Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-02-15
The Town System OF Schools.

Mr.. Editor The question Is often asked Why
is Vermont so far behind most other states in the
educational advantages she offers to her children
To me the answer is very simple Because she
still cngs to that relic OF past esthe district
system Of schools. Our town meetings are APP
preaching and an opportunity will be offered to
take an advance step by adopting the town sys-
TEN. 1t is to be hoped that many towns will take
favorable action in the matter. As rule those
who oppose this system are those who know but
little about 1t, who object to any change however
advantageous 1t may be, who think that what
ever is, is right" And yet II the town system can
be proved to be far ahead OF the district in every
respect, 1t seems as though any candid man would
favor it.
This is live question, and the friends Of edu-
cation and good schools should press the matter
to a successful issue. Prejudice, ignorance and
sefishuess must give way to enlightened consid-
Grafton.
A few of the arguments in favor OF the town
system are
FJra.-with but very few exceptions all of our
leading educators and scholars are heartily in ia
vor of it. They have studied the subject in vari-
Gus lights have seen both systems in actual
operation, and are very decidedly in favor OF the
Town rs against the district system
Second.-Towns and states having adopted and
thoroughly tested both, are very loath to discard
the town for the district system. The several
states rapidly adopting it, and are not at!all
inclined to return to the old system. Let Yer
mont not be the last one to fall into line
Third. Equalization Of taxation is obtained.
Here is just the point of opposition with many.
The people Of the town are taxed alike for state,
county, town and highway expenses, and there is
no good reason why the same rule should not ap-
ply here Our present system is unjust few
rich men in a certain part Of the town usually es-
cape paying school taxes OF any amount, while
those who happen to live in the back districts
having small grand lists are heavily taxed. The
town system remedies all this.
FoiTh,-Better teachers will be employed A
town board Of directors will not likely to yield to
the temptation to place an incompetent teacher
In charge of school for the sake of pleasing
some one man whose sister, niece, or wife's Sec
| ond cousin wishes to teach the school, "board at
| our house, you know, cheap" and have good
time. Such temptations are, we all know, too
much for many prudential committee, and, in
deed, his election to office is often conditioned on
his agreeing beforehand to hire a certain teacher.
he at the same time having little thought and less
knowledge OF that teachers efficiency in school
room. Under the proposed system the directors
| will be personally acquainted with all the teach
| ers in town and their work in the schoo-room.
| The best teachers will thus be more generally APP
preciated, and II possible their continued services
secured to the town.
| FVM.-Each school will become an object OF
interest to tho people Of the whole town. One is
very likely to be interested in any object fol
which his money is expended.
| Sirth.-There will be less frequent changes in the
choice of prudential committees. Regular rotation
in the office OF committee is very detrimental to oul
schools. Men are chosen because it is their turr
to hold office, not because OF any special fitness
| Under the town system the committee hold office
for three years, onsthird being elected each year
SeCenh.-Expenses will be lessened. In many
ways board OF directors, especially il it has had
some considerable experience, can save expenses
and put the school money to good use, where in
dvidual directors would fail. Large contracts
can always be made at reduced prices.
| Eighth.-District quarres will not exist. Their,
will be no cause for them, "a the management o
the school and school property will be out o
their hands, Neighborhood peace will thus be-
promoted and the cause Of many feuds removed
Now, Mr.. Editor, If these things are So VIII!
not change our present unwieldly and unprofta
BILE school system and adopt simple and prac
ticable one? Vermont will adopt this system IL
time, but perhaps not until she is shamed into
by seeing how far she is behind all other state
in her educational interests. Our so-called con
servatism may not prove the best policy. II thes
arguments can be gansaid, II there are stronge
arguments in favor of the district system, ! 70
one would be glad to know them, l.. l..