Rama School District Number 2249: A Legacy of Learning and Growth

Nestled in the scenic heart of Saskatchewan, just west of Canora along Sk Hwy 5, the small village of Rama on the north east quarter of section 24-32-8-W2 may not immediately capture the spotlight, but its rich educational history speaks volumes. The village, which saw the establishment of its post office in 1908, is home to one of the region’s most storied institutions—Rama School District Number 2249. A schoolhouse with roots reaching deep into the early 20th century, this historic site not only reflects the evolution of education but also the resilience of a community that continuously adapted to meet the needs of its growing population.

The story of Rama School begins with a meeting on May 9, 1907, when resident ratepayers gathered to discuss the creation of a school. At this first meeting, the name "Silverhill" was proposed for the district. Yet, in a subsequent meeting on December 3, 1908, the decision was made to name the school after the post office in the village, officially christening it Rama School. A new era of education was about to unfold.

A debenture was soon obtained to cover the cost of purchasing land, building a schoolhouse, and furnishing it with supplies. This was no small task during the early years of the 20th century, especially in the midst of Canada's agricultural boom and growing settlement of the West. By January 4, 1910, the school was ready to open its doors, initially serving the children of local families such as Fitchett, Peters, Berge, Richardson, Walkey, Genowy, Stevens, and Walker.

As the years passed, Rama saw its population grow, and with this increase, so did the need for space. By 1922, it was clear that the one-room schoolhouse could no longer accommodate the burgeoning student body. In November of that year, a second room was added, followed by a third room in 1927. The demand for education was so great that the school had to continuously expand to meet the needs of its community.

Yet, like many institutions of the time, the Great Depression struck hard. In 1932, during the height of the "dirty thirties," the decision was made to build a new school. However, rather than simply constructing a larger building on the existing site, the schoolhouse was moved, and the land was sold. Faced with mounting financial difficulties, the school board applied to the Department of Education for assistance in an effort to keep the institution afloat.

The winds of change began to blow more forcefully after the Second World War. On April 28, 1945, the Department of Education announced intentions to form a larger school unit, a move that was met with resistance from local residents who feared the loss of their small-town school. Despite the opposition, discussions began in earnest about building a new school. By May 17, 1949, an agreement was reached, and the village and school board exchanged land to create a new school site along the highway, encompassing roughly 3-3/4 acres.

This new location marked a pivotal moment in the village’s educational history. A new five-room school was built, serving not only Rama’s students but the surrounding communities as well. The expansion continued in 1954 with the establishment of a larger School Unit, solidifying Rama School as the educational hub for the region.

However, even with the growth of the new facility, the need for more space continued to be a driving force. In 1955, rather than constructing a six-room school as originally planned, the decision was made to build a five-room school on six acres of land. Classes resumed in February 1956, now serving Grades 1 through 12.

The 1960s marked another transformation for the school as smaller one-room schools, or "cottage schools," from neighboring rural communities such as Wolna SD 3503, Olesha SD 2306, Halycry SD 2835, Bellenden SD 2813, and Dobrowdy South SD 2637, were consolidated into Rama School. The children from these now-closed country schools were bused in to join the larger school unit, marking a new chapter in the educational history of the region.

As the years went on, the campus continued to evolve. In the 1974-1975 school year, a gymnasium was added to the growing school complex, and by 1979, an adventure playground was constructed, providing students with more opportunities for recreation and physical activity. By 1984, the school’s physical infrastructure expanded again with the removal of two cottage schools from the grounds to make way for additional school additions.

Throughout its history, Rama School has been much more than just an institution of education. It’s a symbol of the resilience and adaptability of a community committed to providing its children with the best possible start in life. From humble beginnings in a small, one-room building to the sprawling campus that serves the area today, the evolution of Rama School mirrors the growth and changing needs of the village itself. Through financial struggles, population shifts, and a changing educational landscape, Rama has persevered, ensuring that generations of children have had the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Today, as we reflect on the rich history of Rama School District Number 2249, we’re reminded of the power of education to shape communities and transform lives. It stands as a testament to the hard work, determination, and spirit of the people who built it—a heritage that continues to live on, passed from one generation to the next.

For more information and images Parkland Trails Rama School copyright Invermay, Rama History book Committee

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Updated November 23, 2024. Web Curator Julia Adamson.

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"Adamson, Julia, John Ashdown, Gord Graham, Rama History book Committee (2024, November 23) Saskatchewan One Room Schoolhouse Project
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