History

History of Education in Meyersdale

Education in Meyersdale began at home, like in most communities. After the 1834 passage of the Common School Law and its acceptance in the area by 1844, Somerset County received a state appropriation of $984.55 to initiate a subsidized school program.

Early Schools

Before formal schools were established, a German school was reportedly taught in a farmhouse as early as 1796, followed by other classes held in homes. Around 1812, the first school building was constructed near the site of the former elementary schools. This round log house, with furniture made from split logs, was taught by Peter Engle and William Shockey.

As the settlement grew, so did the need for larger schools. By 1822, a larger building was constructed on the Main Street elementary school site and became known as "Old Red." Instructors included General William H. Koontz, C.G. Stutzman, George Knee, and C.C. Musselman.

In 1861, through local donations and subscriptions, a new brick building replaced Old Red at a cost of $2,000. Contributors included William Beachley, Peter Meyers, and Dr. U.M. Beachley. This building served as a school until 1908, after which it housed the town council, fire department, and jail. Some students even attended classes there, famously referred to as "school in the jailhouse." The building was dismantled in 1934.

Adjacent to it, the Grant School was built in 1896, featuring eight classrooms and a principal's office. Teachers during that time included A.B. Groff, D.H. Bauman, Nellie Rutter, and others. The principal, J.C. Speicher, earned $75 per month, while his assistant, C.L. Shaver, earned $45. Teachers were paid $30-$35 per month.

In 1868, a normal academy was established to train teachers. In 1872, the South Side School was erected on Beachley Street and served students until 1957.

High School Expansion

In 1908, a high school was built next to the Grant Street building, with an enrollment of 118 students. By 1917, home economics and commercial courses had been added to the curriculum.

With the 1930s mandate to include vocational courses in high school, a new building was constructed on Main Street, opening in 1937. By the late 1950s, the school complex was no longer adequate to serve the growing Meyersdale Area School District, which included surrounding townships. Plans for a new junior-senior high school on Route 219 were made, and the one-story building opened with modern classrooms, a gymnasium, cafeteria, auditorium, shops, library, and athletic fields.

New Schools and Facilities

In 1973, a new elementary school with 35 rooms was built adjacent to the junior-senior high school. This marked the end of the use of all other elementary schools in the district.

Students also began participating in a vocational-technical program in Somerset during the 1973-74 school year.

First High School in Somerset County

Meyersdale was the first community in Somerset County to establish a four-year high school. In 1899, the first graduating class included Anna Groff and Ida Shumaker.

Administration and Curriculum Growth

Over the years, administrators have included Fred Grof, J.C. Speicher, William Kretchman, Daniel H. Bauman, and many others. Dr. Tracey A. Karlie has served as superintendent since 2008. Currently, Mr. Matthew Gombita is the high school principal, Dr. Wayne Miller is the middle school principal, and Mr. Devin Pritts is the elementary school principal.

The curriculum has expanded from its original focus on ‘readin', 'ritin' and 'rithmetic’ to include various languages, arts, music, and vocational studies. Athletics have also played a significant role, with football and basketball teams excelling in the 1920s-40s, and additional sports like baseball, track, wrestling, and girls' athletics being added over the years. The district's Rifle team, added in 2004, is the most recent addition.

In 1921, a vocal music program was introduced, followed by instrumental music 15 years later. Today, the school boasts a respected marching and concert band, along with choral groups and elementary music programs.

Special education classes, guidance counseling, and yearbooks have become key features of the school's offerings. The first yearbook, titled "Comet," appeared in 1910, followed by the "Red and Black" in 1926, and the regular publication of the "Hi-Point" since the mid-1930s. The school newspaper has gone through various iterations, currently titled the "Raider Review.