Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-07-24
SCHOOL SQUABBLE.

There Is quite an interesting little
squabble on between the patrons Of
the Miller" school, four miles south
west Of Yorkville, and the trustees Of
school district No. s, in which the
school Is located. The trouble has aris-
en- out Of the question as to who is to
be teacher of the school.
The real facts in the case are diff
cult to arrive at. There Is too much
feeling involved. Both sides, Of course,
think they are standing on unalienable
rights, moral or legal, and this con-
centrates the trouble. The vital issue
at stake Is whether or not the trustees
or patrons have the right to employ
teacher, and so far as the story can be
gathered, here Is the way the present
trouble has arisen and developed.
Miss Ida Smith, who holds certi-
ficate that entities her to teach in the
public schools, sought position as
teacher Of the Miller school. She WIS.,
tied the patrons Of the school and Sc
cured, or thought she secured, the ex-
pressed, or implied, consent Of all Of
them. The understanding was alto
gether verbal, however. With this en-
dorsement Miss Smith applied to the
trustees and was duly appointed to
teach the school. In the meantime,
Miss Iva Gettys also went among the
patrons Of the school and secured from
practically all Of them, written en-
dorsements Of her application to teach
the same school; but the trustees hav-
ing already disposed of the matter,
were unwilling to reopen 1t.
Some two weeks ago, Miss Gettys,
acting upon the advice Of some Of the
interested patrons, took possession of
the school house and opened the
school. The regular time for opening
the schooi was last Monday. In view
of the complications that had arisen,
along with the fact that her father
was a member Of the board Of trus-
to the school. The trustees, however,
were unwilling to surrender the prerog-
ative of employing teachers, and, af-
ter consultation, decided to set aside
the applications Of both young ladies
and to employ a new teacher. Their
avowed object was to compromise the
trouble between the contending fac
tions, and restore harmony. Accord
ingly, they secured the services Of Miss
Florence Cody, Of Yorkville.
Regardless Of the action OF the trus-
possession of the school house, and
when the trustees went down Monday
to demand that che vacate, she refer
red them to her father, Mr.. A. e. Get
tvs. The trustees, however, declined to
recognize Mr.. Gettys in the matter, and
informed Miss Gettys that unless she
should vacate forthwith, they would
institute ejectment proceedings. Miss
Gettys held her ground.
Returning to Yorkville, the trustees
applied to Magistrate Barron for writ
Of 'ejectment Instead Of issuing the
same, the magistrate went down to
see If he could not affect an amicable
arrangement. Mr.. Gettys said that the
case would be appealed to the county
board, and although he was quite will
ing to turn the keys Of the school house
over to Magistrate Barron, pending the
appeal, it would be with the distinct
understanding that the keys were not
to be turned over to the trustees.
Magistrate Barron declined to accept
on such terms, and informed Mr.. Get
tvs that he would probably have to re-
turn next day in his official capacity
and demand the keys.
In the meantime, Mr.. Gettys and
others, had employed Mr.. John r. Hart
to represent their side of the case, and
during the tendency Of the proceed
ings already instituted by the trus-
tees for the possession Of the school
house. Mr.. Hart, on yesterday filed
with the county superintendent OF ed
ucation. an appeal from the action OF
the district trustees in the matter OF
employing a teacher for the school.
In general, the contention of the pa
irons who are especially backing the
claims of Miss Gettys, is that the whole
spirit of the school law contemplates
the leaving Of the selection Of teachers
for a school entirely to the patrons.
The trustees will contend that the en-
ployment Of teachers Is matter that
Is entirely within their discretion, and
that in the present case they have act
ed in accordance with their best 5udg-
ment as to the best interests Of all con-
cerned.
The trustees of School District No. 8,
involved In the present controversy,
are Messrs. Joseph A. Smith, James
L. Moss and ]. c. Conner. Senator
Brice is acting as their legal repre-
~fat