Evening journal., 1917-01-16
CLERGghEA favor
new School Laws
Kent County Union Recon-
mends Uniformity OF
Grades, Etc.
SAY SALARIES
ARE TOO LOW

SPECIAL to THE EVENING JOURNAL.
DOVER. Del. Jan. l6.--At q meeting
OF the Kent County Ministerial Union
aclc lere last week, il was decided Ia
frcStnf the following Statement OF
Facts to the pubnc and adopted reso
mtions emhodying the suggestions and
spirit Of the statement.
~The study OF the public school sys-
tenn OF the State of Delaware IS sub
iect Tor deepest consideration az this
time. The position Of Delaware In the
rank OF States, creates embarrassment
1T times in certain social and economic
fields. Tho cooperation Of tho several
forces in the State for the creation Of
remedial legislation is desirable and
fundamental Following arc some OF
the features recommended for special
consideration:
~Ths children should receive what the
State is paying for
"Ihs state should require uniformity
In grades, text books, teacher require
msnta and supervision.
eAuthority to assist in creating uni
formity should be vested in a central
lsed board
"Ths application Of all school laws
should be referred TO the State Board,
Il which the commissioner Of education
should b the executive officer. The COM
suisnon@ should he supplied with the
necessary Office, office force and office
equipment for the proper conduct Of his
ofaca.
"A uniform system Of reports should
b. established. The local board should
be required 10 furnish definite informa-
tion 70 the State Board, covering such
items a. property valuation and assess
rnsnt including capitation assessment
recsipts and expenditures
The average teachers salary IL toc
low. Al present the salary is set at
figure the local board feels able to pay
without consideration for the right OF
The pupils 20 demand an adequately
equipped teacher, who Is not available
because Of more desirable compensation
elsewhere. Salaries should be adjusted
20 q figure 10 make it worth while for
college. academy, seminary and normal
school graduates 10 seek positions on
the teaching staf Of the State. Pro
vision should also be made for the
nroper recognition OF diplomas and GER
ti6cates from these institutions
.qu order that men equipped in schol'
arship experience in school work, admin
istration capacity, tact and fitness IN
dealing with men and women, may be
retained as county superintendentsi
moro adequate compensation must be
provided.
sMore frequent. and more special su'
pervision is needed for which the press
system N inadequate Hence, supervis
inc teachers should be provided for by
the Legislature.
''1he discrepancy between rura
schools and incorporated town school
in relation 20 the percentage Of pupil
In GRADES expected Is too great, 20 On
disadvantage Of the rural pupil.
"The present school tax system, in
auQurated about 1890, is a survival o
the day when special classes could OBJ
tain special privileges A more prope
equalization OF taxes should be adopted
This may have 10 be brought about b,
changing the property basis Of taxation
from rental value 70 real value. Ih'
sum total may be more. but an increas
IL needed.
attention should he given 20 :
proper codifcation Of the present schoo
laws The State Board Of Education II
cndeavoring 20 apply the law sympa
thetically and intelligcntly. has founl
the existing body Of school laws lacSin'
In unitv, in consistency. in harmony ant
adequacy. Hence, a commission shout
be appointed 10 simplify, unity AM
codify the laws as they stand