Also, speaking was Dr. Frank Dailard, the then current Superintendent of city schools. Who traced the 20 years of improvement under Dr. Crawford during which school enrollment grew from less than 30,000 to more than 70,000 students. Dr. Crawford's tenure as Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District was from July 1st, of 1934 to February 1st, of 1954.
The School was accepted for the community by Ms. Mary McMullen, the schools first Principal, and also by the President of the Will C. Crawford Parent Teacher Association, Ms. Merle Smith. Three Crawford students spoke at the dedication. They were, Michael Kilpatric, Carolyn Meyers and Marion Bruha.
The dedication of San Diego newest high school, Will C. Crawford High at 4191 55th Street was made by Dr. Lowe, the then President of the Board of Education. He said, "the school not only is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Crawford, but also to the youngsters it will graduate and to the community and the nation they serve." At the time the high school was built, it was considered to be on the eastern border between the City of San Diego and the cut-off point of San Diego County. Today, Crawford High School is definitely in the city of San Diego and in the community known as El Cerrito.
As we fast forward today, we see that the former high school has evolved into a global high that is a diverse comprehensive school, seperated into two centers based on desired elective pathways.
Erected in 1957, the Crawford Educational Complex is a comprehensive school serving 1,500 students. According to the California Department of Education statistics, Crawford is the most diverse high school in the state.
Research sources included the San Diego Unified School District, the San Diego Historical Society and the San Diego Main Library.
Will C. Crawford High School in 1986 Will C. Crawford High School in 2012
Crawford High School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony TV Newscast Feb 2023