community. This 32,000-square-foot facility has been carefully designed to showcase student talent and support the growth of the fine arts for years to come. Key features of the PAC include:

  • 1,011-seat auditorium
  • Full fly tower and stage with an acoustical shell and advanced rigging system
  • State-of-the-art theatrical lighting and acoustics
  • Spacious lobby gallery ideal for visual art exhibits
  • Outdoor courtyard for community gatherings and performances
  • Three multipurpose rooms for rehearsals, workshops, and events
  • Prop area with loading dock for seamless production logistics

Mr. Villarreal brings 16 years of experience in public education to this leadership role. Throughout his career, he has served as a third grade elementary teacher, high school English I and II teacher, and  Theatre Arts Director at Veterans Memorial Early College High School in Brownsville. Most recently, he served as the Theatre Arts & Dance Advisor for the Brownsville ISD Department of Fine Arts, where he supported arts education and programming across the district.

A proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Mr. Villarreal holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the McCombs School of Business. He later earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

His leadership philosophy centers on equity, access, and creativity. “As Director of Fine Arts, my goal is to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative fine arts program where every student has the opportunity to discover and develop their creative voice,” he said. “The arts are not a luxury—they are the heartbeat of a thriving community. When we invest in creativity, we invest in our students’ future.”

Mr. Villarreal envisions the PAC not only as a premier venue for student performance, but also as a cultural hub for the entire Los Fresnos community. He is committed to building strong connections between the district, families, and the broader public through meaningful engagement in the arts.

The district invites the community to join in the grand opening celebration of the Performing Arts Center on September 13th, where the future of arts education in Los Fresnos will take center stage.

 

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