Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1919-11-14
Education Commission Report-Im

Inc virginia Education CommlSS-
ion has completed its report based
upon n careful survey Of the public
school system. This report will b,,
published about the middle of No
vember. 1t will contain full and de-
tailed information as to the pres
ent status of education in Virginia,
and most important recommendations
on the reorganization and develop
ment of the schools.
Compelling facts and figures are
presented in support of the Com
missions recommendation and a
study of these will be necessary to
fully understand the proposals of
fered. A summary of some of the
most recommendations are:
First. That the entire school
system be reorganized and simpli-
fled and that the people oe given
reasonable direct participation in
school affairs. 1t is recommended
= that the State Board of Education
be appointed by the Governor, to a
number and for n term to be fixed
by law, and that legal provision be
made to discourage purely political
appointment. In each city and coun-
ty there is to be q small local school
board elected by the people, to have
legislative and judicial control of the
schools. In cities a board of five is
to be elected from the city at large,
and in the county the board is to be
composed of one member, man or
woman, from each magisterial dis
trict elected by the qualified voters
of the district. 1t is recommended
that the electoral board, the district
school board, and the county board
as now organized be abolished, and
that the county rather than the dis
trict be made<the unit of operation.
1t is recommended that members of
the local school boards receive a per
diem of not more than five dollars
for the time devoted to board meet
ings in order to make it possible
for them to attend to important pub
lie business without actual sacrifice.
Second. The Commission feels that
the people should have direct partic-
ipation in local school affairs, but
that in the election of State Super
intendent, better results will follow
If he be appointed by the State
Board of Education rather than
elected by the people. 1t is therefore,
rec smmended that tb: State Super
intendent be appointed by the State
intendent be appointed by the State
Board of Education, without refer
ence to place of residence.
Third. The administrative and ex-
ecutive officer in each city and ccun-
ty is to be superintendent of schools
appointed by the local board from u
list of eligibles furnished by the
State Board, the appointment to be
confirmed by the Senate of the State
Board. The duties of the Superin-
tendent are to be closely difined
giving him reasonable authority il
such profession matters as the Sc
lection and placement of teachers
courses of study, etc. The county
board may in its discretion appoint
licll bchool committees for each
school house.
Fourth. One of the most importan
recommendation of the Commission
is that the State tax for schoo
purposes be increased from fourteen
to twenty cents, and that the consti
tutional limit for local taxes be re
moved, higher limit being fixed b,
statute. The purpose of this recon
mendation is to provide adequat
funds with which to pay teachers
salaries. 1t is proposed that the aver
age salary paid teachers in Virgini
shall not be less than the averag
pay of teachers in the United State.
This means an average annual sa
airy of $675.00. Experience in til
last few years has clearly prove
that an adequate supply of traine
teachers cannot possibly be secure
for less amount. A standard salar
is proposed for teachers having
minimum of professional qualifica
ions. The Commission has in mir
not so much to provide a minimum
salary for an individual school teael
er, but to guarantee certain qua
ity of instruction to the children
tLo Tl... g. IL.