The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1852-04-07

The Office of State Superintendent.

The Office Of State Superintendent.
MEssRs. EDITORS Although believe
that large majority OF the people of Yer
mcnt are opposed TO having the office OF
State Superintendent oil Common Schools
abolished, either openly or by any inlirec>
ton, yet I think there are many intelligent
men and friends OF education, who do not
realize its necessity or advantages.
"What has The State Superintendent
DONE ?" is question often asked. Now
this, nl,hougha proper question in itself
does not convey correct impression, when
asked as a test of the future value Of the
Office. During the frat part Of the time
that the office has been in existence, it was
held in connection with another and the
salary was totally inadequate TO the labor
demanded. Since assuming its present
form, it has already changed hands, although
i, is one in which experience is Of the very
highest value.
Moreover. every one knows that in the
commencement of any series Of operations
,cith which he is acquainted, much prelimina-
ry labor must be performed, which, howev.
er indispensable, IS comparatively unno.iced
and unproductive of immediate results.
When the track IS laid and the power is ap>
Piled 10 moving the train, the most stupid
car appreciate it's performances. A great
amcun. of such labor was required and has
been performed in the present case.
Already also have tangible results been
secured, far more than sufficient to justify
the continuance Of the office.
do not propose to dwell upon these at
the present time, but to present some Of the
means by which it is evident that a State
Superintendent may be expe:ted 10 advance
the cause of Education.
l. In the irst place the appointment Of q
State Superintendent, gives completeness 10
the school system and efficiency 10 all its
, parts 1t furnishes q nucleus for effort a
centre from which influence may cmanste
1t establishes a bureau where information
may be collected, and from which it may
be disseminated. 1t is extremely impor
tant that, in reference TO an interest ir
which so many are concerned, and so many
are acting, there should be some one who
, can survey the whole scene Of operations
from position which shall afford him ever,
possible advantage to whom suggestion:
may be made from all quarters ; by whou
cases of doubt and difficulty may be deci
ded, and information furnished to all who
need il. Such an officer will be able to re
trench much useless expenditure, and pre-
vent much waste Of labor.
Y lie will! be prepared to correct abuses and
s suggest judicious legislation. In fine. thin
n interest. lihe every other, needs a head
S not one combining in himself all wisdom
} but through whom the combined wisdom o
I all may be made available.
: This want has been recognized aud sup
$ piled in nearly every Stale which has
4 Common School system.
In New York, the decision Of this Office
y is made final on appeals winch come be
q fore him. In Massachusetts, he has an ofiic
J, at the State II ouse, constantly accessible
e and an Assistant, man Of distinction an'
!. ability, (Rev. Samuel c. jackson, ID. d.,
e Yermonter, who receives much higher sa
c AIRY than any public officer in his naiiy
$ State,) in addition to the advice and co-op,
| ration Of body Of able men called "Th
Board OF Education"
d In Vermont. as there is no business cen
e tire, between which and all parts OF the Stat
: there is constant intercourse, these result
c must be principally sought BY correspond
v cnce with the friends OF education, ,-especi
d ally the Town Superintendens. A grea
Q amount Of this kind Of labor has alread
/ been performed in our State The princi
d pal monuments OF these labors are the inval
: liable Reports presented to the Legislature
= Of the several States. These Reports, uu
:, pretending IS they are, probably eonia'
l. more true wisdom with reference 10 eduea
d lional systems, than is elsewhere 10 be foun
n in the same compass Through their mean
y the Slate Superintendent presents the choi
of cest results Of his observation and expert
" ence, embodied in permanent form.
e .. The opportunities afforded by his posi-