The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1903-07-01
!
I'M
20 M !
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OGDEN
ISSUES AN OPEN LETTER TO
THE PEOPLE.
Pledges Himself to Advancement IN the
Character and Achievements of the
Public Schools Of the County.

Public Schools Of the County.
To the Public:
we are at the threshold of a new
school year, and as assume the duties
of the Office of superintendent of free
schools of Harrison county, it is with no
dimunTtdon of the responsibilities tilmt
devolve on me as the servant of the Peo-
pie in this, perhaps the most important
branch of our public enterprises.
without reviewing the successful SUI
pervision of my worthy predecessor, Mr..
NJ. b. Newton, it IS enough to note that
his iabors have been such that the peo-
pie may well congratulate themselves
on the excellence Of the system of public
instruction of Harrison county. He has
given commendable labor to The task of
arousing among the teachers a deeper in
terest in the work of the school room,
meanwhile demanding the highest type
of moral character in their private walks.
Mr.. Newlon's record entities him to be
recognized as competent and able ed
Ycator.
Much as we might desire, however, to
ruents that have. already been worught
along the lines of education, we can
not but hear the stern demand of che
times, clamoring from every field of sii-
versified human cndeavor-that command
is advance" We are living in an age
when We cannot dare console ourselves
with the Thought tIiat The equipment
that suftieed for Yesterdays work can be
relied upon for the hbors of tomorrow,
or even OF today. Every branch of hlr-
man enterprise secs advancement, in
equipment. in method, and in achieve
ment. The times demand it. Can the
work of education, can TIE profession of
teaching. upon which all successful IN
Dor must depend for foundation, afford
to be the only deserted from the army Of
progressive effort "No." comes the an
swer from the heart of every true teach
er. of every faithful school officer and
every patriotic tax payer. Let me urge
upon the teachers, school officers md par
ents that we now determine that this
year shall witness an advance in bhe
character and achievements Of the pub
lie schools Of our great county. TO this
object pledge my most faithful efforts
earnestly soliciting the cooperation, not
only of the teachers and school district
officers but the public well.
The parents and guardians of the chill
dren arc urged to assist the teachers in
their various districts. Upon the sin
certify and continuance of such support
depends, in u very large degree, the sue
cess of the schools.
With the local supervision of the
schools III the hands of the trustees, nnd
the fiscal affairs administered by. the
boards Of education, these officials oc-
cupy very responsible positions in the
nublic school system. The care of the
school buildings throughout the county
are in their hands. a number of school
buildings throughout the county are in
need of repairs, and hope this important
duty will he faithfully performed.
have personally urged many board mem
bers to consider carefully the matter
of wages. ! believe that no district in
the county should pay less than $40.
month, - Sonc are able to pay more
To subSSanelnte this fact no argument y
needed, rs every one knows, wages Of all
kinds are advancing.
Friends of education rcjeiec.St the con-
cessions our law make have granted
at the hands of the public demand II
remains with us to live up to the new
laws. The new compulsory attendance
act is to be commended to the boards
of education for un honest enforcement.
The teachers have long elamored for ex-
penses per diem, for institute attentl-
ance; 1T IS now provided for, and it IS
only honorable consistency 10 demand
full attendance. Uniform examinations
have been provided, after long agitation.
let the new system be feligiously lived
up to. The optionary free tcxt book
law should be adopted where practicable