1647

95

thoroughly repaired, and two new ones erected. These latter
buildings are of the best materials and finish, and built in
conformity to Plan No. 1, furnished uy the State Board, ex-
cept in some unimportant particulars; the end window was
dispensed with, to obtain more black-board surtace; one of
the front doors to main room was omitted, and the teacher's
platform removed to the rear end of same room. The size
of main room is 24x24; of the vestibule 8x15. Before
building, the Board advertised both in the City and out
County for proposals. The lowest bid received tor either
house, was $1,530, which was rejected in the hope that by
employing the workmen, and purchasing the materials our-
selves, some saving might be effected. Notwithstanding the
utmost economy used, the expense was much larger than
we anticipated; owing, not only to the high price of lumber,
but to the fact that nothing was contributed, either in frame,
hauling, or labor, towards lessening our expenditure.
Everything, from the lot to the beltry had to be puchased.
However, they are completed and turnished with improved
desks, and the people may congratulate themselves on having
procured, through the liberality of the State, two school
houses, that tor size and appearance, will bear a favorable
comparison, with any others, of like plan, in Maryland.
One of these houses is so located as to be accessible to the
children of three adjoining Districts; thus relieving us of
the cost of maintaining two additional schools, and in time,
will more than compensate us for the expense incurred. The
other new building supplies the place of a school bouse de-
stroyed by fire. For the expenditure for buildings and
repairs, I refer you to the Treasurer's Report.

EXAMINATION OF TEACHERS.

On the 8th August, 1865, applicants for schools were noti-
fied to file with the Board, such testimonials of character,
capacity and loyalty as they might possess. On the evidence
thus afforded, permits were granted tor 60 days, at the ex-
piration of which the holders were required to appear tor
examination. The interval was employed in ascertaining,
by visits to the schools, the practical ability of the teachers,
and in preparing some suitable mode of conducting the ex-
animation. For this purpose a tolerably comprehensive series
of questions on the elementary branches was compiled, suffi-
ciently full and varied to permit of u different selection for
each examinee. The examination was conducted in writing,
and the record, after being carefully examined, filed wish
the Board. Sixty-six per cent, was the minimum standard
required for qualification in either grade.

The first examination was held in October, 1865; the last,
in July,'66; the majority in January. Omitting the rejected