Statement of Dr. Harry L. Robinson, Jr. concerning the Billy Earl Dade Learning Center, August 12, 2009
Mr. Ron Price, DISD Trustee, District 9, has recommended removing the name of Dr. B. E. Dade from the new middle school to be built in our neighborhood. Dr. B. E. Dade was an icon in education in Dallas for over a half century.
He was well educated having earned a bachelor’s degree from Bishop College, a master’s degree from the University of Chicago, a master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University and the doctorate from North Texas State University (now University of North Texas). His tenure in the Dallas Independent School District included principalships at Frederick Douglass, Paul Laurence Dunbar, John Henry Brown, C.F. Carr and Pearl C. Anderson. Prior to rising to administrative positions in DISD he taught mathematics at Julia C. Frazier Elementary School and mathematics and Latin at Booker T. Washington High School. His post secondary stints included teaching at El Centro, Bishop and Paul Quinn Colleges and Prairie View A&M University. During the time that the State initiated the required TECAT exam for teachers and administrators, he provided “free” workshops for hundreds of teachers and administrators. He mentored many former and current administrators in the DISD. Dr. Dade was well respected in the education profession and the community. On March 12, 2000, the Dallas Board of Education dedicated the school located at 2801 Park Row in his honor.
We, respectfully, request that the name of Dr. Billy Earl Dade be maintained for the new middle school to be located near the current B. E. Dade Middle School. He lived in the school community and was a principal and teacher in that area. Mrs. Dade (87 years old,) lives on South Blvd., daughters (Billie and Barbara), grandsons and great grandchildren are proud of the legacy of Dr. B. E. Dade and request that the school name be maintained for the new middle school.
Submitted by Dr. Harry L. Robinson, Jr., Chair
Committee to Name a DISD School for Dr. B. E. Dade, Organized in 1998
