The log cabin Democrat. [volume] (Conway, Ark.) 1901-1982, 1913-05-08

to urge the people OF our county 10
study the law on this question for
themselves and determine what inn
provement it would bring for the
schools of the county.
/ Though some people have grown OPP
posed to this measure, have they
grown opposed to it by a study of
school conditions in counties in this
state and other states where the plan
has been given a fair trial? Surely
they just need to study such condo
tions more closely.
No one will deny that we need many
changes for the better in our common
schools. Our common schools are not
at all organized, and frequently large
ly untaught. These conditions, not on
ly in Faulkner county, but at least in
most of Arkansas counties are deplor-
able. What do we need more than
some good man to superintend or look
into these things, determine the cause
and apply the remedy as early as pos
sble? Of course, we are handicapped
in many ways, but why not organize
what we can do and then make the
best of our conditions? AS a matter
of fact, great many of our common
schools could not well bear inspection,
but with few years under good SUI
perintendent, we would surely realize
many good changes in them.
Under our old system, we may have
the most ambitious and progressive ex-
aminer in the state, but we cannot exc
pect him to carry out such principles
of organization. He cannot do these
things though perhaps he would be
glad to do them. Necessity forces him
to give the greater part of his time
and attention to some other work.
Well if the examiner cannot do
these things, who might be held re-
sponsible for them?
Now for the law concerning the
measure. Someone has referred teach
ers, particularly, to section of the
act, which states that the superintend
ent shall not approve warrant
drawn for other purposes than those
ordered at the May meeting" Fellow
teachers, do we want money that has
been voted for another purpose? Is
not this merely a necessary check
which we have anyway? AS matter
of fact his services are primarily for
the schools of his county, and not pri-
marily for the teachers, though he will
be of much assistance to the progress
sive teacher in many ways. For the
unprogressive it is his duty to assist
the board in ascertaining the fact and
thus have the districts money eXpend
ed for the greatest real good to the
children therein. He will be expected
to organize the schools of his county,
help the school boards with their prob
lens when they need help, help and
encourage the good teachers, and in
short, he must standardize our schools
as rapidly as possible.
With further reference to the law,
| call attention to section 6: "He shall
receive from each teacher monthly re-
ports, etc Thus, he must keep in
touch with every school in his county.
Note section 10; "He shall devote
his entire time in the performance of
his official duties" His whole duty is
the advancement Of the school inter
ests of his county.
4 Now last in the law, and almost
least. is the salary ne IS TO receive
$500 to $1,000 per year. Of this the
fees for examinations go to help pay
and the school funds Of the county
supplement the fees. Though there is
a slight expense, had we better bear it,
or 90 on with each school standing
alone or not standing at all, totally I'M
organized all over the county, and still
all of our school funds going?
Supervision is, without question, the
shortest and surest road to better
schools in our county and our state.
May the time soon. come when every
county in Arkansas has a good super
intendent.
Now, school people of Faulkner
county, it is your privilege and duty to
study the law on this question. [ sin
cerely hope you will do this and then
make the greatest step possible for
better schools by giving the measure a
good majority on May II.
Yours for better schools,
C. c. BLAIR.
Vilonia, Ark, May 5, 1913.