NISD pioneers paved the way to education excellence

Sep. 4, 2024

Northside Through the Decades: From humble beginnings - The 1950's

In the mid-1800s, 12 small schools operated on ranches in northwest Bexar County and parts of Bandera and Medina Counties. These early schools typically served grades 1-8, with high school students traveling quite a distance to attend San Antonio High School.

In 1949, Leon Springs, Helotes, Locke Hill, Leon Valley, and West San Antonio joined together to form Northside Consolidated Common School District #1 of Bexar, Medina, and Bandera Counties. The primary reason was to build a high school “closer to home.” At this time, H.M. Biggers is hired as the first superintendent. A 16-acre site for a high school is donated by Stebbins-Haggard, Inc. and a $225,000 bond issue is approved by the voters.

In 1950, NCSD #1 became Northside Rural High School District #1 as Mackey, Lockhart, Clifton, Hoffman, and Culebra schools were added. Northside High School and a new Helotes Elementary School are opened.

Here’s a quick timeline of events during the 1950’s.

1951	Northside High School’s first graduating class includes 7 students. The first cafeteria is built. Telephones are installed in all school offices. A $250,000 bond issue is approved.
1952	Northside High School is fully accredited by the TEA. A new facility for West San Antonio Heights School is opened.
1953	Murray Boone becomes Superintendent. The Board of Trustees established a dress code by outlawing shorts and requiring boys’ shirt tails to be tucked in. The first microscopes for schools are purchased.
1954	The Board approves the long-distance transportation system. The district adds milk to the lunch program.
1955	Northside Rural High School District #1 becomes Northside Independent School District. Board approves integration of Northside High School. A $750,000 bond issue is approved.
1956	Northside Elementary School opens. Northside Junior High School opens with 10 classrooms on the Northside High School campus. The Central Administrative Office is established at Leon Valley Elementary by remodeling a 3-classroom building.
1957	A $1 million bond issue was defeated in January, and a $600,000 bond issue was approved in August. Northside Elementary is renamed Sunset Hills Elementary.
1958	Cable Elementary opens.
1959	The Guidance and Counseling Program is established. A $1.25 million bond issue is approved by the voters.

Submit Your News: Do you have a great story to share? Send your news and event details to news@nisd.net. Highlight the achievements, honors, and happenings at your campus or department—we'd love to feature them!