Writing Prompt #1: Before NCSSM

The NC School of Science and Math was established between 1977 and 1980, during the Jimmy Carter (US) and James B Hunt (NC) administrations.

Please describe something you remember about this time period; before the school (NCSSM) opened.  Describe some aspect of popular culture, US history or world affairs, or a personal experience from the late 1970s

This story does not have to be about the School of Science and Math at all. It is about the time we were living in.  (Do not include your reasons for applying to the school or your application experience. That will be covered in a later prompt.)

Background: 

In January of 1977, James B Hunt, Jr. was sworn in as the Governor; his first of four terms as Governor of North Carolina.  We didn't know it at the time, but he had plans that would have a profound effect on the lives of hundreds of  school children across the state.  He had plans for a special school to nurture their love of science and math.

From 1977 to 1980, the NC School of Science and Mathematics went from a dream to reality.  It was a slow, pains-taking process.  It required quite a bit of political planning, petitioning for support, and  measured action.  The first step was to propose the concept publicly and solicit feedback.

In September of 1977, Governor Hunt mailed a letter to "200 prominent scientists and science-education administrators, requesting their advice concerning the establishment of a state-sponsored residential high school." [An Interim Summary Report]  He said:

I am deeply interested in improving the quality of science and mathematics instruction in our schools, and I am examining several ways to do so. Among the ideas and of much personal interest to me, I am considering recommending a new state residential high school of science and mathematics, located on a campus of its own, with dormitories, excellent laboratories and equipment, classrooms, and other facilities. Above all, such a school would entail a commitment to excellence. We would expect rigorous adherence to high standards of performance.

[An Interim Summary Report]

Based upon the generally positive response to this letter, a governor's planning committee was established in January of 1978; and after several meetings, in May of 1978, they put forth the following recommendation to the governor:

The Committee recommends that steps be taken to establish the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. The most compelling reason for doing so is that creative excellence in science and mathematics is a worthy goal in itself.

The facts are, however, that excellence also underlies such practical needs as more and better jobs, better living conditions, development of new and abundant sources of energy, and other advances -- all of which are of great significance to North Carolina and to the nation.

 [Planning Committee Recommendations, July 1978]

After submitting a senate bill to the legislature (Senate Bill 971, Part V, Section 42, Article 38E); Governor Hunt was able to release the following letter to the people of North Carolina:

Dear Citizen:

North Carolina is committed to excellence in education. As a demonstration of what is possible, the General Assembly on June 16, 1978, provided for the establishment of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics....

This residential high school will be of outstanding caliber, with rigorous adherence to high standards of performance. It will include a full curriculum and outside activities in addition to concentration in science and mathematics. Although enrollment will be limited to no more than 900 students, the School will lead the way toward improvements in science and mathematics instruction throughout our public education system. Graduates of the School will emerge, over time, among the leading scientists and mathematicians of the world. From the experience of operating the best school of its kind in this nation or any nation, we will master those methods of teaching that will inspire excellence in mathematics and science in all North Carolina Schools.

I invite your participation in our planning. We seek your advice and suggestions. We need your help and support if, together, we are to succeed.

[Planning Committee Recommendations, July 1978]

From 1978 to 1980 the governor took a back seat in the planning process.  The Board of Trustees was established, funding was budgeted and approved by the state, land and facilities were acquired, and administrative staff were hired, including the schools first director, Charles Eilber.  Under the direction of Charles Eilber school policies were established, further private funding was obtained,  additional faculty and staff were hired, and the admissions process began.

On October 11th, 1980, only a few weeks after the beginning of classes, Governor Hunt spoke at the dedication day ceremony.  His speech was summarized in an early NCSSM publication, as follows:

Governor Hunt in his remarks paid tribute to many who had made the school a reality--those who had guided the bill through the legislature; the descendants of George Washington Watts and the County of Durham, whose philanthropy had made possible the gift of the Watts Hospital campus to the school; Dean Colvard, F. Borden Mace and Charles Eilber, who had put the school together and established a climate of stability in the rubble of renovation; and the students who were able to overlook the inconvenience and enjoy a new and exciting experience.

[Dialogues Vol. 1 No. 1] 

Within the span of four short years, the school was taken from an aspirational concept to the inspirational campus that still exists.