The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-12-20
SCHOOL OFFICERS SEMI ANNUAL
MEETING.

The semi-annual convention of school
district officers met vest erday in the base
ment of the court house. Superintendent
Pence called the meeting to order and
opened the exercises with few appro-
pirate remarks Hon. f. p. Thompson
was made chairman and addressed the
meeting, setting forth the object and the
importance of cultivating an interest in
the schools in general Mr.. j. W. Evans,
of Rockford township, was elected secre-
cary.
Mr.. Elisha Irons, of Eagle township, led
in the discussion of the subject, Causes
of Unsuccessful Schools" He treated the
subject in a mastery manner, distinguish
ing between the simple intellectual and
the moral training, clearly showing the
greater necessity for the latter. He made
many good points, giving as the prin ipal
cause of unsuccessful schools Ignorance on
the part of school boards, parents and
teachers in regard to their respective du-
ties. Mr. Irons was followed by Mr.,
Showalter, of Gypsum township, who
urged the selection of only first-class
teachers.
Mr.. Philip Smith, of Morton township,
among other relative remarks, made the
following Much depends upon the work
of the school officers looking after the pu-
nils in their district" "Oficers should be
firm in the discharge of their duties"
Mr.. O'Brien, of Erie, spoke of the neces-
sity of educating first the board and the
teachers.
VIZ. Warner. of Ohio township, said:
1--WE are working too much at arms
length. We do not get near enough 10 the
schools. The old time practice of teachers
boarding around brought about good re-
suits. because the teacher came in closer
contact with the pupils and parents"
Mr.. Sites of Delano, said: Executive
ability Is the keynote of success by the
teacher. A teacher who has energy
ability and inspiration will make sue
cessful school The people should vote
more money for the schools"
Mr.. Evans. of Rockford, thought that
school boards rs rule neglect their duty
in regard to making official visits TO the
school as required by law.
Mr.. p. Mcdonald, of Delano township,
read an exceedingly sensible and interest
ing paper on Some of the Defects OF our
School system and Remedies Suggested"
1t is a cause of regret that the paper Is not
AT hand from which TO furnish extracts.
The writer's logic was plentifully spiced
with wit. and il WAS altogether very in
structive paper.
Mr.. Mcdonald was followed by Mr..
Balch. of Waco. who made some good
suggestions in regard to need reforms
Some OF the points he made were to do
away with the district school board and
establis a township board of education;
TO require higher standard for teachers
certificates. and to have the state furnish
all text books TO the schools at cost.
Hon. F. Z. Thompson expressed the
opinion that the changing Of district
boundary lines should not be part of the
county superintendent work as il tends
10 destroy his usefulness in the general
supervision Of the schools He also ex-
pressed preference for a township board
Of education.
SUPERINTENDENT Pence. as chairman Of
the committee on legislation. appointed by
the department Of superintendents at the
last State Teachers association, here pre-
sented 10 the meeting some proposed
changes in the school laws which are being
considered throughout the state, and
which will probably be brought before the
next legislature. The proposed changes
which he mentioned are;
l. The levying and distribution Of taxes.
2 The formation and changing of school
districts.
8 State uniformity Of text books.
Two plans have been suggested.
First. That the state publish
the books and furnish them TO the people
&C cost. >. That the state adopt ana pur-
chase standard text books and furnish
them to the schools free. The second prop