Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-26
Reform Needed in Our PublIc-schooI
System.

LNlHBlOli, ' a.
To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
Your comments last Sunday upon my
article Of Wednesday upon "retrench-
ment and reform" In our county public
school system indicate clearly that you
did not "catch on" My suggestions con-
template an increased, not decreased, eff
cheney, and would make unnecessary the
large annual appropriations you refer to
by the Legislature. My object was not
newspaper controversy or nOtOriety, but
to enlist the powerful aid Of the Dis
patch in bringing 10 public attention ana
investigation one of the least understood
and, | might say, appreciated, Of all our
great public questions.
As you know, our public-school system
Is an exotic, transplated from New Eng
land, under compulsory conditions, by in
experienced hands. That mistakes should
be made in its cultivation, in new eli
mate and soil, was very material. To
correct them is not only right, but our
duty. In the cities and towns our public
schools, under wise management and libe-
raj financial assistance, are an honor and
a blessing. But, unhapplly, they are not
always such in the country. / am ad-
vised that the State expended last year
counties nearly 100000. OF this the
negroes, who pay per cent, got $4,000
Now, this is large sum TO raise by
taxation these hard times" and should
a class, many of the largest taxpayers
get no benefit whatever, the short yes
sions and general ineifciency forcing
them to employ private tutors or send
their children away to boarding schools.
That / might not fall into important
errors / have conferred with my friend
and neighbor. Major r. c. Saunders,
former superintendent for this county,
and one of the most intelligent, thought
full, and devoted the State ever had. He
says the fundamental difficulty arises
from the establishment Of too many
schools, contrary 10 section 3, Article
VII. OF the Constitution. which requires
uniformity as TO territorial area, and
equality in other things-that the average
cost Of a country schoolhouse Is $50: the
annual expense of the same 500. THAT
by rearrangement and reorganization a
large number Of the schools could be
closed. better system evolved thousands
OF dollars annually saved, and provision
made for longer sessions and higher edu-
cation out of the large surplus saved
Further than this the law admitting chill
dren ) years of age should be changed TO !
T.. This would dispense with many as |
sistant teachers. conducting public nurse
ries and kindergartens.
AS 10 the system Of accounts, / nave |
it from the lips of a clerk 10 one OF the |
boards of district trustees that he could |
easily steal hundreds of dollars annualy; |
and as for the practice of nepotlsm In |
the appointment OF teachers, there can be |
no denial or defence.
This Legislature was elected upon the |
distinct promise Of 'retrenchment and re-
form" The system Of public schools is
the most costly department of the gov
eminent and should be looked into with
4 view TO both. But to do so efficiently and
the work should be done |
by men who have experience in the adj
of its laws and affairs. and
who have the intelligence and practical
good business sense TO know how TO cor
rect errors. To this end | would suggest |
|
before them a few gentlemen from diff
'erent sections OF the State. like II. &.
Saunders, of Evington who were once |
county superintendent, and who are
Known to feel deep and abiding inte-
est in this noble but imperfect institu-
ion. as well as a personal interest in the
question OF taxation Reference and ac-
'ess to the records will be necessary, and,
II course the new Superintendent for the
State will be pleased TO facilitate matters.
CHARLES NORNELL-