4 Nov 2004
School's Namesake Exemplified Honor, Integrity
DALLAS–Dallas Independent School District officials were joined Thursday, Nov. 4, by parents, students and community leaders to celebrate the official groundbreaking for Emmett J. Conrad High School, the only high school to be built with funds from the 2002 bond program.
The school is named after local doctor and civic leader Dr. Emmett J. Conrad.
"Dr. Conrad represents to us an uncommon dignity, valor, dedication and sense of responsibility to mankind," said Lois Parrott, president, DISD Board of Trustees. "His legacy and spirit will inspire the students and teachers who pass through its doors each day."
As the first African-American elected city-wide to the DISD Board of Trustees, Conrad served from 1967-77. He went on to serve on the State Board of Education (1984-1992). His belief that a "hungry child cannot learn," led him to support the free lunch program. He championed bilingual education and led the board to address the rising dropout rates, particularly of minority students.
Other officials on hand for the ceremony included Texas State Senator Royce West, Dallas City Councilman Mitchell Rasansky, Trustee Hollis Brashear, and Interim General Superintendent Larry Groppel.
"As the only high school to be built from the 2002 bond program, I am especially proud that it bears the name of a man who is an outstanding role model for students," said Groppel. "We need young people today to strive for the same honor and integrity Dr. Conrad lived by and a solid education in DISD can give them the foundation to do just that."
The 325,000 square foot building will have 46 core classrooms and include performing arts, visual arts and a media center. It will also have classrooms for art, science and instructional technology. The campus will have student dining and food service areas and athletic fields.
Conrad High School will relieve Bryan Adams and Hillcrest high schools. Accompanying zone changes also will relieve Skyline, Woodrow Wilson, W.T. White, and Thomas Jefferson.
Dallas voters have supported every DISD bond proposal put before them. The community showed strong confidence and trust in DISD when, in January 2002, voters approved a $1.37 billion bond program. Voters convincingly supported a program to build 21 new schools, an athletic complex, a central food preparation facility, and to expand or renovate all existing schools.