Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1873-07-30
County superintendent Circular.
OEEIcE CntrNn,N. Sr-t,1s1, NJ, -. =. =. ~


KNOXVILLE, July 20, 1878.
The election of School Directors under
the new law will occur on the eth dnv of
next month, and, in view of the near np-
proach of the time, / take this method of
calling attention to the fact of its very
grave importance. As little as may be
thought of it, we do not often vote upon
questions of more vital interest The sue
cess OF the new school system depends up
on the character of the men into whose
hands it is given to he administered
Without efficient officers it must come to
naught. 1t will, therefore, be the duty of
every good citizen of Knox county to at
tend at his voting place on the day desig-
mated and assist in eecting three of ne
best men in his district to the important
positions of Directors None but earnest
school men should be chosen. One, at
least, of the number should he man of
business capacity-suclI as will enable him
to fill, efficiently, the office of Clerk and
Treasurer of the District Board Let a
canvass of the district be made and the
candidates selected before the day of elec.
ton arrives.
MEETING or DIRECTORS.
Considering the Importance of imme-
diate and uniform action meeting of the
Directors is desired Immediately after their
election. In compliance with suggestion
from the State Superintendent, L will,
therefore, designate Monday, August the
lth, as the day for such meeting, to take
place at the Court House in this city.
Every Director is urged to be present. The
scholastic census must be taken and re-
ported at this Office before the 3lst of
August, in order to secure from the State
our apportionment of the semi-annual in
| terest now due. Blanks for the purpose
are now ready. The necessity for prompt
| action is obvious. -.
| OPENING OF SCHOOLS.
! The time for opening schools rests with
the Directors and people of the various
| districts: vet would advise a postpone-
ment until after the August election. The
law evidently did not contemplate gen.
eral opening until after the new Directors
| should be chosen. However, after that, no
time should be lost in beginning the
! schools at the earliest convenience.
| EMPLOYMENT OF TEACHERS.
District officers will observe that it is di-
rect violation of law to employ teachers
without certificate from the County SUI
perintendent. No other certificate will
| suffice.
The great scarcity of teachers and other
circumstances attendent upon the inaugu-
ration of the new system made laXity OF
standard in the issuance of certificates nee
essary this year. Therefore, Directors
wishing to secure teachers of the best
scholarship will observe the average grade
of the applicants certificate, excluding
"Theory and Practice of Teaching" An
average of from 8 to 10 may be considered
very good; from to g. good; from to
fair from 6 to I, moderate and from to
poor. Below 5 certificates are not granted
The law requires a written contract in
the employment of teachers. / have blanks
for the purpose which will be distributed
to Directors after the election, or to Com
mlssioners, in case of necessity, before tina
time. .
TENT BOOKS
The adoption of text books rests, by in
ference, with the District Directors, subjec
to suggestions from the County Superin-
tendent. AS there is now a uniformity il
the county, would not counsel any i'm
mediate change.
! MISCELLANEOUS.
Teachers opening schools before the re
quired school blanks are issued, must keel
t a temporary record of enrolment and at
tendance to be transferred and reported a
the proper time.
} l will examine teachers each Saturda.
in August at the Bell House school build
2 ing i'm this city. Persons desiring to Sc
e me on other school business can be sure q
finding me at my office each Friday of tn
same month. Respectfully, &c,
II. &. HARMS,
County Superintendent.