Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1902-04-24
The County Superintendents.

the time fixed by law for the meeting
of school directors for that purpose.
These elections are a matter of very
great Importance in the several coun-
ties, says Philadelphia Press.
The usefulness of the school system
depends in considerable degree upon
the character and efficiency of the
superintendent. This is particularly
true in the country districts, where
there is usually less knowledge of
school requirements and where less
direct attention to school work is given
by directors than is the case in centers
of population. There are exceptions,
of course, but there are no conditions
anywhere in the State that do not
make it desirable that the election of
county superintendents should be con-
sidered as among the most important
duties imposed upon the district direc-
tors. In the discharge of such duty
there should be no other consideration
but the interest ofthe common schools.
to the schools, and there is reason, but
it is much less a question what we ex-
pend on the schools than it is whether
we are getting proper return for the
money. 1t is good thing to look into
this matter fully as the triennial cleo
ton of superintendent approaches,
and no county ought to try to deceive
itself. While most of the counties
have been exceedingly fortunate in the
past in the character of their superin-
tendents not all have had that expert
ence and the schools have suffered.
Directors who have not been careful in
making choice have been equally in
different in the discharge oftheir other
duties, and it does not require very
much analysis to show what that
means.
In a majority of cases, however, it
would be difficult to make a better
selection. 1t has been the commend
able practice to retain competent and
experienced superintendent from term
to term. Several county superinten-
dents have been continued in office for
more than twenty years, and those who
have served ten or twelve years are
quite numerous. There is, however, a
prejudice in the country districts
against long continuance in Office,
which has resulted in the retirement of
more than one superintendent who
ought to have been retained. In the
cities all this has been different. City
superintendent have a record of much
longer service, and it has been an
advantage to the schools in most iu-
stances. There are many city superin-
tendents who have been in office con-
tinuously for more than a quarter of a
century.
The uperintendent, whether in city
or county, who has been competent and
faithful onght to be continued in Office,
not on his own account, but for the best
interests of the schools. The office was
not created merely to provide some one
with a salary, or give the politicians
additional spoils, and it is a fortunate
circumstance that political managers
have in but few instances attempted to
interfere in school government. The
office was created to perfect the organ
ization of the school system and to pro-
mote its efficiency. 1t cannot be too
highly considered, for there is no Office
in any county which is more impor-
tant to all the people and the admins
tration of which has a wider effect.
If the directors when they come to-
gether to make their choice will put
aside every personal and political con-
sideratson and give heed only to what
is required for the advancement of
education they will make no mistake.
And more than all, no we'll tried, COM
petent and faithful superintendent
should be put aside on the frivolous
ground that he has had it long enough.
That would only be means of de-
moralization.
The PRESS is pleased to note, from
the best information at hand, there
seems to be, practically, very general
disposition among the school directors
of this county, to continue Miss Matte
M. Collins, who has very acceptably
filled the responsible position in this
county for two terms, during the com
ing term. 1t is the very general opin-
ion that the talented young lady will
have a unanimous election. Her faith.
full discharge of the duties of the office
and eminent fitness for the place meets
with the hearty appreciation of our
citizens.
Wide Awake Advertisers.
J. II. Day continues his usual weekly