This collection contains documents from the rural school system of Lee County, Iowa dating from 1863-1980. 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 four series: “County Board of Education, 1947-1965”, “Office of the Superintendent, 1920-1950”, “Township, 1909-1944”, “District and School, 1874-1979”. Series 1. "County Board of Education, 1947-1965" contains records created and/or utilized by the County Board of Education. This series contains County Board of Education Meeting Minutes and Plat Maps. Series 2. “Office of the Superintendent, 1920-1950” is composed of records relating to or originating from the Office of the Superintendent. This series consists of Superintendents’ Record Books, Superintendents’ Cash Books, High School Normal Training Records, Teachers’ Examination and Certification Records, Teachers’ Certificates, Teachers’ Certificate Renewal Records, Teacher Applicant Records, School Officer and Teacher Records, Eighth Grade Examination Records, Pupil Profile Charts, and Choir Member Charts and Songs. Series 3. “Township, 1909-1944” is composed of records created and/or utilized at the township level. This series contains Township School Censuses and a Township Library Record. Series 4. “District and School, 1874-1979” contains records created and/or utilized by individual schools and districts. This series contains a Complete District Record, District Board of Education Minutes, District Board of Education Financial Records, Teachers' Reports to the Superintendent, Daily Attendance Registers, Letter of Application, School Census Reports, and a Complete Term Register.