RG-55. RECORDS OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS
The Pennsylvania Constitution directs the General Assembly to provide for the support of an efficient system of public schools where all children of the Commonwealth above the age of six may be educated. Since 1834, when the first public school law was enacted, the General Assembly has passed legislation to gradually develop the present school system. The laws relating to Pennsylvania schools are consolidated into what is known as the Public School Code, which sets up five classes of school districts according to population. School districts are administered by nine member school boards elected by the people for four year overlapping terms, except in Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, in accordance with the Educational Supplement to the Home Rule Charter, a nine-member board is appointed by the mayor from a list submitted by an education nominating panel. As of January 1998, there were 501 public school districts in the Commonwealth. (Access may be restricted. Contact the State Archives for more information.)
CARLISLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT (CUMBERLAND COUNTY)
Alumni Registers, 1848-1853, 1856-1900, 1902-1932 and undated. (1 microfilm roll). {unprocessed} Alumni registers for the classes of 1902-1932 provide the name of each alumnus; address; occupation, public or official position; whether a graduate of another institution; and date of death. Cited in the listing for the class of 1929 is Irene F. Calloway from Mount Holly Springs, and William E. Cuff at 409 North West Street, Carlisle, both African Americans. Irene Calloway was a teacher in the Carlisle School District, and one of the directors of the Carlisle African American Community Center. Included also is a document entitled Teachers Salaries from 1836 to 1860 that reveals the names of teachers.
LINCOLN INTERMEDIATE UNIT (ADAMS, FRANKLIN, AND YORK COUNTIES)
Directories of Teachers and School Directors of York County, 1878-1971. (13 volumes) {unprocessed} These directories give the following information: name, type of certificate, term, salary, school, and address. The directory for 1877-88, for example, lists Malachi Gilson as a principal in a school having fifteen colored and mixed children. Ella J. Robinson later served as assistant in this school from 1888 to 1889 while James Stuart served as principal.