James L. Burrell's history with Belton ISD spans five decades, starting in the era of segregation when black and white students attended separate schools. He started as a teacher at T.B. Harris High School in 1962. It was his first job after graduating from Prairie View A&M College.

After desegregation, Burrell moved to Belton Junior High and then Belton High School where he taught vocational classes and worked with special education students. He retired from teaching in 2000 but continued to drive a school bus for the district until 2015.

Board of Trustee at-large Janet Leigh said it was a privilege to vote in favor of honoring such a pivotal community member.

“Mr. Burrell epitomized exactly what we want BISD students to be,” she said. “When they become citizens of this world one day, we want them to be exactly what he was — a mentor, kind, generous, compassionate, professional in all that they do and in all of their interactions with others, even when times are hard. He is the shining example of who we want all BISD students to be. So for a school to be built in his name and to be able to teach that history of him to the next generation and the next and the next, we’re hoping that legacy carries on and that these kids can be very proud of their school and that name.”