Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-03-09

Public Schools.
MEssRs. EDITORS.

MEssRs. EDITORS.
VIII you allow me 10 an-
swer, through your columns, some inquiries
frequently addressed to me, and convey, what
is perhaps, ueedfnl information to many con-
cerned in the management of our Public
Schools
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
The Free Schools of each Township are en-
tirely controlled by its ' Board of Education, "
consisting of three School Commissioners, elect
ed by the people, aud their secretary, who, to-
gether, form Corporation in law. TheSchools
are supported by annual leyies, made in each
Township by its Board of Education, increased
by apportionments from the State Fund, which
are added on condition that the local levy to-
gether with such apportionment shall be sufii-
cient to support the Schools for at least four
months in the year. This local levy may be
for two purposes Z" Building Fund, and a
School Fund"
The Sheriff as county treasurer collects all
school moneys, credits them to the proper Fund,
and pays them out on orders from tho Boards
of Education, which must in every instance
specify the Fund to which the order is charge
able. 4 payment from an improper Fund is
not valid voucher for the Sheriff.
BUILDING FUND.
To this Fund are chargeable all expenses in
providing school houses and grounds furni-
ture, fixtures and appendages, and keeping the
same in repair" aud in no case is it lawful for
School Board to pay such expenses FROM the
School Fund. Such payments even when or
dered by them aud allowed by the Sheriff are
void, and will be rejected in the settlement of
both parties, and the amounts may be recov-
cred from persons receiving them. A Board
may, in case Of necessity and within prescribed
limits, contract debt on account Of the Build
ing Fund, but may never pay its debts cut Of
the School Fund
SCHOOL FUND.
All other expenses of the Schools arc charge
able to this Fund But no debt can DO con-
tracted on its account and no back debt paid
out Of a current levy. Just here mistakes have
been made, and hope the several Boards will
at once ascertain their outstanding Liabilities
and assets, and free their townships from debt,
SO that further violations of the law may be
avoided, and our schools managed upon the
economical cash basis required by law.
! SCHOOL BOARDS.
The powers Of the School Boards are extern
| sive, and their responsibilities commensurate,
| would call attention. TO the duty Of keeping
! their Books and accounts, and their records in
the manner prescribed by law. Their Secre-
taries can receive no compensation until these
books, &C.. have been examined and approved
by the County Superintendent, and orders gi-
ven by the Boards themselves for this purpose
will be disalowel them The Boards must
also exact from Trustees and Teachers u full
discharge Of their respective duties. No teach
er is to be paid until bis certificate is fled with
| the Board, or after it expires or uuess lie
keeps his " Register " and punctuay files the
same.
The settlement: between the School Boards
and their Treasurer-the Sheria-must be
made by the 1st Of September Of each year /;
and it is Incumbent on the County Superin-
teudent to prosecute for failures in this duty.
| If the law is strictly followed, the Books Of
each Board will at any time show the exact
state Of its school affairs aud these books shoald
be always accessible TO public Inspection.
TRUSTEES.
When Trustees are appointed they must
manage their schools as the law requires, max
ing regular reports to the School Boards Es-
! pcclally Is 70 their duty 10 employ efficient
teachers, promptly dismissing or reporting all
delinqueats. an prepared to furnish copies
Of the School law to all parties connected with
our school administration. Any violation of
this law isa nsisdsmeannr indietlbe as snoh,
and renders the offenders liable 10 damages for
all losses accruiug through neglect ignorance,
or misconduct.
The Committee Of investigation appointed
/ by the State Superintendent afe required to
examine the accounts Of all who sh.ll hereafter
handle school moneys as we'll as of those who
have heretofore handled them.
hope soon to secure visit from the
State Superintendent, and with his assistance
to give some order TO our school affairs, and to
render our Free Schools deserving Of public in
terest and public favor.
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT Free SCHOOLS.