Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-12-17
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
OF the City Of Norfolk for the
Year 1854.
Continuntio of the Eirst Report OF
ihc first School commissioners
a High school Suggested Na,ne.
OF Teachers aud Pupils.

Continued From Sunday, Dec. 10.)
Below will be found n continuation OF
the report of the Commissioners of the
Public Schools in the City of Norfolk
for the year 1859, when they were first
established here. to the Select and
Common Councils:
THE REPORT.
1t will doubtless become necessary, at
Il future time. to establish q Central
High School in this city. to which girls
and boys, who have obtained 4 certain
standard in the District Schools may
be advanced, to engage in higher
Studio.
Your Committee recommend. that at
the proper time, the use of the Norfolk
Academy, a very suitable building, may
be obtained, Tor the purposes of Cen
trail High School.
In compliance with the eqnlsition OF
the law your Committee report, that
the sum OF ten thousand dollars, their
first estimate for the support of the
Public Schools for one year as now es-
tablished, is ample for the purpose. The
sum of ten thousand dollars is required
to pay the salaries of the Teachers; all
other expenses of the schools. including
the furnishing of Books stationary, &c,
can be met from the quota of the Lit
crary Fund, and the small tax OF one
dollar, levied on each pupil in the
Schools.
The Committee suggest to the. Coun-
ellis, that the present mode of raising
the sum required for the support OF
the Public Schools, eXemptS from tax
alton altogether, Il numerous class OF
persons, who have property and are en-
joying the full advantage OF the schools.
The capitation tax is payable by the
male portion of the community only;
and It certainly is not just, or equal,
that so large Il number of persons, VINO
have property. and from the nature of
the tax, are not included in the tax pay
Ing subjects, should enjoy the benefits
Of the schools, and share no part of
the burden of sustaining them.
The School Committee respectfully re-
commend to the Councils, the following
change In the taxation for the support
of the Public Schools, viz: that the cap
itation tax be reduced from six to three
dollars, upon all white males Of 81 years
Of age, and upwards-and that q few
cents say eight cents per one hundred
dollars of valuation. be levied on the
Real and Personal Estate of the in
hab!tants of the city. In this way the
amount (ten thousand dnllars) required
for the support of the Schools would
be realized. and the tax bill be strictly
responsive to the act of Assembly. in
relation to Public Schools in the city Of
Norfolk; which provides that the
money necessary for the purpose pro-
posed may be raised. ''by tax upon the
property and inhabitants of the city"
If the above suggestions, does not
meet the sanction OF the Councils. viz:
n direct tax on property, to raise the
sum Of five thousand dollars which adj
- ~
tax of three dollars. would furnish the
sum required. to wit: the sum OF ten
thousand dollars: then the Committee
propose. In addition to the capitation
tax OF three dollars. the Councils make
an appropriate of five per centum,
upon the assessors roll to be paid
monthly by the Register of the city. to
the Treasurer of the School Fund.
The Committee beg leave to suggest
the last mode, as most expedient. and