OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, To His Excellency, LUCIUS FAIRCHILD, MADISON, December 10, 1866. Governor of Wisconsin: SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith the Nineteenth Annual Report from this Department. I am Sir, very respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, JNO. G. McMYNN, Superintendent of Public Instruction. F9033 588 To the Legislature: REPORT. GENTLEMEN: In conformity with section 67 of the laws relating to common schools, I have the honor to submit the Nineteenth Annual Report of the Department of Public Instruction. The following statement, compiled from the official reports for the past two years, exhibits the more important facts relating to the Public Schools of the state, and shows at a glance the progress made during the year, ending August 31, 1866: Whole number of school districts in 1866,. 3,848 3,806 Whole number of children over 4 and uuder 20 years of age in 1866,.. do 1865,. do do Increase in 1866,. do 1,656 1,678 22 .352,004 .339,024 12,980 234,265 .223,067 11,198 Per centum of number registered drawing public money in 1866,... Increase in 1866,...... Whole number of schools reported in 1866,.. 665 4,612 Average number of days schools were taught in 1866,... 128 Per centum of average number attending of whole number registered in 1866, .521 Per centum of average number attending of whole number drawing public money in 1866,. .346 Per centum of average number attending of whole number drawing public money in 1865,. 823 Increase in 1866,...... 023 Average cost of tuition per day, including all expenses, in 1866,. .7.6 cts. Average cost of tuition per month (of 22 days) in 1866,. Average amount expended for each person over 4 and under 20 years of age in 1866,.. 83 38 Average amount expended for each person over 4 and under 20 years of age in 1865,.. Number of certificates granted to male teachers in 1866,. 1,308 do do Decrease in 1866,. do 1865,.. 2,090 782 Number of certificates granted to female teachers in 1866,.. do do Decrease in 1866,.. do 1865,. 4,806 4,992 186 Whole amount expended for support of public schools in 1866,. $2,150.35 $1,075,572.95 913,222.85 $162,350.10 SCHOOL DISTRICTS. While the number of districts in the state is 42 more than in 1865, the number reported is 38 less. The consolidation of districts offsets the number of new districts formed; hence the number organized during the year is probably larger than is indicated by the reports. The town boards of supervisors very generally seek to unite districts whenever practicable, and thus to promote efficiency and economy in the management of school affairs. There are, however, instances in which the ability to employ a good teacher and to support a good school is sacrificed to the supposed advantage of residing near the school house. In many of our villages and thickly settled towns a union of districts that would render it possible to grade the schools, would be advantageous. With primary schools conveniently located, and a central school of higher grade established, the benefits of the graded system may be made availa |