Women’s History Month Fun Facts

As we honor Women’s History Month, Dallas ISD takes pride in its rich history of female leaders. Here are some interesting facts:

• First women on the School Board: 
  • In 1919, Mrs. Kirk Hall was elected as the first female member of the school board.
  • Following the election of Mrs. Kirk Hall, a significant number of women aspired to assume positions on the school board. 
  • Mrs. H.L. People was elected in 1923, followed by Mrs. W.P. Zumwalt in 1926. 

• Historic women’s milestone:
  • Founded in 2004, Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School is the first all girls’ public school in Texas. 

• Recognition for women athletes: 
  • The Elsie Moreno Softball Complex at Forester Complex honors a Dallas ISD pioneer for girls’ sports as a teacher, coach, and administrator. 
  • Recently the track at the Jesse Owens Athletic Complex was named for a three-time world medalist Sha’Carri Richardson, one of the fastest women in the world. 

• More than 30 district schools have been named for women leaders: 
  • Birdie Alexander Elementary School
  • Maya Angelou High School
  • Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School
  • Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary
  • Jimmie Tyler Brashear Elementary School
  • Adelfa Botello Callejo Elementary School
  • Amelia Earhart Learning Center
  • Anne Frank Elementary School
  • Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy
  • Barbara Jordan Elementary School
  • Louise Wolff Kahn Elementary School
  • Esperanza “Hope” Medrano Elementary School
  • Ann Richards Middle School
  • Nancy Cochran Elementary School
  • Leila P. Cowart Elementary School
  • Lenore Kirk Hall Elementary School
  • Margaret B. Henderson Elementary School
  • Lida Hooe Elementary School
  • Barbara Manns Education Center
  • Maria Moreno Elementary School
  • Nancy Moseley Elementary School
  • Clara Oliver Elementary School
  • Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership Academy
  • Martha Turner Reilly Elementary School
  • Thelma Elizabeth Page Richardson Elementary School
  • Edna Rowe Elementary School
  • Rosie M. Collins Sorrells School of Education and Social Services
  • Jill Stone at Vickery Meadow
  • Adelle Turner Elementary School
  • Sudie L. Williams Elementary School
  • Sarah Zumwalt Middle School

Dallas ISD honors the pioneering women who impacted our district and continue to inspire future generations during Women’s History Month. Stay tuned to The Beat for more stories featuring Dallas ISD women leaders.