The news & observer., 1897-01-22
PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND THEIR
NEEDS.

Mr.. Editor:--While our friends of na-
ucation are exercising themselves obou+
what should be done to further the cause
of public school work, and to mako il
more effectual, | would venture some suc-
gestions which have presented themselves
to my mind from varied connection
with this work for the past ten or moro
years. And while they may not meet
with the approval of others. still thcy
might, in some way add thought nv
which others might make better suggas-
tons, by way Of aid, to our law makers.
1t is evident to all that the doing away
with county boards Of education and SUI
perintendents have not added material
good to our school work 1t is without
head. Something similar should be re
instated. They must be brought closer
together not scattered.
Let the scholastic and fiscal year be
brought nearer together, say the first
day of December or January Of each
year. As it now exists, half the money
is gone before it is apportioned. 1t Gre
ates confusion among teachers and COM
mttees.
Let certificate or diploma Of gradua-
ton from any school or college that fur
nishes such, together with a good moral
character, be n sufficient test to the cOun-
ty examiner for the procurement of
certificate to teach n public school II
is reflection upon the work Of q college.
to disqualify its graduated students as
a public school teacher
Prevent the employment Of very near
kindred by a committee as teacher
II often creates jealousy on the part If
the patrons and seriously affect the at
tendance at school of their children. This
is observed in almost every school thus
taught
Let all public schols of the State, espe-
cially country schools, commence on or
about the same time and continue until
the years work is done under one term.
To commence about the 1st Of November.
as this will better suit our laboring chill
dren, who are the principal beneficiaries
Of these schools Much disagreement and
confusion is the result owing to this ir-
regular and her-accOmmodating
system. Let all begin at once, and then
with an active supervision, to keep the
work stimulated Much good would be
the result
Let there be Il committees day mt
which time let all committees meet at the
county seat. and have the supervisor, or
some other party, explain and urge upon
them all the law and duties of their
office. We tried this on two occasions, in
this, BERTHE county, and no gathering of
like character ever seemed more pleas
ant or profitable The work can thus be
brought together and unified. Let this
day be in midsummer, at leisure time
Let it be a misdemeanor for a commit
teeman TO extort from a teacher per
cent. Of their salary, in order to the secur-
ing of contract by teacher. This is
more frequently done, at least by many
colored committeeman, than one would
ordinarily suppose Let our judges charge
specially along this line. 1t will do good.
As to the question of superintendency.
we believe district superintendent could
be made of much value to the work, prin-
cipally by holding institutes and other
wise advising teachers, but as to the local
work, we fear it would almost be worth
less. The immediate supervision should
be confined to small districts in coun-