Before you stands Escola Estadual Maria Iracema Munhoz a place steeped in history. This isn’t just any school. It’s a living testament to São Bernardo do Campo’s past. Its story began long before its current building. A colonial structure stood here possibly as early as 1773. That’s what a plaque revealed during demolition.
The Escola Estadual Maria Iracema Munhoz wasn’t always called that. It started as Escolas Reunidas de São Bernardo in 1921. Francisco de Almeida Garret was the director. Christina Fittipaldi a relative of the famous racing driver Emerson Fittipaldi taught there. In 1925 it became Grupo Escolar de São Bernardo. The name Maria Iracema Munhoz came in 1952. It honors a teacher who dedicated her life to the public education system. Maria Iracema Munhoz taught at Caetano de Campos for almost three decades. She was known for her fairness kindness and love of art.
The present building on Praça Lauro Gomes opened in 1954. A former teacher described the school in 1980. Children were neatly uniformed. The school was clean and well-supplied. Mayor Lauro Gomes visited frequently ensuring the school had everything it needed. The 55th anniversary of the school as a Grupo Escolar was celebrated in August 1980. The celebrations included a large party. This school has witnessed generations of students come and go. Each one leaving their mark on its long and rich history. The Escola Estadual Maria Iracema Munhoz continues its mission to educate and inspire. It’s a place where history lives and learning thrives. A true landmark in São Bernardo do Campo.