In the late 1880's, William Smith, a former school teacher from Pennsylvania, became concerned about an education for his children and other children in the area. Through the efforts of Mr. Smith, Lee Britain donated one acre of land for a school. A one-room building was erected in 1890 with one teacher instructing students in eight grades. Mark Callister Lively was the first teacher, hence the name Lively School. The school was eventually called "The White Building."
On April 23, 1909, the Irving Independent School District was created through a bill presented by State Representative E. C. Lively. Lively School and Kit School were merged.
Plymouth Park Elementary School opened in 1954 at 1800 Plymouth Drive. The name was changed to M. C. Lively in 1968 in honor of Mr. Lively, who was also the owner of the Irving cotton gin and an uncle of E. C. Lively.
