TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District honored the past, present and future of Meridith-Dunbar Early Childhood Academy during a celebration on the campus Wednesday evening (August 18th). The celebration coincided with the completion of renovations to the historic campus.
The facility underwent a $9.3 million update that included complete renovations of classrooms to include: flooring, lighting, windows, whiteboards and HVAC systems. Renovations to restrooms, the kitchen and cafeteria were also completed, featuring the addition of air conditioning to the kitchen area for the first time. Other highlights include: ADA improvements, asbestos abatement, fire suppression system installation and updates to plumbing/sewer and roofing. New graphics in the front hallway will recognize the school’s timeline and history, along with Dunbar graduate Joe Greene’s legacy. The MDECA renovations complete the academic portion of the district’s 2015 bond package.
The program featured Greene, a 1966 graduate of Dunbar High School and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, speaking about the “Dunbar Experience”. Linell Davis, a 1966 Dunbar High School graduate and current TISD trustee, shared the history of the school and current MDECA principal Nikki Murphy addressed the future of Meridith-Dunbar. Dr. Sonjanette Crossley, a 1968 graduate of Dunbar High School closed the program with the benediction before the facility was opened for self-guided tours of the updates.
“This is such a special occasion for us to be able to recognize the past and what an anchor this school was for our community,” Greene said during his remarks. “Now we need to focus on the present and the future as we support this school and have everyone see Meridith-Dunbar at the forefront of teaching our young ones. It is amazing what can happen when your heart is in it and you have the support of everyone around you.”
The school is now named after G.C. Meridith, the former principal of Dunbar High School, and poet Paul Dunbar. Meridith-Dunbar holds a special place in the history of TISD, having been established in 1896. The school graduated its first class of three students in 1903 and the school was renamed Dunbar High School in the early 1900’s. The current building was built in the 1950’s. The school has also served as a middle school and magnet school before opening as Meridith-Dunbar Early Childhood Academy during the 2013-14 school year.
“Tonight’s event was a true celebration of the past, present and future,” said Dr. Bobby Ott, superintendent of TISD. “It was wonderful to see so many alumni that graced these halls before us return to their beautifully renovated school. This campus was where it all started for so many of Temple ISD’s amazing graduates, so preserving its history was the right thing to do for this entire community. This campus is not only part of Temple ISD, but in my mind, will forever remain as the essential fabric of our storied school district. Today’s renovations are timeless and will outlive us all – much like its tradition.”