Julian C. Gallardo (1844-1924), one of the founding fathers of Southside Independent School District, was born in Bexar County, on January 9, 1844. After his father died tragically, he and his brother, Jose Luis, were educated by a local priest, according to family records.In 1881, Julian Gallardo, along with other community members, recognized the need to establish a local school for children in the community. These leaders went on to form a school board and built the first school on land donated by Julian Gallardo and his brother. The land was donated to Bexar County for $ 1.00 and community members donated money to build the school using plans drawn up by Julian Gallardo.
The school was named Carmen School. Two years later, in 1883, Julian Gallardo received his teaching certificate and became a teacher at Carmen School. Carmen School joined with other
schools in the area to form Southside Independent School District.
Many Gallardo descendants have followed Julian Gallardo’s example of educational leadership and dedication. In fact, three of his great grandchildren are teachers at Southside ISD today and his great-great-grandchildren are students in Southside ISD schools.