The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1909-12-08

of LaurenS county has written the fol-
lowing letter to Mr.. Swearingen, com
menting somewhat on the conditions
in this county at the present time:
Supt. j. Il. Swearingen,
Columbia, S. G.
My dear Sir
Your letter just received
asking for short supplementary re-
port to be included i'm your 4lst annu-
al report. Below give short re-
port of the educational work and prog
ress along few important lines.
The Results of the Educational
Campaign: The educational cam
paign was well attended by teachers
trustees and patrons of I4aurens coun-
ty. The addresses were strong, pra-
teal, full Of thought and very inter
esting. The results of the meeting
were felt at once, and its influence
still lives. This meeting was great
stimulant to local taxation, more eff
cient teachers, better buildings, and
longer terms.
ment Association: This department
OF the school work is doing it's part
along the line of advancement. On a
drive through the rural districts one
can see the effects of this department
In every school district. The build
ings and grounds are everywhere be-
ing improved and beautifed, which is
the direct fruits of this department
OF school work.
The Rural School Problem: The
rural school problem is n subject for
much thought and discussion i'm Lau-
rens county. We have one district
without a white school; three with
very small schools, while all the other
districts are in good condition The
high school Act, the Garris fund, and
local taxation are fast solving this
problem.
The State Appropriation for Weak
Schools The county recognizes this
as the best appropriation the state has
ever made. We realize that it lis
reaching the people who really need
assistance. We have received liber-
nj share of the Garris fund. 1t will
be the means of many months of good
school to the rural children. 1t is
great stimulant to local taxation and
private subscription. 1t is earnestly
hoped by the people of the county that
this fund will be increased
Examinations and Certificates: The
number of applicants for certificates
by means of examinations have been
few. The examination and certifica-
tion of teachers is very unsatisfactory
to the county board, teachers and trus-
tees. We trust that n decided change
date.
Local Taxation: This part of our
school work is certainly encouraging.
We have &C districts including the
specials OF this number ~ are pay
ing n special school levy; II of the AZ
have voted the levy since last June.
The increased interest on the part of
patrons is clearly seen from these
figures. The Garris fund has stimu-
lated the voting OF local tax.
No Discount of School Claims: We
have to borrow little money for a
few months in order to pay the war
rants as they come in, The salary of
teachers is too small and to compel
them to discount the claims is dis
grace to any county.
Buildings Erected: Four new hous-
es were erected this past summer; five
we're remodeled. The people are wide
awake along this line. With the ex-
cepton of three districts we have good
houses; we'll lighted, well heated and
well furnished.
Rural Libraries: The libraries in
the rural districts are an education
within themselves. The children and
patrons are reading. We have only Q
very few schools that are without the
library. Steps are being taken to put
libraries in those schools. The libra
ries are being enlarged in many plac-
es. in great many places The child-
rem are so interested that they 90 10
work and raise money to purchase
new books.
Enrolment and Attendance: Our
schools as whole opened much earli
er this year than ever before. and will
run longer. The patrons are begin
ming to see the need of an education