The Guthrie Daily Leader

School Fight Is Looming

Oklahoma City, Dec. 30—There is a big fight brewing over proposed changes as regards the consolidation of schools in rural districts.

The legislature division as far as it is possible to get it is pretty evenly divided and a big fight is certain as a result.

In the first place, it is R. H. Wilson, state superintendent, who is planning the consolidation movement. Inspectors from his department are preaching that gospel throughout the rural districts and attempting to show how it means better schools and more prosperity.

Governor Robertson favors consolidation and is doing his utmost to aid the move.

As a result of the vigorous work along that line, one-eighth of the state's area is served by consolidated schools. A territory equal to three counties of ordinary size was added to the system last year.

Rural Districts Oppose.

Many people in the rural districts, however, oppose the idea of consolidated schools. In most cases the change means higher taxes, although longer school terms and better school advantages usually result, it seems that the increase in taxation is responsible for most of the opposition. Some objection is made on the ground that it is difficult to transport the children to the central school. And a tear protest against the passing of the one-room district school for sentimental reasons.

When several rural school districts are to unite for a consolidated school, the county superintendent, on being petitioned by at least one-half of the residents of each of these districts,

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SCHOOL FIGHT IS LOOMING

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Calls an election. At this time the question of consolidation is voted on and officers of the consolidated districts are chosen.

Many Suits Filed

Those who wish to take action to oppose consolidation can not bring legal action as individuals, according to the attorney-general's office. Such action must be brought through the county attorney. A number of suits attacking the validity of consolidation proceedings have been filed on the relation of the attorney-general - (that is, permission was given for the action to be brought in the name of the state.

One of these actions-a quo warranto proceeding-was commenced in the district court of Greer county to invalidate the formation or cancelled school district No. 7 which was voted May 1, 1920. The allegation was that all requirements in the matter of giving notice of the election had not been complied with. The district court found the consolidation valid and the case was appealed. The Supreme court yesterday confirmed the lower tribunal stating the following rule: Where a special election is assailed on the ground of lack of compliance with all the statutory requirements in reference to notice, there is no presumption or anything showing that the electors did not have actual notice or knowledge of the election and failed to participate therein by reason thereof the same will not be held void on this account.

Governor Will Enter Fight

Now the governor some time ago ordered the attorney-general to refuse to grant his name to be used in the preparation of any more suits against consolidated schools. He also has directed the attorney-general to dismiss any suits of the kind which have not yet come to trial. In two cases-one in Pottawatomie county, the other Oklahoma county the district court has overruled the attorney-general's motion to dismiss. Both cases are now to the Supreme court on appeal. Has the attorney-general authority, at the direction of the governor, to dismiss such suits is the question the Supreme court is expected to answer.