Keeping Up with Rockefeller

In Morrilton, Ark. (pop. 6,000) the burning question is whether to keep up with a millionaire named Winthrop Rockefeller, who has fostered something rare in his' adopted state: a school district that spends money. This began in 1956, when Rockefeller launched a $2,500,000 plan "to set a pattern for other school districts to follow." He has since given Morrilton schools $100,000 a year, picked up the $800,000 tab for a model elementary school, and so roused the citizenry that they floated a $350,000 bond issue, doubled real estate assessment and boosted school taxes 46%.

But what happens when the plan ends next year? To match Rockefeller's annual $100,000 means another 26% tax boost, and last week Morrilton was trying to decide whether to hold its gains. In the Rockefeller era, the 2,000-student district has closed rural schools, upgraded graduation requirements, acquired the latest science equipment. It has hired new teachers and the only school psychologist in Arkansas. It has given Negro students (15%) precisely equal, if separate schools, and academic achievements have been doubled.

The trouble is that mounting civic pride has also stirred Morrilton to shell out more cash for new churches, sewers and an industrial-development fund, leaving little surplus for schools. Should the town not boost school taxes, it will have to drop the psychologist, art instruction, adult education and numerous other "frills." Last week some citizens seemed inclined to do just that. "Our town is too small for big, spectacular things," said one housewife. But other citizens were ready to pay at least a little more in taxes, retain some of the frills. Whatever the decision, Morrilton will never forget the past four years. Mused one mother of two vastly perked-up schoolchildren: "How I wish that every community had a Rockefeller living on an adjacent hill."

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.