T. J. Austin Elementary School History

1936-1995

     Thomas Jessie Austin Elementary School, located on 3.37 acres on the corner of North Moore and West Franklin Streets, received its first pupils in September, 1936.  The modern brick building had only six classrooms when first constructed, but before the year closed crowed conditions made it necessary to add two classrooms.  An auditorium and two classrooms were added in 1941; three classrooms and a modern cafeteria were added in 1947; and four classrooms were added in 1951.  In November 1963, another addition was completed consisting of seven classrooms, library, restrooms, and storage space.  There are also four portable buildings on the campus now.

            The school was named for Thomas Jessie Austin, the principal of Emmett J. Scott School.  Mr. Austin, a scholarly Fisk University graduate, came to Tyler from Brownsville, Tennessee.  This tall, quiet educator was strong and courageous in his convictions and strongly emphasized character, self-respect, and industry.  Mr. Austin served as a member of the Board of Stewards for St. James C. M. E. Church for twenty years and as a Sunday school teacher for forty-four years.  He was president of the Westview Cemetery Association and at the age of 92 was presented the coveted Silver Beaver Award by the Boy Scouts of America for outstanding service.  Mr. Austin died in 1959.

            Mamie Griffin was the first principal serving from 1936 to 1955.  L. P. Tolbert was Austin’s second principal form 1955 to 1960.  James W. Anderson served in that capacity from 1960 to 1973.  Charles E. Mathis was principal from 1973-1984, and Gladys Johnson served as principal from 1984-1995.  After Mrs. Johnson retired, she served as TISD School Board Member from 1998-2005.  Malcolm Gipson succeeded Gladys Johnson’s tenure as principal and served from 1995-1999. Carolyn Williams began as principal of Austin Elementary School in 1999 and continues to serve in this capacity today.