Bradford County PA Chemung County NY Tioga County PA Tri-Counties Genealogy & History by Joyce M. Tice Schools of the Tri-Counties Report of Superintendent of Public Instruction for PA - 1889

Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction Pennsylvania -  Annual School Report E. E. Higbee - State Superintendent of Public Instruction G. W. Ryan - Bradford County Superintendent of Schools Year: 1889 Book Purchased  for Site Presentation by: Joyce M. Tice Retyped for Tri-Counties by Sheri Graves Tri-County Genealogy & History Sites Home Page How to Use This Site Warning & Disclaimer Souvenir School Booklets No Unauthorized Commercial Use Say Hello to Joyce  See Also 1902 Superintendent's Reports

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DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, HARRISBURG, December 4, 1889.

BRADFORD COUNTY—G. W. Ryan.

As the statistical report contains most that need be published, this written report will be considerably within the limits prescribed by the Department.

Several of the boroughs have erected very fine graded school buildings, and a number of townships supplied one or more new houses, all of the above being furnished with patent seats and desks. Several districts have supplied each school with patent furniture during the year. Neglect by architect or builder to consult some practical teacher has resulted, in a few cases, in placing the blackboard much too high from the floor, or some other serious defect.

The law should compel the placing of outbuildings for different sexes on separate portions of the school grounds.

The county agricultural society last year offered twenty dollars first prize, and five dollars second prize to the townships showing the best condition of educational affairs, all things considered, the data to be presented on charts of each township at the county fair. Granville was awarded the first, and Orwell the second.

The county institute surpassed, in nearly every particular, any previous session. Dr. Higbee, Dr. Edward Brooks, Professors Redway, Moulton, Fleisher, Palmer, Alden and Putnam were the instructors; Hon. G. R. Wendling, Hon. R. G. Horr and Dr. Talmage gave excellent lectures, and Bill Nye and J. W. Riley occupied one evening.

Section drill and lecture alternately during day sessions continued a popular and profitable feature of the institute.

Local institutes were held in the nine local institute districts into which the county was divided.

The County Teachers’ Association continues to meet quarterly.

These institutes and associations do a most valuable educational work.

Notwithstanding that the appropriation by the Legislature has been increased one hundred per cent for each district, with the special object of increasing wages and improving school property, in several cases there seems no improvement. The Legislature should have required, as a condition of getting the extra appropriation, the affidavit of the president of the school board to the legitimate use of the increase.

Boroughs and cities may, perhaps, wisely be permitted to introduce industrial education, but any attempt to compel its introduction into townships at present I regard as absurd. Our Commonwealth needs first compulsory education whereby a fair mental culture may be given to the large number now evading schools and growing up in ignorance and crime.

PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

The graded and high schools of the county continue to do most excellent work in general culture and in the preparation of teachers.

Though difficulties and obstacles exist, the cause of education has made marked improvement during the past year.

My sincere thanks are hereby tendered to all who have contributed to the progress of education in the county.