Activities of public school inspectors in Yakutsk region in the early 20th century

The paper discusses the background to the establishment of public school inspectorate in Yakutsk region. Based on the archival documents, the research reveals the activities of public school inspectors and defines their role in the dissemination and development of enlightenment and education in the region. The inspectors dealt with the following major issues: the construction and opening of new schools, the repair of buildings, the delivery of courses for teachers, library support. The emphasis was placed on the activities of S.O. Ogorodnikov, the first public school inspector in Yakutsk region, who opened 26 primary schools. Besides, he developed and applied a curriculum for foreign primary schools contributing to a better study of the Russian language. The author concludes that the establishment of the post of public school inspector has made it possible to manage the public education affairs more effectively despite many challenges, including the remoteness of the region and severe weather conditions.