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Names announced for two schools, district facility

Names announced for two schools, district facility

At their October 21 meeting, Northwest ISD trustees unanimously approved naming the district’s 24th elementary school, eighth middle school and a district facility, recognizing three individuals with strong ties to the district who positively impacted children in the area.

Names for the new schools and facility are:

  • Dr. Leigh Anne Romer Elementary School: The district's 24th elementary school is located in the Madero community in Fort Worth and scheduled to open in August 2026.
  • Floyd Barksdale Middle School: The district's eighth middle school is located near the Pecan Square community in Northlake and scheduled to open in August 2026.
  • Dennis McCreary Multipurpose Facility: The repurposed competition gym of the former Pike Middle School will now be used for a variety of events and activities and is scheduled to open in November following renovations.

Each facility name was recommended by a district committee following a two-week nomination period. Northwest ISD opens the facility naming process to determine the names of new buildings in compliance with district board policy. Additional information about the schools, such as colors and mascots, will be shared closer to their opening. Following a rezoning process with community input, attendance boundaries are typically announced the winter before a school opens.

Once construction begins, families are encouraged to follow each facility’s progress at www.nisdtxconstruction.org.

Dr. Leigh Anne Romer Elementary School

A headshot of Dr. Leigh Anne Romer with text saying her name and Elementary School No . 24

Located in the Madero community in Fort Worth, Dr. Leigh Anne Romer Elementary School will open in August 2026. The school will feature the district’s current elementary design focused on collaborative spaces, community atmosphere and easy navigation.

The school’s namesake, Dr. Leigh Anne Romer, served as the longtime principal of J.C. Thompson Elementary School in the Sendera Ranch community, which borders the Madero development. Students, parents and staff remember Dr. Romer as a relentless advocate for children who fostered a positive culture in her school that made all students feel cared for.

In addition to her role supporting students, Dr. Romer served as a mentor for educators across Northwest ISD. Many of her former staff members went on to assume leadership roles at other schools or within the district offices.

Floyd Barksdale Middle School

A headshot of Floyd Barksdale with text saying his name and Middle School No. 8

Located near the Pecan Square community in Northlake, Floyd Barksdale Middle School will open in August 2026. The school will feature a unique design that mirrors many of the popular features in Northwest ISD’s newest middle schools, including collaborative spaces and a layout that segments academic, athletic and fine art areas in easily accessible locations.

The school’s namesake, Floyd Barksdale, served on the Northwest ISD Board of Trustees and was an avid supporter of athletic teams in Northwest ISD. Community members knew Mr. Barksdale as the longtime announcer of Northwest Texan football games, and he also supported a variety of youth sports leagues in both Haslet and Justin.

As a graduate of Northwest High School, Mr. Barksdale earned a reputation of giving back to his hometown community through service. He led school booster clubs and served as a member in several community organizations.

Dennis McCreary Multipurpose Facility

A headshot of Dennis McCreary and text saying Dennis McCreary Multipurpose Facility

Located in the Northwest ISD central complex near Northwest High School and Pike Middle School, the Dennis McCreary Multipurpose Facility will serve a variety of uses, including school, district and community events. The former Pike Middle School competition gym, the new facility is the sole remaining structure from the previous building, as the rest of the structure was removed as the district improves traffic flow to the new Pike.

The school’s namesake, Dennis McCreary, served as the longtime assistant superintendent for facilities in Northwest ISD and implemented several initiatives that set the foundation for planning to accommodate the district’s rapid growth. With more than 16 years in his role at Northwest ISD, Mr. McCreary oversaw facilities, planning and construction during a period of unprecedented growth to a formerly rural school district.

Because of Mr. McCreary’s foresight, Northwest ISD established a long-range planning committee that has allowed the community to steer the direction of new schools and facilities throughout the district.