IJonograjrfe, Educational Survey of Monroe County Georgia By M. L. DUGGAN, Rural School Agent No. 9 Under the Direction of the G.a^,- l^EPARTMENT OF EDUCATION M. L. BRITTAIN State Superintendent of Schools 1916 p. of D- FEB 20 131 ^. ^ MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION. Hon. T. R. Talmadge, Chairman Forsyth, Ga. Hon. U. S. Fuller Culloden, Ga. Hon. J. T. Castleberry Berner, Ga. Hon. J. G. Bush Jackson, Ga., R. F. D. Hon. H. Harden Forsyth, Ga. Hon. T. H. Phinazee, County Supt. of Schools. . . .Forsyth, Ga. THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION. The chief argument usually urged against the "County Unit of Administration" is the fear expressed that the mem- bers of the county board of education may not measure up to the educational den ends of the towns and cities. But surely the problems and needs of rural (Mhieation indicate the ne- cessity for as broad and constructive educational statesman- ship as the towns and cities ; and both deserve and call for the services of the very best and biggest men the county affords. Unless the men composing our boards of education are in advance of the prevailing- educational sentiment of the com- munity we cannot expect them to lead any movement for better urban or rural public schools; and unless they are strong and influential men we cannot exjiect them to command much fol- lowing. A few and increasing number of counties have evidently come to this view, and it is a matter that should seriously engage the attention of the Grand Juries Avho appoint board members. WHICH IS THE BEST SYSTEM? It is thought by many that the cause of public education has sufiPered in Georgia from a confusion of too many school systems, for there is a great lack of uniformity in the various public school systems over the State. Almost every town and city has a "system" of its own, cre- ated by special Act of the Legislature, and often conforming more or less to the supposed political interests of some local representative who "got it tlirough." Tliere are also several types of systems for rural schools in operation in the several counties and districts in the State (said to be as many as nine different kinds in operation in one county). These run all the way from tlie many, which rely wholly upon the State for support, and upon nobody in par- ticular for direction and administration, to the few counties which levy a county-wide local school tax (in some cases amounting to more tlmn is received from the State) and ad- ministered l)y a county board of education and a professional, trained, superintendent. The educational demands of the day cannot be satisfied un- der former conditions, and it is an important problem to be determined as to which one of the most progressive county sys- tems will be the best for all. Therefore some investigations have been in progress with a view of ascertaining the relative merits and demerits of sev- eral of the best approved county systems, and the results of these investigations are available in the "EDUCATIONAL BULLETINS," published by the State Department of Edu- cation from time to time. Particular attention is called to (1) Bulletin No. 6, "An Educational Survey of Jackson County," showing efforts at progress through the "District Local Tax Plan" and a multi- plicity of administrations. Here and elsewhere under this plan much of the benefit that should come from a high tax rate seems to be partly dissipated through a system that would not be tolerated in any other business enterprises. (2) Bulletin No. 7, "An Educational Survey of Houston County," repre- senting county-wide local tax levied and administered by a county board of education, and supervised by a whole-time professional superintendent, but with independent munici- pal exceptions. (3) Bulletin No. 8, "An Educational Survey of Randolph County," representing "A Single Unit of Support and Administration" including- all ninnieipalities, but with the towns under special Acts of the Legislature or otherwise levying a supplementary local tax after contributing to and participating in the county-wide local tax — simihn- to the re- cent Alabama school laws. (4) Bulletin No. 9, "An Educa- tional Survey of Monroe County," representing a "Complete County Unit System of Support and Administration," without any exceptions, but including municipal high schools. In the interest of the cause it is to be hoped that legisla- tors will give the State a more uniform system for all counties. Let this be suggested and indicated in the revision of the School Code, so much needed. MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM. A Complete County Unit System. The public school system of Monroe County, Ga., presents an interesting example of the much-discussed "County Unit Plan of School Support and Administration" without any mu- nicipal exceptions, for there are no "independent systems" here. The entire public school system of the county, including the municipalities of Forsyth and Culloden, is sui)ported by a county-wide local school tax levied and administered by the county board of education. Since such a system is so strongly endorsed by the V. S. Department of Education and progressive public school men generally, that it merits a careful consideration. This survey, therefore, was undertaken with the hope of furnishing accurate information as an intelligent basis for such study. In studying the details as reported herein one should constantly differentiate between such merits or demerits as should properly be chargeable to (a) the system, (b) the ad- ministration, (c) the individual teachers. The thoughtful read- er will easilv do this. SOME HISTORY. In October, 1906, the city of Forsyth voted against the es- tablishment of a municipal pnblic school system to be sup- ported by a local tax levy. In December, 1906, Monroe County, including Forsyth, voted in favor of ''county-wide local tax" by more than the requisite two-thirds majority. So, under the "County Unit Plan of Support and Admini- stration" the county board of education levied a "county- wide local school tax" for the support of ALL the schools of the county in 1907 ; and this Avas the beginning of the system Avhicli is responsible for the present public school conditions and prospects in the county. ADMINISTRATION. Though the citizens of each school district have a right, under the law, to elect a local school board, they generally have not cared to exercise such legal right, being satisfied with the county administration. Where there are "local trustees" they have a legal right to select teachers for their several schools, etc., subject to the approval of the county board ; but they have been satisfied to leave this important matter to the superintendent and county board, who generally have better facilities for selecting and securing suitable teachers. In the case of the Forsyth High School the county board has insisted ujion dividing this responsibility with a local advisory board, who usually refers the matter of nominating teachers to the school's superinten- dent. The teachers throughout the comity are thus selected with reference to their professional qualifications, rather than their local or personal influence. TITLES. The county board of education locates the schools, and has acquired titles to grounds, thus establishing a first element of permanency. 6 SCHOOL HOUSES. The planning and building of school houses have not been left to haphazard local interests or indifference, but the re- sponsible administration has constructed comfortable and at- tractive buildings, generally of uniform size and style, and planned with reference to the purposes to be served; and these are kept constantly repaired and repainted. Tliey are well supplied with single patent desks in suitable sizes, and with first-class blackboards, crayons, erasers, etc. A generous sup- ply of fuel is also supplied to each school through winter months. The pupils and patrons, under leadership of the teachers, are reasonably expected to improve, beautify and properly keep the school grounds, school gardens, playgrounds, and interiors. The organization of the schools, arrangement of the daily programs, plans and methods of teaching, supervision and di- rection of play, etc., are directly chargeable to the teachers. SOME RESULTS OF THE SYSTEM. The rural schools do not seem to have suffered from lack of attention from the county board. Practically all of the school houses have been built under the present system, and the re- port shows them to be in first-class condition and well painted, many of them recently repainted. But neither have the towns suffered under the system. For- syth had suffered from the need of a suitable high school build- ing before tlie present system was introduced. Under ad- ministration of the present system a modern high school build- ing meeting all demands has been constructed. The building cost thirty-five thousand dollars, the county board of educa- tion paying twenty-five thousand and the city council ten thousand. The county board then added another five thousand for equipment. The titles vest in the county board, as with the other schools of the county. This school has steadily grown and improved until it is now rated by Dr. J. S. Stewart as a fully accredited high school. There has been, at times, complaint upon the part of some in the county and the city who feared that their respective local interests would suiif'er at the hands of a "county unit of ad- ministration," ])iit all such fears seem to have been groundless and few eomplaints are now heard. It is worth remembering, however, that whenever there are grounds for complaint it will be easy to fix responsibility under such a system. THE SCHOOL YEAR. The school year throughout the county for these nine years has been nine months, except that in 190 the terra was cut half a month, and in 190 one full month, the cut being uniform in town and country schools. This was thought necessary on ac- count of the extraordinary expenses incident to the large amount put into new buildings. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. The large and increasing average attendance throughout so long a school year in the rural districts indicates the growing appreciation of the people. A still further indication is seen in the large number of high school pupils even at the one- and tAvo-teacher schools; although this latter imposes a very evident and serious problem on the administration, which should en- gage their earnest and early attention. SCHOOL SUPPORT. It is well worthy of note that while the State gives to Mon- roe County schools $20,853.75, the county submits to a local tax that yields an additional $24,311.00. As expressed in dol- lars and cents this indicates their appreciation of educational facilities for their children. The rate is five mills, and has never been less than four mills. Is this more than the edu- cational interests of the children deserve? A COUNTY TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION. It is not at all sur])rising that there is maintained regularly a monthly teachers' meeting and an annual athletic and liter- ary contest by the pupils from all the schools of the county. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES. 1. Titles to seliool i)roi)erty in county board of education — the first element of permanency. 2. Good school houses, well-seated with jjatent desks of suitable sizes. All kept in good repair. 3. A nine months' school year throughout the county. 4. A system that promotes the educational iriterests of town and county alike, recognizing the equal educational rights of the children regardless of residence. SOME RECOMMENDATIONS. (NOTE: A good system does not necessarily make good schools, but does make good schools possible. ^luch has been accom- plished here under the "County Unit System," but still much remains to be accomplished. ) 1. CONSOLIDATION of some of the small schools at suitable convenient centers, where larger grounds and build- ings can be planned for the school of the future, and enough teachers employed to make high school work possible. 2. LIMIT the number of grades, according to the number of teachers. It is impossible for any teacher to teach as many recitation periods as appear on the daily programs of most of these one-teacher schools. Little more than a hurried hearing of lessons is possible. If the administration will carry out the first recommendation, the second will be easy of solution. 3. For the sake of the moral and physical health of the children the matter of school toilets should have immediate and constant attention. 4. The general absence of organized self-activities among the pupils is a serious defect that greatly limits their education- al possibilities. Every good teacher knows this to be true, and can easily remedy it. Children should be encouraged to do something", as well as to know something. 5. Unimproved and neglected condition of the school grounds is always a reflection upon the teacher and communit3^ An enthusiastic leadership on the part of the teacher will always find a loyal following by pupils and patrons. Try it. 9 p ^^ PATILLO 1. Teachers: Miss Bessie Bell, Principal, Jackson, 6a., R. F. D. 6 ; Miss Gladys Tingle, Assistant, Jackson, Ga., R. F. D. 6. Location: Four miles southeast to Unionville. (Very close to the Butts County line.) Grounds: Area (?) ; titles (?) ; situated in a beautiful, elevated oak grove ; unimproved and neglected ; small play- ground ; no school gardens ; no toilets. Building": Value, $500; two class rooms, with Masonic Lodge overhead; lighting improper and insufficient; no ^loak rooms; building well kept, but in bad repair; unpainted. Equipment: Single patent desks; poor blackboards; no maps; no charts ; no globe ; no pictures ; no reference diction- ary; no library; water from a neighbor's well; open buckets, with common dippers. Organization: Nine months' school year; two teachers; eight grades ; 38 pupils ; program posted ; 20 recitation pe- riods; no school or community clubs. 10 UNIONVILLE 2. Teacher: Miss Mary Sappingtoii, Gogginsville, Ga. Location: Five miles soutlieast of Rocky Creek; four miles northwest of Patillo. Grounds : Area, three acres ; title in county board of education ; lot open, unimproved, neglected ; very small playground ; no school garden ; one toilet, in fair condition. Building: Value, $1,000; two class rooms; veranda, but no cloak room ; well lighted ; painted outside and inside ; in good condition and well kept. Equipment : Single patent desks ; first-class blackboards ; organ ; no maps ; no charts ; no globes ; no pictures ; no reference dictionary ; no library ; water from a near-by spring ; covered cooler and individual drinking cups. Organization: Nine months' school year; one teacher; seven grades ; 25 pupils ; program posted ; 45 recitation pe- riods; no school or community clubs. 11 PROVIDENCE 3. Teacher: Miss Mary Annie Bush. Grounds: Area, one acre; title in county board of education; fine grove ; unimproved ; yards clean and well kept ; no school garden ; very small playground ; two toilets, in poor condition. Building: A-^alue, $600; one class room; veranda, but no cloak- room ; well lighted ; painted inside and outside ; in good condition and well kept. Equipment: Single patent desks; first-class blackboards; small library of 40 vols.; no maps; no charts; no globes; no pictures ; no reference dictionary. Organization: Nine months' school year; one teacher; seven grades ; 17 pupils ; program posted ; 30 periods ; a lit- erary club ; no organized community club. 12 BLOUNT 4. Teachers: Miss Vallie Garr, Principal; Miss Liicile Freeman, Assistant. Location; Four miles west to Providence; five miles northeast to Bine Ridge. Grounds : Area, two acres ; titles in county board of education ; Avell located on elevated lot with open front and grove in the rear; good school garden; ample playgrounds; stables provided for accommodation of pui)ils wlio ride : grounds partly improved and well kept ; two toilets in good condition. Building: Value, $2,500; two class rooms with cloak rooms, well lighted ; auditorium used as class room poorly and improperly lighted ; painted inside and outside in well- selected colors ; building in good condition and well kept. Equipment: Single patent desks; first-class blackboards: one map; small library, 35 vols.; good selection of well- framed pictures; piano; no globe; no chart; no refer- ence dictionary ; good well on lot ; covered coolers ; in- dividual drinking cups. Org-anization : Nine months' school year; two teachers; ten grades; 79 pupils; programs posted; 20 periotls; no school clubs, except an active tomato club ; a community parent teacher association. 13 ^'^m-: ".*_<..•«""• BLUE RIDGE 5. Teacher: Miss Corhine Watts, Berner, Ga. Location : Four miles southeast to Cabaniss ; four miles west to Blount. Grounds : Area, one acre ; title in county board of education ; situated in a beautiful oak grove ; fairly well kept, but unimproved ; very small playground ; no school gardens ; one toilet in average condition. Building : Value, .$650 ; one class room, size 20 x 30 x 9 ; no cloak- room ; fairly well, but improperly lighted ; painted in- side and outside ; well kept and in good condition. Equipment : Single patent desks ; good blackboards ; one U. S. History map ; small library ; • no charts ; no globes ; no pictures ; no reference dictionary ; well on lot ; open buckets and common dippers. Organization: Nine months' school year: one teacher; eight grades ; 33 pupils ; program posted ; 36 periods ; no or- ganized school or community clubs. 14 CASTLEBERRY 6. Teachers : Miss Evelyn Ijaiikston, Principal ; Miss Ethel Mapp, Assistant. Location: Two and one-half miles southeast to Plumhiil ; three miles northwest to Rocky Creek. Grounds : Area, one acre ; titles in connty board of education ; lot open, bare, neglected; playground ample, but un- improved ; no school garden ; no toilets. Building: Value, $800; one class room; veranda, but no cloak room ; painted inside and outside ; in good condition and well kept ; properly and sufit'iciently lighted ; shades and curtains. Equipment: Single patent desks; plenty of good blackboards; one Georgia map ; good reference dictionary ; organ ; no charts; no globe; no pictures; no library; water from neighbor's well; open buckets with common dippers. Organization: Nine months" school year; two teachers; eight grades ; 46 pupils ; program posted ; 27 periods ; no school or community clubs. 15 CABANISS 7. Teachers: Miss Maggie Humphrey, Principal; Miss Essie But- ler, Assistant. Location : Three miles east to Berner ; four miles northwest to Blue Ridge. Grounds : Area, two acres ; titles in county board of education ; unimproved, bare, well cleaned up ; two toilets, in av- erage condition ; small school garden. Building': Value, ( ?) ; two class rooms; no cloak room; suf- ficiently, but improperly lighted ; painted inside and outside ; in good condition and well kept. Equipment: Single and double patent desks; first-class black- boards ; framed pictures ; tAVO maps ; small library, 31 vols. ; no globe ; no charts ; no reference dictionary ; wa- ter in covered coolers ; individual drinking cups. Organization: Nine months' school year; two teachers; ten grades ; 41 pupils ; program posted ; 31 periods ; Sidney Lanier Literary Society ; school debating club ; no com- munity clubs. 16 JULIETTE 8. Teachers: Miss Katie Taylor, Principal, Juliette, Ga.; Miss Mary Lou Webb, Assistant, Juliette, Ga. Location: Three miles so\itli to Hill Academy; four miles north- west to IJerner. Grounds : Area, one acre ; title in county board of education ; unimproved, but well cleaned up ; no playgrounds ; no school garden. Building: \''alue, $1,000; two class rooms; verandas, but no cloak room; well lighted; painted inside and outside; in good condition and well kept. Equipment: Single patent desks; first-class blackboanls; one map; globe; framed pictures; library, 130 vols.; no reference dictionar}^; no charts; water from a neighbor's well ; covered coolers ; individual drinking cups. Organization: Nine months' school year; two teachers; nine grades ; 43 pupils ; program posted ; 25 recitation pe- riods; no organized school or community clubs. 17 MAYNARD 9. Teacher: Miss Nellie E'Dalo'o, Forsyth. Ga. Location: Tlirec miles west of Forsyth; three miles south to Walkers. Grounds: Area ( ?) ; titles in a IJaptist ("hureli adjoining: grounds entirely unimproved ; searcely room for i)lay- grounds, and no s