New York State Commissioner of Education's Addresses, Press Releases, and Publications

Chronological by date presented.

The office of Commissioner of Education was created in 1904 by the so-called Unification Act (Chapter 40) which established the State Education Department and replaced the Superintendent of Public Instruction and Secretary to the Board of Regents with the Commissioner. Since 1913 the Commissioner has also carried the title of President of the University of the State of New York, conferred by the Board of Regents.

Francis T. Spaulding was born in Ware, Massachusetts on November 23, 1896. He studied at Harvard University, earning his Ph.D. in education in 1926. He then became a member of the faculty of the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University, eventually becoming Dean of the school in 1940. While at Harvard, he directed numerous studies on secondary school education, including one for the New York State Board of Regents' Inquiry into the Character and Cost of Public Education. During World War II, Spaulding served as the chief of the Army Education branch of the Information and Education Division of the United States War Department. Spaulding was elected President of the University of the State of New York and Commissioner of Education by the New York State Board of Regents on November 15th, 1945, and took office on July 1, 1946.

Much of Spaulding's time as Commissioner of Education was devoted to dealing with the challenge of providing education for former soldiers returning from service in World War II. During his tenure, construction of facilities at state colleges and universities was greatly expanded, as were off-campus extension programs. In addition, he focused on increasing the number of teachers in the New York State school system, and on increasing the capacity of teachers colleges to increase the level of professionalism among its graduates. Furthermore, Spaulding was instrumental in drafting and enacting regulations for the implementation of the Feinberg Law barring people deemed to be "subversives" from employment in New York State public schools.

Spaulding died of a heart attack at his summer home in Center Harbor, N. H. on March 25, 1950.

This series consists of outlines, drafts, and final copies of addresses, speeches, lectures, press releases, and proclamations by Francis T. Spaulding during his term as Commissioner of Education, 1946-1950. Some files contain more than one revised version of an address or memoranda relating to its revision. Most of these speeches were given as commencement addresses or before public or professional organizations. They are a source of department policy on a variety of education-related topics, including school district organization, school financing, adult education, school curricula, and other matters of statewide or local concern. In addition, they document education issues of national importance, such as civic education, the link between education and military preparedness, and the education of veterans of World War II. At the end of the series is: a portrait of Commissioner Spaulding; a file containing duplicate copies of addresses that apparently was sent to Commissioner James E. Allen circa 1956, and then added to this series; and printed memorials to Commissioner Spaulding.

15080-78Series 15080-78 contains the subject files of Commissioner Francis T. Spaulding.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.