11 Oct 2005
McShan Elementary School Dedication Honors Civic Leader
DALLAS-The Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Michael Hinojosa joined Board of Trustees President Lois Parrott, students, staff and the community today to dedicate Lee A. McShan Jr. Elementary School.
McShan opened at the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year with 767 students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, 45 teachers and two counselors.
The school is named in honor of Lee A. McShan Jr., White Rock area community leader and former president of the DISD Board of Trustees (1966-68).
Lee McShan's son Bruce thanked those present for sharing in the celebration. "Our family is extremely proud that through this outstanding new elementary school, my father's memory will always reflect his heartfelt commitment to the DISD, his high morals and his unwavering support of education in the City of Dallas."
During McShan's board presidency, voters passed a major bond program. An advocate of early childhood instruction, McShan supported the addition of kindergarten classes to DISD schools and was instrumental in developing Skyline High School, Dallas' first magnet school.
McShan Elementary is the third school to be built with funds from the district's 2002 bond program, and Board of Trustees President Lois Parrott said that it was just a year ago when the district broke ground for the school and planted seeds of hope for the community.
"Dedicated community leaders like Mr. McShan give our students a wonderful example to follow," Parrott said. "Children will learn to read, write their first essays, and add and subtract here. This learning will take place in a safe setting where they can thrive."
Located at 8307 Meadow Road, McShan is on an 8.2-acre site in the Vickery Meadow neighborhood. Built at a cost of $12 million, the contemporary, brick-masonry elementary school features an extensive use of windows that incorporates natural light into all learning spaces.
The building features 89,666 square feet, 33 core classrooms, three special education classrooms, art, science and technology classrooms, a 400-seat auditorium with a unique acoustical ceiling and a large gymnasium.
The school is located in a richly diverse and rapidly growing community in Northeast Dallas, which is home to families representing up to two dozen different countries of origin. It serves as a community center for meetings, social events and sports activities.
"McShan Elementary is already establishing itself as a common gathering place in this community," said Hinojosa. "We encourage parents and students to use this school for more than just academics. Come here to learn about each other and the different cultures you represent."
The program also included remarks from principal Dirona Robinson and a performance of the new school song by the McShan Mustang Choir.
After the ceremony, guests were invited to enjoy refreshments and tour the school.
McShan's motto is "excellence begins with you," the school mascot is the mustang and school colors are Kelly green and navy blue.
Jacobs Facilities Inc./Pegasus Texas Construction was program manager for the building of the new school, Milton Powell Architects/Page Southerland Page was the architect and the builder was Ratcliff Constructors, L.P.
In January 2002, DISD passed the largest education bond program in the history of Texas. The $1.37 billion program is funding 21 new schools, almost 60 additions that include early childhood additions to present schools, and renovations to nearly every campus in the district. Contractors are working on more than 140 school facilities, including new schools, additions to schools, and renovations to schools. For more information on the bond program, go to www.dallasisd.org/bond.