The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1888-03-22
year name


ment of the school funds. that the State
support is largely the result of the wise
legislation of 1881 80. Of the amount due
the public schools. AS ascertained under
act of Feb y l4th. 1882. there is still due
$l79,270: which the superintendent pre-
sumes the legislature of 'S7-'S8 will appro-
pirate for school purposes
The same influences that have given
vitality to the financial condition, have
also steadily increased the number Of
schools and the general efficiency of the
system. In the increase of the number of
teachers, the statistics show an excess of
female teachers of 473. The superintend-
ant remarks, at the same rate of increase
p our schools in few years will be pretty
largely in the hands Of female teachers.
No unfavorabe comment is to oe mrde on
this tendency. yet it ought not to go too
far Intelligent and careful observation
accords TO women. as teachers, the pos.
session of equal tact skill and fidelity
with mem
In many districts the school term is
only months, and the monthly sa larry $50
or $25. giving an annual salary of 800 or
SIPS. For good teachers such salaries
are far too small.
Suitable legislation is recommended s.to
secure prompt payment of teachers sala-
ries. < q 1t is impossible to tell how
many monthly school warrants may have
passe. through the hands OF shavers be-
fore reaching the treasurers. b It
there ought 10 be no occasion for discount
ing any school warrant That the teach
ers should at any time be forced to sacri-
flee any part of their small salaries, is
grossly unjust TO them. and damaging to
the school sSstem.'
Some weeks siace we noted the benefits
derived 10y Virginia, as detailed in the re-
port of the Board of Trustees of the Pea
body Fund We note a further benefit
which is fnliy detailed in Snperintened
buchanan s report. bat whicf,we can only
refer to now. Virginia has received from
the Peabody Fund 100000, from which
support is given the Female Norma
School at Farmville fourteen student are
enabled to attend the great normal college
at Nashville. Tenn: and the following
. "normals, were held III the State during
the past summer. viz: at Wachapreague
Accomac county, Va, Farmville, Pearls
burg, fredericksburg. Strasburg. Lynch
burg, Cupeper, Wytiieville and Peters
burg.
County Constitutes were held without
financial aid from the State in the follow
ing counties. viz: Scott, Bedford, Russell
Rockingham, and at the Hampton Normal
Institute for the benefit of the colored
teachers of the tideWater section. There
is also provision made for especial courses
Of instruction for teachers in the public
schools.of Virginia. at the University of
Virginia. where teachers of the public
schools are admitted without payment of
any university charges
BY the continued application of these
methods. the quality of The instruction
given in our public schools. will be greatly
enhanced. and corresponding benefits given
thereby to the school children of the State.
Supt Buchanan calls earnestly for an in
crease of funds to further the usefulness
of the school. ! system: and yet, while the
State is strained to her utmost effort in
supplying school funds. we find a large
number of her citizens opposing the dis
tribution of National Support for our pub
lie schools.
We shall take occasion. hereafter, to
note other pon in this connt ction. sug-
gested by the report of superintendent
Buchanan.