The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1869-02-26
ANNUAL REPORT
OF
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT
OF
UIBIA COUNTY.
EDUCATIONAL PROC RESa.

OUR statistical report Will show some
progress in several respects, but the
actual progress which is more particu-
larly felt and recognized among us is
not shown by figures. 1t consists in
the realization, by the citizens of the
county, of the importance and necessi-
ty of educational work, and will be
spoken of throughout our report as we
recite the chief items of interest. In
respect to houses, furniture, grounds.
&C., the greatest prospect of progress
arises from the rapid decay of our old
buildings. Last year we reported thir-
ty-Dine houses unfit, now we have
forty-four. In few years we shall see
them all crumbie, and then we may
hope for the erection Of new and good
ones. A few old houses have been re-
paired so as, in the language of direc-
tors, Ito answer a } ear or two" We
do not encourage this. We believe it
is better, as well as more economical, to
build new houses at once, and spend as
little money as possible upon the anti
quated sheds that cannot be made suit
able. 1t may be noticed, also, that
while the number Of unfit houses in
creases, the number of suitable ones in
creases in proportion. OF those erected
this year, one in Fishing Creek, we are
sorry to say, is not proper building.
The mechanics work was badly done,
and the material was very poor and
unseasoned. At the time of my visit
during the first term of school taught
in it, L found large openings between
the boards Of the floor, and as the sno W
upon the roof was thawed water flowed
down the wall inside. OF this l speak
to show the fallacy of cheapness. This
house cost about three hundred dollars,
but, doubt not, the expense Of repairs
will be twice that amount in ten years,
and it can scarcely be kept tit for use.
One thousand dollars would have paid
for u good house, which, if properly
cared for, would not cost cent in this
time. AS matter of economy the lat
Ter is preferable, while in an education
al view its superiority is incalculable.
In this, however, the directors of Briar
Creek have set good example. About
year ago l received letter from the
secretary Of their board, saying they
we're about to erect new house at
Foundryville,a cost of about one thous-
and dollars, complete, of brick, and re-
questing me to give them a plan.
formed plan of sufficient dimensions
to accommodate the school, and wrote
them specifying the same, and advising
them Of furniture; stating, also, that,
although this house might cost more
money than had been named, yet did
not think they should build less, nor
with less suitable. arrangement. They
adopted the plan and completed the
building al cost of about sixteen hun
dred dollars, including furniture of the
best quality. AS the work progressed
some complaint was made of the direc.
tors because Of the expenses, but when
completed all were satisfied, and in
other parts OF the district | heard il
said, "We must have such n house fol
This, the first public school house in
the county, built and furnished in pro-
per style, had its influence outside ot
Briar Creek. The directors OF the ad
joining district, Berwick, who are al
ways ready to march with the music O
the times, were not disposed to lag. Thi
spring they furnished elegant furni
ture, and fitted up a pleasant schoo
ing built in Montour district in place O
one, the walls of which became insecure
The directors say they will supply i
with the best style of furniture.
The county institute held this year
during the week beginning NCvemhrl
%, was attended by double the nunibe
of teachers attending last year. A
was said in last years report, it i
thought that Of
THE WORK OF THE COUNTY sUPERIN
TENDENT.
his duties respecting institute, and 9th
er meetings of teachers are among thu
most important Teachers participat
ing in the institute feel fully compensa
ted, not only on account of the infOr
nation they receive, and the pleasur,
and profit resulting in schools, but be
cause they feel that thereby the honor
of their profession il promoted, and
common school labor made more pOpu
lar. In majority of districts teachers
were allowed the time in attendance
The law legalizing this action of direct
Ors. and authorizing the County Super
| intendent to lower the grade of Tho
certificates of teachers neglecting THEN
duty, We believe will result in much
good. know the first aided us, and
think the latter had some good effect
though was informed that one teach
er absented himself from the institute
because he said the advertisement %
the County Superintendent, containing
the above named sections of the law
was compulsory" in character.
The law making teaching Il specia
branch of examination, also prove,
beneficial. We have felt the good o
this, and intend so to manage, thai
hereafter every teacher shall l0urI
som ething OF his work before he enter,
the school room. Many have supplied
themselves with one or more volume
treating of the Theory Of Teaching, du
ring the past year. And now we Il,
not issue certificate to one who ha
not taught before, unless he procuresa
least one good work upon this subject
and enters upon the study Of his bust
ness.
Another work to which our attention
has been more carefully turned recent
ly arises upon the subject OF school bui
dings and furniture. We We're arouse
to the necessity of this through the eret