Sam Rutherford Elementary opened in 1965 and was rebuilt in 2018. The school was named after Sam Rutherford, who not only served the community as a school trustee, but also as the Mayor of Mesquite and as the city's fire chief. He is known to his family and the students of Rutherford Elementary as Papa Sam.  

Rutherford is "Where the Best Begins" and has approximately 700 students. The school is nestled in the middle of the neighborhood, located next to the Mesquite Parks and Recreation Center.  

The school is proud to be part of the Mesquite High School feeder pattern. Go Skeeters!