Fort Worth Independent School District:

An Inventory of Fort Worth Independent School District Scholastic Census Records at the Texas State Archives, 1928-1970

Agency History

The first census of Texas school age children was mandated by an act passed by the 5th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, on January 31, 1854. From 1854 to 1905, annual censuses of school children were conducted in each county by the office of county tax assessor. The responsibility for taking annual scholastic censuses was transferred to the newly created office of county superintendent of schools beginning in 1905 (29th Legislature, Regular Session, Senate Bill 218). From 1905 to 1969 the county superintendent's office compiled and sent a consolidated census roll to the Texas State Board of Education and filed a copy with the county clerk. The original individual enumerated census forms were retained by the county superintendent of schools. After 1969, copies of the rolls were no longer required to be filed with the county clerk (61st Legislature, Regular Session, House Bill 534). In 1989, custody of all scholastic census records in the hands of elected county officials was transferred to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission by the Local Government Records Act (Sec. 201.008, Local Government Code). The Act did not automatically physically transfer any scholastic census records to the Library and Archives Commission, but school districts could offer census records to the commission for historic preservation.

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Scope and Contents of the Records

Scholastic census records document the counting of school age children by counties and districts so the state could apportion funds for their education. Records are individual "family census blanks" used in the scholastic censuses for Fort Worth Independent School District between 1928 and 1970. Forms list the name and number of the school district, name of the parent or guardian, and the name, address, birth date, age, sex, and any physical handicaps for each child. Each form is signed and dated by the census enumerator. There are incomplete census returns for several years; the missing portions are noted in the inventory.

To prepare this inventory, the described materials were cursorily reviewed to delineate series, to confirm the accuracy of contents lists, to provide an estimate of dates covered, and to determine record types.

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Restrictions

Restrictions on Access

Access to portions of these records may be restricted under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Materials do not circulate, but may be used in the State Archives search room. Materials will be retrieved from and returned to storage areas by staff members.

Restrictions on Use

Most records created by Texas state agencies are not copyrighted. State records also include materials received by, not created by, state agencies. Copyright remains with the creator. The researcher is responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.).

Technical Requirements

A microfilm reader is necessary to view these records. Microfilm readers are available in the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building. Ask staff members for exact locations.

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Related Material

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

(Identify the item), Fort Worth Independent School District scholastic census records. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Accession Information

Accession number: 2002/005LR

These records were transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission by the Fort Worth Independent School District on September 28, 2001.

Processing Information

DACS-compliant finding aid and XML markup completed by student volunteer Brittany Hecker, November 2012

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Detailed Description of the Records

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