Mirando City was founded in 1921 by oilman O.W. Killam as the center of trade for a nearby oil field he discovered. Although a block of land on Main Street was set aside in the original town plat for the establishment of a school, organization of the institution did not begin until the following year. Under an agreement that funds for teachers' salaries would be provided equally by Killam and local residents, a private school opened in 1922 under the leadership of Mrs. H. E. Laird. Public education in Mirando City began in 1923 with the creation of an independent school district. A bond election that same year provided the necessary operational funds. As the city continued to grow, teachers and programs were added. Following the death in 1929 of superintendent W. H. Herrington, J. W. Edgar (b. 1904) was chosen to direct the school district. A native of Burnet County, he served for seven years. In 1950 Dr. Edgar was appointed the first Commissioner of Education for the state of Texas and continued to direct the operations of the Texas Education Agency until 1974. Since the early days of Mirando City, local schools have reflected public concern for quality education. (1981)