| Abstract [eng] |
The work covers 1918–1940 development of Joniškis rural district and city schools, analysis of school network and changes. Also - the role of society and local self-government in taking care of the issues of school existence and in forming the material base of educational institutions. The work characterizes schools operating in the parish and the city, also, attention is paid to the establishment and operation of Joniškis secondary school and gymnasium. This work also examines the schools of national minorities, the qualifications of the teachers who have worked in them and the changes in the contingent of students. The relevance of the topic and the novelty of the work is determined by the fact that so far, historiography has not paid enough attention to Joniškis rural district and city school network research, the issues of establishment and maintenance of some schools remained untouched, primary schools operating in rural areas were researched poorly, lacking data on the establishment and operation of national minority schools. Analyzing the sources of the research period, it was established, that education and development of the school network was a priority area of Joniškis rural district and city self-government. Intellectuals, rural communities and public organizations were actively involved in the establishment of new schools. During analysis, at the beginning of the period of independence, the financial situation of schools was difficult. In 1919, schools were disrupted by the invading Red Army and later by the Bermontians. Most schools in Joniškis rural district and city did not have their own buildings and operated in rented private houses. Joniškis rural district and city municipality took care of the maintenance and supervision of schools to the best of their ability. Through the joint efforts of the county and city authorities and the local population, new school buildings were built and Joniškis Secondary School was granted the status of a gymnasium. Joniškis rural district and city municipality supported the aspirations of the Jewish and Latvian communities to have their own national schools and supported the education of national minorities to the best of their ability. In 1921 the first Latvian secondary school in Lithuania started operating in Joniškis. Joniškis Jewish Primary School operated successfully until 1940. The Latvian secondary school faced a shortage of funds and students, and was moved to Žeimelis. |
