Massachusetts led the nation in the formation of free local schools. Prior to 1789, town school systems were loosely organized. After that date, the commonwealth established a district system. The new system remained tightly connected to town government, but in 1817, the state decided to allow districts to become self-governing. Deerfield, like many towns, decided to keep its schools closely tied to the town. It formed a school committee to evaluate and regulate the school system. The rules mandated that the town minister – the leader of the town-supported church – closely supervise the schools along with leading members of the town meeting.
Williams, Ephraim. Regulations For the Government of the Schools in the Town of Deerfield. April 7, 1817. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/l02-068/. Accessed on October 16, 2024.
Please note: Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.