Two schools 1779
The very early state of Concord’s schools has not been determined, though one was at Birmingham in 1779. Mr. Jordan is inclined to place the date of Birmingham’s first school about 1806. The date stated by him for Chichester (1793) also seems to be too late. The minutes recognize the Birmingham school in 1779 and also one at Chichester at the same date. In 1787 one school is reported for each preparative meeting, Concord, Chichester, and Birmingham.
CHAPTER IX
SCHOOL SUPPORT, ORGANIZATION, AND CURRICULUM
SUPPORT
Problem of support
A fixed salary necessary to secure better teachers and retain them
At various times in the course of this study, it has been mentioned that the activities of the lower branches of the meeting organization were directed by means of advices sent out from the yearly meetings. These advices, particularly at the earlier dates, were of a very general nature, and, as one would judge from the name, were only recommendations as to what should be done, with occasional expressions of approbation or reproof as the action of the constituent meetings merited. As years went on, however, the advices became of more consequence, sometimes mapping out plans of action in considerable detail.[750] One of the questions which came to demand a great deal of attention was that of supporting teachers in the schools. Great trouble had always been experienced in getting masters, properly qualified mentally and morally, who would continue long in the same place of service. The suggestions of the yearly meeting in 1750 sought to remedy that serious condition. The opinion then expressed was that,
the most likely means to induce such persons to undertake the business will be to have some certain income fixed, in consideration of which, they should be obliged to teach so many children on behalf of each monthly meeting, as said monthly meeting might judge adequate to the salary and that no person should receive the benefit of the salary, without the appointment of the said meeting.[751]
It was directed that the meeting’s clerk send copies of the above recommendation to all quarterly meetings, which were in turn to supply each of their monthly meetings and direct them to send in a report to the next yearly meeting.[752]