USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1908 > Part 11
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19
14
25
28
33
30
149
J. A. Thayer.
44
89
124
80
116
74
527
J. Dunn
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Blanks
105
51
87
78
95
92
509
CONGRESSMAN-6th District.
Wards.
1
2
3
4 207
146
6 320
1318
F. H. Wentworth. .
31
25
23
23
32
63
197
Arthur Withington.
80
109
168
127
179
121
784
Blanks
59
38
52
41
51
51
292
COUNCILLOR-5th District.
Wards
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total
Samuel Cole
258
132
276
212
160
331
1369
C. S. Grieves
47
45
54
57
83
91
377
Blanks
134
124
159
129
164
133
845
5
Total
A. P. Gardner
269
129
247
,
ELECTION RETURNS
SENATOR 3RD DISTRICT.
Wards.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total
W. H. Adams
29
21
35
42
45
59
231
J. F. Shaw
194
92
210
164
132
255
1047
C. D. Smith
145
147
182
140
163
144
921
Blanks
71
41
63
52
68
97
392
REPRESENTATIVE-25th District.
Wards
1
2
3
4
Total
C. J. Fogg
306
188
322
254
1070
Blanks.
133
112
162
143
558
REPRESENTATIVE-26th District.
Wards
5
6
Total
Samuel F. Coffin.
213
234
447
Cluade H. Tarbox ...
163
283
446
Blanks.
32
38
70
COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
Wards.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total
G. A. Kelly .
21
21
16
19
34
48
159
Silas P. Kenyon
53
94
88
78
115
79
487
Moody Kimball
290
157
323
252
200
353
1575
Blanks.
75
49
63
49
59
75
370
REGISTER OF
PROBATE.
Wards.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total
Frank E. Hale.
66
33
43
52
60
100
354
J. T. Mahoney
221
178
314
233
225
324
1495
Blanks
152
90
133
113
123
131
742
ASSOCIATE COMMISSIONERS-To Fill Vacancy.
Wards.
1
2
3
4 89
5
6
Total
George C. Doucet. . .
46
106
113
134
92
580
John W. Lovett.
234
124
253
207
158
330
1306
Blanks.
159
71
123
102
116
133
705
TOTAL VOTE.
Wards.
1
2
3
4 398
5 408
6
Total
Total vote.
439
301
490
555
2591
261
262
ANNUAL REPORTS
In Board of Aldermen, November 9, 1908.
The above returns verified and approved and so returned to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
IRVIN BESSE, Mayor
EDWARD G. MOODY,
HERBERT S. NOYES, ..
GEORGE P. PECKHAM, WILLIAM H. T. DODGE,
HERBERT CURRIER,
JOHN J. KELLEHER, GEORGE F. AVERY, Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
REPRESENTATIVE VOTE-26th Essex District. Town of Salisbury.
Samuel F. Coffin 108
Claude H. Tarbox 164
Blanks.
38
Town of West Newbury.
Samuel F. Coffin. 181
Claude H. Tarbox
134
Blanks.
18
Town of Georgetown.
Samuel F. Coffin.
188
Claude H. Tarbox
204
Blanks.
33
Town of Newbury.
Samuel F. Coffin
69
Claude H. Tarbox .
226
Blanks. 12
CITY ELECTION.
The amended and correct returns of the vote for Mayor in this city at the election held December 15, 1908, as deter- mined by the Board of Registrars from a recount which was had upon the petition of sixty voters of the city, ten of more from each ward. The recount took place December 22 and 23, 1908.
MAYOR-Amended Returns.
Wards .
1
2
3 15
4 11
5 18
6 33
Total
Albert H. Beckford ..
15
5
97
Albert F. Hunt.
191
190
265
236
252
262
1396
Moody B. Noyes.
312
162
281
193
164
267
1379
Blanks
31
13
29
25
13
39
150
BENJAMIN G. DAVIS,
ALBERT W. HOPKINSON,
CHARLES W. JOHNSON,
Board of Registrars. H. W. LITTLE, City Clerk.
ITSJO ALDERMAN-AT-LARGE.
Wards. SITIOH OHAV MAMMHAGIA 5 Charles E. Coffin . ... 268 141 244 18.4 140.37357/1350 John J. Kelleher: . . 88 1 1918 188: 1 285$ 230
6 Total
265 167T 1326
9111 415 6001 50 3314211 60 1190344 AG Blanksi !. . 22 ... er
123
263
201
264
ANNUAL REPORTS
ALDERMAN, WARD ONE.
Wards.
1
2
3
4
5 80
6 130
Total
Henry H. Harris.
154
86
108
91
649
Hiram H. Landford.
230
157
229
179
209
251
1255
George S. Lang
139
77
174
126
106
145
767
Blanks
27
50
78
68
52
74
349
ALDERMAN, WARD TWO.
George P. Peckham ..
249
198
249
194
223
239
1352
Frank H. Plumer ..
240
145
274
207
168
279
1313
Blanks
61
27
66
63
56
82
355
The amended and correct returns of the vote for Alderman Ward 3, in this city at the election held December 15, 1908, as determined by the Board of Registrars from a recount which was had upon the petition of sixty voters of the city, ten or more from each ward. The recount took place December 22 and 23, 1908.
ALDERMAN, WARD THREE-Amended Returns.
Wards.
1
2
3
4
5 72
6 193
640
Edward B. Hoyt ..
67
62
63
53
75
53
375
Benj. P. Ireland
96
99
142
107
143
94
681
Henry Mullins.
48
34
85
50
24
34
275
Selwyn C. Reed
155
66
157
86
74
138
676
Blanks.
79
46
46
57
59
88
375
BENJAMIN G. DAVIS,
ALBERT W. HOPKINSON,
CHARLES W. JOHNSON,
Board of Registrars. H. W. LITTLE, City Clerk.
ALDERMAN, WARD FOUR.
Wards.
1
2
3
4
5
6 277
Total
W. H. T. Dodge
254
141
250
188
169
1279
Herbert C. Hewitt ..
106
73
113
79
68
116
555
William Nice.
94
87
118
152
153
133
737
Blanks.
96
69
108
45
57
74
449
Total
Ralph S. Elliott.
105
63
96
111
265
ELECTION RETURNS
ALDERMAN, WARD FIVE.
Wards
1
2
3
4
5 310
6
Total
Edward G. Moody.
365
230
364
302
383
1954
Scattering
0
1
1
0
1
1
4
Blanks
185
139
224
162
136
216
1062
ALDERMAN, WARD SIX.
Wards.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total
George E. Cooper. .
180
84
196
132
134
231
957
S. N. MacWilliams. .
135
111
135
129
139
163
812
Geo. P. Rand.
139
98
151
128
120
169
805
Blanks
96
77
107
75
54
37
446
OVERSEER OF POOR.
Wards.
1
2
3
4
5 231
6 261
1248
John W. Sargent.
309
187
261
204
154
269
1384
Blanks
62
38
89
67
6 2
70
388
The amended and correct returns of the vote for License in this city at the election held December 15, 1908, as deter- mined by the Board of Registrars from a recount which was had upon the petition of sixty voters of the city, ten or more from each ward, the recount took place December 22 and 23, 1908.
LICENSE-Amended Returns.
Wards.
1
2
3
4 240
5
6 221
Total
Yes
228
196
308
243
1436
No
296
161
258
196
186
355
1452
Blanks
25
13
23
28
18
24
131
BENJAMIN G. DAVIS,
ALBERT W. HOPKINSON,
CHARLES W. JOHNSON,
Board of Registrars. H. W. LITTLE, City Clerk.
Total
Henry B. Little.
179
145
239
193
?66
ANNUAL REPORTS
PLAYGROUNDS.
Wards.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total
Yes
311
237
334
288
267
309
1746
No
129
88
149
103
109
192
770
Blanks
110
45
106
73
71
99
504
COMMON COUNCIL. Ward One.
George L. Bollman. 211
WVm. D. Bousley
81
Herbert A. Furbush
150
Frederick W. Knapp
249
Frank E. Stanwood
156
Thomas H. Welch.
289
Blanks.
514
Ward Two.
Fred W. Chandler
159
Grover C. Heald
147
Thomas H. Nilan.
173
Louis A. Thibault.
176
Scattering.
3
Blanks
452
.
Ward Three.
Laurence P. Dodge 291
Harry E. Hewitt.
226
Frank H. Mottram
192
Allan R. Shepard.
213
Nicholas J. Waters.
229
Blanks.
616
Ward Four.
Goerge T. Castle 230
William J. Cusack .
163
Carl J. Wharton .
181
Lawrence J. Welch.
194
Paul T. Winkley
228
Blanks 396
267
ELECTION RETURNS
Ward Five.
Edward Bass
236
Richard S. Goodwin
161
Carl E. Hardy. 157
George C. Howard.
170
Jeremiah H. Ryan.
216
Blanks.
401
Ward Six.
David A. Bushee 130
Charles A. Church
231
Frank D. Fisher
132
Albert H. Morrill
190
Norman Russell.
355
Everett L. Starr.
197
Mosses H. Williams 216
Scattering
2
Blanks.
. .
347
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Ward One.
The amended and correct returns of the vote for School Committee, Ward 1, in this city at the election held Decem- ber 15, 1908, as determined by the Board of Registrars from a recount which was had upon the petition of sixty voters of the city, 10 or more from each ward. The recount took place December 22 and 23, 1908.
Arthur H. Berry . 233
Franklin P. Knight 223
Blanks. 94
BENJAMIN G. DAVIS, ALBERT W. HOPKINSON, CHARLES W. JOHNSON, Board of Registrars. H. W. LITTLE, City Clerk.
268
ANNUAL REPORTS
Ward Two.
Prentiss H. Reed
233
Scattering.
2
Blanks.
135
Ward Three.
Arthur P. Brown
325
George P. Merrill
176
Blanks
88
Ward Four.
William F. Lunt.
218
Edward H. Newcomb
152
Blanks
94
Ward Five.
John J. O'Brien .
189
Arthur M. Wright.
214
B lanks.
44
Ward Six.
Obed W. Greaton
179
Edward H. Little.
233
Edward H. Ruggles
109
Blanks.
81
TOTAL VOTE.
Wards 1 2 3
4 5 6 Total
Totals
550 370 589 464 447
602
3022
In Board of Aldermen, December 28, 1908.
The records and copies of records and amended records are approved, and the City Clerk instructed to notify the persons elected.
IRVIN BESSE, Mayor EDWARD G. MOODY, HERBERT S. NOYES, GEORGE P. PECKHAM, WILLIAM H. T. DODGE, HERBERT CURRIER, JOHN J. KELLEHER,
GEORGE F. AVERY, Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
-
CITY GOVERNMENT AND OFFICERS- 1909
MAYOR ALBERT F. HUNT. Residence, No. 15 Washington street; office, City Hall.
BOARD OF ALDERMEN President of the Board, Edward G. Moody. Ward One.
Hiram H. Landford 231/2 Purchase street
Ward Two.
19 Milk street
George P. Peckham
Ward Three.
Benjamin P. Ireland . .14 Fair street
William H. T. Dodge
Ward Four.
153 High street Ward Five.
Edward G. Moody . 218 High street
Ward Six.
George E. Cooper 12 North Atkinson street At Large.
Charles E. Coffin . . 324 Merrimac street
COMMON COUNCIL.
President of the Council, Norman Russell.
Ward One.
George L. Bollman 20 Bromfield street
Frederick W. Knapp 27 High street
Thomas H. Welch. 12 Oak street
269
270
ANNUAL REPORTS
Ward Two
Fred W. Chandler Newbury
Thomas H. Nilan.
52 Federal street
Louis A. Thibault.
34 Federal street
Ward Three.
Laurence P. Dodge . 71 High street
Harry E. Hewitt. 6 Garden street
Nicholas J. Waters 11 Orange street
Ward Four.
George T. Castle 55 Merrimac street
Lawrence J. Welch. 4 Birch street
Paul T. Winkley Parker street
Ward Five.
Edward Bass.
7
Congress street
George C. Howard.
19 Summit place
Jeremiah H. Ryan 16 Warren street
Ward Six.
Charles A. Church . 340 Merrimac street
Norman Russell. 255 High street
Moses H Williams 25 Ashland street
gtec
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
-OF-
HON. ALBERT F. HUNT
DELIVERED JANUARY 4, 1909
Gentlemen of the City Council:
In committing to our hands the administration of the affairs of the city for the ensuing year, the citizens have im- posed upon us duties at once arduous and exacting.
If the city was rich in revenue I could recommend a great many improvements and strongly urge their adoption. If we had the money to spend, I should delight to tell you where, in my opinion, it could be put to the best advantage. We are confronted, however-as is every man who comes into office in the government of the city-with the cold fact, the naked proposition, that the income of the city hardly suffices to meet its ordinary running expenses.
Therefore there is no uncertainty about the situation we are to meet. Let us act understandingly, promptly and without evasion, and carefully conduct the government of the city in such manner as will promote measures for the best interests of all the people. The obligation of the sol- emn oath that we have taken, to perform our duty faithfully and impartially, means that the interests of the whole city and of all her people should be our standard.
27I
272
ANNUAL REPORTS
I shall not at this time attempt to discuss at length the needs and requirements of the several departments of the city government, as the report of each, with its recommenda- tions, will soon be laid before you, and will afford far more assistance in the discharge of your duties than anything I may say to you at this time. However, in view of the extra- ordinarily high tax rate the past year, I believe it is wise and expedient that we review the work and needs of every de- partment before the appropriations are made and not assess the people beyond actual and immediate requirements-
The auditor's department I believe to be in capable hands, and the auditor is duly qualified and is ever active for the city's interest. But, after considerable careful thought and investigation, I believe it to be both expedient and wise that the city auditor submit to the finance committee an itemized statement of the financial condition of the city treasury the the first Monday in each month.
With the knowledge that I have, I believe that the neces- sary expenses of most of the departments are such that the appropriation cannot be materially reduced if the public safety, comfort and convenience are to be maintained. I shall oppose anything that will tend to destroy the efficiency of the departments or diminish their usefulness. It there- fore follows that your allotment at the commencement of the year for running expenses must be kept well within the sum appropriated, and that there shall be encouragement to fru- gality I desire your co-operation to the end that all moneys furnished for the use of each department be kept intact for that department, and not transferred to another department in order to counteract extravagance. I shall insist that the money be supplied before a bill is contracted.
Out of the beaten paths of my predecessors I depart to- night, omitting in detail the various departments, usually considered in an inaugural address; and I earnestly urge
273
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
upon every member of the city council the importance of a careful study of all the departments, in order that we may acquire such knowledge as is necessary for an intelligent performance of the duties we have undertaken.
It seems to me not out of place to call attention to the fact that, without the expenditure of a dollar to influence votes, I have received a marked and substantial endorsement at the polls. Mutual co-operation is all that is necessary to ensure a harmonious and successful administration. You may de- pend upon me, and I trust I may depend upon you, in all that is necessary for our city's best interests.
Our fellow-citizens have a right to expect the best service we can give. Our own conscience inspires us to high motives in public work. Our satisfaction will come from knowledge of duty well done. And may He whose blessing has been invoked this evening so guide our deliberations and direct our actions that when the end of another municipal year shall have come, it will go down in the history of our fair and beloved city as one which shall reflect credit upon us, subserve the best interests of the citizens, and promote the happiness and prosperity of all.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
BY THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
OF THE
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT,
MASSACHUSETTS,
FOR THE YEAR
1908.
NEWBURYPORT, MASS. NEWS PUBLISHING CO., PRINTERS, 1909.
At the meeting of the School Committee, held December 28, 1908, the report of the Superintendent of Schools was accepted and adopted as the report of the Board.
E. L. WILLARD, Secretary.
3
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1908.
Hon. Irvin Besse (Mayor) Chairman
10 Garden Street.
Dr. Charles F. Johnson. . Vice Chairman
45 Washington Street.
Ward I-Ernest W. Bliss, 10 Allen street
Term expires 1909
Horton C. Stevens, 27 Bromfield street 66
1910
Ward 2-Prentiss H. Reed, 55 Lime street 66
66 1909
Charles W. Bailey, 62 Prospect street 66
66 1910
Ward 3-Arthur P. Brown, 9 Orange street Dr. John F. Young, 9 Fruit street 66
66
66 1909
66
1910
Ward 4-Dr. Chas. F. Johnson, 45 Washington street " 66
1909
Samuel J. Hughes, 50 Washington street 66
66
1910
Ward 5-William F. Lunt, 128 High street 66
66
1909
Dr. Warren W. Pillsbury, 63 Washington street 16
1910
Ward 6-William R. Usher, 30 Broad street
66
66
1909
George L. Whitmore, 5 Chapel street 66
66
1910
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS AND SECRETARY.
Office at City Hall E. L. Willard.
TRUANT OFFICER.
Joshua L. Chase. Office with the Superintendent
1
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1908, (Continued).
SUB COMMITTEES-1908.
HIGH SCHOOL-J. F. Young, C. W. Bailey, W. R. Usher, A. P. - Brown, W. W. Pillsbury.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS-W. F. Lunt, E. W. Bliss, G. L. Whitmore, H. C. Stevens, S. J. Hughes.
TRAINING AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS-C. W. Bailey, P. H. Reed, S. J. Hughes, W. W. Pillsbury, H. C. Stevens.
TEXT BOOKS AND SUPPLIES-A. P. Brown, J. F. Young, W. W. Pillsbury. .
RULES AND REGULATIONS-C. F. Johnson, A. P. Brown, P. H. Reed.
. EVENING SCHOOLS-E. W. Bliss, C. W. Bailey, H. C. Stevens. PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE-S. J. Hughes, E. W. Bliss, W. W. Pillsbury.
SALARIES-P. H. Reed, G. L. Whitmore, W. F. Lunt.
JANITORS AND BUILDINGS-P. H. Reed, W. F. Lunt, W. R. Usher.
DRAWING AND MUSIC-W. R. Usher, C. W. Bailey, W. F. Lunt. COOKING AND SEWING-H. C. Stevens, E. W. Bliss, G. L. Whitmore.
5
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
SCHOOL DIRECTORY AND CALENDAR.
School Committee Room-City Hall.
Office of Superintendent-City Hall.
Regular Meetings of the Board-The last Monday evening of each month except July and August, at eight o'clock.
Superintendent's Office Hours, Wednesdays, 9 to 10 a. m. Other School days, 4 to 5 p. m.
School Year-The school year shall commence on the second Monday in September and shall be divided into three terms, as follows :-
The first term commencing on the said Monday and continuing until Friday next preceding Christmas week; the second term commencing on the Monday following Christmas week and con- tinuing until the Friday preceding the first Monday in April; the third term shall commence on the second Monday in April and continue until the Friday next preceding the 4th of July.
Vacation and Holidays-The vacations and holidays for the schools shall be as follows: Thanksgiving Day and the day following, Christmas Week, (Lincoln's Birthday, one-half day), Washing- ton's Birthday, the week beginning the first Monday in April, Patriots' Day, Memorial Day, from the Friday preceding the 4th of July to the second Monday in September.
SCHOOL SIGNALS.
8.15 a. m .- Two strokes of the fire alarm, no morning session of the primary and grammar schools.
I.15 a. m .- Two strokes of the fire alarm, no afternoon session of the primary and grammar schools.
6
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Expenditures.
Salaries
$38,897 39
Fuel
3,027 60
Supplies
4,285 65
Total
$46,210 64
Receipts.
Appropriation (Salaries) $38,000 00
Appropriation (Fuel) 3,000 00
Appropriation (Miscellaneous)
900 00
Putnam Trustees
1,200 00
Brown Fund
675 00
Tuition, Newbury
$135 00
Rowley,
195 60
66
Salisbury
132 00
66 State
132 00
66 Supt. of Schools 74 00
66
C. H. Ingham 00
M. D. Brown 8 00
66 C. M. Perry 5 00
686 60
Elections Department
I 80
Treasurer and Collector
40
Sale of Books
II 06
Overdrawn
835 78
Total
$46,210 64
7
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Report of the Superintendent of Schools.
1908.
Gentlemen of the Committee :
The closing of another fiscal year finds many of the same conditions the same difficulties and the same problems con- fronting us that have been before the citizens for many years.
Among these conditions not the least troublesome is the over-crowding of the High school and all of the grammar school buildings.
The High school building as remodeled was intended to accommodate three hundred and twenty-seven pupils. That was the total seating capacity. The problem that confronted the committee at the opening of the schools last September was to accommodate nearly four hundred pupils in that build- ing. The room which was furnished and refitted by the Public Property Committee relieved the situation by providing fifty additional seats. This left at that time fifteen pupils who could not be provided with seats. On account of the usual dropping out, all at the time of writing are provided for.
It should be borne in mind, however, that the limit has been reached and that no more room can be had in any part of the-building. Should there be any increase in the number of pupils next September over those entering last September the problem of enlargement will have to be met. As it is, two basement rooms are in constant use with their attendant evils of poor light, and poor ventilation.
8
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
In the grammar grades the need if that were possible, is more imperative. The thing needed is the new buliding in Ward Six. This, I fully believe would not only relieve the present situation, but would solve the difficulty for the next quarter of a century.
Every room in the Currier school, every room in the Kelley school, the ungraded room, grades seven, eight and nine in the Jackman are filled to overflowing. Transfers in every possible direction have been made in order to provide room for all. Many of the pupils have been put to consider- able inconvenience by this process, in that they have been sent to schools which are not the nearest to their homes. Double promotions, I regard as of doubtful expediency in any case. Yet I have been obliged to resort to this method of relief in scores of cases. It is unfortunate that this should have to be done. Until, however the crying need of new accommodations in Ward Six is met, we must do the same thing over and over again.
At the Kelley building we have the only instance in the city where primary and grammar pupils are together. The evils resulting from this are apparent to anyone who will stop to think of the conditions. There are two principals in the building. It is unavoidable that sometimes there will be con- flicting directions and conflicting authority. The work of the grammar grades sometimes is a hinderance to the work of the rooms below. The play of the primary grades is some- times distracting to the older pupils. There is every reason why these two schools should be separated.
The fact that the primary grades in this building are the grades of the Training School is the paramount reason for the separation.
9
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The reputation which the Training School has acquired throughout this state and in the two states north of us is not improved, when the conditions under which our pupil teachers are obliged to work while in the school, become known.
Either the grammar grades should be given the whole building, or the whole should be devoted to the uses of the Training School and the grammar grades sent elsewhere.
The suggestion made a year ago that the Temple street School be remodeled into a four room building and used as the Training School would serve a double purpose if carried out. The Training School if located there could devote its en- tire energies to its own definite lines of work without the hind- rances and distractions of the presence of older pupils. Secondly, the much needed room in that locality in the city would be furnished.
The Temple Street School has been the only one of the primary buildings to be crowded this year. This building, hav- ing but two rooms and being obliged to accommodate nearly as many pupils as any of the other buildings, all of which have four rooms, has been overtaxed. Many pupils who belong in this district have been sent to the Training School, while others have been sent as far away as Bromfield Street. From Temple to Water and from State to Federal Streets we have a section of the city as densely populated as any to be found within the city limits. In this densely populated district we have but one school building and that of only half size.
The recent changes made in the rules regarding the num- ber and length of service of the pupil teachers make it still more needful that better equipment be furnished for the work of the Training School. At the present time the principal of that school has no conveniences for hearing her own recita- tions except a ten by twelve room which she calls her office.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
It would be almost a physical impossibility to get the sixteen pupil teachers into that room if at any time she should so de- sire. If it should be found inexpedient to remodel the Temple Street School, so as to properly provide for the needs of the Training School the old brick building at the rear of the Kelley building could be fixed by furnishing a room which the principal could use for recitation purposes and as her office.
In spite of the recent rise in the salaries of teachers in this city, the rate is still so low in comparison with other muni- cipalities of equal size, that it would be impossible to secure good teachers from outside and equally impossible to retain the good teachers whom we have when their excellence be- comes known.
One of two things must be done; either loyally support the Training School by giving it every facility for efficient work, such as good quarters and proper equipment or contine to raise the salaries of the teachers so that we may not so often lose the best ones, because someone else is willing to pay more for their services. Which shall it be?
The gradual increase in the percentage of attendance which has been evident in the last few years is gratifying, since it indicates a better moral support of the schools on the part of the public at large. The report of 1906 gives the at- tendance as 91.3, that of 1907, 92.1, while this year we have a record of 93. This indicates a growth that is healthy and in the right direction. It means far more than appears at first thought. It means that the homes and the schools are com- ing more and more into an effective co-operation. It means that parents are coming to realize more and more that the little gained each day, in school counts for the most and the best in the end. It means that they are training up their child- ren to habits of puncutality and regularity more than ever be-
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
fore. It means that the child labor laws are being observed more closely than ever before. Lastly, it means that the schools are having a wider influence and are more effective in the training for right living and good citizenship. It is worth while therefore, to see to it that the schools are made such as to attract rather than repel, not only those whom the law says must attend, but also those whose privilege it is to do so if they so desire and who are beyond the statutory limitations.
The City Council has been generous with us this year, not only in the regular appropriations but also in the special provision made for repairs on public buildings, a large por- tion of which was expended on the different schoolhouses. The Temple Street School building has been painted, inside and out, has been provided with a serviceable fire escape. A fire escape has been provided at the Bromfield Street school- house. The Johnson School building has been thoroughly cleaned and painted on the inside. The Curtis School has been slated and painted. A room has been added and furn- ished at the High School. Repairs have been made at the Jackman, Kelley, Moultonville, Storey Avenue, Ward Room and Congress Street buildings. In other words every school building in the city has had some improvement made in, on, or about it since the coming in of the present city government. The Committee on Public Property should be commended for their generous attitude toward all matters pertaining to the schools. For this year at least they have done all that they could to add attractiveness to the schools and their surround- ings.
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