History of Integration within Carroll County Public Schools

From Board Minutes

Provided by Charles Ecker, Superintendent of Carroll County Public Schools

May 7th, 1935-

The Negro high school students from Union Bridge and Ridgeville had previously paid for their transportation and were not insured in case of an accident. The Board chose to stop this practice and pay the amount necessary to compensate the bus driver.

July 5th, 1938-

Eight Negro children from Taneytown decidedly had no public school opportunities. Although the situation was briefly discussed, no action was taken.

December 3rd, 1940-

The Board approved the equalization of Negro teachers’ salaries to those of the white teachers. It was decided that the increments to the salaries be distributed throughout three years, instead of the pre-discussed two years.

July 7th, 1953-

The Superintendent read to the Board a letter from Dr. Pullen regarding the action of the Supreme Court in connection with the school segregation issue.

July 12th, 1955-

It was directed that no further statement be made, at this time, regarding the county plans for integration. This action was taken with the understanding that the Board sees no legal way, at this time, to deny the application of any Negro to a school or schools which heretofore have been white schools.

August 17th, 1955-

The Board approved a policy statement on integration for the 1955-1956 school year. Included in the policy statement was transportation provided to Robert Moton and Johnsville Schools. Complete staffs of teachers were assigned to these two schools. Professional meetings and social affairs of the Carroll County Teachers Association will continue to include all teaching personnel, white and Negro. All inter-school athletics were integrated. All county-wide music events will be integrated. Negro and white children will be transported on the same buses.

Requests for transfer or admission to different schools on the part of all pupils will be made by the parents of pupils direct to the county Superintendent and each case will be judged separately with due consideration being given to the adequacy of school facilities, overcrowding, etc.

September 9th, 1955

Citizens from the New Windsor and Union Bridge communities attended the Board meeting to share a letter of opposition from the community regarding school integration.

April 15th, 1958

An announcement regarding policy with respect to integration was distributed and approved by Board members.

May 19th, 1959

The Board approved a policy statement in connection with school integration and the Supreme Court interpretation of May 1954.  The Board directed that the dates of June 3, 4, and 5 be designated as the 1959 period during which applications would be received involving the transfer of pupils to schools other than those other than those attended in other than those attended in the previous school year.

April 15, 1958

An announcement regarding policy with respect to integration was distributed and approved by Board members.

May 19, 1959

The Board approved a policy statement in a connection with school integration and the Supreme Court interpretation of May 1954. The Board directed that the dates of June 3, 4, and 5, be designated as the 1959 period during which applications would be received involving the transfer of pupils to schools other than those attended in the previous school year. Existing schools would continue to be maintained and operated. School transpiration would continue on existing routes. Should applications be properly submitted to the executive officials of the school system on the correct dates, the Board determined successful integration would reasonably occur.

February 6, 1962

After the State Board of Education released an integration statement related to all Maryland schools, the Superintendent advised the Board that a special meeting would be called to discuss the matter. Decidedly, the Superintendent would prepare a new statement on integration to be presented at a later date.