Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-12-28
as, 5o8 1875 1891 l2s,s.7 lol IL

For ten years there has been a gradual de-
crease in the number of youth between the
ages of four and twen.y-one years. The
cause of this decrease might well enlist the
careful invest cations of a board of health.
The school year begins too early and ends
100 late. 1t seems to the Superintendent that
the profitable limit of school age would be be-
tween and IS inclusive.
The chief remedy for the loss in school at
tendance is thought to be better teaching, and
better teaching is based on ample remunera-
ton for the best efforts, and on thorough, in
telligent, sympathetic inspection of school
work.
In round numbers, the school system of
Maine costs her citizens about 81 ,000,0
This equals for each inhabtant Sl.67, for
each census scholar 81 CO, for each registered
scholar $3.50, and for average attendance
Sll.07. BY comparison with other States, it
is shown that Maine taxes herself among the
lowest for public instruction. If saving
could be made in other departments, and more
money diverted into the common school chan
mel, a change for the better would result.
The salaries of teachers have steadily in
creased the last three years, particularly in
the high schools division of graded schools
and in the superior schools of the larger viii
lagos. Those who employ teachers are com
ing to know that it is best to get the best
always.
The number of male teachers employed the
last summer is larger than the preceding year,
from the fact that the principalships of high
and grammar schools are sought for by young
men who propose to continue in the business
Of teaching. The business of teaching is be-
coming an actual profession. The great ma
joIity of our teachers is female, as a matter
of economy and from the superior aptitude of
the female mind in winning and directing
children.
The normal schools at Pennington and Cas-
tine are doing good work in supplying par
TALLY the demands for teachers. The number
If graduates reported as employed last year
IN our schools was 1913, this year 2G4. In
1869 the number was l36-showing that the
public appreciate trained teachers.
At Pennington the State has invested Sl4.-
900 in building and furniture, for the normal
school; at Ca,tine nothing in buildings $3.50
in piano, S75 in bell The teachers re-
ceive moderate salaries, and no apparatus of
any kind has ever been placed in either school
by the State.
In Castine, after next June, the school will
have no abiding place. The legislature of
1870 appropriated 900 for the purchase
or erection of suitable school building for
the Eastern Normal School," but not dollar
has been expended. The Superintendent,
therefore, earnestly recommends that 1926, 900
be appropriated for the erection of a suitable
building for the school at Castine, $4,000 for
furnishing the same, and Sl2 900 to defray
the current expenses of the two schools for
1872. The current expenses for 1871 will
| slightly exceed the appropriation of $4,000
Detailed reports are given from the priuci-
pals of the two schools, followed by reports
from the county supervisors.
In the matter of holding teachers institute
the same division of institute work has been
made this year as last-town institutes Of one
and two days duration, and county in
! stitutes of five days each. Both classes have