456 A SKETCH OF EDUCATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA. 



almost every county existed school claims in excess of estimated appro- 

 priations, thus swelling the debt to still greater proportions. 



Notwithstanding the discouragement and even exasperation of friends 

 of education in consequence of these gross frauds against the system, the 

 number of schools and pupils all along increased, an evidence of what 

 might be expected under better management. 



in 1877 



A CHANGE OP GOVERNMENT 



occurred, since which time the charges of dishonesty have totally ceased, 

 and complaints of incompetency are steadily decreasing. ]\Iuch of this 

 progress is due to the zeal and ability of the Hon. Hugh S. Thompson, 

 for six _years State Superintendent. As parents, children, and officials 

 become better acquainted with their respective duties and responsibilities, 

 the system improves in a constantly increasing ratio. 



SCHOOL REVENUES. 



A constitutional amendment, adopted by all parties in 1876, provides 

 for an annual levy of not less than two mills on the dollar for public 

 schools, to be expended in the county in v^dnch it is raised, thus insuring 

 stability to the system. The poll-tax is devoted to educational purposes, 

 and in some localities the option of local taxation rests with the property 

 holders. 



TERRITORIAL DIVISIONS AND GOVERNMENT. 



Each county is divided into school districts, varying in number in 

 different counties, managed by local boards of trustees, and being for the 

 most part co-terminus with the townships. Every such school district is 

 a body politic, capable of suing and being sued, of contracting, and of 

 holding property for school purposes. 



STATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS. 



The State Superintendent of Education is a constitutional officer, 

 elected biennially by the people, giving a bond for |5,000, and receiving 

 a salary of $2,100. He exercises general supervision over all the public 

 schools of the State, and is required to visit every county for the purpose 

 of inspecting the schools, and awakening an interest in education. He 

 is required to secure, with the aid and advice of the State Board of 

 Examiners, uniformity of text-books and the exclusion of secular or par- 

 tisan books and instruction, and to perform such other duties as may be 



