3D rendering of Leroy A. Mitchell Elementary School, located at 1240 Normal Road in DeKalb.
Construction for Leroy A. Mitchell Elementary School, named after New Hope Missionary Baptist Church’s Founding Pastor, began on April 1st, 2024.
Former DeKalb High School dean and DeKalb native Maurice McDavid has also been appointed as the school’s principal. McDavid, one of the few African-American educators working under DeKalb’s District 428 commented in an interview, “I grew up in Edens Garden [Apartments,] and I understand some of the stigma Uptown receives. I’m looking forward to being able to serve, and we’re going to have success. I think that we’ll be able to silence some of the haters is honestly part of the idea. So I’m looking forward to that.”
Leroy A. Mitchell Elementary School will serve approximately 450-500 students between the grades of kindergarten to fifth grade and is expected to open for the 2025-2026 school year.
Dr. Mitchell and his wife, Veatrice.
Leroy A. Mitchell has been a prominent figure in the DeKalb community, from pastor to teacher to professor. His DeKalb journey started in 1981 when he and his wife moved to DeKalb and became Director of the CHANCE program at Northern Illinois University. He and his wife also opened their home to more than fifty foster children. In the early 80s, he served as a deacon at Bethel Baptist Church in Rockford and he was later licensed as a minister in December 1985. In 1986, Mitchell was called to pastor the North Ave Baptist church in Sycamore. In 1987, he served as the “founding pastor” of the newly founded New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Mitchell retired on July 2, 2017, but he continues to serve his community to this day.
Leroy A. Mitchell, Founding Pastor Emeritus — New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
Maurice McDavid named principal of new DeKalb elementary school – Shaw Local
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