History rules at McLane Middle School, where in 1914 the campus was founded to house the community's only school for students in grades one through eight, the Brandon School. Noted for its twin towers, the second tower opened in 1919, which expanded the school's offerings to grade 12. Elementary school students were housed in the north campus, the high school students in the south tower. The first four high-school graduates received their diplomas in 1923.
Today the towers still house students, but only students in grades six through eight. The school's main building opened in 1928 with a north wing added 20 years later. The gymnasium, along with additional classrooms, opened in 1947. The first cafeteria, along with a separate agriculture building, opened in 1950. The school is named after E.F. McLane, who came to the school in 1930 and became its longest-serving principal. He was principal for 34 years.
In 1954, Walter S. Yates Elementary School was dedicated as the area's first standalone elementary school and the McLane campus remained a junior-senior high school. When Horace Mann Junior High School opened in 1962 to serve grades six through nine the Brandon School became a senior high school for grades 10 through 12. The current Brandon High opened on Victoria Street in 1972 and serves grades nine through 12.
McLane Middle School is home to the Vikings, and students come from 30 feeder elementary schools.