CHAPTER VII., Cont.

Schools

(3 pages total [21-23] - link for next page at bottom of each page)

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        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  Inside this monument, historical documents of interest were placed for future reference.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


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Page #23 of Chapter VII.

 

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