The courier-index., 1917-08-10
TO THOSE INTERESTED IN
 THE WELFARE OF THE TOWN

The ime is fast approaching when the work Of the city schools will begin for another year. l have a number of things that without seeming to try to dictate to people what they shall do l wish to pre- sent to the thoughtful people of Na~ianna for their consideration.
 The most important institution in any city is it's school system both from the point of view of the good of the people and h.: o. business interest. We hope to see Marianna soon a city of ten thousand. If 1t becomes so people must move Tn from other places and the very first question the best of them will ask ss: What kind of school system have we? There is a disposition among some to leave the school sys- tenn entirely to the superintendent but the best man in the world can carry a school system no farther ! than the sentiment of the people will warrant. School men nowadays recognize the fact that the biggest problem they have is to develop sentiment. This is not one mans iob. If I succeed in the larger sense must have the support and CO., operation of all the citizens. l must be all Ion my toes" helping in every way possible. Are you in- terested in the schools? l am bend ing every energy to see that you will have something over there that you can be proud of and that you can boost without making a mistake. I know how to do all the inside work--that is my job and 1 am do- | ing it now. When I get it in shape ] hope you will come over and give it a thorough inspection what is there. What I need is boosting from the outside. cannot carry this sys- tenn to the high position that I wish to carry it unless the citizens of Marianna will get behind me and help where they can.
 Marianna is a city of 5000 or more. There should be in the High School department alone 75 or 100 students but. after examining the records and talking with students all that I can see in sight is 35 to 40. I wish I could convince you that this ought not to be. One reason for this is that a great many citi- zens are sending students off be- fore they finish High School. wish I could get you to see that students who leave before they have finished will have to do the same work away that they would do here and that their advantages would not be one with better. A school can not grow without students. If we do not think enough of our schools to patronize them other people will not be influenced to come here to send to them. 1 We are trying to establish a work ing library. We have many good books and more are coming. Some progressive citizens can do much for the schools by donating good refer enee books. am sure that there are many m your homes that are not in use. We need them at school One man has already told us that he would donate a shelf of books. Who will be another?
 Medals and prizes do much to stimulate interest. Will not some one offer a medal in Athletics, Scholarship. Attendance, etc?
 In conclusion let me say that the more you put into the school the more interest you will take. We want you to expect much of the schools and we want you to bring them up to your expectations.
 FRED MacCHESNEY
 Superintendent of Schools.
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