Administrative/Biographical History
The first record of a graded school including high school level classes in DeKalb is that of a school built in 1861 at Third and Prospect Streets. In 1874 a class of four was graduated from this high school by Principal Ella C. Dunbar. This school was accredited by the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University by 1894. When D.F. Herr became Superintendent of Schools in 1896, the four year course schedule and half-year promotions were instituted.
The DeKalb Township High School building was constructed in 1903. Additions were made in 1923 including a swimming pool, woodworking shops, athletic facilities, and a library. This school remained in use until the new building was built on Barb Boulevard and Fourth Streets in 1966. In August of 2011 a new DeKalb High School was dedicated at 501 West Dresser Road. [The former High School on South Fourth Street has become Huntley Junior High, and the former Huntley is now Founders Grade School.]
As the area around DeKalb grew the Administration of the schools changed. From 1901 to 1954 separate systems were used for the elementary and high school, but in 1954 DeKalb set up a community unit district, # 428, to replace the dual system. This is the system under which the schools are presently administered.
