Deery Eakin Primary School


History of Deery Eakin Primary School

In the early 1950's Central Elementary School, later named Deery Eakin Primary School, was located on Union Street as an annex of Shelbyville Central High School and contained Grades 1-8. In 1955, Grades 1-3 were relocated to the Tate House directly across the street from the high school due to overcrowded classrooms. Mr. Shubert, Mr. James Cortner,and Mr. James Deery Eakin were the principals of the school during the early years.

In 1963, a new building was built on the current site containing grades 1-8. Mr. Eakin
was principal of the school. During that time there were two teachers at each grade level
and the school had a full athletic program.
 
In the late 1970's, the 7th and 8th grades were relocated to Harris Middle School and
eventually the sixth grade was also moved to the middle school. The school remained K-
5 until 1988 when the elementary schools in the school system were restructured and the
school became a K-3 primary school, which is the current configuration.
In 1979, the school was renamed Deery Eakin Primary School after Mr. James Deery
Eakin who was principal of the school for a total of 19 years. Mr. Eakin served a total of
30 years with the school system.
 
Following Mr. Eakin's retirement, Mr. Joe Ingram served as principal of the school for 2
years. Mr. Don Shelton became principal during the 1981-82 school year and remained
in that position until his retirement in 1995. Mr. Don Embry is the current principal of the
school.
Eakin Primary School currently serves 520 students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through
3rd grade. There are 39 certified teachers on the faculty and 12 support personnel.

A Tribute to Mr. Eakin (pictures)