Oral history interview with Wilburn W. "Skipper" Dick, November 8, 1974., 1974 November 8

Interview with Wilburn W. "Skipper" Dick, former State Superintendent of Education. Subjects discussed include: early childhood and education; loyalty to the Democratic Party; elementary school teaching experiences; his teaching styles and methods; predecessor M.L. Brooks and his scandals; running for public office; the issues and controversy surrounding his dismissal as county superintendent; advocacy for vocational, adult, and special education; availability of textbooks; and his relationship to the State Board of Education. "Skipper" Dick also describes accomplishments for education during his tenure, conflicts with the religious leaders over high school play, difficulties with PTA president over the allocation of school funds, racism, bussing, cultural pluralism vs. "melting pot", and proposals to teach Communism and sex education in the classroom. Dick debates whether the Superintendent should be an administrator or an primarily an educator and the fear of politicizing the office.