A third schoolhouse was
built in 1916, south of the high school building. It was of red
brick construction and adequately housed the elementary grades which had
outgrown the first schoolhouse. It had a gymnasium with a balcony
on three sides. The first building was then used only for storage
but it stood until 1929, when it was dismantled. A historical
monument was erected in the northeast corner of the school grounds from
some of the old brick. Inside this monument, historical documents
of interest were placed for future reference.
The school
district was reorganized and enlarged in 1948. Several rural
schoolhouses were moved to town to supplement needed classrooms.
In 1955, bonds were sold and the following year a $350,000 addition
joined the two remaining brick buildings, providing more classrooms,
adding a stage and locker rooms and a new and larger gymnasium to the
south. The first gymnasium presently serves as a hot-lunch room
and library. A shop was built in 1950, and an addition was made to
it in 1965.
Presently, the total area of the Dallas Community School District is
82.7 square miles. Due to the most recent reorganization in 1966,
the enrollment increased from 595 to 769. The school facilities at
Grimes and Dallas Center are both used. Five bus routes transport
students to and from school each day. Shuttle buses are used
between the two towns.
The present millage rate for the school is 51.796 mills. Pupil
cost is $7290.81 per pupil per year. Enrollment is 767, of which
234 are high school students, 114 are in the junior high and 419 are
elementary students. Two hundred, eighty-four elementary students
attend classes in Dallas Center and 135 attend in Grimes. There
are 51 faculty members. The present school board includes Robert
Ellis, president; John McDonald, Wesley Ward, Kenneth Peterson and
Ernest Knoll. Orville J. Dunkin is the superintendent. Paul
Jones is the principal.
Extracurricular athletic activities include football, basketball,
wrestling, track, gold and summer baseball. Music groups include
mixed chorus, boys and girls glee clubs, band and smaller instrumental
and vocal groups. Other activities include D C H S drill team,
annual staff, drama department, speech, debate, student council, pep
club, student librarian, student office work and cheer leaders.
Alumni meetings and banquets have been held since the association was
recently organized by the class of 1925. Adult classes have been
held for a number of years in desired subjects.
The first commencement was held May 26, 1888, with the following three
graduates: Amy Barton, Katie Behan and E. H. Martin. In May,
1969, there were 61 graduates.
The Dallas Center School Club was organized January, 1948, at which time
the constitution and bylaws were accepted by interested parents,
teachers and friends. The objects and purposes of the corporation
include engaging actively and exclusively in educational, charitable,
scientific and
|