Crandall ISD Breaks Ground on Danny R. Baker Elementary
CRANDALL, TX — Crandall ISD took a historic step forward on April 20, 2026, breaking ground on the district’s seventh elementary school: Danny R. Baker Elementary.
The ceremony, held at the future school site within the Eastland subdivision, celebrated both the district’s rapid growth and the enduring legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the Pirate community.
A Tribute to a Lifelong Pirate
Danny R. Baker was a former school board trustee and a lifelong Pirate whose impact on Crandall is woven into the fabric of the community. In a touching highlight of the program, Baker’s daughter, Deann Baker, shared heartfelt remarks about her father’s passion for education and his love for CISD.
“CISD held a special place in his heart,” said Deann Baker, who is principal of Dietz Elementary. “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.”
Building for the Future
With construction led by Pogue Construction and design by architectural firm WRA, the new campus is a direct response to the district’s fast-paced growth. Board President Ryan Eskridge emphasized the necessity of the project, noting that expanding elementary seating is a top priority to keep pace with enrollment and demographer projections.
Attendees were treated to a first look at the future of the campus through large-scale architectural renderings displayed at the site. These designs were even reflected in the catering; guests enjoyed custom cookies featuring highly detailed edible renderings of the school’s exterior and intricate interior floor plans.
"Dirt, Drinks, and Memories"
To commemorate the milestone, guests took home unique "souvenirs of the soil"—vials of dirt from the site where students will soon be learning. Other event keepsakes included branded sunglasses and "coozies" to keep drinks cold.
The ceremony concluded with a series of ceremonial shovelings, as Board members, district leaders, the Baker family, and representatives from Pogue and WRA officially moved the first earth of a project that will serve generations of Pirates to come.
Opening Fall 2027
Danny R. Baker Elementary is scheduled to open its doors in time for the start of the 2027-2028 school year. As the district continues to build, the focus remains clear: providing every student with a premier learning environment that feels like home.
For updates on the construction progress of Danny R. Baker Elementary, visit the Crandall ISD website or follow us on social media.