New Wylie ISD Junior High to Honor Community Leader Richard Parker

At the April 28 Board of Trustees meeting, Wylie ISD proudly announced the name of its newest junior high school: Richard Parker Junior High. The campus, currently under construction off Kreymer Lane between Brown Street and Mossy Oak Lane, is scheduled to open in August 2026 and will be part of the Wylie East High School feeder pattern.

The name was recommended by the Board Naming Committee following a community survey conducted this past winter, which gathered hundreds of submissions from the public.

A lifelong Wylie resident, Richard Parker’s impact on Wylie ISD and the greater community spans decades. Born in August 1947, Parker’s ties to Wylie run deep. His mother, Nancy Parker, graduated from Wylie High School, while his father, Clyde Parker, served on the Wylie ISD school board during the construction of Hartman Elementary, a legacy still honored today on the school's dedication plaque.

Parker himself attended Wylie Elementary, Wylie Junior High, and Wylie High School, all of which were located near the current sites of Sonic and American National Bank. He graduated from WHS in 1965 before attending Austin College on a basketball scholarship. He later transferred to East Texas State University, earning a degree in accounting. Since 1972, Parker has served the Wylie community as a real estate broker and continues to operate his business today.

Throughout his life, Parker has been a tireless advocate for education, youth, and community service. His involvement includes serving on the Wylie ISD Board of Trustees, founding membership in both the Wylie Christian Care Center and the Wylie Sports Hall of Honor, and active roles in the Wylie Lions Club, Wylie Rotary Club, and Wylie Cemetery Association. He was also inducted into the Wylie Sports Hall of Honor for his athletic accomplishments as quarterback and point guard for the Pirates.

As a tribute to his parents, Parker established an endowment that awards scholarships each year to graduating seniors at Wylie High School, Wylie East High School, and Achieve Academy. His continued support for Wylie ISD’s FFA and athletics programs has been instrumental in their growth and success.

Richard Parker’s legacy continues through his family’s strong ties to Wylie ISD: his spouse, Gail Parker; daughters Amy Herzog, Buffy Owens, and Sarah Parker; and many grandchildren, all of whom attended or are currently attending Wylie ISD schools.

“Mr. Parker represents the best of what it means to be part of Wylie ISD and the Wylie community,” said Superintendent Dr. David Vinson. “His lifelong service and unwavering commitment to our students, schools, and community make him a deserving namesake. It’s fitting that generations of future students will proudly walk the halls of Richard Parker Junior High.”

Wylie ISD will announce the name of the new intermediate school, located adjacent to Richard Parker Junior High, at the May Board of Trustees meeting. A formal groundbreaking ceremony for both campuses will be held in June, with more information to come.