1. Reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, English grammar and composition, geography, drawing, physiology and hygiene, American history, civil government and good behavior.

2. Good morals; and for this purpose the Bible may be read either as a part of the school exercises or otherwise. Such reading may be from any version, but must be without note or comment.

3. In such other subjects as may be prescribed or permitted by the school authorities, the superintendent, or by law.

[New. The present law does not prescribe any course of instruction in public schools, except that the compulsory law requires children between certain ages to attend upon instruction at a school in which "reading, spelling, writing, arithmetic, Eng. lish grammar and geography are taught." We propose to make this implied requirement positive, and have made important additions to the course of instruction.

Con. School Law, tit. XVI, § 3. (Page 112, § 3.)]

§ 6. Who may attend common schools.-All children of school age may attend the common schools without charge, subject to rules prescribed or authorized by law.

[New.]

§ 7. School age.-A person is of school age who is over five and under twenty-one years of age.

[Con. School Law, tit. II, § 13, sub. 6 and Con. School Law, tit. VII, § 36. (Pages 14, 45, § 13, sub. 6 and § 36).]

§ 8. School year. The school year begins on the first day of July and ends on the last day of June. A "year," as used in

reference to the term of a district officer, means a school year.

[New.]

§ 9. School day.—A school day is a day on which a common school may legally be taught. It includes each week day, except Saturday or a holiday. A school can only be in session on a school day.

[New.]

§ 10. Definition of district.- The term "district," as used in this chapter, unless otherwise indicated, means a local subdivision of the state which has authority to establish and maintain a common school.

[New.]

11. Superintendent.-The term "superintendent," unless otherwise indicated, means the state superintendent of public instruction.

[University Law, § 2, sub. 5.]

§ 12. Commissioner.-The term "commissioner," unless otherwise indicated, means a school commissioner elected or appointed under this chapter, and who has jurisdiction in a given case. [New.]

§ 13. Trustee.-The term "trustee," unless otherwise indicated, means a trustee of a common school district.

[New.]

§ 14. School officer.-The term "school officer" includes a school commissioner, each officer of a school district, and each officer of a municipal corporation or other person who is charged with the performance of any duty under this chapter, or by law, in relation to any matter concerning public schools.

[New.]

§ 15. School authorities. The term "school authorities," as used in this chapter, means a trustee, board of education, or other governing body, board or officer charged by law with the supervision and administration of school affairs in a given municipality or district.

[New.]

§ 16. Duty of school authorities.-The school authorities of each city and district shall maintain common schools therein, and for that purpose shall employ teachers, provide text books when authorized, and adequate accommodations for such schools, and raise and expend necessary funds.

[New.]

§ 17. Duty of superintendent.—If a city or district fails to comply with the requirements of the last section, the state superintendent of public instruction shall take possession of school property therein, employ teachers, janitors and other necessary employes, provide text books and accommodations, and maintain such schools. The expenses incurred by him for that purpose are a charge upon the city or district, and may be paid by him from any state school moneys apportioned to it, or he may direct the amount to be raised by tax; or make out a tax list and issue a warrant in his name of office to the collector of the city or dis trict, or appoint another collector. A collector so appointed possesses all the powers and is subject to all the duties and responsibilities of a collector elected under this chapter.

[New.]

§ 18. Supervision under this chapter exclusive.-Where a school or institution is subject to the supervision of the depart

ment of public instruction, the university, the school authorities, or other school officers, or two or more of them, such supervision is exclusive.

31. Notice of hearing.

32. Hearing and decision.

33. Dissolution by commissioner.

34. Disposition of property of dissolved district.

35. Deposit of records with town clerk.

36. Alteration or dissolution of joint district.

37. Annexing district to union school district.

38. Consolidation of districts.

39. Alteration of a bonded district.

40. Continuance of dissolved districts.

41. First meeting in new district.

[General note. This article is substantially a codification of existing law on the subject of the formation and dissolution of school districts. The law has been re-written for the purpose of making it more clear and harmonious. Ample provision is made for the consolidation of districts either by the commissioner upon his own motion or by a vote of the people. This will permit districts to become consolidated under one school administration,

and will enable the smaller districts to join a central school and obtain its advantages. The board of education of the consolidated district may provide for the accommodation of all the children either by branch schools or by providing for their transportation to the central school.]

§ 25. Classification of school districts.-School districts are classified as follows:

1. Common school districts. Such districts are under the supervision of one trustee.

2. Union school districts. Such districts are under the supervision of a board of education.

3. Districts created by special law, which are under the supervision thereby established.

[New.]

§ 26. Joint district.-A joint district is composed of parts of two or more commissioner districts.

[New.]

§ 27. Existing districts continued.-The existing school districts are confirmed and continued, but may be altered or dissolved as herein provided.

[New.]

§ 28. Creation of school district.-Each school commissioner, in respect to the territory within his district, shall:

1. Divide it as far as practicable into a convenient number of school districts and alter the same as herein provided. A school district may include territory within an Indian reservation.

2. Establish joint districts in conjunction with the commissioner of an adjoining district.

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