History Of Jackson City School

By Herbert W. Spencer - 1962

It was the year 1910, on August 22nd, at a meeting of the board of trustees of the Jackson Graded Common School, District No. 1, in the office of the superintendent of Breathitt County, Kentucky. His name was Kash C. Williams. That was almost 52 years ago; Mr. Williams is still living and a prominent attorney in Jackson today.

What is now known as the Jackson City Schools came into being on that date. The board was named, and they were as follows: William S. Sewell, president; F. C. Mosley, secretary; Green Haddix; G. T. Strong; and William M. Combs.

The first order of business was to entertain a motion to buy seats for the old school building, that then stood where the house of Mrs. Poloce Bach lives today. This motion carried, and the seats for the public school were purchased for the sum of $329.90. Yes, this was the beginning.

Then, in 1912, bonds in the sum of $40,000 were voted by the official board to build the grade building that now is the main City School building. The first superintendent was Prof. H. H. Harris and for the school years 1912 - 1913, there were six teachers. Another year passed, and three high school teaches were employed. They were paid $60 per month. Time marching on, Mr. J. W. Davis became superintendent of the City Schools, and from 1923 to 1928, 11 teachers were employed at a salary of $90 per month.

In the year 1928, the official board, at the instance of the school patrons, authorized a bond issue in the sum of $20,000 for the purpose of erecting the present high school building. This was done, and Prof. P. H. Neblett became superintendent from that date until 1935, when J. W. Davis again became superintendent. He served in this capacity until June 30, 1937, and W. E. Davis served the same period as secretary, treasurer, tax collector, and financial advisor to the official board.

In July 1937, W. K. Davidson was elected superintendent of Jackson City Schools, and Herbert W. Spencer was elected secretary, treasurer, tax collector, and financial officer; a position he had held for 24 years.

Some 16 teachers were employed in the grade and high school, during the period from July 1937 to September 1941, at which time George E. Cain was elected superintendent and served for a period of one year.

From July 1, 1942, three or more superintendents served the Jackson City Schools until 1955. At this time another bond issue was voted and the new addition, which now houses the home economics department and three grade rooms were built at a cost of $59,000.

At present (1962), there are some 20 teachers in the Jackson City Schools. Mr. O. L. Knarr is superintendent; Mrs Nancy C. Spindor is secretary, treasurer, and tax collector; Mrs. Kathryn R. Goff is director of pupil personal; Courtney Gillespie is janitor; Ruth Knarr is clerk to the administrator; and the board members are: Price Sewell, chairman; Orie Noble; Victor Chapman; Pearl Begley; and Charles Price.