The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1914-12-03

Inc tnlrQ annual cOnVen tlOn OF
county and city superintendent met
in Boise, November 10, 20 and 81.
The Superintendent Of Public Instruc-
ton called the meeting early this
year SO that the legislative matters
might be discussed and conclusions
presented to the State Board of Edu--
cation for their recommendation to
the legislature. In numbers attend.
ing, in interest and enthusiasm, the
meeting was a record breaker. All
save five county superintendents (who
were detained by illness), large
number of city superintendent, and
a number of county superintendents.
elect and representatives of the state
educational institutions were present.
Some weeks previous to the meet
ing, committees had been appointed to
present important matters CT legisla-
ton, and a circular letter had been
sent to all the educational supervisors
of the state, presenting these points
and asking for suggestions and criti-
cisms. In a state so widely diversi-
fled as Idaho, most careful considera-
ton by those Immediately in touch
with school works must be given to
determine what is best for the schools
of the state. The convention acted
as a clearing house for problems to-
ward which the state should work in
the future, and recommended a num-
Der of changes in school law that are
needed for the present.
The important subjects discussc 4
were High School Problems, present
by Supt. Crandall, of Idaho Falls:
Certification Of Teachers, by Supt.
Neal, of Adams County; County Unit,
by Supt. Ethel Redfie Id, of Nez
Perce County; School Revenue, by
Supt. Siders, of Pocatello; Course of
Study, by Supt. Catherine Dryden, OF
Latah County.
The convention recommended that
some plan of county organization of
schools in place Of district organiza-
ton be drawn up and be made option
al with counties. They also recon
mended that all details of the certi-
fication of teachers be referred to
the State Board of Education, acting
on recommendation of an advisory
board composed of teachers. This
would relieve the statute book of
nine or TEN pages of technical details,
and save much time OF thd legislators.
The convention emphasized the
need Of state aid and direction in
high school work, they requested the
State Board Of Education to plan for
a State High School Director or
Visitor.
Much interest was aroused by a
Community High School Bill, pre-
pared as a substitute and extension
of the present Rural High School
Law. No final action was taken on
this.
Endorse State Board Of Education
The convention went on record by
unanimous vote in the following reso-
luton: Resolved by this conven-
ton that we commend State Com
missioner DR.. E. o. Sisson and mem
bers of the State Board of Education
for their efforts to raise the status
of education in Idaho and that we
pledge them our support"
In appreciation of the efforts of
the retiring Superintendent of Public
Instruction. they also passed the fol-
lowing: Whereas, this is the last
Of this body in its official
with our esteemed State SD
perintendent, Miss Grace M. Shop
herd, who has devoted her entire
energies to the betterment of school
conditions in this state, and had ia
ken large part in the educational
affairs of the nation, therefore be it
resolved that we express to her our
of her services by a
rising vote'
Many Of those attending declared
this the best convention held. Idaho
is to be congratulated on having a
body of men and women who are Civ
ing such careful study to the educa-
tional needs Of the state.
Recommend Small Tax
Much attention was paid to school