The Shasta courier., 1864-02-27
supe, intendent's Valedictory.

In retiring from my position as County
Superintendent, find | have remained long
er in Office than any other County Superin
tendent in this State. took the Office seven
years ago, first by appointment, and have
been elected three successive terms.
1t has ever given me much pleasure to
serve as Superintendent, and / shall ever
look back upon my labors as among the most
useful and pleasant of my life. have seen
the feeble germ of school system grow up
into well organized system of school in
struction. Within this brief period the num-
Der of school districts has increased from
to 20. At that time there were but two
school houses in the county, teachers, 5
schools, and only $40 children; total number
of children attending schools, l07, and daily
average attendance, 6S. Now there are %
school houses, 81 teachers, "a schools, and
1888 children. Total number of children en-.
rolled on public school register, 339. Then
only S54S - were annually expended for
school purposes ;>now S3,37S Sc are paid for
their support. During this period l had
some opportunity of Observing the practical
workings of the common school law and the
result Of the public school system of educa-
ton. Having acted conscientiously for the
best interests of the children, have endeav
ored to perform the duties of my Office with
out fear, favor or affection, censuring those
who have been slothful and Indifferent in the
performance of their duties, and praisipg
those who have merited appr obation for their
zeal and efficiency in the cause of progress
sive education.
From state of anarchy and complete dis
organization, within this period of seven
wears arose a beautiful and stately fabric,
based upon the most impregnable of founda-
tions, sustained by an enlightened public
sentiment. fortified by the most endearing
affections of the people, and cherished as the
true palladium of our greatness and prosper
itv. The foundation of a permanent and no
BILE system of popular and progressive ed
ucation has been securely laid, and we are
now Witnessing the magnificent superstruc-
ture which has been gradually upbuilt on
this foundation.
In concluding my official connection with
you. it affords me infinite pleasure to attest
the general prosperity of our republican sys-
tenn of instruction. l am pleased to be able
to say that have had the hearty cooperation
of parents, teachers, trustees and the friends
of education. Ny connection with you has
always been harmonious and agreeable. In
retiring from Office shall retain pleasing
recollection of our long association; but
though in private station, | shall be with you
still, Your progress. your success will al
ways interest me, and / hope and expect to
be one of you, and cooperate in all your
efforts, to labor in common with you for the
advancement of the cause of education, In
surrenderirg the trust to my successor which
have held for the past seven years, | have
every confidence that it passes into the hands
of one who will use it with Jealous care for
the welfare and progress of the schools of
Shasta county.
Thanking you for your kind expressions
exhibited towards me, and more especially
the warm and fattering terms with which
you have seen fit to speak of my official ac-
tions, l bid you all farewell.
GROVE K. GODFREY,
Supt. Public Schools Shasta county.