Carroll County Historical Society - Carroll County Schools

History of Carroll County Schools

With the early settlement of every new country among intelligent immigrants, the first thing after locating, building a cabin for the family and getting in a crop for the first season, and getting acquainted with the near-by neighborhood, the settler looked about to see what the sentiment was in his new-found home as regards to church, and school privileges. He wanted his children to be educated and he wants his wife and children to attend some church, like they used to “way back there” from where they moved. While the settler himself was not educated to any considerable extent, he wanted his sons and daughters to have better chances than he or his wife ever had. Hence the situation is canvassed and it usually resulted in the community coming to an understanding by which some kind of a building is converted into a schoolhouse, and possibly religious services also would be held in the same structure. Many of our great men have first attended the log schoolhouse with a dirt or puncheon floor and nothing better than slab seats and desks for book rests. The same conditions were obtained in Carroll and Harrison counties in the 1820's and ‘30's. The first regular schoolhouse within Carroll County was in the Harlem Springs College, which flourished many years, until the establishing of Carrollton Academy, at the county seat town. After the advent of the common free public school system had been made in Ohio, between 1835 and 1840, the subscription school and select schools largely went out of existence and a general school tax has supported the public schools of the county and State ever since. By providing this tax, both the rich and poor have an opportunity to gain an education. Our school system has come to be our pride and universal boast.

An Historic Synopsis of the Carrollton Schools

Some of the early educators of Centerville (Carrollton) were Professor John MacCormack, Samual Howey, and William Coleman, who taught in the old Centerville and Carrollton academy when kept in the house then located where The Honorable Edwin Ferrell later built Canal Street. Some of the famous Dan McCook family was educated here. The Reverend Alex Sweeney and his wife conducted the Carrollton Academy in their residence on Liberty Street, east of the present Methodist Episcopal church. Reverend H.S. Lazar taught high school in the Stidger building and Reverends Samuel Martin and W.H. Buchanan in the McCook building over George J. Butler’s store. James Gallagher taught in the old jail located on lots occupied by the residences of Scott and Orton Tinlin.

In 1845 Carrollton was divided into three school districts. The Canal Street schoolhouse was located in the lot later occupied by John Shepherd’s residence. John D. Archibald, of the Standard Oil Company, went to school in the schoolhouse on Canal Street. The “Sheep Hill” schoolhouse was built on a lot donated by Dickinson Roberts and bears the name of “Roberts Park.” And the Lisbon Street schoolhouse on the corner of North Lisbon and Grant streets is used today as a dwelling.

William and George Woodward built all the sub-district schoolhouses of brick. Among the schoolmasters who “wielded the birch” in these several schools were Armstead Ready, A.I. Billman, John McVicker, James E. Philpot, R.F. Williams, Governor B.F. Potts, Matthew Atkinson, Lizzie Morrow, Anna Lawler, J.K. Moore, Eliza Jane Baxter (Lytle), Eliza Jane Beatty (Barlow), Eliza Jane Jackson, and John Samuel Powell.

In 1867 Carrollton was constituted a Union school district and a large brick building was erected with a capacity sufficient for the entire town at that time. This was the beginning of the CARROLLTON EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL SYSTEM as we know it today. Prof. J.R. McAdams of Washington and Jefferson College, was chosen as the first superintendent. The first class to graduate received their diplomas in 1879 from the hands of Professor J.B. Essig. The superintendent at that time was W.M. Beetham.

From Kent State Historical Society Archives New Philadelphia

In 1912 the State Fire Marshall condemned the structure, and in November 1912, a bond issue for $50,000 was passed almost unanimously for the erection of a new school building. In February of 1913 the work of razing the old building was begun as the new building was to occupy the same site. The contract was awarded to E.E. Bope of Columbus, Ohio for $47,125 but numerous changes brought the final cost up to $75,000.

During the time the building was under construction school was held at the Methodist, Presbyterian and United Presbyterian churches. The two primary rooms remaining in the old carriage shop on Second Street that had been fitted up for school purposes when the old building became over crowded, were put into use at this time. At the out start it was supposed that the building would be completed by September 1913, but the work was so delayed that it was September 1915, before the building was fit to be used for school. During that time the Tabernacle was equipped for school purposes by installing the necessary partitions and heating stoves. The conditions were far from being satisfactory but they were made to answer the purpose. The following year all folks complained terribly about the sizes of the building and remarked that it would never all be used.

By 1920 the population had increased so much that, two portable buildings of two rooms each had to be erected to accommodate the pupils.

In 1925 the people of Carrollton voted almost unanimously for another bond issue of $145,000 for what is now known as the Bell-Herron Middle School building. The ground and athletic field were purchased from Charles Butler. The architects for the new building were Vernon Redding and Associates of Mansfield, and the contract for the erection of the building was given for approximately $135,000. The building was rushed to completion. The corner stone was laid in November of 1926 and in September of 1927 it was ready for opening of school. Again, the cry was heard, “What will they ever do with all the room?” When the building was first occupied, there were rooms not occupied and in use. It became necessary to add additional rooms, and in 1937 a farm shop, a music room and two large locker and shower rooms were added.

In 1936 grades one to six numbered 415 boys and girls, and they occupied what has become to be known as the grade school building. In January of 1937 the school organized on the 6-3-3 plan and chartered accordingly. During the 1938-1939 school year, the enrollment for both junior and senior high schools was 575, all of whom were housed in what is known as the Bell-Herron Middle School building. The total enrollment of the Carrollton Exempted Village School District for the school year 1938-1939 was 1,008.

According to a statement made by the State Department of Education in 1938, Carrollton was listed as one of the finest school districts in the State of Ohio.

There were ample facilities for the carrying out of an excellent school program and, at the same time, the per capita cost was very low as compared with other schools of the state. The Carrollton junior and senior high school population grew from 74 in 1912, to 575 in 1938. It not only enlarged in number, it became one of the best in scholastics.

W.R. Bell became superintendent of the Carrollton Exempted Village School District in 1912 and remained in that position until he retired in 1947. J.W. Herron, who already had been a teacher and principal in the high school for 17 years, was named to succeed Mr. Bell. A large measure of the success of the Carrollton schools can be attributed to the faithful and untiring service of Superintendent W.R. Bell, who for 35 years labored in behalf of the Carrollton schools. Broad-minded boards of education, scores of capable instructors and loyal community members have labored diligently and untiringly to make the school system one of the best.

In the early fifties, the wave of World War II babies entered the Carrollton schools, and a building program was needed. The first cafeteria was started in 1949 in the gymnasium and locker room area of the building later known as the grade school building constructed on Second Street NE in 1913. This cafeteria remained in use until the fall of 1964.

In 1949 the population of the Carrollton Exempted Village School District voted a $210,000 bond issue to construct a new building to be located between the two buildings already existing and on the South side of Third Street NE. This building contained eight classrooms, a boiler room, restroom facilities, and a storage room. It was used to house elementary pupils in 1957.

The October 1955 High School Principal’s Report indicates that the Carrollton Exempted Village School District is on the 8-4 organizational structure.

In 1956 a bond issue to construct a new high school building was voted on, and it amounted to $500,000. The new building was an addition to the one located on the South side of Third Street NE. It contained a classroom, office and shop area for vocational agriculture, a classroom, tool room, finish room, power tool room and shop area for Industrial Arts. A gymnasium with roll-out bleachers was included that seated 1,068 people. The band room contained a large assembly area, an office, a repair area, five practice rooms, and two small rooms for the storage of musical instruments.

The new building contained three physical education locker rooms, one for girls and two for boys. Two large study halls, a library, a chemistry room, two science rooms, a commercial department comprised of two rooms, and an office machines room, for janitors that completed the facilities in the new high school. Students entered this structure, which was an addition to the eight classrooms built in 1952, during January of 1957. J.W. Herron, Superintendent of Schools, converted one classroom to office space for the high school principal, the school secretary, and for his own office. The new building contained a P.A. system, purchased and paid for by the Carrollton P.T.A.

The school enrollment had grown to 1,523 with 581 of these in high school. During all of this growth, the curriculum had been continually broadened, and a survey made in 1961 that indicated that Carrollton High School had one of the finest schools in the area.

In 1959, four of the outlying grade schools voted to join the Carrollton Exempted Village School District instead of sending students there on a tuition basis as they had done prior to this time. They were: Dellroy, New Harrisburg, Kilgore, and Harlem Springs. Willis School located at Mechanicstown, joined the district in 1962. These consolidations were harmonious due to the efforts of the Superintendent of Schools, J.W. Herron. Mr. Herron was known for his sincere interest for each person who was a part of the Carrollton School District, and for his keen ability to maintain a sound educational program in an economical manner.

Mr. J.W. Herron, was superintendent of schools from 1947 to 1963, his retirement was effective July 31, 1963.

Welch Barnett, who had been the principal of Carrollton High School since 1957, was selected to succeed Mr. Herron as superintendent of the Carrollton Exempted Village School District. Joseph R. Carlisle, Executive Head of Schools in the nearby Conotton Valley Union Local School District, was selected by the board of education to fill a new role as assistant superintendent of the Carrollton schools. James T. Waller, who had been a part of the Carrollton Exempted Village School District since 1955, was hired as the new principal of Carrollton High School. All assumed their duties as of August 1, 1963.

During the fall of 1963, the citizens of the Carrollton Exempted Village School District voted a $325,000 bond issue for the purpose of adding eight classrooms to the high school building, and a cafeteria that was to be placed between the high school and grade school buildings. This cafeteria would actually connect the two buildings. These eight classrooms were to contain a science room, two math rooms, a language room, two rooms for any purpose considered desirable and the other two were left without any dividing wall between them for two large study halls. These classrooms were needed because the high school building that was presently in use was designed to house between 500 and 600 students. At the time the bond issue was voted, it was housing approximately 740 students. The structure would provide flexibility for a much better educational program. The cafeteria was designed to house slightly in excess of 500 students at one time. There were over 1,800 students attending school in the Village of Carrollton who would use this cafeteria.

Three more Carroll County School Districts became part of the Carrollton Exempted Village School District in the late 1960's: East Township in 1965, Augusta in 1966, and Perrysville in 1968.

Mr. Barnett resigned effective July 1, 1967, to accept a position in the State Department of Education Division of Vocational Education.

Mr. Joe Carlisle was hired as superintendent beginning August 1, 1967, and served until July 31, 1973, when he resigned to become the superintendent of Buckeye Joint Vocational School.

John L. Beck, a former coach, elementary principal, and assistant superintendent with the Carrollton Exempted Village School District served as superintendent from August 1, 1973, thru July 31, 1977. Larry D. Davis was assistant superintendent under Mr. Beck.

Patricia Brumbaugh was appointed as the first full-time clerk-treasurer effective in 1976.

In 1976 students from Carrollton High School began to attend the Buckeye Joint Vocational School at New Philadelphia. By 1982, 276 CHS juniors and seniors were enrolled there.

Lawrence F. Pontuti high school principal from East Palestine, was appointed as superintendent of schools effective August 1, 1977. Dr. Phillip Maher was hired as his assistant. Ronald L. Jones was promoted from assistant principal to high school principal effective at the same time.

The enrollment of the school district in 1977 reached an all-time high of 3,401 students. In 1978, two railroad boxcars were donated to the school district. Through donations of money and labor from the Carrollton Jaycees, one boxcar was converted into a modern, unique high school reading lab. By applying for and receiving various state and federal grants, the reading lab became one of the best equipped in the area.

During the first half of the 1980's many facility additions were completed without the need for a bond issue or permanent improvement levy. Money was derived from the General Fund, much of which came from high interest earnings on investments.

In 1982, a new bus garage was constructed on property owned by the district located at Fifth Street NE. The cost of the five-vehicle repair facility was valued at $150,000.

During the summer of 1982, a group of citizens worked with the school officials in constructing a locker room/weight training facility as an addition to the Bell-Herron Middle School (1926 building). Local businesses and residents donated most of the materials and labor. Within a year, this facility housed over $40,000 of weight training equipment. The estimated cost for the building was $80,000.

Dr. Maher resigned effective December 31, 1982; he was appointed superintendent of Wellsville City Schools.

On March 21, 1983, Mr. Michael R. Maiorca, assistant principal at CHS, was appointed assistant superintendent. Mr. Thomas A. Davis was selected as high school principal effective August 15, 1983, after Mr. Jones resigned to become principal of Portsmouth, Ohio High School.

In 1983, a limestone track and a storage building were constructed at the Fifth Street field. Approximate value was $140,000, much of which came in the way of material donations from interested residents. Students from Buckeye Joint Vocational School completed the masonry work on the two-story storage building located at the track.

In 1984, additions at Carrollton High School and at Willis Elementary were completed during the summer months. The cost for these facilities was approximately $1,100,000. The high school addition included eight classrooms above the 1963 addition, a hallway connecting the two - second floor areas, two stairwells, an elevator, a teacher’s workroom, a storage room, and a student activities office. The Willis addition included a kindergarten room, a library, two offices, and small rooms for speech and hearing, and reading.

Also in 1984, a house located east of the band room on Third Street NE, was purchased and converted into a Special Services Building and served as such until 1999. Now, it is known as the Technology and Learning Center and houses: the Director of Curriculum, Coordinator of Gifted and Technology, Technology Coordinator, and secretary. Approximate cost for this facility when completed was $75,000.

With the final payment of bonds and interest in 1984, the school district was free from debt for the first time since 1949! With the close of the 1984/1985 school year, Margaret McClain Blosser, Elementary Supervisor since 1961, retired. Thirty-two of Mrs. Blosser’s 42 years in education were spent at Carrollton. She was greatly responsible for the excellent elementary programs in the school district. Mrs. Rose Cernava Seck was appointed her successor.

In 1985 the board decided to add classrooms to the Dellroy Elementary School. A sum of $300,000 was transferred from the General Fund to the Permanent Improvement Fund for this project. The Dellroy addition included: four classrooms, storage areas, a teacher workroom, a stairwell, and many other renovations. The total cost approached $500,000.

Also in early 1986 a library and office were added to Kilgore Elementary School at a cost of approximately $55,000, paid by state lottery funds.

During the summer of 1986 a new multi-purpose room was added to Bell-Herron Middle School at the approximate cost of $75,000. Donations from various community minded individuals supplemented the basic cost of the facility which was financed via lottery funds. The new facilities and gymnasium at Bell-Herron Middle School provided the base for the first community recreation center that opened to the public in October 1986.

During the mid-eighties the school system was highly regarded for its fine educational programs, the condition of its facilities and its sound financial operation. In 1986 the Carrollton Exempted Village School District was one of seven in Ohio to be selected by the State Department of Education for the “Classroom of the Future Program.”

An announcement by the Carroll County Veterans Club, Village Council, and the Recreation Board agreed to help support the renovation and operation of the pool. A $25,000 state grant was awarded for capital improvements through the combined efforts of Representative William Hinig and school officials. The pool was re-dedicated by U.S. Representative Douglas Applegate in May 1988. Nearly 12,000 persons used the renovated pool that summer.

On February 14, 1989, the board of education approved a unified middle school for the entire district’s seventh and eighth graders. This was consistent with the neighborhood school concept for grades K-6. Approved also, was the construction of a two-room addition located between the high school and Carrollton Elementary. The project was funded with interest earnings from the past year. The total cost was $168,000.

The board authorized the purchase of a 157 acre farm from the Myers Mining Company on October 10, 1989. The property included a nine-room modernized office building, a large barn, a story-and-a-half garage. The farm was previously known as the Rutan Farm that is located on State Route 332 just south of Carrollton. The picturesque historic house was built in 1872 for the Honorable D.O. Rutan and his family. The intent of the board was to provide a location for future schools, athletic fields, and play areas. One interesting note, almost half of the money for the purchase came from a final Section 16 Fund Settlement. (Northwest Ordinance of 1787).

In the late 1980's and early 1990's the information/technology age had a significant impact on the educational programs, facility accommodations, and fiscal operations of the school district. In helping to adapt to the new era, the “Classroom of the Future” became a major source for technology implementation, staff development, and educational reform. During this period over 200 computers were placed in the schools and classrooms. The high school and middle school were networked for total video and audio capabilities. Interactive satellite, TV courses were implemented. A computerized/microfiche library program was put in place and Level III Platforms consisting of laser disk, C.D. Rom L.D. units and video display/computer driven programs were initiated.

In order to help provide direction for the school district during the 90's a Vision Statement was approved by the board of education in 1991. Contained in this document were educational goals that ranged from pre-school through graduation. At the same time the board again endorsed the “Classroom of the Future” program as the attainment vehicle.

Baccalaureate Services were separate from the Graduation Services until 1972. The two services were combined from 1972 thru 1992. Baccalaureate Services were held separately with the students organizing the program and attendance was voluntary.

In October of 1994, the Buckeye Joint Vocational School changed its name to Buckeye Career Center.

Patricia Brumbaugh, the first full-time treasurer, concluded her career with the district in January 1995, after eighteen and one-half years of dedicated and highly competent service. Roxanne Mazur was her successor.

In the spring of 1996 the Field of Dreams Baseball Field was dedicated.

Lawrence F. Pontuti, retired from the Carrollton Exempted Village School District on December 31, 1997. Michael R. Maiorca was appointed the Superintendent of Schools, January 1, 1998

During the summer of 1999 construction began on a new gymnasium attached to the east side of the Bell-Herron Middle School. Also included in this plan was the construction of an addition to the high school building for the use of the speech programs and construction of the athletic practice fields a the 157 acre property on route 332. Funds for these projects came from the General Fund.

In 2000 the Athletic Booster Club met for the first time to develop plans and pursue financing to construct a new stadium at the Board owned property on Scio Road. These plans included an athletic facility for football, track, band competitions, etc. In the fall of 2001 excavations started. These plans became a reality when the first home football game was played August 29, 2003, with Beaver Local School District.

Mr. Maiorca served as superintendent until December 31, 2001, at the time Dr. Burton D. Schoffman was named his successor.

Under the direction of Dr. Schoffman, the Bell-Herron Middle School Auditorium was converted into a theater for the Fine Arts Department; the Carrollton Early Childhood Center (Villa), located on Moody Avenue, was implemented, housing preschool through grade one; and a Master Plan was developed in cooperation with the Ohio School Boards Facility Commission. This plan included a new high school, middle school, three elementary schools.

Dr. Schoffman served as superintendent until, April 27, 2004. Mr. Kevin J. Spears was named Interim Superintendent until July 31, 2004. On August 1, 2004, he assumed the full title of the superintendent.

Under the direction of Mr. Spears, in 2004 a committee was formed to review the original Master Plan.

School Board Members that have served our district through the years:

Superintendents that have served our district through the years:

Years Served

1867-?? J.R. McAdams

1879-?? W.M. Beetham.

1912-1947 35 W R Bell

1947-1963 16 J Wendell Herron

1963-1967 4 Welch Barnett

1967-1973 6 Joe Carlisle

1973-1977 4 John L. Beck

1977-1997 20 Lawrence F. Pontuti

1998-2001 3 Michael R. Maiorca

2002-2004 2 Burton D. Schoffman

2004 - Kevin J. Spears

-present Palmer Fogler

Financial Officers that have served our Bd of Education through the years:

Years Served

1922-___ Kathryn Westfall

1976-1/1995 18.5 Patricia Brumbaugh-First Full-Time Clerk

2/1995-present Roxanne Mazur

Known contributors to this written History (as of September 30, 2004)

W.R. Bell, Superintendent, 1912 -1947

J. Wendell Herron, Superintendent, 1947 -1963

Lawrence F. Pontuti, Superintendent, 1977 - 1997

Ann Marshall Finnicum, Class of 1952

Gilbert M. Brooks, Class of 1954

Kevin J. Spears, Superintendent, 2004 -

Patricia Balint, Secretary to the Superintendent, 2004 –

Contributing Editors:

Mr. Lawrence F. Pontuti, Superintendent 1977-1997

Ann Marshall Finnicum, Class of 1952

Gilbert Brooks, Class of 1952

Kevin Spears, Superintendent, Class of