all railroad crossings and ascertain whether the crossing may be made safely. They must not use tobacco on the school wagon, nor permit its use either coming to or going from school. They report to the principal each morning as to the condition of the roads, attendance, causes of delay, and the deportment of the children. The 3,133 children that are transported daily are much more easily looked after than those that walk to school. It is very seldom that any difficulty occurs on a wagon. Children are transported from one-fourth to 83 miles one way. The average ride in the school bus is 3.8 miles. A few are on the road as much as 100 minutes, but for the most part they are in transit not over 30 to 45 minutes. Costs of transportation range from 10 to 22 cents per pupil per day. The per cent of average daily attendance in none of the elementary schools is below 90; in 11 of them it is above 95. Fifty-six horse-drawn hacks and 63 automobile busses are used. The wagons carry about 20 pupils each, and the auto busses 25 to 30 each load. Some busses make a double trip. A few pupils use their own conveyances and are paid for doing so. Some children are transported by interurban trolleys to five of the schools. Objections to transportation do not come from those that ride but from those that walk. Some time ago Dr. J. J Savitz, at that time assistant commissioner of education of New Jersey, asked 100 children to write him expressing themselves concerning consolidation and especially transportation. Each of these pupils had attended a district school, too. With but one exception each child preferred the consolidated school. This one objected to transportation, but was frank enough to say that she drove her own buggy. One factor in the efficiency of transportation is the school barn, where the motors and the horses of the wagon drivers are kept during the day and in which the vehicles are housed during the summer. THE REPORT OF A VISITOR. The work of consolidation in Randolph County might be summarized from the report of Doctor Savitz upon his visit here. In speaking of the buildings he says: In appearance, construction, and entire arrangement the buildings compare very favorably with the buildings in our progressive towns and small cities. An hour's conference with the teachers impresses one with the fact that this is a country school for country children and not a city school conducted in the country. The arrangement of the buildings and the equipment and exhibits of the work done by the pupils proclaim this in an eloquent manner. A casual examination of each building reveals the fact that it was built for a specific purpose. It is the place where the whole community goes to school. Here community problems are discussed. In fact, here is a place where the community lives when assembled, and this is the one place which dwells in their thoughts. EVIDENCE OF EFFECTIVENESS. For the past three years the district basket-ball tournament was won by a team from a consolidated school in Randolph County; a representative from a consolidated school of Randolph County won first place in the discussion league; and the baseball and track meet championship of the county went to a team from the consolidated schools. The largest high-school graduating class in the county frequently comes from a consolidated school. In every line of school activity these schools readily hold their own. From them are com ing men and women who are taking front rank in business, in the professions, and in agriculture. If a tree is known by its fruits, the excellence of the schools can be determined by the sort of men and women coming from them. When judged by this standard, the consolidated schools of Randolph County are giving a good account of themselves. ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE PROCURED FROM WASHINGTON, D. C. AT 5 CENTS PER COPY PURCHASER AGREES NOT TO RESELL OR DISTRIBUTE THIS |