Everette McKinnis

Everette McKinnis was a true pioneer in the Community Rural School District that was established in 1947. After teaching and serving as superintendent in small schools for several years in Oklahoma, he was hired in 1952 as the Community superintendent. He was only the third superintendent hired by CRSD and served the District in this capacity for 14 years until his retirement in 1966.

After his initial retirement, the superintendent in Archer City, Texas, a friend of Mr. McKinnis, called him and asked him to serve as his school counselor until he could find a permanent replacement. Archer City was 166 miles from Nevada, but Mr. McKinnis would drive to Archer City, work for a week, and then return to Nevada for the weekend to be with his family. This temporary position lasted for two years.

In 1968, Mr. J.R. Gay, the CRSD superintendent at the time, hired Mr. McKinnis to serve as the Jr. High principal in Josephine. Community Jr. High had four principals in the past two years. Mr. McKinnis served as the principal of Community Jr. High for five years, restoring discipline and stability, and retired for good in 1973. All told, he served CRSD (now Community ISD) for 19 years, and worked a total of 43 years in public education in Oklahoma and Texas.

Mr. Everette Tillman McKinnis died in December 1973, approximately six months after his retirement. He is interred beside his wife, Juanita, in the Nevada cemetery.