Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 3.

8. It is very manifest to your Com that our system of schools is gaining favour with the people. Children are flowing in from Academies private schools and the streets. Thus showing the estimation in which our schools are held by all classes of the community. And now, your Com are constrained to ask an appropriation of 2700 $ at least, in order to carry out succesfully the present system of public education.

9. Of the 2500$ raised last year , 100$ was expended for wood & Coal, and 1852$ a year—or 35$ and 61 cents a week, to pay the three male teachers, which sum averaged on 239 scholars the number sent to these schools is 14. cents 9. mills a week to each scholar.— The remaining 552$ divided by 48 the number of weeks the primary schools were kept gives $11.50 Cents a week to pay the teachers—which averaged on 217 scholars the number sent—is 5 Cents 5 mills a week to each.

10. In the close, your Com ask your particular attention to some of the advantages of this system of public education. It. It unites all classes of society in one common interest dear to their hearts, Viz. The education of their children.—2d. It excites in these children a thirst for knowledge—A laudible ambition to excell. 3d. It secures to them in future life, that union of feeling—and harmony of action—which naturaly springs out from early school associations, and attachments. And finaly, it furnishes to every child (be he rich or poor) the requisite knowledge, to enable him to protect his property—maintain his rights. Defend his liberties, and repell the encroachment of anarchy or despotism,—scourges which ever have their origin in ignorance of the people.

All which is respectfully submitted

By order of the School Committee