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.
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1952 | - Northside High School is fully accredited by the TEA.
- A new facility for West San Antonio Heights School is opened.
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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.
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1954 | - The Board approves the long-distance transportation system. The district adds milk to the lunch program.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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1958 | |
1959 | - The Guidance and Counseling Program is established.
- A $1.25 million bond issue is approved by the voters.
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