History of O. L. Slaton

O. L. Slaton has the distinction of being the oldest existing middle school in the Lubbock Independent School District. Shortly after World War II, the citizens of Lubbock recognized a need for additional middle schools. This need resulted in the construction of O. L. Slaton and J. T. Hutchinson. Students attended school in the half-day sessions in the former high school building until Slaton opened its doors in September 1948. At this time, the Slaton students and the Hutchinson students attended half-day sessions in the new Slaton building until Hutchinson opened in January 1949.

Since its beginning, Slaton has been under the guidance of highly capable administrators.  Mr. G. E. Dawson served as Slaton's first principal until 1966. He was followed by Gordon Downum, 1966-1970; Jack Shakles, 1970-1975; Edgar Payne 1975-1987; Ramon Abarca, 1987-1992; Larry Christain, 1992-1999; Robert Guerrero 1999-2006; O.L. Slaton's current principal, Shelly Bratcher, began her tenure in the Fall of 2006. Brandon Hays and Vincent Garcia, assistant principals, Milton Wright and Sharman Martin, counselors aid her.

Although originally conceived to serve its central Lubbock neighborhood, Slaton was designated an academic magnet school in 1984 to meet the needs of gifted and talented students throughout the district by providing intellectually challenging learning experiences beyond the regular curriculum. Since that year, the school has consistently achieved academic excellence in honors-level classes offered in four subject areas: English, mathematics, science, and social studies. Slaton also offers a variety of magnet and elective courses.