Story by: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications

Goose Creek CISD, together with the Baytown Historical Society and community partners, proudly celebrated the unveiling of a Texas Historical Marker at Cedar Bayou Junior School, recognizing the school’s remarkable role in shaping local education for more than 150 years.

The dedication ceremony, held on September 30, brought together alumni, students, staff, and community members for an evening of reflection and pride. The event began with performances by the Cedar Bayou Junior School Jazz Band and Drumline, followed by remarks from Principal Dr. Roger Cardona and Goose Creek CISD Superintendent Dr. Randal O’Brien.

“Cedar Bayou has always been a campus built on collaboration and purpose,” said Dr. O’Brien. “Today’s dedication honors generations of educators and families whose commitment to learning made this community what it is today.”

The roots of education in the Cedar Bayou community date back to 1850, when the first school was established in the local Methodist church, only to be destroyed in the 1854 hurricane. In the decades that followed, dedicated educators like Mr. and Mrs. Kemp, C.C. Preston, and Linna Gaillard laid the foundation for a permanent school system. By 1876, Cedar Bayou School Community No. 5 was officially established, and classes were held in the Cedar Bayou Masonic Lodge for 35 years. In 1911, community support led to the construction of two brick schoolhouses, one of which was located on land donated by Edward Ilfrey at the site of today’s campus. Cedar Bayou Independent School District was later established in 1917 and eventually consolidated with Goose Creek ISD in 1954.

The current Cedar Bayou Junior School campus, rebuilt in 2002, continues this proud legacy, now serving nearly 1,000 students in grades 6 through 8 with a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs.

Special guests at the dedication included City of Baytown leaders, past and present Cedar Bayou Junior School staff, and Chuck Chandler of the Baytown Historical Society, who shared the school’s storied past and led the official unveiling of the marker.

“From a one-room schoolhouse to a thriving 24-acre campus, Cedar Bayou’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of education in Baytown,” said Chandler.

The new historical marker now stands as a symbol of Cedar Bayou’s deep roots and its continued commitment to student success, honoring the past while inspiring future generations.