Don L. Dye, 73; Private School Chain’s Head Oversaw Expansion

Don L. Dye, 73, president of Sherman Oaks-based Pinecrest Schools, died July 1 at his Encino home of complications from heart disease, his family said.

The private, for-profit chain of nonsectarian schools catering to working parents was founded in 1951 by his mother, Edna Mae Dye, and he led the expansion to 11 campuses in the San Fernando, Conejo and Antelope valleys.

Under Dye, the schools offered small classes and aimed to teach children to read at grade level or above by the fourth grade. They also offered before- and after-school child care.

Dye was born Aug. 16, 1932, in Iowa and later moved with his family to North Hollywood.