Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-06-06
SCHOOL PROBLEMS CALI
I.l:L!)R CLOSE COOPERATION
Superintendent Hart Asks That
81 Officials Keep in Touch With
- His Office.
TRGEs PROPER SANITATION
Most OF Deficiencies in System, He
Are ChargcabIc to
LACK OF Funds-Tcachcrs Need
More Money.

Harris Hart. state Superintendent
ofSPublic Instruction, yesterday sent
OUT letters 10 the superintendcnts and
ehairmen OF the district boards of
trustees. asking that they keep in
close touch with him for co-opera-
ton In the solution of some of the
SERIOUS education problems which Mr..
struction to be offered. the salaries OF
tsachers. and physical education and
sanitation.
sMost. of these deficiencies are
ohargeable TO the lack Of financial
problems before us and do tho best
we can within our present limita-
ton; Mr.. Hart stated; The State
eJ1approximately one-third. and / am
extremely hopeful that the amend
rsnt 70 section l36 of the Constitu-
the people next November. This will
relieve your local funds of the so
cent limit now fixed by the Constitu-
fen, and make effective statute
winch provides for a dollar limit on
dtstrict and county taxes cobmincd.
With this increased rate, or with n
HEhcr assessed value of property. or
Mith both. we shall have larger funds
mediate future, however, causes
much concern"
Asks Thorough Instruction.
Mr. Hart stated that tho first thing
LIE aSSupol system SnOUl0 guarantee
fs-safe and thorough instruction TO
All. children of the Commonwealth
"A; trained teacher in every school is
the safest guarantee against disin-
teSration in the school system" Mr.
Hart added. While the teachers have
been attracted from tho rural schools
by social and economic conditions,
such schools must be developed. The
first solution offered by the superin-
tendcnt is to fix a reasonable bonus
on the salaries of the teachers in
schools OF this type. and II possible.
TO maintain an eiEht-month term.
He also stated that by finding
pleasant homes for the teachers and
limiting. the number of classes to be
dren in the lower grades may have
reasonable time for their daily in
struction. the problem would become
Related to, tho first is the salary
Of the tea chers. according to MIR.
Hart The public is now aroused to
thel TACT that we must have good
teachers and pay, reasonable salaries.
Salaries for teachers In the Virginia
public schools will show n marked
Increase for next year. In the cities
will range from $500 to about $500
for the session. Many counties have
adopted schedules far in advance of
last years schedule. number of
placed In counties At 500 per month
You will find II difficult TO procure
your quota of teachers at n less sal
airy than from 5000 To $500 for teach
ers with any professional training"
Muny Rurnl Schools nuiIt.
1T is astounding to see tho num-
her of rural schools which have been
erected and arc now being conducted
with apparently no regard for the
requirements of the sanitary laws"
Mr.. Hart stated. Proper physical
development is just as necessary for
citizenship as mental training"
MIR. Hart offered tho following pro-
gram TO be undertaken during the
vacation: first, to clean up the
school premises: second, to paint Snd
freshen buildings where this is need
ed' third, 10 cut extra windows. par
Shcularly in the one-room schools
wherever the amount OF light does
not, meet state requirements: and,
Fourth. TO build sanitary outhouscs.