Elrod Elementary was named for Jimmy L. Elrod, a former member of the State Board of Education who was also active in San Antonio civic, business, and educational communities. His civic activity includes two terms as President on North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.

Elrod was a member of the Northside ISD School Board of Trustees from 1963-1969 and served as President two of those years. During these years, the District enrollment increased from 8,066 students to 19,092 students and five new schools were opened.

Elrod served on the State Board of Education from 1973-1982, where he was chairman of the Rules and Planning Committee and the Permanent School Fund Committee. He was appointed to the Governor’s Select Committee on Public Education where his efforts contributed to passage of the Education Reform Act of 1984 and a Constitutional Amendment permitting the Permanent School Fund to back local school district bonds.

Jimmy L. Elrod Elementary opened beginning in the 1988-89 school year. Elrod and his wife, Shirley, live in Northwest San Antonio and are frequent visitors to Elrod Elementary. Mr. & Mrs. Elrod are strong supporters and encouragers of Elrod Elementary staff and students and are much loved and respected in the Elrod community.