334 William Wood Lane
JB Nelson Elementary was named in honor of mathematics teacher John B. Nelson, who taught at Batavia High School in 1919, before becoming the school’s principal in 1921, and then district superintendent in 1938 – a post he held for 24 years, until his retirement. Even in retirement, he continued to serve the schools as a substitute teacher. “JB,” as he was known, oversaw the addition of three elementary schools, with JB Nelson being added in 1955. JB always referred to the school as the “Bill Wood School,” after its principal, whose namesake is also the roadway on which the school is situated. The original building has had several additions and modifications made over the years, but it has always served Batavia children in its current location.
