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Mildred Barrett Ellis

Mildred Barrett Ellis was born on October 15, 1926, in Palestine, TX. She graduated as valedictorian from Flint Hill High School in Palestine in 1945, and achieved her Bachelor's from Texas Southern University, where she lettered in basketball.

Mrs. Ellis began her educational career in 1949 in Josephine, then moved to Community ISD when the school district desegregated. Mrs. Ellis was an educator in Brave Nation for 38 years combined across Josephine and Community. Mrs. Ellis was a 1974 Outstanding Teacher of America, and the 1984-85 Teacher of the Year. She retired in 1987, and passed away in 2017.

In March 2022, shortly after the Community ISD Board of Trustees declared that the formed Edge Middle School building would be renamed in honor of Mrs. Ellis, the CISD communications staff visited with her three daughters. We asked about their reactions when they learned a building would bear their mother's name. At the time, they were also looking forward to a rededication ceremony that took place in July 2022. Watch that video below.

On the east side of the District, Elementary #5 will be opening in August 2024, located off of Main street and Greenville street. This school will be the new home of the name “Mildred B. Ellis.” Currently the namesake of our multipurpose Education Center, Mrs. Ellis’s name will move to Josephine when her namesake elementary opens. The current building will go through a repurposing and renovation phase. More information on those plans will be coming soon.