In the years 1965 and 1966 there was a major change in the Pocahontas Public School District. Beginning in March of 1965, the “Plan of Desegregation of Pocahontas School District #19” was approved. When this was announced the school then held a meeting with the parents, both black and white, and they decided that they grade school would remain segregated. The Star Herald released an article about how much money the school systems were saving that had fully integrated by not having to transport students to other towns anymore. In April, Mrs. Eddie Mae McDonald was approved by the board. Then in May, the board discusses why the plan of only partial integration was not approved. There is a special meeting held to discuss the new plan of action. It is decided to do away with colored school all together and do a full integration. In June it is learned that this new plan was approved and in July Eddie Mae is informed she will be employed by the school just maybe not as a teacher at first. The request for notification from colored parents that will have children attending the public school is put out in August. As well as a list of the school employees is put out and it has Eddie Mar listed as Reading. In October Eddie Mae is given her class schedule in whatever subject the superintendent wanted to put her in. Then in November the old colored school building is asked by BRAD if it could be used as a child care school. Then in February of 1966 Eddie Mae is assigned until an elementary school teacher until April when she is reassigned to teach at the high school level.
Category: History
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