The Establishment of Bagé State School Through the Pages of Correio do Sul Newspaper (1950–1955)

Abstract

This study focused on investigating the implementation process of the current Dr. Carlos Antônio Kluwe State High School in Bagé during the 1950s. Using documentary analysis through a review of publications from the newspaper Correio do Sul between 1950 and 1955, the research explored how social demands emerged, who the key political actors in the process were, and the impact of this movement on Bagé’s educational trajectory. Founded in 1914 by leaders of the Federalist Party, Correio do Sul established itself as the main opposition outlet to the dominant Republican Party of Rio Grande do Sul in the local press. In 1961, it became the city's only printed newspaper and maintained continuous circulation until 2008. As the only publication with a fully preserved archive in the Municipal Public Archive’s newspaper library, it serves as a privileged documentary source for the study of the period. The findings highlight the historical and educational significance of the school, emphasizing the active participation of the local community and the decisive role of Mayor Carlos Kluwe in launching this new era of free secondary education in the region. Additionally, the school became known for being the first to later offer the complete second cycle of education, reaffirming its pioneering role in promoting free access to education.