The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-09-24
SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION.


postofice to clutter up their mail
SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION.
Experience is proving that the Ell
ficiency of rural schools can be ma
terially increased through the conson-
dstion of the small schools in a iocatts
into one large one. And yet, Tor some
rcs SON or other, this movement does
not appear to be as popular In Kansas
as it might be expected.
d. A. Ellsworth, secretary OF ne
Kansas State Teachers assoc1ation'
presents an article in the current issue
of the Kansas Teacher. the publication
Of this organization, that details the al
vantages of this Tlan in convincing
fashion, as we'll as it's history and what
is being done in other states along TINS
line. He lis it the "A. ,. c. OF Con-
solidation" and 1t il worthy OF the at
tention Of every one who is Interested
in the development of the rural schools
of Kansas. 1t follows:
IL the consolidated school an Amerf-
can idea? Thoroughly SO. being OF New
England origin.
What was the date Of the first con-
solidated school? The plan was sug-
gcsted In 1869.
How many states have consolidated
schools now: Thirty-two states have
provided for it by law.
How many consolidated schools are
there? There are more than 1900 In the
United States.
Has q consolidated school ever gone
back to the old way? Not one that was
ever fully consolidated.
Which state ranks first in consolida-
ton? Indiana has gone ahead the
fastest and ranks first.
Will consolidation increase the taxes?
The average for 16 consolidated schools
was 20 cents the child per day. You
can compare that with the cost OF your
school.
How does consolidation make the
school a better plant? Larger. better
buildings; more complete equipment;
better paid teachers: better organiza-
ton: school wagon service, and high
school course.
How large district is best under
consolidation? A child should not 1.-Two
be better. This means districts Of 16 to
Is square miles. The extremen sic is
best only when. poor facilities are meant
otherwise.
Would you put the school house in the
center Of the district? The geography
of the area must govern this. In some
cases it is best to have the school near
er one side, so that the wagons do not
need to go each way.
is transportation essential tc CONSOLE
dation? AS a rule, yes. All children
living two miles or more from the
school should be carried at public ex-
pense.
Is it cheaper to transport children
than to establish school? Yes. A
wagon costs less than a building; horses
less than fuel; and drivers less than
teachers.
l. How will transportation be regulated
SO that children will not have to wait
by the road, miss the wagon, or suffer
from riding too far In cold weather?
Competent drivers. regular schedule
three-minuto waits, blankets and foot
warmers.
Is it feasible the year through: Just
. as much as milk wagons and mail
teams. If the horses can't get through
the children shouldn't walk.
What is the average cost Of transpor-
tation to the child? 1t Is es+'---~+ed al
$3.50 the month for each child. The
driver gets $25 to $40 the month. One
team can as a rule transport Is.
Have you the figures for counties thai
have consolidated schools? Montgom
cry county, Indiana. has 504 square
miles. The population is 10000 &c pei
cent is rural. Three-fourths Of tn.
county is consolidated. They had IA!
! district schools. They now have 80 con
solidated schools and 26 that have no
been. Seventy school wagons are en-
ployed.
Does the consolidated school insur,
high school advantages? Yes. Thu
child may prepare for college and neve
be away from the farm home one night
! What state aid Is given consolidate
schools in Minnesota? CoEsolidate'
schools are Of tire classes-A. B IL
c. A has at least four departments: B
three. and c at least two. All pupils a
far as two miles away must be trans
ported, or room and board made posi-
BILE. The qualifications Of the teacher
must be high. The class A receive
from the state s, 800 each year. Clas
B gets $1,000. and class c, $3.50. In add
ton to this state aid W / be given equa
to % per cent of the cost Of the build
ing-the amount of aid not to excee
1,5OO.
PROGRESS IN THE KITCHEN.
The fact that q thing has Away