Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1888-11-23
The following is the report of the
county snnerintendent of schools:


AvoCA, WIS, Nov. 18th, 1888
10 the Honorable Members Of County Board Of
IDiCd county.
Your County Superintendent submits the fol-
lowing report:
During the past year have been able to visit
all OF the schools once, and TO some second
visit was made.
am glad to be able to report progress in an
increased attendance of all pupils OF school age,
and more especially of those between the ages
OF seven and fifteen.
The latter class should, more than any other.
receive our earnest attention, for beyond the age
OF fifteen not more thaa 80 per cent. of pupils at
tend, even three months out of the six.
IN my travels while visiting schools l see SO
many children out of the schOOl-rOom and the
seats empty and teachers without enough pupil
TO make up an interest i'll their school work.
The Compulsory Act of 1887 should be en-
forced i'll many cases Tor the future good of our
state.
Progress has been made in methods of In
StTuCtiOu. and teachers are becoming more i'm
buCd with the spirit of new methods and thus
better results are derived.
Teachers are providing themselves with more
educational literature, thus giving evidence of a
desire 10 keep up with the tineS in all practical
methods.
The recent legislation respecting the tenure of
certificates has stimulated many to obtain the
higher grades thus increasing their breadth of
knowledge, and, as result increasing their
usefulness rs teachers, everything else being
equal.
In my examinations have endeavored TO be
rigid, impartial, avoid running into puzzles and
still To frame my questions with view to Stimu-
late desire for a knowledge of the "new' in
educational methods.
! issued during the past year 1877 certificates of
which about 1854 are now in force, which to-
gether with those of higher grades than third
gives the county sn abundance of teachers, and
still not a surplus of which to complain.
In localities near High Schools there seems to
be great desire TO obtain the discipline thus
Afforded and from this many are reaching
highCr-tO Normal schools and the University.
private school, under the control of the
Jones sisters hillside Home) has sprung into
existence aud is now showing good fruit,
This school is situated III a locality remote
from village life and is thus truly Home Tor
those who put themselves under its care.
An Institute of two weeks was held in Dodge
Vile conducted by PrOiS. A J. Hutton, j. W.
Livingston aud \. II. SaTlOrd) at which los
teachers registered.
The instruction at these institutes is of great
practical value, and | suggest to Boards that
they take notice whether the applicant has made
use of this school aid" provided by the state
and make preference in favor of those who
make it a duty to attend these institutes.
shall hold Teachers meetings during the
winter term 50 as TO exchange views in regard
to h0,c we obtain results in our school work
distributed 10 each school room in the coun-
ty Il copy Of the Blue Book of 1857, and also y
railroad mars of Wisconsin.
reasonable amount of repairing has been
made during the past year and two more build
luCS erected.
Several buildings have been re-scated with
modern styles aud other needed apparatus pro-
Nided, all of which aid very materially in keep
ing up the interest among the children.
In some districts the seating capacity is too
small and thus some are deferred from attend
ing school.
Many district school buildings are without
ont houses. aud l suggest that this matter be
attended tn without delay and further warning.
Without Il hearty cooperation on the part of
School Boards and patrons your teachers and
superintendent can not make the school all Il
should he, and 10 this end consider it dUtu
the part of all 30 visit your schools look into
their needs; judge for yourselves as to the con-
duck OF the schools; study the teachers methods.
observe the results. and il good work is being
done to ii that the teacher Is secured for the
next term of school for Oft repeated Changes
work against q school, rs a rule.
In my last report suggested a set of Record
Books - but as no definite action was taken
renew the suggestion, and ask a consideration
of the following resolution:
Resolved That the County Superintendent be
authorized to procure Record Books for use Of
the office, to cost not more than the sum of ten
dollars.
trusting thst I may be Of greater aid to our
schools during the coming year, remain,
Your 0hedient servant
BRADFORD W. GILLErT,
County Supt
Mr.. Gillett, on motion was allowed
TO make statement regarding his
report.
On motion the report was adopted
and ordered published in the pro
ceedings of the board.
The clerk presented schedule of
claims against the county, which
was referred to the committee on
general claims. Petition from chair
man, town of Highland, asking re
lief for one August Bohan, was read
and referred to Supts. of the Poor:
The following resolution, offered
by Mr.. Rewey, was adopted:
Rssoired, That this board visit the county
farm and asy lum tomorrow Thursday start
ing at $50 a. m.
Official bonds of Henry Pengelly,
sheriff elect, NJ. J. Tappins, clerk of
circuit court elect, W. w. Williams,
county clerk elect, John H. Dunstan,
surveyor elect, VIM. H. Thomas,
register of deeds elect, George Paul
son, treasurer elect and Samuel
Swinehart, Supt. of the poor, were
presented and referred to the COM
mittee on bonds and salaries.
On motion of Mr.. TAYLOR the
board took a recess until p. m.