Ressie Jeffries Elementary School developed in three phases. The original building was opened as Criser School, grades 1-12, in 1959.

Seven year later in 1966, with addition of ten rooms and a library, the building was used as a middle school, housing at various times grades 6-9.
In 1976 seventeen rooms were added and the cafeteria was enlarged to house grades 4-6. Twelve years later, in 1988, the schools of the county were reorganized with this school housing Kindergarten through Fifth Grade.
During the development of the building to its present size, enrollment has increased from 300 to approximately 1,000 and now stands at approximately 600.

Principals who have served the school are, J. W. McLendon, John Pond, Ronald Mersky, D. Paul Mishler, Nancy Lee, Tom Rees, Richard Westfall and the current principal is Lisa Rudacille.