Community pride was on full display at the dedication of the new Oran M. Roberts Elementary School held Monday, February 24. The school's staff joined with community members, students, and district and elected officials to celebrate the 13th new school constructed under the district’s 2008 bond program.
Located at 4919 East Grand Avenue, the 98,618-square ft. school houses 39 classrooms, was built at a cost of $16.4 million and has the capacity to serve up to 810 students in grades Prekindergarten through five.
Principal Eneida Padro Colon opened the event with a welcome to parents and community who joined in the festivities. The Billy Earl Dade Middle School Leadership Cadet Corp, and the school’s Tiger Choir and dancers performed, and speakers addressed the school's commitment to prepare scholars for future leadership and success.
District 8 Trustee Miguel Solis, Superintendent of Schools Mike Miles, and Dallas Councilman Adam Medrano thanked the community for its support for the school and urged families to make full use of the facility. Mark Roberts, the great-great-grandson of the school’s namesake, spoke of his ancestor’s passion for education and thanked the district for honoring his family.
The school is named for the 17th Governor of Texas, Oran M. Roberts, a lawyer, Texas Supreme Court Justice and one of the founders of The University of Texas at Austin.
Director of Design for Dallas ISD’s Construction Services Department, Larry Zerby, described some of the school’s unique features, including an outdoor learning garden with pathways and seating, a drop off drive in front of the school and a number of murals depicting the energy-saving features incorporated in the school’s architecture.
The celebration ended with a reception and tours of the building.
Information provided by DISD.