The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1908-10-06
An Open Letter From the Board OF
School Trustees to the Public.

An Open Letter From the Board Of
School Trustees to the Public.
While the board Of school trustees
positively refuse to recognize the
criticism of "a Patron" the same
being made under an assumed name,
we feel, as public servants we are
due the public at all times an explain
alton, especially where misconstruc-
tions are placed on our actions.
We have been criticised for chang
ing our text books of the different
grades at the same time a general
complaint was in circulation that our
school was below the average and not
up to the standard.
We respectfully inform you that
our school system has been changed,
a High School having been added.
The 1910 grades are instructed un-
der the departmental plan, each grade
is under the supervision Of three spe-
cia1 teachers, as we'll as the general
supervision Of our superintendent.
The selection of books for all
grades was made from the list Of the
very best schools in the State. Not a
book (our former booEs) was discard
ed, or a new book added unless ab-
solutely necessary, and every book
on our list will be needed and must
be used by the different grades.
Our selection Of books has receiv-
ed the approval of our superintend-
ent, as well as the endorsement of the
best educators of the State. OH~ii in
deavor is to bring our school, not only
to your desire, "a standard schooD
but to make it the Model School Of
South Carolina, so that our graduates
may be qualified to enter college or
upon any business vocation, become
useful and intelligent citizens, become
a propelling rather than static force
in the general progress and up
building Of the community in which
they may reside. Surely this is
laudable undertaking and should re-
ceive your hearty cooperation.
The selection of. our text books was
not the only consideration Of your
board but also the selection Of sup
erintendent and corps Of teachers, the
sanitary condition of our school build
ing as we'll as the general welfare Of
patrons, scholars and instructors, re-
ceived our most earnest and serious
consideration. Not a word Of en-
couragement or commentator has
been said in public print for all our
efforts towards the upbrilding Of our
school, only criticism and abuse.
We are working without compensa-
ton. are always ready and willing to
do the very best we can for all parties
concerned but we feel that we are
entitled to the support Of our cltlz-
ems and should receive manifesto
tions that our labors are appreciated,
not abuse and insinuations as to
graft from the sale Of books, because
we have nothing whatever to do with
the sale or exchange Of books.
Our local book dealer will substan-
tiate our assertion.
Your present board Of school trus-
tees have been in charge Of your
school affairs only about two years,
a good deal has been accomplished.
We cite only a few Of the improve
ments made to show that the criticism
against the board is unwarranted, un-
just and unfair.
When taking charge there was an
indebtedness of about $500. This has
been iquidated by the present board.
Anybody that is acquainted with
our school affairs and views them
with prejudice or parhiality, will ad-
nit that our school is on the upward
grade, has advanced and has made
constant progress.
An almost new corps Of instructors
are in charge and we say to you and
all. 90 where You may visit any
school in this or any other State in
the Union and you will not find
more refined, intelligent, or more
competant corps of instructors in
charge Of any school, than has charge
of the Newberry Graded and High
School.
We should learn to speak a good