Fallbrook Union High School is rich in tradition and history. Established in 1893, FUHS is the 2nd oldest high school in San Diego County. San Diego High is just a few months older. When school opened in 1893 the 20 high school students were housed on the 2nd floor of the West Fallbrook Elementary School. This school was located on the present site of Maie Ellis Elementary on Mission and Elder Streets.
As enrollment grew, in 1911 the Fallbrook High School board voted a $20,000, 20-year bond for construction of a new independent high school. The new facility included five classrooms and an assembly hall. It was located on the side hill east and south of Iowa and Ivy Street. Doors opened to thirty students and four faculty members for the 1912-1913 school year. The graduating class of eight students proved that they could overcome any superstition, as the year 1913; along with the graduating exercises being held on Friday, June 13 did not dampen the excitement of receiving their diplomas.
The enrollment increased through the years. Under the leadership of James E. Potter, hired in 1921, as principal, Fallbrook High continued to flourish. Mr. Potter's philosophy of education was to offer a well-rounded program. The curriculum included not only state requirements but also agriculture, domestic science and manual arts. In the late 1920's or early 1930's a model home was constructed for use in teaching home economics. When housing was at a shortage some of the teachers would rent it until housing became available in town. There was also a weaving classroom with loom as well as shop classrooms. Mr. Potter also made every effort to sponsor extra curricular clubs when student interest was evident. Fallbrook's award-winning nationally recognized Future Farmer's of America chapter was established during this time period.
Also during the 1930's, Mr. Potter aggressively pursued State and Federal monies for construction and improvements of Fallbrook High. One such program proposal was a new auditorium/gymnasium/cafeteria, pool and grading of a sports field. The Public Works Administration Project approved a grant of $34,000, 45 percent of the cost of the building. The remainder of the cost was covered by a school bond which had been passed 428 to 91. Fallbrook voters had been convinced by Mr. Potter that even though times were tough, providing a well-rounded education to the students was important.
In the fall of 1936 football was reinstated at the high school. With the grading of the field and the installation of the goal posts, Coach J. H. O'Mara's thirty-one players had a field to host other area schools. Although the team's season was not too successful (after-all the average weight of the players was 133 pounds), The Fallbrook Enterprise did comment on the fine play of quarterback Joe Blacktooth, inside half Robert Tavata, and outside half Robert Boone.
The basketball team, on the other hand, won the Northern San Diego County Championship.
During the four years, 1934-1938, under Mr. Potter's leadership, many precedents were established that are still part of Fallbrook High tradition. The 160 student body voted on the school colors becoming red and white. The teams were named "The Warriors" in honor of the large number of Native-Americans in the student body. Approximately one-third of the students were from the near-by reservations. The music teacher, Kurt Reineman, with help of students, wrote the Alma Mater.
Also during those years Fallbrook Union High School was recognized throughout the State of California as an exceptional educational institution. In December, 1937, it was evident that recognition was extending beyond the state when New Brunswick, Canada requested data to aid them in establishing a system of high schools to serve the rural areas. It seemed they wanted to use Fallbrook as an example. Further recognition came in February, 1939, when Fallbrook was rated the most outstanding high school in the 26 states, visited by Chicago Farm Foundation. Fallbrook continued to be recognized as an excellent example of a small high school. In 1946, the State Dept. of Education proclaimed Fallbrook High School to be the best small high school in the state.
Mr. James E. Potter, who had provided dedicated leadership to the high school, passed away on May 5, 1947. His obituary in The Fallbrook Enterprise quoted "His ambitions, his efforts, his thoughts for 26 years have been devoted to this town. His indelible mark is made and will be left as a memorial to him." Eugenia Chase Geyer, Class of 1938, wrote "It truly was a privilege to attend Fallbrook High School in those days. We were taught not only academics, but we were taught honesty, integrity, and respect for our fellow human beings, not from books but by example. The faculty and administration respected us and we respected them."
After Mr. Potter's death, Mr. Claire W. Joba was appointed Superintendent/principal. "Potter Hall," named after the beloved James E. Potter, was used by the entire community as a Town Hall, and for many other activities. It was even used to hold a Congressional Hearing concerning water rights-Fallbrook vs. U.S. Government (Camp Pendleton). There was a town baseball team that played on weekends, the Little League baseball played on the softball diamond and adult softball leagues played at night. In the summer the swimming pool was open to the general public.
There was complete support from the community for the schools. In the summer and fall of 1947 members of the community raised money and donated their time, labor and skills to install lights for the football field and softball diamond. This was a joint project in which high school students took pride in their school and responded with a championship football team that year.
In 1948, the State of California declared that the main part of the school building did not meet the earthquake standards and it was condemned. It was replaced with a new building, following stricter guidelines, on the same campus during the summer of 1949.
In 1951, John Brinegar was appointed Superintendent/Principal of FUHSD. Student population was growing rapidly. Until recently Fallbrook High School District was the nation's largest in area-150 square miles. It stretched from the top of Palomar Mountain to the North/East to the Riverside County Line and North/West to the Orange County Line. It included Pauma Valley, thirteen Indian Reservations, Camp Pendleton, Vallecitos/Rainbow, DeLuz, Bonsall and of course Fallbrook. In 1950 there were 244 students and in 1953, 539 students. It was apparent the trustees needed a plan to cope with the increased enrollment. Even before making a final decision whether to enlarge the existing campus or build another one altogether they obtained an option on fifty acres of land owned by Tom and Maie Ellis which was located at South Mission Road and Stage Coach Lane.
In November, 1953 voters passed a $325,000 bond to build the new school south of town. In addition to the Ellis property, adjacent property owned by Clarence Story and Barbara English was also purchased. In May 1955 the Elementary District purchased part of the high school campus for $156,000 for 7th and 8th grade students, the high school would continue to use Potter Hall and the swimming pool until the early 1960's. In 1954, one year after the bond passed, construction began on the 46,000 square foot project. As with most projects, delays occurred, beginning with a county-wide strike by brick masons and a particularly rainy year. Temporary arrangements had to be made whereby both the high school and junior high used the same facilities. Students didn't mind double sessions, since it meant half days. Finally, the new buildings were completed enough and the doors opened on January 2, 1957. Enrollment was increasing very rapidly and the trustees realized continued expansion was necessary. After failure of a school bond in June, 1957, debate and controversy followed with the passing of a bond in December, 1957. These monies would expand the facility to include a library, music room, mechanical drawing room, multi-purpose gymnasium/kitchen, six regular classrooms and office space. These areas were finally occupied in December 1959.
The Garden Club and the Parents Advisory Council enlisted assistance from civic groups and the school's Future Farmers of America to landscape the campus
Replacing John Brinegar, Dr. Robert Dougherty accepted a three-year contract as superintendent for $12,000 per year in 1958. Mr. W. Neuton Price was hired as principal. Fallbrook High School enrollment was 750 students.
In 1960, the trustees began a study to locate and purchase an additional high school site for future expansion of the Fallbrook Union High School District. This twenty-five acre site was located on the corner of Gird Road and State Route 76.
Mr. Dougherty was asked to resign before the end of his contract at which time Vance Davis, business manager, became acting Superintendent until Dr. James McDonald was appointed Superintendent.
In 1967, another $900,000 bond was passed to add a cafeteria, more classrooms and bus-loading facilities. The School Board election made national headlines that year with John Hankey and Robert Pankey running as candidates-the "Hankey-Pankey" ticket. Both were elected.
In the fall of 1964, Dr. McDonald hired new teacher, Bob Burton to teach history and coach basketball. In 1966, Mr. Burton was made Director of Student Activities. Over the next thirty years he would become the "icon for School Spirit" and in many ways put Fallbrook High on the map. In the 1930's, while James E. Potter was Superintendent, "Warrior" pride was strongly instilled in FUHS students. Mr. Potter was instrumental in establishing many of the school traditions. The students attending Fallbrook High during those years were now community members and had formed an FUHS Alumni Association. Jack Geyer (class of 1938) was Association president for a number of years and added to the Warrior traditions. The two lasting traditions are Homecoming Floats and recognizing an outstanding senior girl. The "floats" were originally created so the visiting community would be able to enjoy our Homecoming Court. The Senior Girl Award, later to be renamed The Jackie Vix Award, recognized a Senior Girl with outstanding school spirit and active in the community. Jackie Vix received the award in 1964 and was later killed in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver. When Bob Burton became Activities Director, Homecoming Floats became one of his famous class competitions and evolved from the first "float" in 1958 to winning National awards for creativity and construction. All students are encouraged to participate. Mr. Burton possessed the gift to make each and every student feel part of the "high school" scene, while preparing them for success in their life-long ambitions.
In 1977, James McDonald retired as Superintendent; Dr. Robert Thomas was appointed and would serve 25 years in that position.
During the years that Dr. Thomas was superintendent, FUHS continued to evolve. Powered by spirited groups such as cheerleaders, band, ASB, competitive sports, student clubs, and National Youth organizations like FFA and guided by a personally involved faculty and administrators FUHS was always striving to be #1. Bob Burton continued to be Student Activities Director and is credited with starting many attention-getting programs to help students be their very best across the curriculum. These accomplishments in turn added to Fallbrook High School's reputation for excellence. Some of these programs include starting the Advanced Placement program, Fallbrook's cross country program, girl's golf, creating a student representative position on the FUHSD board, and he was on the founding committee of the North County Academic League. He developed and implemented the FUHS Conflict Management Team and brought recognition to Fallbrook High with the 1995 Peacemaker Award given by the San Diego Mediation Center.
Fallbrook's population was growing rapidly. In 1978 enrollment reached 1875 students. Superintendent Thomas and the trustees chose to keep classes small and hired 15 additional classroom instructors. 1978, was a year for the history books-- school had to be closed for a number of days because of extensive flooding with wind, hail, and mud slides. DeLuz was completely cut off, bridges and roads washed out for weeks. The residents reopened the little school with mail and supplies flown in by helicopter.
Working together, individuals combined the elements that helped to make FUHS a #1 school. Academics, motivation, confidence, competitiveness, loyalty and Warrior pride became evident. The combination of all of these characteristics brought to reality the dream of making FUHS #1. In 1984, we were one of the best! Secretary Bell representing the United States Department of Education honored and recognized Fallbrook Union High School as an exemplary high school. Also for the first time in history the Fallbrook Warrior Football team posted a perfect record of 10-0. And not to forget the fun-in the 16th annual donkey basketball game the senior class team scored a record high of 54 points, more than any student or faculty team had ever scored. Unfortunately for the seniors, the faculty also scored a record high score that was even better, 64 points, and of course won the game.
Enrollment continued to increase and on three occasions, voters turned down school bonds needed to build an additional high school on the Gird Road property. After the third try a new approach to revitalize and build on the present campus was presented to the voters.
In 1994, a $23 million bond to improve the facilities and to ease the overcrowding problem was approved by Fallbrook voters. The project was to include a new gym, performing arts center, agriculture center, media center and vocational arts buildings.
Dr. Robert Thomas also retired in 1994 and Joe Diminicantanio was appointed superintendent. Enrollment had reached an all-time record of 2,300 students.
Construction began during the summer of 1996 on the five new buildings. Included are a $3.3 million, 27,000 square foot gymnasium; $5 million performing arts center; $834,000 agricultural center; $4.5 million media center and a $2 million vocational arts building. The project took almost 6 years to complete with the last building opening in the fall of 2000. The impressive Bob Burton Center for the Performing Arts is a joint community/school facility and is named after Bob Burton, the Student Activities Director for thirty years.
In 1997, Joe Diminicantanio retired and Thomas Anthony was appointed as Superintendent.
Much can be recorded about the last ten years ---
In 2007, the Fallbrook High School campus is home to a wide range of comprehensive high school offerings and is also home to Oasis and Ivy High School. Collectively the campus provides educational facilities for more than 3,000 students.
