School History

 

 

Stanley H. Holmes
(1867-1938)

Dr. Stanley Harry Holmes served as superintendent of schools in New Britain over a period of 31 years, from 1906 to Aug. 1, 1937.

As a successful Superintendent in Massachusetts, Dr. Holmes was offered and accepted the superintendency in New Britain, and there began a career that continued uninterrupted for 31 years until, because of his health, he retired from all active service. 

At New Britain, as in the other communities where he served, Dr. Holmes was a leader in the field of progressive education. He instituted a program in New Britain that won him national recognition. On frequent occasions nationally known and prominent educators publicly commended Dr. Holmes for his system and often advised other communities to follow the model set him in New. Britain.

This progressive system provided varied educational opportunities for all types of students and was especially adapted for the needs of the cosmopolitan population found in New Britain. On the occasion of his 25th anniversary, Dr. Holmes was presented with a life membership in the National Education Association by the teachers of the New Britain schools, indicating the esteem in which he was held by those directly associated with him in his educational work. He was also highly praised at that time by educational and civic leaders for his steadfastness in holding to the high purpose of providing education to meet the varied needs of the students