who created the school system rockefeller

John D. Rockefeller is credited with creating and heavily influencing the modern school system in the United States through his establishment of the General Education Board (GEB) in 1902-1903. He donated a substantial amount of money, starting with $1 million (equivalent to over $33 million today), to the GEB to promote education, especially in the Southern United States. The GEB focused on improving public education, including building and supporting schools, promoting vocational training, and expanding secondary education access. Rockefeller and the GEB aimed to create an educational system that prepared children, especially those from poorer families, for practical roles as workers in agriculture or industry, rather than focusing purely on academic knowledge. His philanthropy shaped the educational agenda significantly during the Progressive Era, emphasizing vocationalism and practical training alongside traditional academics. The GEB continued to operate and influence education until the mid-20th century, effectively transforming public education during that time.