About Us

About Cox Elementary School

Cox Elementary School serves families in northwestern Roanoke, where it is known for providing a community atmosphere for students where education and kindness are equally valued.

The school is named after Wayne A. Cox, a longtime educator who was also a community leader. He was a resident in Justin for 40 years, and he was the superintendent and vocational agriculture teacher for the Justin School District prior to its consolidation into Northwest ISD with nearby school districts in Haslet, Roanoke and Rhome. He later assisted war veterans continue their education before joining Northwest ISD as a principal of Justin Elementary School. He finished his career in the district as principal of Northwest Junior High School. Revered in the community, Mr. Cox helped Justin form as a town and later served as a councilmember and mayor.

At Cox, students are placed in an atmosphere where teachers and staff are committed to high achievement and performance for all students. The school takes pride in fostering positive relationships with its community members and listening to their needs and requests.

Cox students can participate in fun extracurricular activities in academics, athletics and fine arts. The school offers a running club for students of all grade levels, for instance, and takes part in the UIL’s A+ academic events for students who are in second grade or higher.

Established: 2013
Mascot: Cougars
Colors: Yellow and Gray

MISSION STATEMENT
NAMESAKE

MISSION STATEMENT

NAMESAKE

Wayne A. Cox
(1907 - 1985)

Wayne A. Cox is remembered by friends and family as a long-time educator and servant in his community. He was a resident in Justin for more than 40 years where he served as a city leader and educator. Cox is notably recognized for his role in developing a foundation for Northwest ISD during the consolidation of communities.

Wayne was born on a farm in Erath County on November 29, 1907. He attended schools in Johnsonville and Stephenville, Texas. While pursuing a vocational agriculture degree at Texas A&M, Wayne married DeLora McAnelly in 1929. Upon graduating in 1931, he and his wife, along with their young daughter LaFlora, moved to Alvord, Texas where he served as a vocational agriculture teacher and superintendent – a common dual position during this time. In 1937, their second daughter Maria was born.

Wayne moved his family to Justin in 1941 when he became the superintendent and vocational agriculture teacher in the Justin School District. In 1947, the school district was making plans to consolidate with Haslet, Roanoke and Rhome. Unable to serve his country in World War II due to hearing loss, he took a position as Denton County Coordinator for Veteran’s Adult Education where he assisted war veterans in continuing their education as they arrived back in the states.

In 1951, Wayne Cox returned to education serving as principal and a coach at Ponder High School for five years. In 1956, he became principal of Justin Elementary School in Northwest ISD and later principal of Northwest Jr. High in 1967. After serving 42 years in education, Wayne retired from Northwest ISD in 1971. During those 42 years, he only missed six days of work.

Every moment was a teachable moment in the Cox family. Wayne loved to learn and share what he learned with others. Family summer vacations were spent driving around the United States visiting historical sites. He was a teacher, a friend, a servant and loved by many. He had a unique way of making learning fun, never forgetting what it was like to be a kid.

In addition to working in the school system, he helped frame the petition for the city of Justin, Texas to become incorporated. He was one of the original Justin city council members sworn in on December 12, 1946, and later led the city as mayor. Passionate about improving the quality of his city, Wayne worked to secure a paved highway from Fort Worth along the Santa Fe Railroad. This highway was completed in 1946 and was labeled FM 156. He assisted in the establishment of the Justin medical Clinic, obtaining the city’s community water works, construction of the city sewage system and the purchasing of the Justin City Hall.

At the age of 78, Wayne Cox passed away after suffering a stroke in 1983. He is remembered for his volunteer work ethic, his servant spirit and his passion for education. His daughters, son-in-laws, as well as six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren are graduates from Northwest High School. Several generations of Cox family members are still enrolled in NISD schools today. Mr. Cox assisted in laying a foundation for Northwest ISD to become the recognized school district it is today.