The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-11-21
The City Public Schools.

The views expressed. by State Superinten-
dent Ruffner on,the Public, Free Schools of
Staunton, as given elsewhere in the VIRGIN
IAN, caused somewhat of sensation among
the friends and patrons of the Schools in this
place. We were Of the impression that the
perfection as could we'll be attained, in the
time thesSchools have been in operation. We
encouraged the belief. and were flattered ia
the..conclusion, that the City Free Schools of
'Staunton were absolutely models, and that
our people were peculiarly blessed in the
proficiency which prevailed. We had heard
no general complaint. The Board of School
Trustees had given no intimation of dlssatis-
faction, and all seemed to move along
smoothly and successfully.
The resignation of the former Superlnten
dent and the election Of the present incum-
bent. necessitated a thorough examination
of the gradations and system existing, in or.
der to acquaint the new Superintendent with
the inner workings of the Schools and the
duties he had to perform. An examination
OF the various classes convinced him that the
Schools were not properly graded, and that
it was his duty to institute measures to cor
rect what he believed to be great mistake.
To that end he invited Superintendent Ruf-
finer to come to Stanton, and give the Pub
lie Schools thorough inspection. The re-.
suit is given in eur local columns to-day, as
well as the conc fusion at which the Boardof
Trustees have arrived.
Assuming for fact that the condition OF
the Schools is such as is represented by Mr..
Rutfner, there is but one thing for DR.. Ham
iton to do,and that is to march to the work of
reformation with decision, nerve and steady
purpose, without looking to the right or left,
or stopping to consider whether it win please
this or that patron or person. Duty is the
highest and most pregnant word in the Eng.
fish language. 1t implies all the obligations
Of citizenship and official trust, and he who
fearlessly meets its demands, and satisfies
his own conscience, will have nothing to
fear from public sentiment. Sensitive per-
sons may, here and there, conclude that their
children have been unjustly dealt with, in
the classifications which may be made. The
Superintendent, however, can have no in
terest in invidious determinations. The sue
cess Of the Schools is his surest testimonial,
and this cannot be effected without the sue
cess of the pupils. Consequently his efforts
will be directed to giving every pupil his
MI r. 4
so, SO that the labor of teachers and the
studies Of scholars, may work out the great
est mutual advantage and beneficial results.
1t is. therefore, the duty of all to second
every effort. that may be made to advance
the efficiency of the Schools, and to aid in
the removal Of all obstacles to that end. DIR.
Hamilton is eminently qualified for the work
to which he has been assigned. He has scEol-
arly attainments, the sensibilities OF cult
waited and refined gentleman. a large exper-
fence in another field OF labor imposing some
what similar duties to those of his present
position land is controlled by delicate sense
Of the responsibilities which he has to meet.
He cannot have any other thought than the
good of those entrusted to his care and the
advancement of the interest OF the city in
the building up of system of Schools of
which our people may feel Justly proud
There is nothing connected with the adj
ninistration of our city government in which
so much affecting the future of Staunton is
involved, as the Public Schools. They must
stand as living, expressive monument of
the intelligence, the public enterprise and
enlightened philanthropy Of our people, and
should be fostered with an unstinted liberali-
ty commensurate with the important interests
connected with them in the means dedicated
to the support of the City Schools, and no
citizen who is considerate for the future of
the city can justify the exhibition Of a spirit
OF parsimony in the legislation affecting the
existence and progress of this great bene-
faction.