The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-05-28
MRS. STEVENS WRITES.

Bantry. N. D., May 2s.-To The
Forum: Your editorial OF MAY 90
anent Old Timers Passing. was fine
because so true. It's promise of his
torical recognition will be honored. ]
have no doubt. / rejoice that I came
into the state in time to see and know
many OF the stalwart citizens. Such
times produce such men.
The editorial following it was re-
freshingly respectful to two "old
timers" who are stiIl in the race and
doing yeoman service.
1t is good to see school men. also
men Of affairs without meddling be-
tween the two (for so many of ms
school folk say How happy could 7
be with either, were 'tother dear
charmer away!"). I rise to remark
that both have been connected with
education all the time l have known
them. think it is only justice to A.
l. Woods to tell you that he has been
doing institute work all the time and
keeping in touch with the rural teach
err particularly.
As for the present state supertn-
tendent devoting so much of his at
tention to high school, some of us re-
joiced when he comes in, because he
would do so and haven't the results
justified his attention? We now have
good and growing high schools in this
part OF the state, and they are climb
ing rapidly into the first class
This classification of the high
schools is no doubt largely due to the
state. superintendent capable leader
ship, but the times were ripe and men
were ready. No man could do 1t
alone.
AS for the rural schools, don't let
us say neglect. I have been working
in the rural schools for some years
and 1 have been in touch with them
all the years have been in North Da-
kota- What we needed was longer
terms Of school a living salary and
then better qualified teachers would
come and stay.
I rejoice that have lived under such
able and enthusiastic state superin
tendents, but none more so than the
present. Each administration has Sc
cured some permanent good. The
present one secured a minimum salary
OF $45 per month, which swept away
the teacher who would offer to teach
for trif1e and stay on her claim.
Third grade certificates have been
swept away. If only the permits had
gone the same way! But alas. alas.
they still give footing to transients.
The terms are longer now. Many
of them are just the same as the VIII
lage terms. and many good teachers
prefer the sons and daughters of the
farm in the country school, because
chores make better stun for manhood
than p. m. TO 9 d. m. in the village
street.
II only there were more districts
like the Berg one you emphasize
among your kernels as providing a
home for the teacher. But the rural
school Is coming into its own and all
hands are helping.
Well they may! When rs per cent
of our school children sit on these
benches and only per cent ever enter
any other school
But maybe they don't all come, or
stay long enoughl
The last time the legislature met,
the powers, that are supposed to be
neglecting the rural school, worked
hard to secure the standardizing of
the rural school, and the Offering of a
grant in aid. to be spent on educa-
tional help, as each school should
climb into a higher class. And so the
rural school would get the same treat
ment as the high school
But my lords. the legislators. needed
educating. And so the Northwestern
Educational association meeting In
Minot, April Is and 16, resolved to lay
this plan before every legislator elect.
Thank you for helping wherever the
Forum is read, |. e. all over the state.
Jean McNaughLon Stevens,
President Rural Dept, N. ID. E. A.