by Erin Eddins, Source Publications

The city is buzzing about the school district. It has been for a while now. And it seems the buzz is not about to die down. Everyone has something to say regarding the plans to rebuild, relocate, renovate and raze a variety of the school houses we know here in town. As I mentioned last issue, I have spent some time asking a variety of folks their opinions, and more importantly for our purpose, their memories of our school district and the school houses that are no more. The most fruitful of these conversations was shared with Mr. Don Lentz, former principle of

Bode

Middle School.

 Sitting down for our visit I had no idea what to expect and was careful to tread lightly as the subject of the current changes in the district came to topic. Would he be a man of emotion and feel tied to the buildings he’s know for so long or would he be a visionary of education, full of excitement for change. Well, he was kind of both and kind of neither.   Mr. Lentz showed unmistakable emotion and pride in talking about our city and specifically the school district but he showed no grief or heart tug at the mention of the possible razing of some of the buildings. “This is nothing new. It’s been done so many times and it’s needed.” Mr. Lentz explained. “Well, just reading through the list of old schools shows that. This is the second

Benton, second Central, second Hosea. This is nothing new.”

 I asked him if he felt it was hard to let go of the traditions as we talk of razing and repurposing these buildings. He very simply explained the tradition and the legacy is in the school not the building. We went on to discuss the sentimental value some families are feeling and came to a telling analogy: if it is so important for your kids to have the exact educational experience as yourself then take away their computer and in its place provide a slide rule or maybe an abacus. Mr. Lentz and I visited a while longer and ended our afternoon with me borrowing the second edition of his book: The History of the

School District of

St. Joseph with emphasis on the last 50 year. I was thrilled and Mr. Lentz just laughed.

 I finished the book through several short sitting over this past weekend. It was broken down by decade and recapped important events of each year. There were fires, floods and epidemics. There were new schools built…and as Mr. Lentz had mentioned, old ones torn down. But there were some other great stories thrown in. And by enlarge these stories will be saved for another article, but I cannot pass on the chance to share this. The phrase “lighthouse district” came up a few times and I could feel the corners of my mouth turn up in that smug, “I’m not surprised” grin. In so many ways our school district led by example, paved the way and pioneered in education. The most notable of which is the fact that our district was the first in the Union to desegregate, even beating out

Topeka.

 But back to the cards in hand.Mr. Lentz’s book provided so much detail and an unbelievable account of the St. Joe schools; the book is available in the St. Joseph Public Library. For now, as you form your opinion on the current issue of razing and repurposing our dated school houses, please read below the summary from his book. I think it will help to remind all of us that the success, pride and value of our schools have been a direct result to forward thinking, progress and great leaders. Let’s not abandon those qualities now. Since the

School District of

St. Joseph began, [nearly 150] years have passed. It began with three schools and progressed to the three high schools, four middle schools, 19 elementary schools and one vocational school we have today. It no sooner opened in 1860 than it was closed by the Civil War. The District opened again in 1864 under the superintendence of a man who would spend 40 years in the position, Mr. E.B. Neely. He would see it grow dramatically. He would have to rent rooms, building, anything available, in order to provide schooling for the students of the City.

            By the turn of the century, the District would have enough schools. They would vary from very simple brick structures to large, imposing, almost castle type structures. The District would enjoy almost total support from the community in the effort to provide adequate schooling for the children of

St. Joseph.            This report begins during the depressed times of 1935 and progresses, as did the District, for 58 years. It would see old schools close and new ones constructed. It would see a steady increase in enrollment until the early 1970’s, when, for the first time, the District would face a decline in the number of students.            Although 58 years are covered, only six superintendents served during this time. This reflects favorably on the District. Two of them alone span 41 years. Teacher’s salaries steadily increased. The curriculum constantly changed with the times. Integration caused a major restructuring of the District. Archaic practices of isolating students with contagious diseases in unheated rooms would be abolished and computers became commonplace.            The era closes with the Excellence in Education Act of 1984. This follows on the heels of the “Nation At Risk” report. The effects of the Excellence in Education Act are imminent. It will raise teacher’s salaries and force them to strengthen the quality of education.            The

School District of

St. Joseph may never go down in history as being the best-paying district in

Missouri. In fact, you may never find it even mentioned in history books. It is, however, considered a lighthouse by the State, and sets the trends for many to follow. If you were to study the longevity of the teachers, you would find facts that would surely indicate that something very good must have been going on here.            This report ends in 1993. Mr. John Foley has studied in detail the years of 1860 to 1904. Perhaps someday, the gap of 1904 to 1935 will be filled in greater detail. I can only hope that, say, 25 years from now, another person will continue this report. Keeping a history of a school district is a must. Many know it by memory, but it needs to be put into print for all to read. It is my hope that those who read this report will gain a deeper appreciation for the work of the School District of St. Joseph, Missouri. The District is blessed to have people in its employ such as Mr. Foley and Mrs. McCartney who have made every effort to see that a viable history is maintained. Mr. Don Lentz’s name should be added to that list of the District’s blessing. Thank you, Don. 

Posted by: admin on Thursday, April 17th, 2008
Filed under: Old Joe, General |