Keene Elementary School was named in honor of Dr. William B. Keene (1934-2004) for his dedication to students and his lifelong commitment to education. Dr. Keene was a frequent participant in school activities, spending time with children and staff. He was a vital part of the school community and was loved by all for his involvement, words of encouragement, and kindness.

Dr. Keene devoted most of his professional life to Delaware public education. He was a teacher and principal at Brandywine Spring Junior High School, superintendent of the Appoquinimink School District, state superintendent of Public Instruction, and director of School/University Partnerships at the University of Delaware. He served nine years on the Newark Board of Education and was president of the Delaware State Education Association, the Delaware Association of School Administrators, and the Delaware Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Dr. Keene was a board member of the Wellness Community, Jobs for Delaware Graduates, Tech Prep Delaware, Delaware Council on Economic Education, Del-Mar-Va Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Teacher in Space Program. He retired from the U.S. Army Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 390th Civil Affairs Unit.