Paris Public Schools

Although attempts to provide a public school system in Paris began as early as 1877, the system as it is known today was not organized until 1884. Under the leadership of Mayor John C. Gibbons, W.B. Aikin, E.L. Dohoney, and Travis Henderson, the city council appointed a board of trustees to supervise the first full session of the newly organized system. In 1884, the system comprised three schools: the Aikin Institute, later known as Aikin High School and Paris High School, located at this site; the Graham School, originally known as the Paris Female Institute; and a school for black students on North Jefferson Street. That school was later moved and named Gibbons High School in honor of the former mayor. J.C. Brooks of Tennessee served as the first superintendent of Paris Public Schools. A later superintendent, J.G. Wooten, served for 37 years and was responsible for much improvement and expansion, including the 1924 addition of Paris Junior College, which remained part of the public school system until 1949. Through years of growth and development, Paris Public Schools educated and influenced thousands of students throughout the community.

Paris, Texas · United States