Scott County Arkansas Biographies

Waldron News
10 June 1976
The Scott County Bicentennial Committee Salutes:
Silas Rhoads

Here is a Resume of Service in Scott Co. Schools of Silas Rhoads. Born January 6, 1895 near Hartford in Ohio County, Kenucky. The family moved to Waldron, Scott Co., Ark. Feb. 1911. Took teachers examination and received a "First Grade Certificate" 1912. He began teaching in Scott County Schools 1913 in Freedom District 12 miles east of Waldron at salary of $42.50 per month. Continued teaching short terms of summer and winter terms in various one room schools of the county and attending High School when not teaching until acquired enough High School Credits to get college admission. He attended summer terms Arkansas State Teachers College, Conway, Ark. and Arkansas Tech at Russellville, Ark. and did extension work through the University of Ark., Fayetteville. He served as principal of Waldron Elementary School 1924-26 and served as principal of Parks School 1926-30 at which time High School work was offered for the first time. He served as principal of Boles School 1930-34 which was the first major consolidated school in the county. High School work as also offered there. He returned to Parks School as principal 1934-38. More territory had been added and the school was offering 4 years of high school work. He was appointed county examiner of schools 1935. A part time job that was carried along with other duties with office in Waldron. He taught mathematics and science in Waldron High School 1938-40. County examiner was changed by the State Legislature to county school supervisor which became a full time job. Perhaps the greatest contribution during the last 20 years of service was directed toward school consolidation. By 1960 the consolidation programs had been completed and he retired, after 47 years of service with Scott County Schools. Mr. Rhoads was a guiding force in the organization of the Scott County Retired Teachers Association and he served two years as its first president. He has served on the legislative committee and in other ways to create interest and increase the welfare of the retired teacher status and he is ever faithful in attendance at local, regional and state meetings of Retired Teachers. How many lives have been touched by this outstanding educator! Give a salute to Silas Rhoads. Happy Birthday U.S.A.