CRANDALL, TX — Crandall ISD broke ground on April 20, 2026, on its seventh elementary school, Danny R. Baker Elementary, marking another milestone in the district’s rapid growth and honoring a man whose legacy is tied closely to the Pirate community.
The ceremony took place at the future school site within the Eastland subdivision, a gathering that combined celebration of the district’s expansion with tribute to a longtime community leader.
Honoring a Lifelong Pirate
Danny R. Baker was a former school board trustee whose connection to Crandall ISD spanned generations. During the program, Baker’s daughter, Deann Baker, principal of Dietz Elementary, shared personal remarks about her father’s devotion to education and to the district.
“CISD held a special place in his heart,” Deann Baker, principal of Dietz Elementary, said. “His parents, he and his siblings and his two daughters are all proud CISD graduates. His connection to the district spanned a lifetime, as a student, a parent, a grandparent, and a dedicated board member.”
Danny Baker served on the Crandall ISD school board for more than 19 years.
“Naming this school after Danny Baker is a tribute to a man whose legacy continues to shape our community,” said Superintendent Dr. AJ Murry. “As we grow, it is vital that we carry our history with us. This school will stand as a reminder of the service and heart that Mr. Baker poured into our students.”
A Campus Built for Growth
Pogue Construction is leading the build, with architectural firm WRA handling the design. Board President Ryan Eskridge pointed to the urgency behind the project, noting that adding elementary seating is essential for the district to keep pace with enrollment growth and demographer projections.
Guests at the ceremony got an early look at the campus through large scale architectural renderings displayed on site. The renderings even carried over to the refreshments, with custom cookies decorated to show detailed depictions of the school’s exterior and interior floor plans.
Dirt, Drinks and Keepsakes
Attendees left with small vials of dirt taken from the construction site as a memento of the occasion. Other giveaways included branded sunglasses and koozies.
The event closed with a ceremonial shoveling, as board members, district leadership, the Baker family, and representatives from Pogue Construction and WRA broke ground together on a project expected to serve generations of Crandall students.
Opening Fall 2027
Danny R. Baker Elementary is set to open for the 2027-2028 school year. As Crandall ISD continues to grow, district leaders say the goal remains the same: giving every student a learning environment built to last and to feel like home.
For updates on construction progress, visit the Crandall ISD website or follow the district on social media.
