Conisborough School Board

A monthly meeting of the Conisborough School Board was held recently, attended by Messrs. Pagdin (chairman), Norwood, Pagdin, and Whitefield.

The clerk, Mr. Harrison, reported that a teacher who had previously been written to had refused to come. Mr. Norwood believed that another teacher had been expected. Mr. Pagdin remarked that it would be useful to know what arrangements had been made, stating that a teacher named Miss Nunn was expected to take charge of the girls’ department, although he had not known that she had been appointed. The clerk explained that he had received an application from the young lady in question, accompanied by a testimonial from the headmaster at Hunslet and another from the Vicar of Hunslet. He had written informing her of her appointment and had received a reply stating that she would accept the position.

The chairman noted that if objections existed they should have been raised at the previous meeting. Mr. Norwood said there was no reason for the matter to have been handled in that way, and the clerk apologised for any misunderstanding.

The attendance officer then reported several cases of irregular attendance at school. In some instances there had been little improvement and the board considered whether further action should be taken. Mr. Norwood remarked that he had seen a group of children from Denaby who had been summoned previously. The chairman observed that attendance was generally better there than at Conisbrough. The officer confirmed that a number of children from that district had been absent for the past two weeks.

Mr. Pagdin suggested that, in order to maintain fairness, the board should hear both sides of such cases before taking action. Mr. Whitefield added that it was not helpful to waste time on repeated offences and that parents should be summoned when necessary.

One case involved a boy frequently running about the streets instead of attending school. His father claimed he could not compel the boy to attend. Mr. Whitefield asked whether the father had attempted to send the boy to school. Mr. Norwood replied that the father worked with the boy’s brother and appeared unwilling to enforce attendance. It was suggested that the case might be suitable for a reformatory school, and the board decided that a summons should be issued.

Another case concerned a child who had not attended school for six months. The attendance officer explained that the child had been considered weak in intellect, though Dr. Gilchrist had examined the child and believed he should attend school.

A further case involved an eleven-year-old boy who had told his mother he was “learning a trade” instead of attending school. Members suggested that if he did not return to school he might end up in the workhouse. The board resolved that the clerk should take appropriate action.

The chairman also referred to a case reported as defiance of the board’s authority, though it later appeared that the mother involved had intended to appear before the board but had failed to do so. A summons was ordered in that case as well.

The attendance officer reported that the school attendance for the month averaged 87.9 percent, and he noted that the figure had been gradually improving. Mr. Whitefield remarked that the returns from a local dance school were unsatisfactory and suggested that the officer should speak to the proprietor. The chairman warned that unless attendance improved, summonses might be issued.

Discussion also took place about staffing matters. Mr. Pagdin reported a vacancy in the infant department and complained that the clerk had not sufficiently advertised the post. The clerk said he did not understand the criticism, but Mr. Pagdin insisted that the matter should be clarified.

Mr. Norwood remarked that it was unfortunate when teachers were tempted to leave for positions in Denaby, where conditions were sometimes considered more attractive. Mr. Whitefield added that teachers frequently moved between schools, and Mr. Pagdin noted that they tended to lodge together when working in the district.

Finally, Mr. Norwood observed that the Swinton Board had recently agreed to offer higher salaries, and the clerk stated that he believed several teachers from Denaby were considering positions in Conisbrough. He added that he had already advertised the vacancy accordingly.