The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1902-10-30
SCHOOL REPORT.
Abstract Of Annual Report OF State
SUPERINTENDENT of Schools.

superintendent of Schools.
! The biennial report OF State School
/ Superintendent L. Z. Collins, which
win soon come from the press, sets
forth some facts that are of interest to
the people of the state.
In general Il may be said that there
has been a decided forward movement
| in all lines OF school work during the
/ last two years. Twenty -eight villages
and cities built new school houses dur
| ing the biennial period and these school
houses contain ninety-one school rooms,
or an average of over three rooms to
the building. In the country, 129 new
school houses were built. Charles Mix
and Gregory counties lead in the num-
Der Of new school buildings, having
thirteen and nine respectively.
Several counties have fewer schools
than previously, which is accounted for
by the fact that some OF the small
schools have been closed and the pupils
have been transported to neighboring
schools In the same or in adjoining
districts. This is the result of persist
ent agitation for consolidation OF the
rural schools" One beneficial effect OF
this consolidation has been better
wages for the rural teacher, and there
fore the first class teachers have re-
manned In the school room. Wages OF
men increased during the period 1906
and OF women s2.06. Even with this
increase in wages the male teaching
force continues to grow smaller.
There are 1915 children of school
age in the state, and 1858 of these
were enrolled in the schools last year.
In the rural schools alone there were
4,39S pupils pursuing the eighth grade
work last year. The writer believes
that the next legislature should pass a
law which will insure free high school
privileges TO all of the graduates from
the common schools. High school work
should always precede normal school,
college or university course, and our
public schools should be free from the
primary grade through the senior year
in the state university.
The library item of the report should
give great satisfaction to all who be-
lieve In the good effect of wholesome
literature upon the young mind. Every
school in the state now has library.
though many of them contain but few
books as yet. Teachers and county SUI
brary law, passed by the last legisla-
ture, which brings a few books into
every school library annually.
Indebtedness.
The net indebtedness on the rural
districts was reduced from $267, 1872. 81
In 1901 to s114,1S5. 10 in 1902 Another
debt paying year like the last will wipe
out the entire debt. Villages and cities
do not make so good a showing, for
many have bonded to build new school
houses. The interest rate on school
bonds has been dropping for several
years, and now averageG but slightly
above s per cent. Rate of district tax
in rural districts was 9 mills, and in
villages and cities ISM mills.
Expenditures.
The largest single item OF school ex-
pene is that for the teachers wages,
which amounts to s1,12s.439.29. Others
are for new school houses, $i21, 1923. 2S,
for furniture ss7,0l3.6T, for school Off
GERS salaries. $57.61s24, for redemption
of bonds, SAB. 1ss. 81. for interest on
bonds, s62, 711.07. for other purposes,
1878, 112.5S. Total expenditure for the
last school year was $2,503. 1921, the
most liberal amount in the history of
our stSte.
In addition TO the statistical matter
the biennial contains recommendations
of State Superintendent Collins regard
ing educational needs. reports of the
presidents of the state educational in
situations, reports of school progress In
the various counties. many circulars
sent out by the department Of public
instruction and other matters of in
terest to educators and those who have
a. A. ,.,itt, a,,r y,t,hlie achools