History of Oakland County Michigan a narrative account of its historic progress, its people, its principal interests / compiled from the official records of the county, the newspapers and data of personal interviews, under the editorial supervision of Thaddeus D. Seeley.

HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY

229

year, when he resigned and Philip M. Parker was appointed in his
place, serving the balance of the two-years term. In April, I869, William Littell was elected, but did not qualify and Mr. Parker was reappointed. The latter resigned in September, I870, and a Mr. Wilbur was
appointed to fill his term. Johnson A. Corbin was elected in April, 1871,
reelected in April, 1873, and served until the repeal of the law in 1875.
A law was then enacted creating the office of township school superintendent, giving Oakland county twenty-five, each supreme within his
jurisdiction.
REMAINS A "PERPETUAL FUND"
Section II, of Article XI, of the I909 constitution, is as follows:
"The proceeds form the sales of all lands that have been or hereafter
may be granted by the United States to the state for educational purposes and the proceeds of all lands or other property given by individuals or appropriated by the state for like purposes shall be and remain
a perpetual fund, the interest and income of which, together with the
rents of all such lands as may remain unsold, shall be inviolably appropriated and annually applied to the specific objects of the original gift,
grant or appropriation." The original constitution of the state also required that the proceeds derived from the sale of the school lands
should remain a prepetual educational fund.
The county school commissioner is now at the head of the system.
Since 1877 the management of the schools of Oakland county has been
in the hands of Elmer R. Webster, Harry H. Snowdon, Harry S. Elliott
and Abram L. Craft (present incumbent). No section of the state has
made more substantial advancement in superior and practical developments of its system of public education than this; and the very mention
of these names is a forcible explanation for the solid work accomplished
during the past thirty-five years.
DUTIES OF THE TEACHER OF TODAY
What is expected of the teacher of today in the Oakland county
schools is well put in the last "directory" issued by Commissioner Craft,
under the head "Duties of Teachers."
I. It is the duty of the teacher to place upon the blackboard or
wall, within three days after the beginning of school, a program of the
daily work, giving the time of each recitation.
2. The teacher should practice such discipline as would be exercised by a wise parent in a well governed home; being always firm, but
prudent.
3. Use good judgment in teaching the pupils to be neat and orderly
at all times.
4. Insist upon having order in the room during the recess interval
as well as during school hours.
5. Teach pupils the principles of morality and virtue and impress
upon their minds the value and care of school property.
6. Keep the school room comfortably warm and well ventilated.