The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1901-02-14
SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER.

ing the meeting, and further that they
can have just what they want.
SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER.
Gentlemen, is the present organiza-
ton of our school system just what
the times demand? Has or has not,
the district system ceased to fit the
present conditions? In thirteen other
states, the plan of consolidating the
schools and transporting the pupils to
central schools is going into use. Wis
consin's motto is Forward" is she
going ahead in this? Let me give you
a few facts. In this county there are
ten schools enrolling more than FIVE
and less than eleven pupils. This gives
an average enrolment of eight. Esti-
mating the yearly expenses of each
district at $500, it follows that the dis
trict pays $37.5 yearly for the school
ing of each child. One district has but
five pupils. Counting at the same rate;
we find that it costs 500 each.
Now the American school public care
for expense provided they feel
that they are getting fair returns for
their money. Now, gentlemen, con-
slider, please, whether the school pub
lie does get fair returns under the pres
ent system. Surely, there must be a
more economical way. There is plan
yielding far greater returns at much
less expense. This plan is the trans
portation of pupils to central schools
at public expense. This is no new
scheme but has long been in operation
in thirteen states and also in Australia.
tried, it is found complete
success. There is better attendance,
better houses, better supervision, bet
ter work because teachers have a bet
ter chance.
shall do all possible to bring this
plan before the people of Kenosha
county; since believe that one of the
main duties of the County Superinten-
dent is to influence public opinion to-
wards making improvements in our
school system.
GENERAL CONDITION OF THE SCHOOLS.
No county in Wisconsin has a more
and progressive body of
teachers than has Kenosha county.
The greatest number have received
Normal and High School training.
Many among the best are self-trained.
Most are familiar with the best modern
methods. By attendance at institutes
and teachers meetings; by reading the
best educational literature, and by
means of circulars of hints and helps
sent out by the County uperintendent
are our teachers seeking more light.
LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF THE COUNTY
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES WORK.
The office of County Superintendent
Of Schools is more trying and difficult
than any%other county office. The du-
ties of every other county officer are
definitely and fully set forth in the
statutes. Certain duties of the County
Superintendent are also enumerated in
the statutes, He must hold examina-
lions, visit schools, make certain re-
ports, and mt1st conduct an institute in
MS county each year. Yet the County
best work cannot be
defined by statute. His work in Guilt
yating a better educational sentiment,
n conducting teachers meetings, and
n devising ways and means for the
Improvement of the schools; demands |
special training, long experience and |
L high degree of skill. Longfel1ow's
Evange1ine was not brought forth by
he great poets following wholly GER
ain rules of composition.
The duties of the other county Off
;ers are mostly clerical: the County
Judgment as to whether certain per-
sons are competent to teach or whether
others ought to receive diplomas. In |
eight cases out of ten, his refusal to
grant certificates or diplomas drives a |
-wenty-penny spike into his political
coffin. Most people think they know
better about these things than does the
Sometimes he is
asked to do All unlawful thing; at other
times he is expected to turn his eyes
from illegal doings. In either case,
MS refusal subjects him to SANDER and
Most of the other county
officers do their work in pleasant Off
ces; the superintendent must ride in
summers heat and winter storm. But
all these trials count for naught and
are gladly borne # he feels and knows
that his work is bringing about better
schools; better teachers; that he is true
to the sacred trust committed to his
heart and brain. Your present Super
feels deeply thankful TO the
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