Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1903-07-01

Anent the Capitalization of public
schools, q subject which is now be-
ing much discussed, o. E. Gunder-
son Of Hanlontown, this state, says
in a late issue of the Farmers Til.
bune: @
Has the rural school been ex-
empt from the modern influences Of
centralization2 Not if we read the
signs Alright; everything tends to-
ward consolidation. A central or
graded school means we'll educated
and better trained teachers, with q
more thorough supervision Of the
children and . higher standard Of
intelligence.
You might as well try to sweep
back the ocean with q broom as to
think the ssittle schoolhouse 0n the
hiie can kecp l6os = viii e eestxal
graded school. This central school
need not necessarily be in the town,
although it is more convenient to
have it near the center of population.
A writer, not q thousand miles away,
would have US understand that this
consolidation of school districts is a
scheme on the part of the town peo-
pie to have the farmers build them
$4,000 schoolhouses; whereas the
true reason is one of mutual economy
and benefit. AS proof Of the economy
of the system we quote the report Of
the state superintendent Of our
neighboring state:
Nearly if not quite one half of
all taxes in rural school districts in
this state are for the support of the
schools, and the average length Of a
term is but five months and the
salaries paid teachers but $32 per
month, or $l6O per year. In ntown pay
ing graded schools sless than one fourth
tn the total taxes for school purposes.
The term will average over eight
months and the wages paid teachers
will exceed $45 per month. Better
hoolhouses and better equipment
in every way are provided in the
town than in the country"
From Spencer, this state, comes
this report:
There has been but little decrease
in the expense to the township, but
the attendance has almost doubled,
making the expense per pupil much
less"
Thus we see that consolidation
would lessen the taxes for both town
and country, which would also be
proven by instances nearer at home.
Under previous conditions the farm
er who has been successful and can
afford it moves to his nearest town to
give his children better education.
But under present conditions, with
the rural telephone, daily mail de-
livery, the transporting Of his child
rem to central graded school, the
farmer enjoys all the advantages
right on the farm that he could pos
sibly gain by moving to town, with
the added advantage of being free
from the hustle and strife Of the
city.
Farmers, BY giving your boys and
girls these advantages you are play
ing the string that will keep them
on the farm where health, wealth
and happiness abounds, Other bene-
fits resulting from this change are
numerous and without correspond
ing loss.
First-C Country and city pupils
would both profit by mingling to-
gether. Country pupils are much
more industrious; city pupils more
polished. They would thus gain
from each other.
Second-Th attendance would
be larger and more regular.
Third-The number Of cases Of
tardiness would be reduced.
Fourth The cost of tuition each
month would be less per pupil than
now.
Fifth Pupils would not be COM
pelled 70 walk through the mud and
water such as we have at present,
and then sit with wet feet all day.
The health Of the pupils would be
improved.
Sixth-It would create an impetus
Tor better country roads, and give
the farmers an additional means
ct communication with the towna
great conyenience and saving Of