Report of School Supervisors.

Mr. F. K. Allen was chosen supervisor of schools at the annual election in March and held the position until December, when he resigned, having removed to Camden. The office was vacant until January. when the selectmen appointed D. H. Mansfield to fill the office. The following report of the schools under his charge was submitted by Mr. Allen:

DISTRICT No. 1.
Spring term was taught by Mary Bills, of Hope. Although this was her first school she had fine success, the scholars showing great interest in their studies.

DISTRICT No.2.
Spring and Fall terms were taught by Effie E. Robbins.
of Appleton. Although quite a good scholar. she is not a successful teacher, failing in government and methods of teaching.

DISTRICT No.3.
Spring term was taught by Alice Cole, of Hope. Had a successful school; think she has the necessary qualifications for a good teacher.

DISTRICT No.4.
Spring and Fall terms were taught by Addie Bartlett, of Union making six terms in this district had good order and the scholars all seemed to work.

DISTRICT No.5.
Spring term was taught by Fannie Taylor, of Hope; had an excellent school, scholars making good progress. Fall term was taught by May Plum Tobin, of Camden. Owing to some dissatisfaction in regard to hiring teacher. there was not a large attendance; otherwise, the school was satisfactory.

DISTRICT No.6.
Spring term was taught by Avilla Thorndike, of Sears Mont. She is not a good teacher, failing in government and lacking in education. Fall term was taught by Florence Cole. Did not visit the school during term, but believe Miss
Cole to be a good teacher; think they must have had a profitable school.

DISTRICT No.7.
8pring term was taught by Gertrude Payson, of Hope;
had a very interesting school, showing what a good teacher can do for a school. Fall term was taught by Alice Hewett, of Hope; did not visit school during term, but the report was satisfactory.

F. K. ALLEN,

Supervisor of Schools, Town of Hope.
Hope, Dec. 1. 1888.

The undersigned, having held the office of supervisor of schools since Jan. 14, 1889, herewith submits the following report of the schools visited by him.
The schools that I visited were all in operation when I took charge of the office, so that I can give only an imperfect report thereon. Jan. 14, 1889, I visited the school in district No. 1 and found the school in charge of Mr. E. M.Thompson of Union, whom I found to be well qualified in education, but was unable to form a decided opinion as to his abilities as a teacher. The schools in district No.2.taught by W. B. Bowley, and in No.3, taught by Frank J.Taylor, were closed sooner than I expected, so I did not reach them. In No.4, the school under the charge of Miss Addie Bartlett of Union closed before I took charge of the office,' In No.5 I visited the school twice, and found Miss Addie Bartlett in charge. She has successfully taught the school in district No.4 for the past two years, and achieved a high degree of success in this district. If possible an engagement should be made with her for the coming year.
Near the close of school in district No.6, I visited the school which was under the charge of Florence Cole, and found a very unsatisfactory state of affairs. In No. 7 I visited the school taught by A. J. Achorn twice, and found the progress of the scholars unsatisfactory.

So far as my knowledge goes, I cannot say that I believe the schools of the town to have been fully up to the standard which is desirable, and which I think might be reached. Permanence in school officials is desirable, as a continual change of teachers makes undesirable changes in methods.

When a school is under the charge of a successful teacher, strong efforts should be made to retain the services of that teacher for the next term. Agents should strive to get the very best teachers, and engage only those of known abilities. A working team never will do as well under a continual change of drivers, and similar conclusions are true in school affairs. But when teachers are engaged, and at work, the residents Should not be too hasty in criticizing them, but have malice toward none and charity for all.

I desire to urge upon parents the importance of giving some personal attention to the school which their children attend. Money is voted annually and spent, but what proportion of the parents in this town know from their own observation whether it is spent well or not ? We hear, occasionally, a complaint that our schools are productive of but little good. Is it not pertinent to inquire whether those who complain have made any effort to learn whether they do good or not, and what they have done to render them more efficient? Parents are responsible to society and to their Creator, not only for the physical well being. but also for the intellectual and moral culture of their children. How, then, can they entrust them, day after day, and month after month, to the charge of a teacher with whom they are not acquainted, in an atmosphere which, for aught they know, may be full of influences that may tend to debase and ruin them? Look after your children; see whether they are using well the money you are spending for them. Do this, take a personal interest in your schools and support them liberally, and the future will be fruitful of rich and happy results.

Important changes in school affairs are now pending before the State Legislature, and if enacted will necessitate an expenditure of money in each district, and this matter should receive the attention of the town at the coming annual election.

The schoolhouse in district No.4 was repaired in 1887, and that in No.7 has been rebuilt the past year, so that the schoolhouses in town are all in good condition except in No. 6, and if that district neglects longer to repair the same, the town should attend to it.
D. H. MANSFIELD, Supervisor of Schools.

Hope, March 1, 1889.