Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-03-15
ELIZABETH CITY COUNTY
SCHOOLS.
Elitnr Ihn nnilN prnsn


1907. which has just been printed,
contains many pictures illustrating
the uplift In school methods and IA
lcilitics us well AS 4 mass OF valuable
statistics.
Tho school statistics of n single
lcounty or district are of little value
except as they are made basis of
comparison with those of other coun-
tries. Such a comparison In the case
OF Elizabeth City County seems to
justify. In great measure. some of
tho criticisms of school affairs that
have been heard OF late.
The ability to obtain ideal school
facilities depends upon the possession
of cash to purchase them. In this
respect Elizabeth City County has
been most fortunate witch speafs
we'll for the prosperous condition OF
Its citizens. For the year ending In
1906. the amount available for school
purposes wns.in round numbers. S3S,
600 and in 1907 $4,000. In the for
mer year. out or 1lS counties and
cities, there were only eighteen that
had greater funds. while In the latter
| year there wera nineteen. although
about fifty five had greater number
OF pupils enrolled.
Tho amounts expended In these two
years We're $31 200 and s32.300 res.
pectivcly, and in this item the county
dropped from eighteenth to twenty.
sixth place. The surplus each year
would have warranted many improve
ments. such as the establishment of a
school for the well settled district
between Hampton and Salter's Creek
inc citizens OF this section formed an
organization two years ago in the en-
dcavor TO obtain good schools and
roads. without results, however, until
now the question of annexation to
Newport News is being seriously con
sldered. There are at least two hum
dred school children in this section.
many OF whom arc forced to attend
school in Newport News nj increased
expense. yet the report for the year
ending in 1906 shows that onIy one
additional school was needed I'm tho
whole county. and that for colored
pupils. 1t is now said that school
VIII be furnished this section as soon
as one of the heirs of n certain niece
|of property. the purchase of whic,,
Is desired. returns from abroad. His
return seems TO be necessary fac
tor. and If he should decide not To re-
turn. matter OF few years or even
one year Will not make much differ.
ehce TO the children involved. Is tho
apparent conclusion of our schoo, nm.
thorities.
me efficiency of the schools dc.
nends upon proper supervision. good
teachers, sanitary and comfortable
surroundings. and such equipment and
apparatus as will allow the adoption
OF up-to-datc methods.
In tho year ending In 1905 the gum
erintendent was Officially emploved
100 days. visited the schools 15s
limes. and wrote 125' official letters
IN these Items he was equalled or
surpassed by ninety or more other
superintendents.
Ieachers' salaries increased from
sl6,S00 to $4,000 and yet the county
cropped from thirty eighth to thirtv-
ninth place. These expenditures for
salaries are low in comparison with
the total expenditures and the mum.
Der OF pupils enrolled If low salaries
ensure the employment of efncient
teachers. these expenditures have
been very economical from the stand.
point of the taxpayers, but rather
| hard on the teachers.
The. expenditures for real estate
| luildings, repairs, and furniture -5v,,,,,
Si,T2 and s1.SS7 for the two yc,rs
IN question. about fifty counties hay-
ing spent more for these items.
| III i9o6 only one county spent mere
| ,or libraries. maps. globes. charts.
| oiackboards and other apparatus. Tho
amount spent by the county yyas s6a3
TO s12O. u'oppco
| Tho expenditures for the esseotiois
TO efficiency were certainly very roa,'
enable If not too small.
Fuel and lights cost about 81 Ann
IN each year. For rent. books for
INDECENT children. and other coniine.
ent expenses. the expenditures wcro
ABOUT $1,000 each year The amount.
| spent for rent and books were "a
small as to be negligible. Tho COST
vi insurance was about $500. leavinp
over $500 for contingent expenscs
IN this connection IL Is pointed M:
| .hat the expenditures for ina,uanco
Jumped from $3.50 in 1904 10 S932 in
iso5 and to $500 in 1906, the latter
| DUNG exceeded by only one county
Nortoik County and Richmond CITY
were thc only districts In the state
,hat spent more in 1906 on the items
III the last group, although their to-
lal expenditures were three to 81,
| times AS great and their enrolment
three 10 four times as great. Tho
interest on school bonds Is presuma
NY included in the contingent ex
penses' but this still leaves from S..
oou 10 $4,000 per year that might bet
Ter have been spent on teachers sal
Iarlos. buildings. or euuipment Tho