On Friday, August 1, VLK joined Crowley ISD students, administrators, community members, Steele & Freeman, and the Baylor family to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Baylor Elementary School. Named in honor of the Baylor family’s deep roots in Crowley ISD history, the district’s 17th elementary school is modeled after the June W. Davis Elementary School prototype, which opened in 2019.
Billy Baylor is a living legend, and I’m thrilled that we are able to recognize the sacrifice and contribution that he and his family made in Crowley. They are trailblazers who paved the way for Crowley ISD to be a unified school district in a diverse community.
Dr. Michael McFarland, Crowley ISD Superintendent
The last surviving Baylor sibling, 74-year-old Billy Baylor of the fondly named “Baylor Boys,” was present at the tear-filled, joyous ribbon cutting ceremony. The Baylor family was the first African American family to integrate Crowley ISD in 1965, leaving a lasting impact on the district and the broader community. Billy Baylor, a former Crowley ISD student and employee, continues to live and work in the area and has remained deeply connected to the district throughout his life. The new school honors the courage and resilience of the Baylor family and stands as a symbol of Crowley ISD’s rich history and commitment to honoring those who helped shape it for generations.
Baylor Elementary School, funded by Crowley ISD’s 2023 Bond Program, spans approximately 100,000 square feet and includes 35 classrooms with space for over 700 students. Building on the foundation established by June Davis Elementary, the school’s design emphasizes modern education with a focus on flexibility, collaboration, and student engagement. Features include dedicated small group areas, a spacious makerspace, and a learning stair that serves as a dynamic focal point within the school. Outside, students enjoy a large, inclusive playground for children of all abilities and raised planter beds for hands-on outdoor learning. Designed to spark curiosity and support a variety of learning styles, Baylor Elementary will serve as a hub for learning and exploration for generations to come.
Baylor Elementary stands as both a tribute to the Baylor family’s legacy and a symbol of Crowley ISD’s continued commitment to student success. As the community grows, this new school will serve as a lasting reminder of the pioneers who shaped Crowley’s history and the bright future ahead for its students.
