In 1854, the tax rate for schools was set at five cents for every $100 of taxable property. Santa Cruz County was officially created on February 18, 1850, seven months before California became a part of the United States. By 1847, the first families started to arrive in the county and children were gathered in homes to be taught, but only during the summer months. It was the intention of the missionaries to educate the Indians but only a few did actually learn to read and write. Then late in the 1700’s came the arrival of the white man and the Santa Cruz Mission. Research for the book included using other books about Santa Cruz County, searching the archives of the Santa Cruz Sentinel, the Register Pajaronian, yearbooks, and using personal interviews.Ĭhapter II begins the tale with the Ohlone Indians and the lessons they taught to their children. The book not only contains information on many of the early schools but has an array of old photos. In an effort to preserve this document and to provide it as a reference to teachers, students, and others, the County Office of Education has scanned the book (see box below). Only five of these books exist in our office. Margaret Koch, author of a number of history books on Santa Cruz, was commissioned to write the manuscript. Researching and compiling all the pictures and information took two years and the concerted effort of many in the community and at the County Office of Education.

Fickel decided to research and publish a book of the history of Santa Cruz County schools. In the bicentennial year of 1976, with everyone focused on the history of our country, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education led by County Superintendent of Schools Richard R.

Santa Cruz County by Margaret Koch