Schools

Happy birthday, Pasco County school district

By TIMES STAFF
Published July 18, 2007

The public school system turns 120 today, with its first recorded board minutes from July 18, 1887. The current School Board plans to mark the occasion with a resolution. Superintendent Heather Fiorentino has been talking up the milestone, too.

She oversees quite a different district today, one that will open more schools in August than the entire county had in permanent operation 120 years ago. (Several opened for short periods, dependent on having a teacher, a building and students who weren't out working in the fields.)

Here are some interesting tidbits to keep in mind on this historic day:

• In 1887, the district employed 37 teachers. In 2007, it has more than 9,000 employees.
   
• In 1887, a starting teacher made $20-25 per month. In 2007, starting teacher pay is $35,300 annually.
   
  
• In 1887, school board members earned $3 a month. In 2007, the board members make $37,516 annually.
   
  
• In 1887, the school district did not serve students of color. In 2007, it has more than 2,000 black students and more than 5,000 Hispanic students.
   
  
• In 1887, the school year lasted 90 days. In 2007, students attend classes for 186 days.

Other notable events included:

July 1888 - The district adopted its first tax rate, 5 mills.

December 1889 - The board approved its first Christmas holiday.

January 1890 - The board noted the first time it had no money for expenses.

Source: Pasco County School Board

[Last modified July 18, 2007, 07:02:09]