The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1907-05-31
FOR BETTER SCHOOL
Prominent Citizen Makes Some
Timely Suggestions.
WOULD HOLD PUBLIC MEETING
County Superintendent and Patrons
Should Be Brought Together
In Discussion.

Agitation for better schools in Ath-
ena has commenced none too soon.
School directors and clerk are to be
elected at the annual school election,
which takes place Monday, June II.
The tax payers of the district and the
patrons of the school are deeply inter
ested in this vital matter. and the fol-
lowing communication from prom
inent citizen, contains good sugges-
tions:
Athena, Oregon, May 31,--(Io the
Editor )-"Do not think it presump-
tuous in me to say few things in the
Press about preparing for prosperous
school at this place, beginning this
fall. 1t is far from my purpose to
want to be conspicuous about this or
any other matter. I think it timely,
however. for everybody in Athena
and vicinity to become highly interest
ed in the school situation, and to make
an honest effort from now ON to main
tain school at this place, second to
none in Umatilla county. In order to
do this we must become deeply inter
ested. work in harmony. put aside our
grievances, forget the past, correct
present irregularities, and prepare for
the future.
''It is one of the Imperative duties
of every citizen to be interested in
public education. We have some oiti-
zens in this place who are heavy tax
payers and who have no children of
school age. We can not expect these
to have much more than a passive in
terest in the schools, yet they pay
their taxes, heavy as they may be,
without murmur. No doubt every
one of them would be pleased to see
good results from the money they pay,
as taxes. toward the maintenance of
the schools; put, on the contrary, those
taxpayers who have children of school
age are expected to take an active in
terest in public education and get the
very best returns from the money paid.
''It might be suggested that some
time before the election of directors
we have public educational rally,
and discuss proper subjects appertain-
| ing to the maintenance of a good
school, among which might be men,
toned the salaries that we can afford
to pay, the kind Of teachers suitable,
the support to be given the teachers
and directors, and many other things.
School directors need the support
Of the patrons; the teachers need the
united support of all. The children
need encouragement. | would there
fore suggest, if not premature and pre-
snmptuous, that the citizens have it
understood that public meeting be
held within few weeks for the dis
cussion of pertinent subjects along the
line of public education. and that we
have the county superintendent of
schools, some noted or successful
teachers, and other outside persons
present to deliver short addresses.
This. in my judgment will workup en-
thusiasm and start progressive move
ment which will eventuate in very
noticeable success for the school at this
place.
Let us cease our complaints of the
past, forget them all, and remem ber
that we have duties to perform in the
proper maintenance of good schools.
II we do this, and the proper steps are
taken in time, we shall have one of the
best schools in the history of Athena
--one that every citizen will be proud
to mention. We are not finding fault
whatever With the past, but new life.
vigor, and enthusiasm are greatly
needed right now."
"Will M. Peterson.