Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1885-02-03
QUIZ curx SCHOOLS.
Asxhsy Appear to state spperiptendeas
Butcher. -,

Asxhey Appear to State Superintendent
In the biennial report of State .Saperin-
tendert Butcher received from the public
printer yesterday, that gentleman thus re-
fers to our city schools:
These schools have been under the super
vision of Prof. John M. Birch during the
mast two years, with corps of eight princi-
paIs and about one hundred grade teachers,
including the principal and two assistants in
the colored school. Two of the principals
are ladies. am grati6ed to note that
here, as in all grades of the school work
throughout the State, women are paid the
same rate of salary as men for the same
grade of work. This feature OF onr school
progress, both in the common and high
Grade positions, is not usual in the educa-
t;onal affairs of the country.
The work of the schools taken together
has been very good, with the indications OF
constant Improvement. Most OF the teach
ers are earnest, hard-working and self
sacrificing public servants, who are not
paid even in the great and rich city OF
Wheeling more than common laborer IN
the same city. Especially is this true OF the
primary teachers The best methods OF
reaching the various branches have been
introduced from time to time by the ener,
qetic superintendent, and good results have
constantly followed. The attendance has
constantly increased until the buildings are
all crowded, and rooms outside are re
ouired for the increased number of pupils
asking admission. The last new building
Centre school, completed in lSS2-is the
best school building in the city, being well
arranged, finely proportioned and neatly
finished. 1t cost nearly $45 900, including
grounds. A cut of this building
is herewith presented. A new building,
in addition to those now standing, will be.
come q necessity very soon. The Board oil
Education of the city deserves much praise
for the intelligent and liberal manner in
which they have dealt with the various ques'
tons looking to progressive and better work
in the school. A very excellent set OF phil
osophical and chemical apparatus has been
purchased for each school. These sets OF
apparatus are not costly, but well suited to
the work designed to be done. A revised
course of study has been prepared by the
Superintendent and adopted by the board.
Upon the completion of this course BY any
pupil in the city he is graduated and d.
ploma awarded. In the last four classes
graduating there have been Is boys and -
girls who have received diplomas -,
The German language is taught in each
school by special teachers to such pupils as
desire to have the instruction.
The Board of Education accepted do.
nation of about FIVE thousand miscellaneous
books belonging to defunct circulating Ii
brarv and have since added three or four
thousand new books to these, and opened
up free public library and reading room.
The success of the enterprise has been as
sured from the day it opened and it has
now become one of the most creditable In
situations of the city. The library is sup
ported at public expense. 1t has grown in
public favor and the management has been
SO prudent and popular and has drawn so
many readers that its present quarters are
found inadequate. The number OF books
no doubt will be largely increased as means
permit.
No city OF equal population in the coun'
try has superior public schools in many re,
spects. There are improvements to be
made and facilities to be provided it is true,
but in the present public feeling these will
not have long to wait.