Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1909-09-24
s.us ttTsas valley,

gOOQ TO the pcoPiSl Wy :.
Selves liable to public criticism, AL
praise to them for the good work
they have done. 1t is not what
thew have done, but what they
have failed to do that they should
have done that provokes criticism
All wisdom and all knowledge do
not reside in any individual or body
of individuals. Public officials may
make mistakes sometimes inten-
tionaD and in the opinion of many
a fatal mistake--fatal to the best
interest of the High School--has
been made in not meeting and ov-
coming all obstacles in the way of
its successful establishment this
year. 1t is difficult to see how a
| live. thousand-dollar school building
under the present conditions and
outlook will "better educational
advantages throughout the entire
district"
Have we an axe to grind? Yes.
One in common with all interested
in public education in the district,
viz: to see Blue Grass District High
School firmly established and start
ed out on successful career as an
educational force. Nothing more.
Why was it not advisable and prac-
ticable to do it this year? Why
wait?
We submit below a few facts in
regard to the consolidation of schools
in Virginia, taken from the last re-
port of J. D. Eggleston, State Su-
perintendent of Public instruction
and President of the State Board
of Education:
Schools have been consolidated
at 179 different points, resulting in
the discontinuance OF 421 one-room
shoots. Schools have been consol-
idated in al counties, and, in 21
counties, transportation is provid-
ed at the public's expense. The
smallest number of schools consol-
idated was two; the largest number,
sixteen. AS stated, 81 counties
furnish transportation, most OF
them using wagons. Two use rails
roads; two or three use electric
lines, and one uses both electric
lines and wagons. Sixty-three
(63) wagons run every school-day
morning, carrying 1,071 children to
school; railroads and electric car
lines carry 200 more, making to-
tai of ,271 children conveyed to
school in Virginia atpublic expense.
The longest wagon haul in the
State is 7 miles; the shortest about
3 miles.
The cheapest wagon used in any
county costs $50, the best wagon in
the State costs S210, The average
cost of a twenty-child wagon is SLID.
A ffteen-child wagon costs about
S7a. The largest number hauled
in any one wagon is Al, this wagon
being drawn by four horses.
A given territory enrolled, before
consolidation, 3,1S5 children; the
same territory, after consolidation
enrolled 4,S15 children, a gain OF
| / ,629 children in enrolment. The
cost per pupil, before consolidation,
was ST SO; after consolidation, ST.
I01.
In no case has transportation
failed where it has been given affair
trial.
Columns could be filled with the
reports of Superintendent concern
ling the successful operations OF the
system all over the State. But it
is not advisable or practicable here,
although an expensive school build
ling, erected fer the purpose, STANDS,
ready and waiting to be occupied
Iby the consolidated schools of Low
er Crabbpttom, as promised. Why?
This question remains unanswered
Rev, J, B, Ferguson, pastor Of
The U. B, church, is conducting a
revival meeting here, He is being
assisted by Rev. T. M. Sharp, pas
tor of Holt Memorial church, Roa-
nokc City. The music is in charge
of Prof. Ira Long, Lacy Springs,
Rockingham County. Much inter,
est is manifested, and 1t ls hoped
that great good will be done.
Prof. Long is also teaching a
class in vocal music.
Our enterprising merchant, Ira
IW. Nicholas, has gone to Baltimore
TO lay In 3 supply of fall and win
ter goods.
The High Schools scheduled tc
open Oct. 4, we believe. We have
not learned who the Principal will
bs,
Our farmers have finished outtlIns
corn and seeding is now the ordel
of the day.
The drouth continues: pastures
are brown and parched and streams
are drying up. UNCLE JOE:
The Thrice. a-Week World.