A SKETCH OF EDUCATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA. 457 



prescribed, or become necessary. An annual report of bis visits, and of 

 tbe condition and requirements of the public schools, must be made b}' 

 him through the Governor to the Legislature. 



The State Board of Examiners consists of the Superintendent of Edu- 

 cation and four persons, appointed biennially by the Governor. This 

 board meets twice a year, or oftener, if deemed advisable, and is consti- 

 tuted an advisory body, which the Superintendent shall consult when in 

 doubt as to his official duty. It renders final decisions upon all questions 

 of appeal from the County Boards. It has power to adopt rules not incon . 

 sistent with the general law for the government of the schools, to pre- 

 scribe standards of efficiency for teachers, to examine teachers, and grant 

 State certificates ; and also to prescribe text-books for a period of not less 

 than five years. 



At each general election a School Commissioner is chosen by the voters 

 of each county, giving bond for $1,000, and receiving a per diem allow- 

 ance not exceeding $600 a year, except in the County of Charleston. 



He acts as the organ of communication between the State Superin- 

 tendent and the local authorities. It is his duty to apportion the school 

 fund among the several districts in his county according to the average 

 attendance of pupils during the preceding year, to visit the schools and 

 acquaint himself with their character and condition, and to make sug- 

 gestions that, in his opinion, are conducive to the welfare of the system. 

 An annual report is sent by him to the State Superintendent. 



The County Board of Examiners is composed of the County School 

 Commissioner and two p^sons appointed by the State Board of Exam- 

 iners, to serve two years without pay. It conducts county examinations 

 for teachers upon questions prescribed by the State Board, arranges the 

 school districts, appoints school trustees, and acts as a tribunal in all 

 disputes arising between trustees and teachers or patrons. 



Three School Trustees for each district are appointed biennially by the 

 County Board of Examiners. They serve two years without compensa- 

 tion, and are entrusted with the general management of affairs, sucli as 

 the erection and location of school-houses, the employment and payment, 

 of teachers, the suspension or dismission of pupils, the calling of district 

 meetings, and the visiting and supervision of schools. 



TEACHERS. 



Every teacher in the public schools of South Carolina must be of good 

 moral character, and must hold a certificate of qualification issued by the 

 State Board, the County Board, the City Board of Charleston, or the 

 Faculty of the State Normal Institute. Xo school commissioner or 

 trustee shall teach in the public schools. Three grades of excellence are 

 30 



