The record-union., 1893-01-03

During the long term vacation many
OF our schoOlhouses received attention in
the matter of renovation. Much yet re-
mains to be done to properly lit them for
comfort and use.
one can hardly measure the power and
influence which comes OF comfortable,
properly equipped schoolrooms. The
more attractive we can make their sur
roundlngs the better are we able to con-
centrate and Xix the interest OF the pupil.
They are uncOnsciously learning neat
ness, cleanliness and acquiring a knowl-
edge of the beautiful.
/ would advise the building OF two
extra rooms at Fremont Primary School,
Twenty and y streets, plans for
which Will be submitted for your consid-
Grafton. The trend Of population is to-
ward that part OF the city, and the over
crowded classes demand more educa-
tional facilities.
Many of our school yards require till
ing in. | would also recommend the Law
ing Of stone walks at Tenth and Q,
Iwenty-tirst and L, Sixteenth and \,
Iwenty-tourth and n, seventh and q,
Thirteenth and q, Twenty seventh and J a.,
ana Fourth and q. In many of these
localities the sidewalks are badly de-
cayed and their repair will demand
your attention during the coming
year. Would it not be a saving then to
contract for all at one time and thus have
suitable walks for years to come?
The High School building has out
grown its usefulness. Its class-rooms are
now crowded to the discomfort Of the
pupils, and its growing wants demand
another and more suitable structure, one
that our people may view with pride and
IN keeping with that high standard OF
excellence which it has worthily earned.
DEDUCTION OF SALARIES.
N attapfTo,, Of Tho
matter appearing, to my mind, as unfair
and unjust. Teachers are elected for a
term of ten months, and because the law
states that twenty days shall be con-
sidered school month, this board in
making deductions from their salaries for
absence does so on that bass-dividing
the salary by the number of school DAYS
in the month in which such absence is
made. l believe on reflection you will
mitigate somewhat the severity of so
strict an Interpretation of the law.
There is not a teacher in the high or
grammar grades, and | will hardly err if
l include those of the fourth and fifth
grades of the primary schools, whose
work is finished at the close of the regI-
lar school hours. Their duties in pre-
pairing and examining the question
papers of their several classes compels
the continuance of their labors to ad-
vanced hours of the night, aid even Sat
urday, or at least the greater portion Of
that day has TO be taken to complete
their work.
This continuous mental strain is greater
than the physical body can sustain. 1t
cannot be wondered at that under this
pressure a teacher breaks down and de-
mands d substitute.
Under these circumstances, / ask is it
right or just TO deprive her of her salary 4?
Should not illness caused by assiduous
ofr ion, 70 a
close application to her class, demand
some consideration?
There -is not another public official
from the highest in the land to the low
est. whose salary is deducted for any
cause. Then, why should these teachers
who hold the most important of all pub
lie positions, be mulcred OF their nav for
injuries received in the honest disc6ar0e
of their obligations? 1t is not, it cannot
be denied that the most important
position in our Government is that
of the teacher. The future welfare
OF the nation rests upon their instruc-
tons. Their Indifference or incomDe-
tency must result disastrously. You de-
mand OF them more qualities and of a
higher character than OF any other Of
fetal. They are to possess the knowl-
edge of scholars, the affections of parents;
stainless must be their character; intelli-
gent beyond their fellows; patient kind,
courteous; they must also be constant
students keeping pace with the progress
OF the day.
would like to see the very best teach
ers in our schools receiving salaries COM
mensurate To their abilities and every
hoerality extended TO encourage and ami
mate their ambition.
Let such teachers understand from
your treatment that their labors are APP
preciated, and you viii discover such a
policy Is really the only saving one.
Fewer changes will be made, permanency
ana stability to our entire school depart
ment will be the result.
CONSOLIDATION OF FIRST AND SECOND
GRADES.
Notwithstanding this board has decided
against me on this proposition, | again
submit 1t for your reconsideration. / do
so, because my experience and Judgment
impresses me with the earnest conviction
that the present system is most pernieiOus
and not conducive to the best interest al
the pupil or of advantage to the teacher.
For the welfare OF the child | Know no
more important subject. 1 have given il
close study for three years, and am,