School History

Grace R. Brandenburg Intermediate opened in 1992, and was renovated in 2004.  The school was named for former teacher Grace R. Brandenburg.  The school originally served grades 4–6, but moved fourth grade classes to Alexander Elementary in 2003.

Grace Brandenburg
As a 19-year-old graduate of Texas Woman’s University, Grace Brandenburg began her career as a teacher at Duncanville High School in 1937. Although she retired in 1973, her contributions to the school district, community, church, and citizens continue to this day. She was recognized for her many educational achievements as the namesake for Brandenburg Intermediate School, which opened in 1992.

When Mrs. Brandenburg began teaching in Duncanville, there were eight faculty members. She taught four levels of English, Spanish, and shorthand. She also served as librarian, study hall supervisor, answered the office phone, rang the school bells, greeted visitors, supervised the Junior-Senior Banquet and directed plays. When she retired after 36 years with Duncanville ISD, she had chaired the English department and was responsible for the production of the high school annual and the literary magazine. Many classroom innovations are credited to her creativity and quest for perfection.

Mrs. Brandenburg has always given from the heart and without bounds, never expecting anything in return. She loves this school district and this community. She never had any desire to teach anywhere else or to leave the classroom, because she firmly feels that is where the excitement is! She continues to have contact with former students and faculty members who seek her guidance and tell her of the impact she has had on their lives. For her, this is the ultimate payment.

Honors:
Duncanville Outstanding Citizen - 1961
Outstanding Educator - 1968
DIANA Award - 1971
Superb Suburbanite Delta Kappa Gamma (honorary teachers’ society)
Who’s Who of American Women
Who’s Who in South
Southwest Golden Rose Achievement Award - 1986
United Methodist Women Honorary Award
DHS Yearbook Dedication - 1954 & 1974
Duncanville Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year - 1999

Significant Firsts:
First President of the Duncanville Teachers Association
First DHS Yearbook Advisor - 1941
First DHS literary magazine Advisor - 1965
First Chair of Duncanville Historical Commission
First DHS English Department Chair

Memberships:
United Methodist Women
Searchers Bible Study - chair
Suburban Book Club - past president
Duncanville Review Club - past president
Book Browsers Club - past president
Duncanville Women’s League Friday Forum

Civic Contributions:
Library Board member, from time of earliest location in Lion’s Club Building until permanent building was designed and built Author, History of Duncanville, bi-centennial project commissioned by Duncanville City Council; served as chairman and spent four years on project

Bicentennial Heritage chair, planning and coordinating event

Duncanville Centennial Committee - served on committee, presenting a speech covered by local TV on the site of Duncanville’s historic marker

Central Elementary 60th Anniversary Program - co-presenter

Cup and Saucer Class, First United Methodist Church - teacher for over 43 years

Mascot:  Panthers
Colors:  Red, Blue, White