This collection contains documents from the rural school system of Cedar County, Iowa dating from 1897-1966. The records cover a majority of the rural schools’ histories, but they are not comprehensive: some records were lost before their transfer to the Center for the History of Rural Iowa Education and Culture. The collection material is arranged into three series: “Office of the Superintendent, 1879-1968”, “Township, 1936-1954”, and “District and School Records, 1863-1969". Series 1. “Office of the Superintendent, 1879-1968” contains microfilmed copies of records created or kept by the Office of the Superintendent. This series consists of High School Normal Training Records, Record of Teachers' Certificates, School; Officer and Teacher Record, School Directories, Eighth Grade Examination Records, and High School Grades and Graduation Records. Series 2. “Township, 1936-1954” contains microfilmed copies of records created by the Township Board of Education. This series consists of Township Board of Education Minutes and Township School Censuses. Series 3. “District and School, 1863-1969” is composed of microfilmed copies of records created by individual schools and districts. This series contains Complete District Records, District Board of Education Minutes, District Board of Education Financial Records, Room Registers, Teachers' Reports to the Superintendent, Daily Attendance Registers, Grade Books, and a Alumni Book from Springdale High School.