Board of Education Documents

The Board of Education meeting minutes from Aug. 6, 1906, shows the board approving a resolution stating that, due to population growth and overcrowding in the city’s schools, it was necessary to construct a new school.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from Aug. 6, 1906, shows that the City of Parsons and the State of Kansas declared it necessary to purchase a site and to erect, furnish, and equip a school building, including a heating system.

The minutes also note that repairs were needed to the seats and floors in schools located in the first, third, and fourth wards, and that those improvements should be completed.

Estimated costs were outlined as follows: $5,000 for a site for a school building for colored scholars; $15,000 for construction of the building; $4,000 for furnishings; $2,500 for reseating the first, third, and fourth ward buildings; and $500 for repairs to those same buildings—for a total of $28,000.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from Oct. 1, 1906, shows the published resolution stating that the existing school buildings in Parsons were insufficient to accommodate the city’s student population and that three buildings required repairs.

As a result, the board determined it was necessary to issue bonds to raise funds for the construction of a new school building and for repairs to existing facilities. The resolution also outlined the specifications for the bond sale.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from Oct. 1, 1906, shows the published resolution stating that the existing school buildings in Parsons were insufficient to accommodate the city’s student population and that three buildings required repairs.

Accordingly, the board determined it was necessary to issue bonds to raise funds for the construction of a new school building and for repairs to existing facilities. The resolution also outlined the specifications for the bond sale.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from Nov. 5, 1906, shows the board ordering the publication of a statement outlining the conditions and proposed expenditures of the $28,000 bond issue.

The funds were designated for the construction of a new school building, as well as for repairing and reseating three existing schools in other wards. The statement was to be published for the information of the public.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from February 1907 shows the board voting to place an advertisement in the daily newspaper for five days beginning Feb. 28, 1907, regarding the sale of bonds.

The notice stated that sealed bids would be received for the purchase of $25,000 in bonds at 4½ or 5% interest, payable semiannually to the bearer, for the erection of a six-room school building and the purchase of a site. An additional $3,000 in bonds, also bearing 4½ or 5% interest payable semiannually, was included.

A certified check for 1% of the bid was required to accompany each sealed bid, and bidders were instructed to state the amount they would offer for each bond. Five bonds were listed in the amounts of $2,000, $7,000, $8,000, $8,000, and $3,000, maturing in consecutive years from 1912 to 1916. The board reserved the right to reject any or all bids.

The Board of Education meeting, minutes from February 1907 show the complete bond resolution as it was published in the newspaper.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from February 1907 show the complete bond resolution as it was published in the newspaper.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from February 1907 show the full bond resolution as it appeared in the newspaper.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from Feb. 14, 1908, shows that the board voted to pay J.N. Thompson $4,000 for the purchase of his property, on which Douglass School would be built, noting that Thompson would pay the back taxes of $10.

The board also accepted a bid of $585 from Ed. L. Joyce for the Thompson house, in accordance with the terms of the published notice.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from Feb. 22, 1907, shows the board canvassing the returns of the Feb. 19, 1907, election authorizing the issuance of $28,000 in bonds for school purposes.

The results from the different wards were recorded, showing a total of 1,604 votes in favor of the bond issue and 734 votes against it. The board voted to declare this a true and official canvass of the votes.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from March 4, 1907, shows that bids for the bonds were opened, and the board accepted the bid from the State Bank of Parsons, which included a premium of $1,044.73.

The board then considered offers from Adler & Joyce, Thompson, and Noakes, ultimately voting to accept the proposition offered by Mr. Thompson, provided that the funds would be secured from the bond sale and that the title to the property was satisfactory.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from Jan. 21, 1908, shows that the finance committee reported the bonds for the new school had been sold, earning a $50 premium and accrued interest from Jan. 1, 1908.

The total proceeds from the bond sale, amounting to $28,112.23, were reported to be in the hands of the treasurer. Coupons dated to Jan. 1, 1908, were cancelled.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from Feb. 3, 1908, shows that a secret ballot was held to select the site for the new Douglass School building. On a motion, the board approved the Thompson property, at a price of $4,000, as the chosen site.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from March 20, 1908, shows that the plans and specifications for the new school building were presented by the Building and Grounds Committee and explained by architect Milks. The board adopted the plans as drawn, with some minor modifications.

The clerk was directed to publish an advertisement for 10 days containing the plans and inviting bids for the construction of the school.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from April 16, 1908, shows that bids for the new school building were opened, after which the board went into executive session.

On a motion, the board accepted the bid of J. McLellan Construction Company as the lowest for the erection of the new school building, excluding the heating and ventilating system, for the sum of $16,176.75. The board also noted that a contract would be drawn to hold them blameless for any liability arising from construction delays due to litigation against the board.

The bid of Arthur B. Mueller Heating Co., in the amount of $1,346, for the installation of a fan heating and ventilating system, was also accepted.

The board ordered that contracts be prepared in accordance with its instructions to formalize agreements with the contractors.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from May 11 and May 15, 1908, shows that the board held a special meeting on May 11, voting to give J. McLellan Construction Company until 5 p.m. Tuesday to produce its bond. If the bond was not ready by that time, the next lowest bidder would be notified to submit a bond by Friday evening and enter into a contract.

At a second special meeting on May 15, the board noted that J. McLellan Construction Company had failed to provide a bond for the erection of the new Douglass School. The contract was then awarded to C.F. Medaris, the second-lowest bidder. On a motion, both the bond and contract with Medaris were approved, with the understanding that he would deduct from the contract price for modifications to the flues.

The board also approved that the Building and Grounds Committee select the location for the new school on the site and ordered that E.L. Joyce be notified to remove the house he had purchased from the property immediately.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from June 1, 1908, shows that bids for seating for Douglass School were opened and all were initially rejected. The board decided to solicit new bids, allowing a variation of up to 10% in quantity, either way.

After hearing from representatives of various furniture companies, the Furniture & Supply Committee was authorized to finalize a contract with The Caxton Co. at their bid, with the 10% quantity variation permitted.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from June 1, 1908, shows that A.E. Clark was hired as principal of Douglass School, and R.F. Miller was hired as janitor. Robert Smith and Maude Mason were also hired as staff. The minutes note that teachers’ salaries were to begin when they commenced teaching.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from June 22, 1908, shows that the board accepted the bid of Ellis & Martin Furniture & Carpet Co. for $3,300. The bid included 1,336 desks, 184 rears, and 27 woods for Rugby desks, gratis, F.O.B. Parsons, as the lowest bid for desks.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from July 22, 1908, shows that, following a favorable report from the finance committee, the board approved the estimate of C.F. Medaris, reduced by 15%, for work as contractor on the new school building.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from Sept. 8, 1908, shows that the board authorized warrants to redeem $6,000 in bonds, with an additional $100 to cover coupons. The purchase of furniture for the new Douglass School was also mentioned.

After an informal discussion, the board voted to hire a night watchman to begin duty at the new Douglass School building as soon as it was accepted from the contractor.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from Sept. 21, 1908, shows that after an informal discussion of the new Douglass School building, the board moved to accept the building from contractor C.F. Medaris, subject to certain items being completed to the board’s satisfaction.

The remaining work included: completing backboards, installing door stops, replacing window weights, finishing plaster around blackboards, patching and painting holes in the plaster, installing iron grating over the sewer, tightening joints in floors under doors, properly fitting doors, and applying cork to steel ceilings.

The board required that all materials and labor costs be paid by the contractor, retaining $300 of the contract price until the work was fully completed as specified.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from Oct. 5, 1908, shows that the board moved to appoint a committee, with Judge Madden as chair and President McKnight as a member, to oversee litigation concerning the Douglass School building. The specific nature of the litigation is not detailed in the minutes.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from Oct. 20, 1908, shows that the board clerk was instructed to draw a warrant in favor of Arthur B. Mueller Heating Co. for $1,343. This represented the contract price for installing the heating system in Douglass School, minus $3, which was held back pending settlement between the heating company and contractor C.F. Medaris.

This photograph shows a black-and-white map depicting the numbered plots of land, city blocks, and streets surrounding Douglass School.

A newspaper article from the Parsons Sun dated May 9, 1947, discussing a “complete Directory of Negro Residents and Organizations” compiled by Douglass School principal Levi Watkins. Among the information provided, a paragraph notes the enrollment of Black students across Parsons schools:

“Negro attendance at six of the 10 public schools is divided in this manner: Junior College, 16; Senior High School, 20; Douglass, 61; East Junior, 6; West Junior, 14; Douglass Elementary, 192; total, 323.”

A newspaper article from the Parsons Sun dated April 5, 1950, reporting that segregation of Black children in Pittsburg grade schools would end with the start of the following school year. The reasons given included economic considerations, the desire to provide equal educational opportunities for Black students, and the goal of reducing the distances they had to travel to attend school. The district also announced that it would demolish the old school, also called Douglass School, in the fall.

The Board of Education meeting minutes shows that on July 25, 1951, the board president raised the question of whether to continue ninth and tenth grades at Douglass Junior High School. Although the matter had been discussed at previous meetings, no action had yet been taken.

It was noted that over the past few years, a trend had developed in which many eighth-grade students did not return to Douglass but instead enrolled in other junior high schools. Between 1947 and 1951, eighth-grade enrollment declined from 21 students to 16, and the number of students entering ninth grade fell from 16 in 1947 to six in 1951.

Given this apparent attitude of Douglass patrons toward the upper grades, the board voted to discontinue the ninth and tenth grades.

A newspaper article from the Parsons Sun dated July 26, 1951, reporting on the Board of Education’s decision to discontinue the ninth and tenth grades at Douglass School.

The article notes that as far back as 1940, of 20 students completing eighth grade, 11 continued at Douglass while nine enrolled in two other schools. This illustrates that the trend toward desegregation in Parsons began naturally well before the Brown v. Board of Education decision, which started in 1951 and concluded in 1954.

A newspaper photograph of Fern Willis, Douglass School kindergarten teacher, receiving an award at the Girl Scout Leaders Recognition Dinner. The honor recognized her 25 years of dedicated service as a Girl Scout leader.

A newspaper article from the Parsons Sun dated May 4, 1954, reporting on an informal roundtable discussion between the Parsons Board of Education and representatives of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) regarding Douglass Elementary School.

Two issues were raised by the NAACP representatives: the potential integration of Douglass teachers into other schools if Douglass were to close, and necessary repairs to the school before the next term.

Board members stated that tentative plans called for the discontinuance of the seventh and eighth grades at Douglass for the upcoming school year. These students would be absorbed into the two other junior high schools. At that time, no plans had been made for integrating the two teachers currently employed in those grades.

The board also clarified that, although Douglass might eventually be abandoned entirely, there was no immediate plan to integrate its teachers into other schools. They assured the committee that all necessary repairs would be made to Douglass, along with other city schools.

A newspaper editorial from the Parsons Sun, published July 5, 1954, addressing the local impact of the Brown v. Board of Education decision and the broader issue of school nonsegregation in Parsons.

The editorial is written by Glenn Jones, a Parsons lawyer and president of the Board of Education, serving as guest editor of The Sun. Jones highlights the challenges facing the city in light of the Supreme Court ruling. He critiques Gov. Arn’s statement that “Non-segregation in Kansas is no problem,” arguing that Parsons, like many communities, faces numerous practical and social challenges.

Key points raised in the editorial include:

• School Facilities: Additional space will be needed if Douglass School is closed, or major improvements will be required if it remains open. This raises questions about student assignments and neighborhood attendance zones under nonsegregation. 

• Financial Considerations: Building new facilities or upgrading existing ones will require additional funding, likely through bonds, increasing the tax burden on local homeowners. Jones emphasizes the importance of balancing necessary improvements with taxpayers’ interests. 

• Teacher Assignments: Jones raises questions about the status of Douglass’ Black teachers, asking whether they will be able to teach elsewhere in the district. He argues that qualified teachers should have the right to teach any student, regardless of race, aligning with principles of equality, religion, and brotherhood. 

• Community Readiness: The editorial stresses that while the Supreme Court decision applies to students, true nonsegregation also requires community acceptance, thoughtful planning, and cooperation among citizens. Complete integration will take time due to building needs and other logistical factors. 

Jones concludes that the Board of Education is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities and ensuring quality education for all children, regardless of race. He emphasizes that solving these challenges will require cooperation, fairness, and civic engagement from the entire community.

A newspaper article from The Parsons Sun, published August 29, 1954, reporting on the local school board’s plans for the upcoming school year. The article explains that segregation in Parsons schools would officially end.

Key points include:

• Student Choice: Black students in the First and Second Wards would have options: they could continue attending Douglass School, or First Ward students could enroll at Lincoln, and Second Ward students could attend Garfield. 

• Third Ward Arrangements: Black students in the Third Ward could continue attending McKinley or Douglass, but due to crowding, no additional students could be accommodated at Douglass. 

• Gradual Integration: The article notes this step represented the third action in recent years by the school board to end segregation in Parsons schools. 

This move marked a significant step toward full integration in the city’s public schools, building on earlier efforts to provide equal educational opportunities for all students.

A newspaper article announcing a Noel Program at Douglass School. Such articles were commonly published in the local newspaper for school events.

The program included:

• A play titled “It’s a Surprise” to begin the entertainment. 

• A “Singing Christmas Tree” performance. 

• Curtain numbers including “The Night Before Christmas” set to music and “Winter Wonderland.” 

This event reflects the school’s tradition of holiday programs and community engagement.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from August 1, 1955 shows that the board determined the district required the construction of a new elementary school and an addition to Lincoln Elementary School, including equipping and furnishing both.

The estimated cost for these projects was $330,000, necessitating the authorization and issuance of bonds. At the time, the district had outstanding bonds totaling $1,289,000. The proposed bonds would exceed 6% of the assessed valuation of the district’s tangible taxable property, so an election would be held to authorize the bond issue.

Additionally, application would be made to the Board of School-Fund Commission of the State of Kansas to obtain permission for the election and bond issuance.

The Board of Education meeting minutes from July 10, 1957 shows that the board voted to discontinue the kindergarten program for that school year and to close Douglass School entirely beginning with the 1958–59 school year.

This newspaper article from July 11, 1957 reports that the Parsons Board of Education voted the previous evening to discontinue the kindergarten program at Douglass School for the current year and to close the school entirely at the end of the 1957–58 school year. This decision marked the final step in the city’s school integration efforts. The article notes that the closure could result in changes to elementary school boundaries. The board also stated its intention to retain as many Douglass faculty members as possible.

The board meeting minutes from June 2, 1958 shows that the Parsons Board of Education recommended announcing the new assignments for the teachers and custodian formerly employed at Douglass School.

Other items discussed during the meeting included the disposal of furniture and equipment from Douglass School, as well as considerations regarding the impact on public schools if local parochial schools did not continue offering certain grade levels.

The board meeting minutes from August 4, 1958 shows that the Parsons Board of Education recommended new school boundaries for the Third Ward.

• Elementary students living east of a line along 21st Street from Main Street to Southern Boulevard were assigned to Garfield School. 

• Second and third grade students living within the area defined by the alley between Morgan and Appleton on 21st Street, extending west to the Frisco tracks on 26th Street, following the tracks northwesterly to the alley between Grand and Morgan at 28th Street, then west to 32nd Street, were assigned to West Junior High School. 

• All other elementary students within the Third Ward district were assigned to McKinley School. 

• Students living outside the district to the south were assigned to Garfield, while those to the west were assigned to Washington School or to a school designated by the Superintendent of Schools.

The board meeting minutes from July 1, 1959 shows that the Parsons Board of Education voted to publish a notice to accept sealed bids for the sale of Douglass School and its site. The sale was to be conducted in accordance with all applicable state regulations governing such procedures.

The board meeting minutes from July 20, 1959 shows that Superintendent Guthridge reported the Douglass School and its site had been advertised for sale, following the recommendation of the Parsons Board of Education.

The board meeting minutes from August 3, 1959 shows the board accepted a proposal from Parsons Industries, Inc., granting them a five-year option for $50 to purchase Douglass School and its grounds. The final purchase price was to be determined later between the Board of Education and Parsons Industries. Under the agreement, Parsons Industries would carry liability insurance and take measures to protect the building from deterioration and damage. The board retained responsibility for maintaining the grounds and reserved the right to use the building for storage. Two other bids for outright purchase had been received: Walker & Co. for $3,351 and Norman Brandberry for $1,999.95.

The board meeting minutes from February 10, 1960 shows that Parsons Industries, Inc. was authorized to exercise its previously granted option and purchase Douglass School and its site. The board accepted Parsons Industries’ offer of $1,500, contingent upon the company completing a formal contract for the sale.

The board meeting minutes from September 5, 1961 shows that the board authorized its president to sign a deed conveying a portion of the Douglass School property to Parsons Industries, Inc. The parcel, adjoining the property of Ankortite Products, Inc., measured 197 feet in depth and represented part of the former school site.

This photograph from the Parsons Sun dated February 27, 1963 shows a demolition crew burning scrap lumber from the old Douglass School during its razing. City firemen responded twice during the night after sparks from the fire spread, as the blaze had been left unattended.

This three-page PDF from the Parsons Sun archives provides a detailed history of Douglass School, tracing its development, operations, and eventual closure. The account covers the school’s founding, construction, major renovations, key personnel, and the school’s role in the African American community in Parsons. It parallels the historical overview presented on the Douglass School page, offering additional context and archival detail for readers interested in the full story of the school’s significance.

This photograph, one of the few known images of Douglass School, comes from the Buck Clayton Collection at Wichita State University. It served as the reference image for the creation of the Douglass School Memorial, preserving the visual memory of this important historic institution.

The memorial, designed by Jim Kutz, features an illustration of Douglass School based on a photograph from the Buck Clayton Collection at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. It preserves the legacy and memory of the school and its role in the Parsons community.