Old Missoula

Minnie Spurgin Selected as a Teacher 1900

School Board Meets

Miss Minnie Spurgin Selected as a Teacher.

The regular monthly meeting of the school board was held last evening at the office of John M. Evans. There were present Chairman Evans and Members Pulliam, Kemp and Mrs. Reinhard.

The principal matter to come before the session was the selection of a teacher to take the place of Miss Kate Shelley, who will on January 1 assume the office of county superintendent of schools.

A prior caucus to the meeting developed that Miss Minnie Spurgin, a resident of Missoula now attending a normal school in Illinois, was the choice. Mrs. Reinhard, who is at the head of the teacher’s committee, brought up the question of her capabilities but on presentation of her name for the position by Superintendent Hamilton she was given the school at the South Side building; Mrs. Reinhard opposing the election.

Janitor Clark, of the South Missoula building, was granted an increase of $10 a month to his $50 salary, by the addition of a new room to his work.

Two small bills for labor were allowed when the meeting adjourned.

The above article appeared in The Missoulian on December 16, 1900.

Another article/letter appeared in The Missoulian on December 18, 1900, regarding the same subject. Mrs. Reinhard sought to clarify her position.

Mrs. Reinhard Replies

Her Attitude Towards the Employment of Miss Spurgin.

To the Missoulian:

I was not correctly reported at the late meeting of the school board. With me it was not a question of capability but advisability in regard to Miss Spurgin’s leaving her work at the Normal to finish the five months here.

Mr. Hamilton reported that it would be better for Miss Spurgin to finish her year’s work at the normal, but that among the applications he had, Miss Spurgin’s were (sic) the best and he was not prepared to at the present time to make any further recommendation.

Miss Spurgin is an energetic progressive teacher and has embraced every opportunity to advance herself. She has taught here and I don’t wish to be placed in a wrong light regard (sic) her.

Mrs. S. K. Reinhard.

https://www.newspapers.com/image/348654051

https://www.newspapers.com/image/348654144