The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-06-08

now to be added to these three educators,
chosen from the different State educa-
tional institutions by the Senate of Vir-
gnia. from a list of eligibles furnished
by the boards of these institutions. and
to them is to be added one city and one
county superintendent of schools. The
whole area of educational ability and in
nuence, as commanded by the State. will
be represented on the board, which viii
secure truer representation of the best
thought on the subject than heretofore
g. The Superintendent of Public Jnstruc-
ton is to be elected by the people, VINO
will be interested to see that the best
man obtainabe is chosen: he is to be
IAN experienced educator, giving as
surance that he will bring to the dis
charge of his duties both knowledge and
enthusiasm. His duties, too, are to be
prescribed by the State Board, instead
OF the Legislature, which will insure
much more regular and systematic
scheme of work than has heretofore been
possible.
4. The powers of the State Board have
been greatly enlarged, in that (al IL is
authorized ''to divide the State INTO ap-
propriate school divisions" to appoint
school superintendent for each such divl-
sion. subject to confirmation by the SEN
ate; to prescribe his duties, and to re
move him for cause and upon notice.;
(b) .'to make all needful rules and regu-
lations for the management and conduct
of the schools thus securing simplicity
and efficiency, where there has been q
chaos Of contradictory laws on the sub
iect; (c) a much larger discretion In the
selection Of school books and educattonal
appliances has been granted it; (d) 1T IS
authorized to 'appont a board OF dlrec-
tors, consisting of five members. for the
..n,ana cement of the State Library,
which it is thought will hereafter be
made of much more value, not only TO
the people of Richmond, but to the clu-
zens of Virginia generally.
S. Each county. city, town If the same
be a separate school district, and school
district is authorized to levy speclai
tax. to he expended by the local school
authorities for such grades OF schools
as to them seem desirable. 1t IS beheFeo
that this will result in the establishment
OF many high schools in counties and
school districts where none have hereto
fore existed, and where they are greatly
needed.
g. The fullest authority is given the
LEGISLATURE to establish agricultural,
normal, manual training and technical
schools" and it is thought that TINS VIII
stimulate the establishment OF some OF
these institutions. specially OF normal
schools. which are much wanted
..No appropriation of public funds is
to he made to any school or institution
Of learning not wholly owned or eXclu-
sively controlled by the State or some
nolitjcal subdivision thereof but
counties. cities, towns and u.s.rlcts may
make appropriations to non-sectarian
schools OF manual, industrial or technl-
cal training Thus a complete divorce
bel ween Church and State education is
secured. and the amplest scope afforded
for the development of secular education
in all lines.
s. "School trustees are hereafter to be
selected in the manner and for the term
os office prescribed by law For goo,
sons it was not deemed prudent to
pass on this important matter in the Cons
stitution, but it is believed that the Leg
islature will submit the selection of
school trustees to the vote of the people
in. the several school districts or divi-
sions and that it will result in securing
more efficient officers and in eradlcatlns
nepotism and other evils which have foi-
lowed the mode of their appointment
hitherto.
Much more may be said in the elucida-
ton of the foregoing points, but it is be-
lieved that this brief statement VIII SUI
fee to show the great Improvement in
the school system under the new over
the old Constitution.
RICHARD McILW4AINE.