operation at the beginning of the year has been followed with marked success; only a few important changes have been suggested for the present year. The work in geography has been particularly strong throughout the schools and offers a striking contrast to the illogical and mechanical work of a few years since. For the first time the language work has been given the attention which its importance demands. Much has been accomplished in this branch of work. Another year will undoubtedly bring forth results more than good. Drawing, which was an experiment two years ago, has now for itself a place of permanent importance in the school curriculum. The work of the special teacher has received the high commendation from many of our visitors. The natural movement plan of instruction in penmanship was adopted at the beginning of the year. Those teachers who conscientiously followed the plan achieved most gratifying results.

Progress of the Academy.

The academy has not halted in its steady march forward. The fact that there were 126 students doing academic work the past year, three times the number of three years ago, testifies to a fact well known to educators, that it is indeed wisdom to maintain such an academic department that it shall be the ambition of a large majority of the pupils to attain it. It is the academy which fixes the reputation and compels the support of the entire school system of the community. Thirteen diplomas were issued to the class of '94. One member was entitled to a Regents 80-count classical scientific diploma, two to 70-count diplomas, three to 60-count diplomas, and the school diploma was not issued to any one who had not earned the minimum 50

If the same requirements had prevailed as did three years ago and previously the class would have numbered 50 members. The supervision in the academy and primary grades has been intelligent, conscientious and efficient. It has also been possible for the superintendent to visit almost daily the several grades. Teachers' meetings were held weekly for most of the year. Promotions are now made upon a basis of individual work and capacity; formal examinations are held, however, once each year. Each teacher was obliged to make a two days' inspection of some good school. This rule was productive of much good.

School Moneys.

The tax levy was $8,500, receipts from public money $3,388, from Regents $375, from tuition $850. Of this amount $9,765 was expended for teachers' salaries.

The arguments for free text-books were urged upon the district in our annual report, and will bear fruit January 1st. The passage of the Compulsory Education Law compels us to confront the problem of a new building. During the year a portion of the Hamburgh district was annexed, increasing the school population about 50.

The sentiment of the community strongly upholds the efforts of the school authorities to improve our schools. An effort to place the schools under political control was signally defeated at the August election. The board inaugurated the plan of insisting upon normal teachers by employing three normal graduates next year. The contest with the adherents of inefficient local teachers promises to be a stormy one.

Graduating class

Average age class

Star roll for year-Katharine and Louise Miltimore.

17 17.4

CORTLAND.

C. V. COON, Superintendent.

General.

I beg leave to submit this, my second annual report of the condition of the public schools of Cortland, N. Y. During the past year the schools have been thoroughly revised and graded, and the course of study has been thoroughly revised to suit the conditions resulting from our new classification. Our four ward schools are now doing uniform work in the several grades simultaneously, which fact means that those promoted to our central high school at the end of each term will be already classified by reason of their previous work. This we feel will be a great improvement over the conditions of previous years. During the past year we engaged a special instructor in drawing as well as in music, and we can see from the results obtained that it was a step in the right direction. We have added during the past year two new teachers to our teaching force, which was made necessary by reason of our increased attendance, shown by the following statement, to wit:

In June, 1894, our central school was incorporated under the Regents of the University of the State and we were granted the privilege of taking the June examinations which we met by passing over 90 per cent. of all candidates, a fact we believe to be very commendable of our work, as no special examining for these examinations had been given as we only knew we were to have them two weeks prior to their date. We believe in thorough study and mastery of subject-matter without reference to preparation for these special examinations, by closely follow. ing the outline as presented in the syllabus, and the result of our first examination fully sustains us in this belief. Our teachers are all imbued with the true spirit of education, and the improvement made in our schools is largely due to their untiring. efforts and harmonious labors.

The following statement shows the condition of our finances at close of school year:

Financial Statement, 1893-1894.

FLUSHING UNION FREE SCHOOL, DISTRICT NO. 5.
JOHN J. CHICKERING, Superintendent.

General.

In accordance with your request, I herewith submit a report on the Flushing schools, as I find them in assuming the duties of my position in September, 1894. I must respectfully decline making any report on the work of last year, for the following reasons: First. It would be unjust to myself to attempt to report on this work of which I have no personal knowledge. Second. It would be unjust to the two gentlemen who occupied the position of superintendent last year, to have their work reported by what I can learn by hearsay. Third. At the time that work was done I had no connection whatever with the Flushing schools, but by writing such report I should apparently assume such a connection. Mr. Ingalls, the superintendent of last year, is at present at Rutherford, New Jersey, and is the proper man to render a report of the year's work.

The promise for the coming year of school work is most encouraging. The attendance seems larger than ever before, the corps of teachers is exceptionally able and earnest, and the school equipments and surroundings all that could be desired.

Course of Study.

The course of study is substantially a 12-year course; four years each of elementary or primary, grammar, and academic or high school work. The high school work comprises three courses, an English, classical and scientific course, thus allowing the pupil considerable freedom of choice, and still preserving a backbone of systematic study to which all immature pupils should be held. The scientific course includes both French and German. The kindergarten seems in an especially flourishing condition, is well attended by both pupils and parent visitors, and is under most excellent supervision.

Physical Education.

This department is under the supervision of a very capable special teacher, with the adjuncts of a well-furnished gymnasium, and a newly and thoroughly overhauled sanitary condition of the buildings. Gymnasium work is compulsory for all pupils, and I think more, rather than less, time can be spared for it as the year progresses. Both drawing and music are thoroughly taught by the individual teachers under the supervision of competent special instructors; courses of informal talks on the principles of each study are given by the special instructors at the weekly teachers' meetings. The self-control, politeness and sense of honor of the great mass of the pupils seems to me especially commendable, and I can not but look forward to the very best results from such encouraging material.

FLUSHING UNION FREE SCHOOL, DISTRICT NO. 7.
MARY L. LYLES, Superintendent.

General.

There is little of special interest to report concerning our schools for the past year. Our attendance was fairly good, and the work generally satisfactory.

The

The bill appropriating $50,000 for a new building was, owing to the hard times, defeated when submitted to the people. board, during the summer, enlarged and repaired one of our buildings, and have, this fall, engaged additional teachers.

Arbor Day was pleasantly celebrated, addresses being made to the pupils by Commissioner Clair, of this place, and Superintendent Ballard, of Jamaica.