Originally to be named Forest Middle School, Jean McClung Middle School will open to students in August 2011.  The $34 million dollar school was part of the $593.6 million bond package approved by voters in November 2007.  It was constructed on 12 acres, where Handley High School once stood at the intersection of Church, Haynie, and Craig Streets, and Forest Avenue, in the historic Handley neighborhood.

The 162,000 square-foot school will serve 910 students in grades six through eight.  When completed, it will have 26 classrooms, including science and computer labs.  Instructional areas will also be devoted to art, music, drama, life skills and career guidance.  Jean McClung Middle School will also boast two gymnasiums, a weight and fitness area, and an outdoor athletic field. 

Jean McClung is a former member of the Fort Worth Independent School District Board of Education.  Our school was officially named in her honor during a School Board meeting on June 8, 2010.

For more than 20 years, Mrs. McClung proudly represented the students and families in District 2. She was first elected to serve on the board in 1990.  During her tenure, some of Mrs. McClung's efforts included the following: Because We Care Counselors at each high school, Academic Coordinator at each high school, Girls' Athletic Coordinator at each high school, Stay in School Coordinator at each high school, Comprehensive Truancy Intervention Program, construction of two new schools in District 2, and the Young Women's Leadership Academy.  Jean McClung served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) for 13 years.  For four years, she served on the Risk Management Committee for TASB.  For ten years, Mrs. McClung was a member of the North Texas Area Association of School Boards (NTAASB).  She is a life member of Texas PTA.

Mrs. McClung also attended Handley High School, and was a member of the school's next to last graduating glass.  Our school sits on the former site of Handley High School.

Mrs. McClung generously exhibited outstanding devotion, service and support to District 2 and the Fort Worth ISD for 20 years.  Our school name will continue to honor her years of dedicated service for generations to come.

Jean McClung Middle School sits on the same site as the old Handley High School.  In constructing the new school, Fort Worth ISD worked with the City of Fort Worth to reflect the Historic Handley Urban Village mixed-use development.

The design of Jean McClung Middle School also stays true to the architectural traditions of Handley High School. The project architect for WRA Architects, Inc. examined photographs of the old school, looked at the church across the street and went into old Handley and viewed historic buildings there, drawing his inspiration from all of these buildings.   

Handley was incorporated into the city of Fort Worth, but remains a historic neighborhood east of the city.