Ollie Mae Byrd Honored: CFISD Approves Namesake for Elementary School No. 59
The CFISD Board of Trustees approved the namesake for Elementary School No. 59, Ollie Mae Byrd Elementary School, during its regularly scheduled meeting on April 4.
Byrd taught for 30 years, all in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. Originally from Crockett, Texas, her career began as an elementary teacher at Carverdale School in 1957. When Carverdale closed in 1970, she transferred to Holbrook Elementary School, where she served as a second grade math teacher until her retirement in 1987.
Former students remember her as the teacher who inspired and challenged them to reach their full potential. One former student recalled her oft-repeated words, “You are smart enough to become anything in life you so choose; the sky’s the limit.”
Ollie Mae Byrd (first row, third from right) is joined by family members, CFISD Superintendent Dr. Doug Killian and the Byrd was named Teacher of the Year while at Holbrook. Upon her retirement, a new wing at Holbrook was named in her honor, known as “The Byrd Wing.” The wing at Holbrook no longer exists.
Byrd earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Prairie View A&M University in 1951, followed by her master’s in 1963. Not only was she dedicated to improving the lives of her students, but she also became an active member of the Metropolitan CME Church and the Shepherd Park Terrace community where she lived.
She left a lasting legacy of growing current and future educators. At Carverdale, she led the Teacher Corps, helping fellow educators work toward earning graduate degrees. Her daughter, Mary Lilly, has taught for nearly 40 years and currently serves as a reading teacher at ALC-East. Byrd’s father was also an educator, along with several family members.
“I am so surprised and thankful for this honor,” Byrd said. “I always loved children and being where they were. Our family has a passion for education and we would always stress the importance of it to the younger kids growing up. Education is the most powerful tool you can use to make a difference.”
Byrd Elementary School will be located at 20002 West Road and is set to open in the 2024-2025 school year.
Source: CFISD
