The Litchfield County Post

We are not sufficiently acquainted with the present standing of the Common Schools of Connecticut to say much upon the subject, either for or against them. We have a school fund, large and more productive than that of any other State in the Union; but a School fund, however productive it may be, will not ensure a systematic course of instruction, or a good common education to the rising generation. The simple fact that instructors are paid from this fund instead of being paid from the town or district treasury, will not procure better teachers, or create a greater interest in the minds of the parents and guardians of our youth, in favor of the school; indeed the reverse is almost sure to be the fact. Men are apt to value little that which costs them little. If a direct tax of one or two cents on the dollar were assessed for the support of common schools, those who pay this tax would feel an increased interest in having the money thus raised employed in the best possible manner. In Massachusetts, where school instructors are paid out of the town treasury, in the same way that other town expenses are paid, the most lively interest is generally felt in the success of their schools, and in the ability of their instructors; and from all the evidence we have upon the subject,—we are led to believe that common schools in that state stand upon more elevated ground than they do with us.—We are not alone, and unsupported in the assertion; the evils which have grown out of this long neglect of common schools, are felt throughout the state, and a spirit of enquiry into the best means—for elevating the standard of common school instruction has been excited which promises much good to the rising generation. Meetings have been held in several counties, composed principally of school visitors; and resolutions have been passed, approving of the measures pursued by "the Society for the Improvement of Common Schools." The object of the society will be made known at the coming session of the Legislature, and a petition be presented, "requesting a review of the present system of education in our common schools." The objects which are thought the most important, and most practicable are the elevation of the qualifications of teachers, an improvement & uniformity in school-books, and a change in the mode of visiting. Such objects are worthy the attention and efforts of every philanthropist and christian; and we trust that Litchfield County will take an active part in the business; and that her influence will be felt upon this important subject.—It has been suggested that a meeting should be held in this county previous to the session of the Legislature, and that the subject should be candidly discussed and acted upon; and if any thing can be done to better our schools, that steps should be taken to ensure the success of such measures as are thought best calculated for the object. Certainly when any measures are in operation for the benefit of our children and youth, the hearts of all intelligent parents must beat in unison upon the subject; it is a common interest; an interest in which parents, guardians, and masters, are proportionately concerned; to preserve our schools from any further declension; or to enable them to keep pace with the improvements of the age, is a subject of first importance, and ought not, and we trust will not, be neglected.