CHAPTER II.

OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM.

Act of Congress. In an act supplementary to the enabling act for the admission of Arkansas into the Union, Congress provides that: "The section numbered sixteen in every township, and when such section has been sold or otherwise disposed of, other lands equivalent thereto, and as contiguous as may be, shall be granted to the state, for the use of the inhabitants of each township for the benefit of their schools."

State Constitutions. The state constitutions of 1836, 1861, and 1864 made no provisions for the establishment or maintenance of a system of free schools. That of 1868 made it obligatory upon the legislature to establish and maintain a system of public education. The one of 1874 contains the following provisions: "Intelligence and virtue being the safeguards of liberty and the bulwark of a free and good government, the state shall establish and ever maintain a general, suitable, and efficient system of free schools whereby all persons in the state between the ages of six and twenty-one years may receive gratuitous instruction.”

The Legislative Acts. The legislature of 1868 legislated extensively relative to public education. Many of the laws then passed are still extant. Each succeeding General Assembly has added to this school legislation, the last "Digest of Laws, Relative to Free Schools," published in 1895, being a volume of one hundred and fifty pages. Through the wisdom of our representatives, the design of the framers of the constitution has been realized, for our educational system

is "general, suitable, and efficient," so much so, indeed, that very few states in the Union enjoy a superior

one.

School Funds. (1) There is what is termed the "Common School Fund," derived from the sale of government lands, state lands, estrays, and from all grants, gifts, and devises which have been made to the state. This fund is invested in United States and Arkansas bonds, the school using the interest thereon.

(2) There is a direct tax levied as follows: (a) The state levies a two-mill tax on the assessed value of the property of the state. (b) It imposes a poll tax of $1 on every voter of the state. The payment of this poll tax is optional with the citizen, but without it he cannot vote in any election, or serve on a jury.

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(3) Each school district has the power, by a majority vote of its qualified electors, to levy an additional fivemill tax on the assessed value of the property of the district.

(4) There are certain penalties that go to the school fund, such as the one imposed for a failure to pay tax on personal property at the proper time. Also the forfeitures which school officers make for neglect of duty go to this fund.

Collection of Funds. The interest on the "Common School Fund," and the state two-mill assessment are paid into the state treasury. The tax levied by the district and the penalties are paid into the county treasury. These taxes are collected by the same officers that collect the other taxes.

Distribution of Funds. By means of the school census each year, it is ascertained just how many persons of school age there are in each district and county. The

school money in the state treasury is disbursed at the instance of the superintendent of public instruction, upon warrants drawn by the auditor of the state. It is apportioned to each county and district according to the number of persons of school age residing therein. The school fund in the county treasury is paid out upon the warrants issued by the boards of the several districts, each district getting exactly what it levied, less certain commissions. The money obtained by sale of the sixteenth section is not apportioned, but belongs to the township in which such section lies.

SCHOOL DISTRICT.

How Formed. The county court is empowered to form a new district or to change the boundaries of an old one, when petitioned by a majority of all the electors residing upon the territory affected by such formation or change. However, no district may, by the organization of a new one, by change of boundaries, or by transfer of pupils, be reduced to fewer than thirty-five persons of school age.

Directors. There are three directors in the " numbered" districts, and six in the "single "or "special"

ones.

When and How Elected. In the "numbered" districts one director is elected each year. In the "single" district two are elected. The election is held on the third Saturday of May. They are elected by the qualified electors and serve for three years. It is purposely so arranged that two thirds of the members of the board may be experienced.

Liabilities. A director is liable to forfeit $25 for a failure to do his duty. The district is not liable for

any act of its officers, although it is a quasi corporation and may sue or be sued.

Organization. The directors shall qualify and enter upon their duties within ten days after election. A penalty is imposed for their neglect to do so. The law provides that they shall elect one of their number as president, and another as clerk of the board. It is the duty of the president to preside at all board meetings, and of the clerk to keep a record of the proceedings of the meeting, which minutes should be signed by the president.

Reports. It is the duty of the directors to make an annual report to their county examiner, embracing such data as are needed by the state superintendent for his report.

Other Duties. The board of directors are required by law to provide separate schoolhouses for the white, and the colored children; to care for the houses, books, papers, records, and other property of the state; to purchase building sites as directed by the voters at the annual meeting; to build and equip schoolhouses; to engage teachers; to adopt text-books for use in the schools; to visit the schools at least once each term; to appear for the district in any suit that may be brought by or against it; to draw warrants on the county treasurer for any lawful claims; to make and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the good of the schools. They may suspend a pupil for good cause, permit persons over twenty-one years of age to attend school, and may spend $25 annually for charts, books, and apparatus.

Compensation. The directors receive no remunera

tion for their services.

ARK. AND THE NAT. — 2

Transfer of Pupils. The county court may transfer pupils to any adjoining district.

Special Districts. There are many cities and towns in the state that have what are known as 66

single" or "special" districts. The duties of their directors (six in number) are essentially the same as those of the directors of the "numbered " districts.

Annual Meeting. Fifteen days' notice of the annual meetings of the electors must be given by the directors. It is made unlawful to fix a site for a schoolhouse, or to vote money for building or raising one, unless the notice states that such matters will be submitted for consideration.

Why?

Statement to Voters. The directors must submit to the electors at this annual meeting an estimate of the expenses for that year, including also the expense of a three months' term of school for the next year, and all other matters whose consideration is necessary to the educational welfare of the people of the district.

This annual school meeting is a pure democracy. Here the people of the district meet to discuss the school affairs. Every qualified voter has a voice and a vote. The voters have the power to elect a chairman and a clerk, and the directors, to designate building sites for schoolhouses, to determine the length of the school term, and what tax shall be raised for school purposes, to adjourn from time to time, and to repeal or modify their proceedings. They cannot, under the constitution, vote for more than a five-mill tax. They are not compelled to vote for any. Usually the limit is levied. Many think the constitution should be so changed that the people could levy a higher tax if they should wish to do so. What do you think and why? They may de