Brownsville ISD history

The year 1916 signalled the beginning of major growth.

In the spring of 1919, a bond issue was approved so the district could erect a new brick building.

Built in 1921-22, the school was first utilized as a junior high school.

In 1925, the Birdville's first formal PTA operated a booth at the Fat Stock Show, raised $125, and used the money to buy library books for the school.

In 1926, under the direction of Superintendent W. T. Francisco, the Birdville ISD was incorporated.

In 1927-28, an additional building for Brownsville High School/Junior College was built between the existing Brownsville High School and the Junior High School, now known as Clearwater Elementary.

Resaca Elementary was opened in 1931 and named for the bodies of water often associated with Brownsville.

Brite moved to Brownsville in 1932 and began teaching and coaching at Brownsville High School.

Villa Nueva Elementary is a small community school located west of Brownsville. It was originally located in Villa Nueva until 1933 when the school was completely destroyed by a hurricane.

The school was rebuilt in 1935 in San Pedro but retained its original Villa Nueva name.

Founded in 1938, the Barbershop Harmony Society preserves and extends the reach of a uniquely American musical art form whose roots lie in African-American improvisation and European harmony traditions.

In 1939, Birdville completed a large brick building on the southwest corner of its property.

Peña first taught at East Brownsville Elementary School (Longoria) prior to joining the United States Navy in 1944.

Upon its completion in 1947, the new school was renamed for Annie S. Putegnat, the first grade teacher who later became the school’s principal.

In January of 1950, a bond issue was passed providing funding to build a two-winged addition to the existing structure.

On Labor Day, 1951, Cummings Junior High, named in his honor, opened as one of the most modern public school buildings in Texas.

Windows were a luxury, not a necessity, when Cromack Elementary opened for classes in the Fall of 1953.

In 1956, the name of the school was changed to honor the longtime BISD teacher and principal, Josephine Webb, who taught in the public schools for over five decades.

Faulk Junior High School opened in 1957 at the same time as Stell Junior High.

In 1958, the First Ward School was renamed for Lucille Skinner.

So why is the United States Navy recognized as part of the school's early history? In 1960, when the school opened its doors in the Las Prietas area of Brownsville, the school consisted of surplus portable buildings purchased from the Kingsville Naval Base.

An actual resaca was located east of the school until 1965.

He is credited with being the first bilingual education director in the district in 1971.

Even before the construction began, the school's colors and mascot were chosen at a Board Meeting on October 2, 1973.

In 1974, the elementary school population was growing even faster than the district could build schools.

Upon her return to Brownsville, she taught at Putegnat Elementary until her retirement in 1975.

At the time of the school’s groundbreaking in 1976, nine different members of the Egly family had held various positions within the district.

The Brownsville school named for Judge Garza opened its doors in 1977.

1979 was the first year of operation for Land O’Lakes Intermediate School, named for its location on Land O’Lakes Drive.

Marylyn Burns taught English for more than 20 years at Brownsville and Hanna High Schools, until her death in 1981.

Marylyn Burns Elementary School was built in 1983 as relief for classroom loads at Martin and Clearwater Elementaries.

Morningside Elementary was one of two new BISD campuses to open in the Fall of 1986.

There were no books in the library or stripes on the parking lot on the opening day of operation for Perkins Middle School in 1987.

Built in 1988, the school features individual buildings for each grade level, joined by a covered walkway.

12, 1989, at 3120 Carson Street in Haltom City . Today, Birdville ISD is the fourth largest school district in Northeast Tarrant County, with 32 campuses, and serves a growing population of 120,000 residents and more than 22,400 students.

Vela Middle School first opened in August of 1990 as Paredes Line Ninth Grade School.

Located in the northwest section of Brownsville, this school opened in 1992.

Lopez High School, opened in 1993, is named after the Lopez family of Brownsville who owns and operate independent supermarkets in South Texas.

Besteiro Middle School, opened in 1994, is named for Raul A. Besteiro, Jr. a well known educator who served as Superintendent of Brownsville schools for many years.

Aiken Elementary, home of the “All Stars,” opened in August of 1996.

The original campus, composed totally of portable buildings, was rebuilt using funds from the $100 million school bond passed in 1997.

The school, opened in 1998, is named after two men, Hubert R. Hudson, Sr., and his son Hubert R. Hudson, Jr.

In 1999, Benavides Elementary opened its doors.

In 2001, Brownsville ISD dedicated its 31st elementary to Doctor Americo Paredes who served as a role model, outspoken advocate for social justice, and inspiration for Hispanics of every generation.

In 2004, the district dedicated its 10th middle school to Charles Stillman, a successful South Texas businessman who founded Brownsville as well as the neighboring town of Roma.

Brownsville ISD took a significant step forward in the delivery of alternative education services with the opening of the Brownsville Academic Center (BAC) in August 2005.

In 2006, students began attending classes at the district’s 33rd elementary school which was named for beloved educator Ben L. Brite.

BISD and UTB/TSC opened the Brownsville Early College High School (BECHS) in August 2008 at the Clearwater Campus.

Peña Elementary, opened in 2009, is named for Raquel Peña, a longtime BISD educator.

Manzano Middle School was opened to students in August 2010.

Breeden Elementary School, opened in August 2012, is named for Daniel Breeden, the longest-serving principal of Hanna High School.

BOND 2014 Dollars at Work for Vendors

BISD HOSTED CAMPUC CELEBRATIONS FOR RECEIVING NCUST GOLD AWARD The Brownsville Independent School District was extremely proud to announce that two of its elementary schools were named as winners of the 2018 America’s Best Urban Schools Award.