Fixed blackboards were used in the school before 1890 and a larger portable blackboard was moved among the three classrooms. The latter, however, was not replaced after the school burned in 1911. From 1890 to 1900 very few expenses are recorded for improvements to the school or its sur¬ roundings. In 1891 it was decided to fence the schoolground and place two ladders on the school roof to comply with the Insurance Company regulations. The great issue among the ratepayers from the 1880's to 1907 appeared to be an ongoing dis¬ cussion about vacations. Should it be summer or spring and fall holidays? With the latter motion accepted, all able-bodied students could assist with seeding as well as harvesting the crops. Each year the issue is seen as an important one with motions being made and amend¬ ments added. In 1895 the motion for summer vacation carried but was defeated by an amend¬ ment the next year. After this "see-saw" situation each year, it apparently was settled at the Annual Meeting in 1907 when - a motion was made by Alex MacKay and seconded that we have spring and fall vacation, with an amendment by A.J. MacLeod that the mid-summer vacation be continued. Amendment was carried. The month of April 1911 was a memorable one for the residents of the District as the school- house burned. The janitor, Henry Atkins , had lit the fire in the early morning and returned home for a short while. Upon his return, he discovered the school on fire. Presumably it start¬ ed in the attic. To discuss the situation, a ratepayers meeting was called for April 15, 1911. Arrangements were made for classes to be held in the Hall with the District assuming the cost of insurance for the building: ($3.50 for six months). The Visitor of Schools, Dr. Anderson , wrote a letter to the residents asking them to consider a more suitable site for the new school. The Minutes record the following: The matter of site for the new school was then considered. The Secretary then read a letter from Dr. Anderson , School Supervisor, who strongly advocated a more suitable site to erect a new school on and after talk on the subject by a number of the ratepayers, it was moved by John Wedlock seconded by James Cole that the new school be built on the same site. It was also moved in amendment by D.R. Bell , seconded by Dr. J.E. Fleming that a new site be obtained and on vote being taken, the original motion was carried almost unanimous. Consolidation with neighboring districts was also discussed but apparently nothing was settled. The District voted $1000.00, {or sum sufficient} for the erection of a suitable building, "the size of which would be a two-story building measuring approximately 25' x 40', or a little big¬ ger if found necessary". The new school was built by Charles Ramsay of Malpeque - later of Summerside . It was opened for classroom instruction in January, 1912, with two teachers, namely; James (later Cardinal) MacGuigan and Ella Martin , both from Hunter River . Except for the purchase of a new blackboard for $5.00 in 1916, few changes were made. One may well wonder what was used for maps or reading materials. At the Annual Meeting of 1917, there is reference to improvements that may have taken place but no indication of what they might include. It was moved and seconded that "we acknowledge visit from (a) delegation of Sterling Women 's Institute and to thank them for their generous offer". Again in 1921 a motion was "passed thanking ladies of Sterling W.I . for the work they were doing on the school". In this year the members evidently paid for painting the interior of the classrooms. In 1927 a motion was made to paint the exterior of the school. It read: "(we) vote $50.00 to paint school, instructing trustees to get job done for less, if possible" . . . However, the job was not completed until the next summer and cost $51.75. This work was completed by F.D. Bennett , who was ordered to have the work finished by the first day of August. 124