278

LAWS OF MARYLAND.

more into school districts, and of locating school
houses, shall be fixed by the Mayor and. City Coun-
cil, and not be subject to the requirements of this
section.

To employ
Teachers, &c.

Sec. 6. It shall be the duty of the School Com-
missioners, each for his own school district, sub-
ject to the provisions of the by-laws issued by
the State Board of Education, to employ Teachers
from among those persons who hold the proper
certificate to attend to the distribution of books
and stationery, requiring each pupil to pay in ad-
vance for the use of the same, unless exempted
therefrom , to exercise a general supervision over
the schools, visiting them at least once each term ;
to have the care and custody of all school houses,
school turniture and apparatus, and school house
sites ; purchase fuel and provide for all incidental
expenses, keep school houses and enclosures in re-
pair, have shade trees planted, advise concerning
the discipline and management and course of
instruction pursued, require examination of the
pupils in any or all branches of study, and to use
their influence and exertions to increase the use-
fulness and elevate the standard of the schools,
and convince the people of the inestimable value
of sound education.

Schools open
at least an
months.

Sec. 7. They shall cause instruction to be given
in each school district for at least six months in
each year, and if the State and county appropria-
tions fail to prolong the school session, then to
allow the use of the school house and furniture
for subscription schools under their direction.

To take affi-
davits.

Sec. 8. Every District Commissioner shall have
power to take affidavits and administer oaths ia
all matters pertaining to public schools, but
without charge or fee, and under the direction of
the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to
take and report to him the testimony in any case
of appeal.

To examine
charges.

Sec. 9. They shall examine any charge affecting
the moral character of any Teacher within, their
district, first giving the teacher reasonable notice
of the charge, and an opportunity to defend him-
self therefrom ; and if the charge be sustained,
shall annul the Teacher's certificates, by whomso-
ever granted, and declare him unfit to teach; and