Filling the Faculty

Thursday, August 31, 1871

The Chicago Board of Education meets.  After paying tribute to a recently deceased member, calling for a monthly report on the amount and quality of the coal purchased by each school, tabling a request from singing teachers that they receive the same pay as the principals of the grammar schools, deciding on the evaluation of the qualifications of janitors, granting certificates, and other business, the board tries to choose a teacher of French for the high school.  After the first ballot proves indecisive, the matter is referred back to committee, with instructions to examine the candidates with the assistance of three French scholars.  Other instructional selections prove easier.  The board appoints Miss Grace C. Bibb and Professor M. Delafontaine teachers of Latin and Natural Sciences, respectively.