the Board look to the conversion of the McKinley and Yeatman High Schools into intermediate schools as soon as new senior high schools in the south and north ends are completed.

In the spring of 1921, the Board learned that additional funds were needed in order to maintain the schools for the year and erect new buildings. At a special election held in April, 1921, the people of the city voted to increase the tax rate for school purposes from seventy-five to eighty-five cents on the one hundred dollar valuation. A few days before the election the State Board of Equalization increased the assessments on real estate in St. Louis approximately 15%, which, of course, resulted in the Board receiving a larger sum of money than it had anticipated when the rate of eighty-five cents was submitted. This additional money, however, was not available until January of 1922, and such additional funds are now very essential if we are to begin the erection of new high and grade school buildings so vitally necessary and pressing to relieve the crowded condition, particularly in the high schools. The fixing of the rate at eighty-five cents by the people in April, 1921, was unfortunately only for one. year and it will be necessary to have another election in March, 1922, in order to maintain that rate. The Legislature during the early part of 1921, however, passed a law which provides that the people of St. Louis may vote a tax rate above that permitted to be imposed by the Board, and that such rate shall continue to be the rate for four years. If the proposed tax rate which will be submitted to the people in the latter part of March is carried, the rate so fixed will continue to be the rate for four years, unless again changed by the vote of the people.

The term of Dr. John W. Withers as Superintendent of Instruction expired in February, 1921. As the time for election of a Superintendent approached, it became known

that Dr. Withers would not be a candidate for re-election, he having made arrangements to become associated with the Teachers' College at the College of New York. In refusing to permit his name to be submitted to the Board, the system has lost an excellent and far sighted educator, and a man of the highest ideals. Dr. Withers has contributed much to the St. Louis School System during his sixteen years of service. In February, the Board elected an Acting Superintendent, the choice of the Board falling upon Mr. John J. Maddox, who was then principal of the Cleveland High School. Immediately upon notification of his election he came to the office of the Superintendent and began to familiarize himself with the work and details of the office. Mr. Maddox' work as Acting Superintendent. soon made it apparent that he would be the logical choice of the members when it determined to elect a permanent Superintendent. At the July meeting, 1921, Mr. Maddox was unanimously elected Superintendent for a period of four years and we entertain no doubt that he will conduct the affairs of that office in a conscientious and capable

manner.

During the session of the Legislature in 1919 all of the laws providing for political conventions were repealed, including the law which provided for convention plan in St. Louis to select candidates for the Board of Education. As the time approached in 1921 for the election of members to the Board of Education, this condition was discovered. Only one plan was left in the law by which persons could be placed on the ticket to be voted upon at the April election, and that was by petition. At this election four members were to be elected for six years and one member was to be elected for an unexpired term of two years. Sixteen candidates were submitted to the people on a separate ballot distinct from the party ballots.

This election also resulted in the selection of Mrs. Catherine I. Bush to membership on the Board, and she

now holds the honor and distinction of being the first woman elected to serve as a member thereof.

In conclusion we again wish to express our appreciation to the people of this city and the members of the Board for the loyalty and support rendered us while serving as its presiding officers.

W. F. CARTER,

H. A. ROSSKOPF.

ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

Superintendent of Instruction

St. Louis, Mo., March 1, 1922.

To the Board of Education of the City of St. Louis.

Gentlemen:

The annual reports of Assistant Superintendents, Supervisors and other heads of divisions record with interesting detail and illustration the more significant features. of the work of the schools for the past year. They are therefore submitted herewith as well representing the report of matters usually made to the Board of Education and the public by the Superintendent of Instruction.

I take pleasure in commending them as a reflection of a year of progressive development of our school system and of the good will and cooperation of the many men and women who have devoted their time and attention both gratuitiously and for compensation to the improvement of child life in our city.

Respectfully submitted,

JOHN J. MADDOX, Superintendent of Instruction.