1709

157

namely, an increase of the number of the schools at the ex-
pense of their excellence. None of these houses were in good
condition The best are found in the villages. Yet they
were habitable, with two or three exceptions. The teachers
wei e continued in their schools, and after the expiration of the
fall term, which gave an opportunity to the President and
other Commissioners to visit the Schools, make the personal
acquaintance of the teachers, and learn something of their
qualifications by observing their methods of teaching and their
powers of discipline, they are called upon for examination.
The standard of competency was raised much above that which
had been esteemed sufficiently high by the former exami-
ners, consequently many teachers declined submitting to
the test of an examination, and resigned their places.
Others were rejected as incompetent, and yet others were al-
lowed to teach upon a permit, with the understanding that they
were again to be examined, when if they should be found dis-
qualified they were to surrender their schools. The large
majority of these under a second trial, showed that they had
availed themselves of the intervening time to prepare for this
trial, and were passed. Of the forty-two teachers employed
in the Schools two received certificates of the first grade,
and eighteen of the second grade. Upon a second examina-
tion five others received second grade certificates. There are
now forty-one Schools in operation, under two first grade
teachers and thirty of the second grade. All others are teach-
ing under permit. We have been gradually eliminating the
indifferent, and substituting efficient teachers. This cannot
be accomplished instantly, but will be done PS fast as is con-
sistent with the rights of the teacher and the good of the
schools. Time is required to show the unfitfulness of a
teacher who has shown his competency upon examination.
Two new schools have been opened, and three old ones are
closed, for want of a sufficient number of children. As far as
we have been able, without fund especially devoted to the
purpose, we have had repairs made Upon the houses, and
we await legislation to enable us to do much more in this di-
rection.

In answer to your inquiry made in your circular letter of
Sept. 24th: "What has been done towards organizing a
County High-School?" I am able to reply. It was not the
intention of this Board to attempt the formation of a High-
School in this Countt, inasmuch as the Easton Academy
was in a measure fulfilling the purpose! of such a school, un-
til the State Board of Education should adopt some plan for
the organization of like schools throughout the State, which
duty seems to be required of that Board by the law. But as
the death of Mr. Matthew Spencer during the year, rendered
it necessary that the Trustees should elect a principal for the
Academy, it was thought that it would be better to undertake