School History

George V. Kirk Middle School, formerly known as Ogletown Middle School, was built in 1957. In 1985, the school was dedicated to Dr. George V. Kirk.

George V. Kirk was born in Philadelphia and began his education career as a high school science and math teacher. After earning his master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania in 1952, Kirk came to Delaware as an administrative assistant to Dr. Kenneth Madden in the Seaford School District. In 1959 he completed his doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Kirk joined the Newark Special School District in 1963 as assistant superintendent and became superintendent in 1967. He saw the Newark School District grow from 7,700 pupils in 1963 to 17,000 pupils in 1978. This rapid growth meant an active construction program. During this time, space at Newark High School doubled, Christiana High School opened, Glasgow High School was constructed, and the Vocational-Technical School (Hodgson) was planned and constructed. Shue and Gauger Middle Schools were constructed, and the Downes, McVey, Cobbs, Maclary, and Wilson Elementary Schools were opened. The program for the Hearing Impaired was developed, and the Sterck School was constructed. Several elementary schools were refurbished and expanded. It was also a time of developing and strengthening the areas of mathematics and science in schools, as well as the development of an active Adult Evening School Program and Summer School Program.

When the desegregation issue precipitated court action, Dr. Kirk was selected to lead the interim board of education. When the New Castle County School District was formed, he was named deputy superintendent. In the third year of the county system, he was named acting superintendent. When the Christina School District was formed in 1981 by legislative action, he was unanimously named superintendent by the new board of education.

Dr. Kirk played an active role for many years in legislative matters. He worked with other superintendents and board members to help bring about legislation that established kindergartens in Delaware. He also established the “509” programs to assist vocational students, to clarify and establish the present administrative structure for central offices and schools, and to support improved units for class size.

He retired in 1985 to a small farm in New London, PA., where he raised sheep and played the organ at the New London and Newark United Methodist churches. The Newark church named a concert series in his honor. Dr. Kirk passed away on March 25, 2009.