New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-12-27
MOUNT VERNON.

Members of the Board of Education OF Mount
Vernon yesterday received from Janet Sandford.
Deputy State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
copies OF the circular OF instruction now being sent
out by his department. defining the new compulsory
education law of the State which goes into effect
on January l. Mr. Sanford was president OF the
village of Mount Vernon for several years. was
School Commissioner many terms. ana was A
strong candidate for State Superintendent in 1872
The act provides for the compulsory education OF
children. and requires that every child between
eight and sixteen years of age In proper physical
and mental condition. shall attend some school;
those between twelve and fourteen must attend at
least eighty secular and consecutive days and those
between fourteen and sixteen. not regularly en-
gagged in any useful employment. and eight ana
twelve shall attend school as many days annually
between the first day of october and June follow
ing as the public school or district in which such
child resides shall he in session In addition to the
eighty days attendance required of children between
twelve and fourteen every such child shall attend
echool when not regularly and lawfully engaged IN
employment. unless prevented by sickness Per
sons having parental relations TO children land pa
rental relative includes the parents. guardians, or
other persons lawfully having the care CUSTODY or
control of such child are held responsible for any
violation of the law and are subject to fine of not
exceeding s. for the first offence, ana ~ Tor each
subsequent offence: by Imprisonment not ex-
ceedng thirty days. or both fine and imprisonment
According TO the circular. all fines. when para go
into the county treasury. Teachers of schools are
required to keep records Of the atendanot
at schools such records be 10 inspection by
persons authorized by the school authorities Any
teacher VINO shall neglect or refuse TO perform ms
or her duty in this respec snail be guilty OF a ms
demeanor" No person. or firm. or corporation Is
permitted 10 employ any child between eight anI
Twelve years Old during the time the public schools
are in session. 10 employ any chld between
twelve and fourteen years who Goes not Al the
time of such EMPLOY ment present certificate prop
'erly signed by school official. that such chld mas
complied with the compulsory education law un a
pain of a penalty OF $50 for each offence such me
10 be deposited with other school moneys OF the as
trict The circular ends with severai sugeesooi,s
1t is suggested that there are some GOOD reasons
why the law cannot be enforced 10 the letter IN
some localities The chief reason is lack oil
school accommodations. 1t is also suggested thar
The law should be tempered with wisdom and as
erection. main object OF the law Is to sup
press the evil of ''ioafing and harmful iding among
those of school age" The committee appointed
by the Board of Education several weeks ago TO
take the whole matter under consideration agreed
that in carrying out the law there should be ap-
,pointed a truant officer. who would not be neon
Moderately Jealous. who understood children, ana
could interpret the law wisely. Care VIII De taKen
10 appont truant officer who Will be cautious and
iexercise good Judgment and wise discrimination,
rather than who has political influence as MS
backing.