The Lake Charles echo. [volume] (Lake Charles, Parish of Calcasieu, La.) 1876-1898, 1885-08-01
THE BAY, La, July Ia, 1885,

magnanlmons, when they condemn tn
error to provide remedy.
First. After model Of State Boar
of Texas, | think every ward shoult
organize into schools each parent o
guardian attaching himself to wha
over organization he prefers. Elec
their own subdirectors, teachers, ant
periods Of school and time when j
should commence.
Second The subdirectors Of eacl
school should keep correct census 81
all the scholars belonging to their re
speetive schools; see that none arc
fraudulently or enormously attached
to any other; assist the patrons in To-
eating their house, selecting their
teacher, and both teacher and patrons
in conducting the school (lnder in
struetions from the parish board).
Third. All the funds accruing to
each ward should he divided among
the schools in said ward according to
numbers of school children in each
school, and said funds should be set
apart and paid out for teachers service
on petition Of patrons and subdirectors
in monthly installments, which shall
not exceed the amount of money on
hand divided by the number Of
months for which the school is to be
taught (for any one months compen-
sationl a
Fourth Allteachers Of white schools
should bold grammar grade certificates
and be employed as at present, by
the President Of the Parish School
Board, and none should be granted q
certificate who is not resident. This
last clause will, Of course, be criticised
by the over generous, and, also, by
home maleontents, but | have known
SO many school committees feeced by
the inscriptions, tranciebt fraud, and
have nothing left for their children's
money but knowledge Of the cheat,
that | am honestly bound to con-
demn il.
The foregoing is only intended as
an outline or rather an index TO my
idea Of change in our present parish
school system. Limited space will
not allow me TO give a full detail of
my ideas on the subject, nor but little
comment however, | shall offer some
on the present mode Of employing
and leave comment on my
own suggestions for others.
A teacher is employed at SO per
scholar, actual attendance, by the |
month, until the salary reaches $50 |
he has 80 scholars enrolled, two-thirds
of that number is large average at
tendance - 20 scholars, $40. Tom,
Dick or Harry, or all three Of them,
through no legal cause, becomes dis
'atisfied with the teacher, patrons or
,cholars, or perhaps prefer their chill
iFen at home any way. and withdraws
J sufficient Bumbsr Of scholars (tbough
considerable minority to virtually |
freak down the school. In such cases
and they are sufficiently frequent,) /
he teacher is forced to a hnmiliating
to teach bis school at
aciice, or resign,
Schools in the wards are granted on
,etition Of patrons recommended by |
yard subdirectors, (some Of the wards
ire over 80 miles in exLent) represent
tiyes from the petit schools impor-
une the recommendation of their petit |
ion, "Well, get teacher we'll in
orse for you.p They hustle about
nd find somebody that will take the
chool, and for fear the funds wall DO
lseWberc appropriated, they sign a
etitioD for whoever they can get,
aying little chance of choice. Ball
lay first bound, any bat, Or miss the
anne.
AT this advanced stage Of Demo
ratio triumph, Democratic economy |
nd Democratic reform, most ardent
y desire a trial Of Democratic schools.
think it would unite the citizens into
tronger communities, greatly enhance
he prospects Of sparsely settled por-
ions, relieve the well-meaping citizens
{ the injurious antagonisn Of the
orcheads above mentioned, and give
aem chance to seek more congenial
ssoeiation. Further, The people know
NJ that their funds were safe, would
aturally select more favorable seasons
] which their schools should be
lugbt.
II conclusion, I beg % reiterate that
,is Is only my idea, given 70 obtain
iore ideas. Iwonld he much pleased
, hear from others Of your corre
,ondcnts Oh this subject
Yours truly SeRAP.