Longfellow School History

Longfellow Elementary School opened its doors on a snowy day in January 1955.  Former teacher Emily Deason (30 years at Longfellow) recalls the following:  “We were teaching our students on the lower level of the old Washington School building located where the Williamson County Courthouse is now located.  During our lunch time, we were told that we would move our children into the new school in the afternoon.  No one had any idea that we would be moving on this day.  We loaded up our students with their supplies on school busses and traveled to the new beautiful building.  It was a snowy day.  Parents were angry when they came to pick up their children and found out that they were moved to the new building without any notice.  We were thrilled to be in the new location.”

The new school contained ten classroom, principal’s office, teachers’ lounge, kitchen, cafeteria, boiler room, two supply rooms and two restrooms.  The first year’s enrollment was 310 students.  The first addition was build in 1958 adding five classrooms, one speech room, and two restrooms.  The enrollment the first year with the new addition was 387 students.  Another four classrooms and one observation room was built in 1971. 

During the summer of 1995, approximately $250,000.00 of health-life-safety improvements were made.  The kitchen was expanded and remodeled.  Electrical upgrading and handicapped accessible bathrooms were also added.

In November 2000, a new Media Center and office space was added.  The addition freed existing space for a pre-kindergarten classroom and specialty program classrooms. 

Formed teachers Charolette Randolph (28 years) and Marilyn Maher Nangle (22 years) both recall that Longfellow School employees have a strong sense of family.  This tradition continues. 

Five principals have served at Longfellow Elementary School:  Allen Bryan 1954-approximately 1956 (approx. 2 years); John Ledbetter approx. 1956-1989 (approx. 33 years); Dr. Ted Jeter 1989-1990 (1 year); Leah Covey 1990-1994 (4 years); Amy Sanders 1994-present (16 years). 

Enrollment figures are as follows:  

Year # of Students
1954 310
1958 387
1989 351
1994 357
2000 332 
2004 318
2009 271

 (Content courtesy of Longfellow Principal Mike Horn)

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