17 May 2006
Event will be held at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 18
DALLAS–The Dallas Independent School District will hold a school closing ceremony for Jimmie Tyler Brashear Early Childhood Development Center and Joseph J. McMillan Elementary School at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 18, 3434 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway.
Opened in 1978, the school was named after Mrs. Jimmie Tyler Brashear, who was the first African-American supervisor in the DISD. She was also instrumental in organizing the Second Dallas Association for Childhood Education. Brashear taught at Tuskegee Institute, Prairie View A & M University and Bishop College. A highly valued educator, Brashear's dedication and commitment to the field of education brought to life words by Mary McLeod Bethune – Invest in a human soul; it may be a diamond in the rough.
Although this campus is closing, the district will be opening a new elementary school named in honor of Brashear that is scheduled to open in Fall 2006. This new campus is part of the 2002 Bond Program.
Joseph J. McMillan Elementary School also opened in 1978. McMillan was very active in Dallas' civic affairs and was an outstanding educator who served students for 48 years. At the time of his death in 1976, he had been principal of C.F. Carr Elementary School for 26 years.
School Board Trustee Hollis Brashear and relatives of 0the schools' namesake will give remarks during the school closing ceremonies.