USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1912 > Part 2
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The financial statement, presented as the last table, shows that the School Department continues to live within the ap- propriation granted by the Board of Aldermen. No single item has been exceeded, and a total net balance of $176.80 has been returned on the regular appropriation.
The largest saving effected has been in the item of fuel- This has been sufficient, with the amount of coal now on hand, to justify a reduction for the coming year, from $7,000 to $5,000 for this account. After 1913, this amount probably
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SCHOOL REPORT
will have to be increased, but with average weather conditions and present prices, ought not again to reach the former figures. The largest saving has been in the High School, where the special appropriation expended on weather strips, caulking window frames, and furnishing additional heating surface, has already justified itself by materially reducing the amount of coal used in that building.
Another item which shows reduction is that of water rates. This has fallen from $940 in 1910, to $721.86 in 1912, largely as the result of prompt attention to leaks, and the in- stallation of an air pressure pump in the High School, run from the fan shaft, to replace the old one which was run by water power from the meter.
In considering the figures given below, it should be borne in mind that we have had in the public schools an average membership for the fiscal year 1912, of nearly two hundred more pupils than during 1911. If the per capita cost for regular items had been the same for the past year as in 1911, the ex- penditures would have been greater by $6,812.90, whereas they were greater by only $1,182.93, which is less than the un- expended balance ($1,258.12) returned by the School Depart- ment in 1911. Further, while the total cost for the High School was increased, because of the larger membership, by $3,724.86, the cost of the Elementary Schools was decreased by $2,541.93.
The increased cost in the High School was due to four items:
Teachers' salaries; two extra men teachers, and the reg- ular increases of salaries.
Text Books and Supplies; result of larger number of pupils.
Janitors' Services; one extra janitor.
Fuel: due to the fact that we begin the new year, 1913, with one hundred tons of coal paid for, in the bin, whereas last year at this time we had no coal on hand in that building.
The decrease in the Elementary Schools was made largely in two items:
Teachers' Salaries; due to the elimination of the Ninth Grade.
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CITY OF MELROSE
Fuel; due partly to weather conditions, but largely to greater care on the part of janitors.
Again, it is worth noting:
1. That our cost per pupil for support in the High School, while higher than in 1911, is still twenty dollars per pupil less than the average for the State for that item.
2. That whereas in 1911 the cost of our Elementary Schools, per pupil, was greater than the average for the State by $2.58, in 1912 it was $2.05 less per pupil.
3. That whereas in 1911 the cost for all pupils in the public schools was greater than the average for the State by $.85, in 1912 it was less by $3.01. In other words, if our schools had cost as much per pupil as the average for the State, our appropriation would have been increased by $8,570.70.
On the other hand, it is only fair to state that, in my opinion, while there are still opportunities for minor econ- omies, yet we can not hope to effect further substantial saving without materially reducing the usefulness of some of our im- portant departments, and thus injuring the efficiency of our schools.
The total cost of our High School for 1912, with corres- ponding cost for 1911, was as follows:
1911
1912
General Administration Salaries
$702.00
$680.40
Other General Salaries
186.00
180.90
Other General Expenses.
267.13
212.61
Teachers' Salaries.
21,738.00
24,672.50
Text Books and Supplies
3,134.68
3,434.29
Janitors' Services
2,878.75
3,431.54
Fuel and Light.
2,083.86
2,321.12
Other Expenses
243.20
134.74
Total, regular expenditures.
$31,233.61
$35,068.10
Maintenance of Buildings and Grounds and Water Rates.
$1,467.35
$1,357.72
Special Appropriation of 1910, Equipment.
209.75
108.63
Special Appropriation of 1910, Heating. . .
2,035.79
753.31
Total expenditures
$35,946.50
$37,287.76
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SCHOOL REPORT
The average cost per pupil for these items based on average membership of High School (774.56), with cor- responding cost for 1911, was as follows:
1911
1912
General Administration Salaries.
$.90
$.88
Other General Salaries
.24
.23
Other General Expenses.
.34
.28
Teachers' Salaries .
27.84
31.85
Text Books and Supplies.
4.02
4.44
Janitors' Services.
3.68
4.43
Fuel and Light.
2.67
2.99
Other Expenses
.31
.17
Total, regular current expenses.
$40.00
$45.27
Maintenance of Buildings and Grounds and Water Rates
$1.87
$1.75
Special Appropriation of 1910, Equipment.
.26
.14
Special Appropriation of 1910, Heating
2.61
.98
Total cost per pupil, all expenditures
$44.74
$48.14
The total cost of our elementary schools for 1912, with the corresponding figures for 1911, was as follows:
1911
1912
General Administration Salaries
$1,638.00
$1,839.60
Other General Salaries
934.00
989.10
Other General Expenses.
672.79
574.82
Teachers' Salaries .
45,225.57
43,154.23
Text Books and Supplies.
2,865.07
2,563.08
Tuition .
651.20
678.80
Transportation.
665.50
664.25
Support of Truants
70.00
Janitors' Services.
4,299.99
4,359.58
Fuel and Light.
4,851.97
4,317.95
Other Expenses.
356.10
364.29
Total, regular current expenditures. ... $62,230.20
$59,505.70
Maintenance of Buildings and Grounds and Water Rates.
$3,673.44
$3,854.37
Furniture and Furnishings.
198.76
200.40
Total expenditures, elementary schools
$66,102.40
$63,560.47
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CITY OF MELROSE
The average cost per pupil in the elementary schools for these items, based on the average membership (2,072.85) for the fiscal year 1912, with the corresponding figures for 1911, was as follows:
1911
1912
General Administration Salaries.
$.87
$.88
Other General Salaries
.50
.48
Other General Expenses.
.36
.28
Teachers' Salaries .
24.19
20.82
Text Books and Supplies.
1.52
1.23
Tuition
.34
.33
Transportation.
.35
.32
Support of Truants
.04
Janitors' Services.
2.28
2.10
Fuel and Light.
2.59
2.08
Other Expenses
.19
.18
Total, regular current expenditures
33.23
28.70
Maintenance of Buildings and Grounds and Water
Rates
1.96
1.86
Furniture and Furnishings.
.11
.10
Total cost per pupil Elementary Schools.
$35.30
$30.66
Combining the figures for High and Elementary Schools, we have the total expenditures for all public schools for the fiscal year, as shown in the following:
ANNUAL FINANCIAL EXHIBIT FOR 1912. I. General Statement.
Receipts.
Appropriation for regular items for 12 months
from Jan. 1, 1912 to Jan. 1, 1913. $100,163.09
Special for High School Equipment, appropri- ated in 1910.
112.82
*Special for High School Heating, appropriated in 1910
753.31
Special for High School Curbing, transferred from Special Heating
600.00
$101,629.22
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SCHOOL REPORT
Expenditures.
General Expenses
$4,477.43
Teachers' Salaries
67,826.73
Text Books and Supplies.
5,997.37
Tuition .
678.80
Transportation
664.25
Janitors' Services.
7,791.12
Fuel and Light.
6,639.07
Maintenance of Buildings and Grounds and Water Rates.
5,212.09
Furniture and Furnishings.
200.40
Other Expenses
499.03
Expenditures under regular appropriations . . .
$99,986.29
Unexpended balance under regular appro- priations
176.80
Special High School Equipment.
108.63
Unexpended balance, High School Equip- ment.
4.19
Special High School Heating.
753.31
Unexpended balance, High School curbing
600.00
$101,629.22
*From this item, $600 was transferred to account for High School Curbing, and $600.91 to Water Rates.
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CITY OF MELROSE
2. Average Expenditure Per Pupil
Appropriation of 1912.
(Based on the average membership of all the public schools (2,847.41) for the fiscal year 1912, with the corresponding cost for 1911).
1911
1912
General Administration Salaries (Supt.).
$.88
$.88
Other General Salaries (Clerk, Truant Officer)
.42
.41
Other General Expenses
.37
.28
Teachers' Salaries .
25.23
23.82
Text Books and Supplies
2.26
2.11
Tuition
.24
.24
Transportation.
.25
.23
Support of Truants
.03
.00
Janitors' Services.
2.70
2.73
Fuel and Light.
2.61
2.33
Other Expenses
.22
.18
Cost per pupil, excluding repairs and furniture .
$35.21
$33.21
Maintenance of Buildings and Groun !s and Water
Rates
$1.94
$1.83
Furniture and Furnishings.
.07
.07
Cost per pupil for all purposes
$37.22
+$35.11
+Average for State, $38.12.
The past four years has been a period of change and re- adjustment, of revision of the old machinery in preparation for the new product which the times demand that we supply. The next period must be one of extension and expansion along new lines, if our children are to enter life on an equal footing with those from other cities.
It may be well at this time to recall what has been ac- complished during the four years just passed, and to suggest what direction the future development of our schools requires.
What Has Been Done.
What has been accomplished financially has already been set forth. In connection with its work along these lines, the Department has accepted the new State classification of accounts; has evolved a simple but efficient office system, with duplicate order blanks, requisitions and credits, and has established a monthly checking of accounts with the Auditor's
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SCHOOL REPORT
office. No purchase is made, or work authorized except on written order. Work cards, signed by employee and janitor, cover every item of labor and material. The State system of Pupils' Record Cards has been installed throughout the schools. A closer supervision by principals and teachers of the distribution and care of supplies and books, has practically eliminated waste in this item.
In the High School, the course of study has been changed from a wide open elective, to a carefully planned group system, wherein six parallel courses, each one complete and compre- hensive, furnish a thorough preparation for any line of work except the industrial. Several new subjects have been added, including Spanish, Hygiene, Botany, Zoology, Commercial History, Physiography and Penmanship. Nine new type- writers have been added to the equipment, and all the old machines replaced with new. Material additions have been made to the library and to the physical laboratory. An ex- cellent and valuable collection has been gathered of illustra- tive material for teaching commercial and industrial geography. Several thousand dollars have been expended for new books for class use. Two classes of boys have availed themselves of an opportunity to continue their work in manual training, and are devoting two afternoons a week to a course in cabinet making. A course in practical engineer- ing, heating and ventilating, with an excellent equipment, has been planned and will be offered at once. This latter has been furnished without expense to the city. The equipment con- sists of :
One five-horse power, upright, center crank, piston valve engine, complete with governor and lubricator, fly-wheel, and counter shaft,
One three horse power upright, slide valve engine,
One single, double acting Blake pump,
One plunger půmp,
One link motion engine, side cranks,
One small model, upright, disc-crank engine,
One generator and switch board,
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CITY OF MELROSE
One upright, tubular boiler, fitted with Hancock in- spirator, try cocks, water glass, police safety valve and steam gauge,
An assortment of valves and safety valves for instruction purposes,
One duplex pump,
One gasoline engine,
One hot water heater, connected with coils, for instruc- tion purposes.
Besides the laboratory equipment just named, the regular plant in the school will be used for further instruction in theory, and practise of heating and ventilating. This con- sists of four return tubular boilers; one eight horse-power, low pressure engine; one ten foot fan; one closed water heater; one air compressor run by water pressure; one air compressor run by belt power; one large blow-off tank; one Spencer damper-regulator; one Mason damper regulator; automatic thermostats controlling dampers.
In the Elementary Schools, the entrance age has been raised to six years, and the ninth grade eliminated. A new course of study, adjusted to an eight grade system, has been prepared. A primary supervisor, Miss Margaret E. Grady, has rendered most excellent service in readjusting the lower grades to the new course, and in aiding and inspiring the teachers in their work. A supervisor in writing, Mrs. Florence K. Marshall, has introduced a muscular system which has proved its worth in other schools, and which promises to relieve the chaotic condition which has existed in that subject.
A beginning has been made in organized play, and some simple playground apparatus, made in the schools, has been installed, with more in process of construction. Medical in- spection has been extended to the point of making an indi- vidual examination of each child in the primary grades. Truancy has been largely eliminated, and for a year and a half we have had no pupil in the county truant school, where formerly we had several all the time.
A very large number of new books has been added to the Elementary Schools.
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SCHOOL REPORT
Every first grade has been supplied with nine sets of new primers, or first readers. Every second grade has been sup- plied with six sets of readers.
A new system of number work is in successful operation in grades one and two.
Every third grade has been supplied with seven sets of readers, and with new arithmetics.
Every fourth grade has been supplied with four sets of readers.
Grades two to eight have been supplied with new spellers.
Grades four to eight, inclusive, have been supplied with a modern series on physiology and hygiene.
Grades five to eight, inclusive, have been supplied with new histories.
All grades have been supplied with new music books, with the new penmanship manual, and will this year be supplied with new arithmetics and new language books.
The teachers have joined heartily, loyally and intelli- gently in the policies of the administration and to them is due, to a large degree, whatever success the schools have attained. A little more than two years ago the "Melrose Teachers' Club" was formed, composed of all our teachers, the Superintendent, and members of the School Committee. This Club has been an important factor in welding our teaching corps into a strong
working organization. What it has accomplished along this
line, and the cordial support given it by the community, was evidenced last November, when the Club gave, for the first time in Melrose, a "Teachers' Club Fair." The net receipts were $1,150. This money is to be devoted to such educational and philanthropic purposes, for Melrose schools, for Melrose children and for the community as the Club may decide from time to time.
Needs of the Future.
As I have already indicated, the next period in our school development will be one of extension and expansion. This must necessarily be delayed to keep step with the growth of our financial resources. Therefore, the following suggestions
28
CITY OF MELROSE
are made, not as recommendations to be acted upon at once, but rather as the outline of a program, which should be gradu- ally worked out as the city can afford it. Furthermore, nothing is here suggested but what has been thoroughly and successfully tested in other cities and towns in our own State, as well as throughout the country. The program should be somewhat as follows, subject to revision or additions as new needs or conditions arise.
Closer Medical Inspection. A school physician should visit each building each school day. Each child should have at least once a year, a thorough physical examination, either by his own physician or by the school physician, as the parent may elect.
A School Nurse, who should spend her whole time in the schools, and in following up cases in the homes as needed.
Dental Inspection, with provision for care of the teeth in needy cases.
Open Air Rooms for anemic children.
Supervised Playgrounds adjoining school buildings. The School Committee recommends that land for this purpose be secured during the present year at the Lincoln School, and that land at the Franklin School be graded.
School Gardens. The city should support, either at each building, or at a central location, school gardens, where all children who wish may receive elementary instruction in the care of soil and plants, and the planting of seeds. Until such time as this can be entirely assumed, the city could very well afford to help, to some extent, the work which is so success- fully carried on each year by the Woman's Club.
Summer Schools. The school plant should not lie idle during one-fifth of the year. A summer session should be pro- vided, where children who have not been promoted, or those who, by extra work can finish the elementary course in less than the usual time, may if they so desire, receive the help needed at the expense of the city. In time saved for the children, and in money saved to the city, this would prove a good investment.
Special Room for Motor Minded. There are many chil- dren in our schools to whom the abstract, academic work of
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SCHOOL REPORT
the ordinary curriculum makes no appeal. They are a detri- ment to the class which they attend, and are not securing from our schools the help which they have a right to demand. There should be at least two or three special rooms under special teachers, where such children could be trained along lines in which they could attain success, instead of remaining where, by repeated failure, they lose their self-respect.
A Differentiated Course of Study for the upper grammar grades and High School. A more flexible course, and greater opportunities for practical training, should be offered the large number of our young people who can not hope to continue their studies after they are sixteen years of age. Such a course might well follow along similar lines to those offered at Fitchburg, or at the Model School connected with the Salem Normal School. In two years, the reduction in our High School will provide the necessary room, and at the same time will release money which may well be used for this purpose. Meanwhile, such beginning should be made as opportunity offers.
Wider Use of School Buildings. Upon recommendation of the School Committee, the Board of Aldermen have ac- cepted the recent Act which makes possible the use of school buildings for other than school purposes. The Committee is, therefore, in a position to grant such use as is, in their opinion, advisable. The school plant should be used for all community needs not inconsistent with its original purpose. The rapid spread of this idea throughout the country has been phenom- enal. One hundred sixty-five cities now use their school buildings for a large variety of communal interests. Some are used as social and recreation centers, others offer regular courses of lectures and entertainments of a popular and ed- ucational character, and in many ways promote by this means, public health, civic efficiency and social solidarity in the com- munity.
30
CITY OF MELROSE
In Conclusion.
In closing, this, my fourth annual report, I wish to ex- press my gratitude to the teachers, to the School Committee, to the Board of Aldermen and to the community. By their loyalty, their support and their kindly consideration, they have lightened my labors, made my work more effective, and my residence in Melrose a very happy one.
Respectfully submitted, John C. Anthony, In School Committee, January 27, 1913.
Voted :- To accept the report of the Superintendent of Schools and to adopt it as the report of the School Committee for the year 1912.
Report of the High School Principal.
Mr. John C. Anthony,
Superintendent of Schools, Melrose, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir :- I herewith submit the following report of the High School for the year 1912:
The increase in the membership of the school has necessi- * tated a still further enlargement of the teaching force, bring- ing the number of regular instructors to twenty-six. Mr. Robert L. Munson was elected submaster and head of the his- tory department, in place of Mr. William H. H. Peirce, who re- signed, and Miss Alice G. Drake, teacher of English, in place of Miss Mary G. Hickey. There were also added Mr. Ernest J. Lawton, teacher of hygiene and mathematics and Mr. George F: Nightingale, of bookkeeping and commercial arithmetic.
Of the ninety-three members of the graduating class, twenty-six are pursuing work in higher institutions of learn- ing. Four at Harvard; one at the Institute of Technology; three at Boston University; two at Wellesley; one at Smith; three at Mount Holyoke; one at Bates, one at Dartmouth;
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SCHOOL REPORT
four at Amherst, Agricultural College; one at Tufts Medical College, and five at various normal schools. This large pro- portion of college pupils is characteristic of our school. Two members of the class received Harvard Club Entrance Scholar- ships, owing to the excellence of their work in the high school, and the principal has recently received a letter from Harvard College telling of high honors awarded to two former graduates.
Very few of the students who entered college last fall re- ceived certificates in full. This was due to the great degree of care necessarily taken in the use of the certificate privilege. A free use of the certificate tends to lower the standard of work that should be maintained in the high school and en- courages the pupil to enter college with an incomplete prepar- ation. It is unfair to the school but most of all to the pupil who is apt to become discouraged and drop out of college at mid-year examinations. Instead, therefore, of awarding this privilege to any member who completes the required work, it should be given only as a reward for high scholarship and all other pupils should be required to take the entrance examina- tion.
The new course of study has been in operation for nearly one half year and seems to meet the need for a more definite arrangement of work for the pupils. The records show that of the present membership of 758, 185 are taking the college course; 83 the scientific; 160 the general courses; 49 the normal; 273 the commercial course, and 8 are special students. By a vote of the School Committee, a three years' course has been established whereby the work of the third year, for the pupils in the commercial course, will be intensified along the lines of stenography and typewriting or business practice. A suitable certificate will be given to all pupils completing this third year of work. The newly added subjects, penmanship, hygiene, physiography, botany and Spanish are meeting a long felt need, as is shown by the large number of pupils taking them. The increased proportion of pupils in French and bookkeeping is due to the fact that those subjects are now begun in the first year. The principal recommends that, as soon as conditions warrant the change, a number of distinctly vocational courses be added. Too many pupils are virtually
32
CITY OF MELROSE
compelled to leave school each year, owing to lack of interest in the subjects they are compelled to pursue. The addition of courses in the practical arts both for boys and girls, will do much to keep these pupils in school. Plans are now being made in a small way, to offer a course in the principles of steam engineering, and it is hoped that this will be further extended.
The daily program also has been considerably changed with the introduction of the new course of study. By the in- crease of the daily periods to six, and the arrangement of the divisions into two programs alternating from day to day, a greater number of combinations are made possible. The principal recommends a return to the five period day as soon as conditions warrant it. The plan of separating study pupils from those in recitation, by having certain rooms devoted wholly to study, is, on the whole, working well. There is a greater ease and freedom in the classrooms because of the ab- sence of study pupils and also a better opportunity for study in the quiet rooms used for that purpose.
In spite of the many changes which the school has under- gone, there is cause for gratification in the character of the work and the spirit of the pupils. It is not to be expected that so many new arrangements can be made without hard- ship to pupils and teachers in making the necessary adjust- ments to the different order of things. The principal wishes, at this point, to make acknowledgement of the loyalty and interest shown by the teachers and the ready acceptance of new conditions on the part of the pupils during the whole year.
The school organizations are active and productive of much good. The great problem in athletics, that of finance, will without doubt, be settled as soon as the enclosed field, provided for in the last city election, is ready for use. The debating societies, the school orchestra and the aviation club are doing good work, not only along their chosen lines, but also in promoting a better spirit in the school. The class dances have been well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by both pupils and parents.
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