Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1894-06-07
DISCUSSING SCHOOL TOPICS.
THE COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL
BOARD CONVENTION.
Courtroom Full Of Representative Dis
trict schoolboard Members Handles
Live ics-President A. R. Tay-
lor Makes an Address - Lunch
Served.


A convention was held in the court
room today in which politics had no
part. 1t was an earnest gathering of
representative school men to discuss
the improvement OF Dickinson's eX-
cellent educational facilities. Supt.
d. +, Shirk may well feel proud of
the success attained. The first con-
vention of district schoolboard men,
bers last year was great success
and this second gathering was no less
so.
The courtroom was filled and the
audience contained a large number of
ladies. Every township and large
proportion Of the districts was repre-
sented, 81 districts in all.
The convention was called to order
at 1890. w. NJ. Sherwood, Of New
bern, was chosen chairman; c. +.
Shell, of Manchester, secretary.
The first discussion was on the !
best method of distributing the school
taxes. Old and new methods were
talked over with much enthusiasm.
Are district school libraries prov
ing a SUGGEST" was discussed by +.
w. Wright, of Ridge. He held em-
phatically that they are provided
good selection of books is made and
recommended that every district
have library.
President A. X. Taylor, Of the State
Normal school, Emporia, then made
n most interesting half hours talk.
He spoke kindly words for the con-
vention and urged higher standard
for teachers. lie advised district
boards to secure only such teachers
as would inspire the school with en-
thusiasm.
At noon a delectable lunch was
served by Supt. Shirk and an efficient
corps Of helpers to all present.
The afternoon session was attended
by still larger number, the room
being filled to standing room.
The afternoon session opened with
a brief address by Mr.. A. Clayton in
favor of school libraries, making sew
eral good points. &. Rohrer reported
discussions in German.
els the County High School Meet
ing the Wants of the PeopleP" was en-
ergetically discussed. o. w. Kirby
thought it above the people and
thought it should come down to
where the district schools left of.
Mr.. wilkins eulogized the school and
thought it was very successful. Mr..
Clayton thought pupils to some ex-
tent too young. Prof. S. NJ. Cook
and Supt Shrk spoke and urged that
the school level be kept high and the
district schools be brought up to it,
scientific Instruction in Public
Schools was interestingly discussed
by Mrs. Mary Carter and Mrs. Lang,
who strongly advocated it.
j. b. Baxter made good talk ON
the duties of school boards toward
teachers, urging cooperation and
mutual assistance.
1.-The Township System VS.. the
District SYSTEM was discussed by
. Eli Hoffman who advocated the town
G ship system. Others made remarks.
A ITO what Extent should Political
: Economy he Taught In Publ,
SchoolsP' was talked on by Mr.. Wool
verton who thought it should be
taught as far as the pupils could I'M
5 derstand it. Mr.. Baxter also favored
= it. Supt Shirk thought it essential
t and advised non-partisan textbooks.
/, A vote was taken on the subject ant
= resulted; In favor OF teaching polit
It ical economy, 20; against, s.
?, A vote in favor of more equa
=; school taxes resulted: For, 81
against, 3.
g Supt. Shirk answered number o
IS queries. Several were regardin.
T. teachers salaries, asking if they ar
u not too high in view Of 'deprosse,
% prices Of farm products. On this Mr.
: Shirk'sald that IL the district fount
Il itself was unable to pay present wage
Ia of course there should be reduction
l, but so long as teachers can save NJ
money at present and farmers cal
the salaries are not too high.
-. Resolutions were adopted express
- ing appreciation of the entertainment
: and lunch furnished, The following
. was also adopted;
> WHEREAS, 1t has been clearly dem
:. onstrated by the intelligent discussion
:. Of the topics brought before IT, tina
s. the schoolboard convention is of prac
} teal benefit in the cause OF education
-, therefore be il
" Resolved, That we hereby endors
, the action Of the county superinten
IN dent i'm callin0 n aud raco u,,,o,,