The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1892-09-22
SUPERB SCHOOL SYSTEM
County Superintendent Races An
nuaI Report.
Magnificent Improvements In All
School Districts.

CCnOOl UISlflClS.
In presenting my annual report to
the State Department of Education,
have made extracts of such parts as
thought would be of interest to our
people here at home. The improve
ment in school work in many ways is
apparent to large number of our
people who are directly interested in
education The "old shacks" which
once gave shelter have all disappeared.
Nearly every district now owns its site.
Nearly all schools are we'll furnished
with good seats. A large number have
maps, globes, reading charts, and mani
kins for teaching physiology. Thirty
five districts have good libraries. Near
ly all districts are contemplating the
adoption Of a course of study, so that
child may not of his own within go
to seed in arithmetic and to weeds in
language. For the last two years
there has been an attempt ''to balance
up Districts are now more disposed
to employ nothing but those who hold
at least first or second grade certifi-
Gates. There is abroad feeling that
good teachers are the cheapest.
OUT3UILDINGs.
Two years ago l told
our people and also our State Super
intendent that our outbuildings for
scholars were better. He says, ''the
water closets marks the civilization of
a people" If this be true, then in some
localities the refinement and ciyiliza-
ton is low. Separate clubhouse for
each sex is now gaining favor with our
people. Much improvement has taken
place during the last four years, but
there is yet much room for improve
ment.
MORE MONTHS OF SCHOOL.
am pleased to say that we have a
clear average OF seven months of
school for each district in the county,
which is gain of one half month
over last year. Fifteen districts voted
nine months; seventeen voted eight
months; eighteen voted seven months;
sixteen voted six months and ten yot-
ed five. Five months is the least num-
Der district can vote and comply
with the law. District No. Sc, Nor
gan, voted ten months of school.
COMPULSORY EDUCATION.
Two years ago buta triile over sixty
per cent. OF the pupils enrolled be-
tween the ages of eight to sixteen at
tended the necessary three months
The entire enrolment of pupils for the
county is 2795. Of this number 2O69
attended forty days or more and are
thus entitled to apportionment and
at 1857 per pupil. Our loss is $4116.42
Good schools and more months OF
school are among thu many panaceas
The law is too imperfect to be effect
i've. There are enrolled in the county
1854 pupils between 8 and 16 years OF
age, yet only 1919 of such pupils at
tended three months or complied with
the compulsory law.
TEACHERS WAGES.
The average for males was S36 and
for females 1913 per months. Districts
are willing to pay for good teachers.
They are retained, generally. There
is much better teaching than in form
er years. There was paid for teachers
wages last year S23,O22. There are in
the hands of district treasurers $50, 665
for school purposes for the years 1885,
and 1898. Redwood county expended
last year for educational purposes
1858. 1896.
THE TEACHERS.
There are now Il male and 66 fe
male teachers who teach in Redwood
county and are actually engaged in
teaching. Of this number, 3 are col,
lege graduates, six are graduates of 8
Normal school, forty are graduates oil
high schools, sixteen have attended a
Normal school and 81 have attended
a high school. Eleven teachers hole
first grade certificates, 81 hold seconc
grade and II hold third grade.
TAXATION.
The city and village schools of the
county had an average taxation of l.
mills on the dollar. The rural schools
had but Z mills. There were II new
school houses built last year at an av
erage cost of 800. This does not in
clude the $4,000 addition to the city
school building in Redwood Falls
Our rural schools would be much bet
ter if free text books were adopted
The cost would be less than by ou
present system. S. j. RACE,
Co. Supt. of Schools
The country elevator companies o
tho northwest 6ooido1 not RI how.