USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1922-1933 > Part 58
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We have had very little sickness this year. As a re- sult the percentage of attendance has been very high.
There has been quite a little discussion in regard to cuting down appropriations this year. Your committee has gone over the figures very carefully and is willing to cut all possible without seriously interfering with the good standard of the schools. We find that practically 80% of our expenses are for salaries and transportation charges which are a fixed quantity by contract. That leaves only 20% to absorb any cut we may make.
We do not believe that the citizens wish us to lower the standard of work in the schools by hiring inferior teachers or by forcing our pupils to go without adequate equipment in the shape of textbooks and supplies.
We would point out to the citizens that such a move would not be for the good of the town even if the tax rate were to be lowered a few cents by any such means.
We refer you to the report of the superintendent for an analysis of 1931 expenditures which will show that no unnecessary expendiures have been made.
We call your attention again to the fact that the state re-imburses the town about $7.500 making the net cost to the town about $19,500.
Our financial report follows :
Money Available for Schools
Appropriation $27,100.00
Interest on Town School Fund
34,94
Refund on Town Hall Lights
50.00
Total
$27,184.94
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ANNUAL REPORT
Expended
General Expenses
School Committee
$ 1.600.00
Superintendent's Salary
121.83
Expenses
Expenses of Instruction
Salaries, High and Elementary
16.200.25
Books and Supplies, High and Elementary
1.573.68
Operation of School Plant
1.646.00
Janitor
1.533.24
Fuel
551.48
Miscellaneous
377.77
Maintenance
387.82
Health
2,675.00
Transportation
392.06
New Equipment
$27,059.49
Total
$125.45
Balance
Budget For 1932
We recommend for 1932 that the sum of $26,100.00 be appropriated according to the estimated budget.
General Expenses
$ 1,600.00
Superintendent, Salary
75.00
Expenses .
Expenses of Instruction
Salaries, High and Elementary
16,525.00
Books and Supplies, High and Elementary
1,000.00
Operation of School Plant
1,664.00
Janitor
1,250.00
Fuel
421.00
Miscellaneous
400.00
Maintenance
415.00
Health
2,675.00
Transportation
75.00
New Equipment
$26,100.00
Total
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ANNUAL REPORT
The town received during 1931 from the State on account of Schools :
General School Fund, Part 1
$3,105.00
General School Fund, Part 2
2,347.91
For Superintendent
773.33
For High School
1,054.05
Tuition of state wards
102.55
From the Town of Wrentham for Tuition
85.32
Total
Total Expenditure for 1931
$7,478.16
$27.059.49
Receipts from outside sources 7,478.16
Net Expenditure by Town of Plainville
$19,581.33
The receipts for 1932 are expected to be approximately the same as those stated above for 1931. Assurance of these receipts for 1932 has been given by the state de- partment.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. PEASLEY, Chairman. FRANK O. PATTON, Secretary. RUFUS KING.
$7,382.84
38
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Plainville School Committee :
It is my pleasure to submit to you my eighth annual report as Superintendent of Schools and the twenty- sixth in the series of reports.
General Statement
In the reports of the past two years I have outlined for your consideration (1) the work of the superinten- dent according to the generally accepted standards and principles, (2) some major educational objectives. (3) statistical records of educational tests, (4) reports on new school activities, (5) special recommendations. The principles outlined in these reports are our guides and objectives. The same means for checking our educational progress have been continued and in some details enlarged. The educational results reported to you in the monthly reports have been encouraging and reasonable. The suggestions which I have secured at the State and National meetings of Superintendents have been valuable in furnishing many practical sug- gestions for teaching procedure and in some cases fur- nished means for changes in operation of school plant that have been of direct financial saving.
School Costs
The main purpose of this report will be to outline local school costs during the past year and make an analysis of general educational costs. The general statement of expenditures for 1931 have been set forth in your report. More detailed summary under each item will be given.
I Superintendent
Salary
Budget 1931
Expended 1931 $1.600.00
Budget 1932 $1,600.00
$1,600.00
The above figure is the amount paid by the School Committee for several years. It is the amount under agreement with the Plainville-Norton School Union. Under reimbursements from the State it may be seen that $773.33 of the above amount was returned to the town treasurer on the account of Superintendent of Schools.
39
ANNUAL REPORT
II Superintendent
Expenses
Budget
Expended 1931
Budget
1932
Clerk
1931 $140.00 1931
$121.83
$75.00
$39.69
$30.00
82.14
45.00
$121.83
$75.00
A large part of the office work of the superintendent is done by several of the high school commercial students during school huors as a part of their training. Some work such as pay rolls, reports for school committee. important letters, etc., are done one or two afternoons per week by one clerk who is trained especially for this part of the office work.
The travel expense is for attendance at various con- ferences called by the State Department of Education, meetings of Educational associations, visits to normal schools and colleges or visiting other school systems for study of school activities or hiring teachers.
III Expenses of Instruction
Teachers' Salaries
Budget Expended 1931
Budget 1931
1932
$16,385.00 $16,200.25 $16,525.00
During 1931 $7,459.71 was spent for high school in- struction and $8,740.54 for elementary instruction. Of the above amounts $132.50 was paid to substitute teach- ers. The present contracted salaries total $16,400.00. There is also in the 1932 budget allowance of $125.00 for substitute teachers. The maintenance of the present salaries requires a larger appropriation than that of last year on this item. No estimate is made for salary in- creases in accordance with the schedule which has been in operation for several years. The teachers influence the educational progress more directly than any other factor in the budget. It is essential that the recent standards be maintained. Every effort possible should be given to carry out the salary schedule.
1932
Travel in and out of the state
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ANNUAL REPORT
IV Expenses of Instruction
Books and Supplies Budget Expended
1931 1931
Budget 1932
$1,500.00 $1,573.68 $1,000.00
The amounts expended under this item for the past five years are :
$1,573.68
1931
1,694.86
1930
1,608.63
1929
1,558.17
1928
1,606.98
1927
Average
$1,608.46
The major part of this item goes for general supplies. The art supplies are relatively the most expensive. The adoption of a new series of arithmetic books in the elementary grades was the largest single purchase of books. Both because of the worn out condition of the old books and because of the need for more practical and effective text books the change was made. Additions were made to the high school library and the reference library books in the elementary grades. Maps were placed in the high school. Following a teachers' confer- ence and lecture on reading further replacements and additions were made to the reading books in the primary grades. With the drastic cut in 1932 as shown above it will be probably necessary to curtail the amount of gen- eral supplies given each pupil, to hold to a minimum the replacement of worn out books and eliminate the pur- chase of any new series of text books.
V Operation of School Plant
Janitor
Budget
Expended
Budget 1932
1931
1931
$1,664.00
$1,664.00
$1,664.00
The entire school staff is delighted with the school janitorial service. Many economies in repairs have been accomplished by the constant care and watchfulness on the part of the janitor.
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ANNUAL REPORT
VI Operation of School Plant
Fuel
Budget Expended 1931 1931 1932
Budget
$1,500.00
$1,533.24 $1,250.00
During 1931 113.5 tons of anthracite coal were
purchased
$1,356.37
For soft coal for steam boiler
120.37
For cutting, hauling, and sawing wood
120.37
(furnished by the town) For chestnut coal for ventillating heaters
16.50
$1,533.24
The need is anticipated as the same for 1932 but in order to give some temporary curtailment in this year's appropriation the above estimated reduction is made. The postponement of some of next school year's supply will be necessary until into 1933. In order to secure coal at an advantageous rate the school committee makes an annual coal contract. The present rate for anthracite coal is $11.74 per ton.
VII Operation of School Plant
Miscellaneous
Budget
Expended 1931
Budget 1932
$441.00
$551.84
$421.00
The chief items for 1931 were :
Lights in town hall and primary school
Floor oil, soap, disinfectants
71.52
School census 74.82
Gas service 34.70
34.48
Paper towels
52.36
Steam boiler inspection
43.85
Miscellaneous
5.00
84.16
$551.84
The budget for 1932 includes :
Lights, town hall and primary school
$75.00
For cutting, hauling, and sawing wood
40.00
1931
Lights in high school building
$150.95
Telephone service
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ANNUAL REPORT
75.00
Lights, high school building
35.00
Gas service
Telephone service 55.00
45.00
Paper towels
70.00
Floor oil, soaps and disinfectants
Miscellaneous, floor brushes, cleaning soaps,
66.00
kerosene, light bulbs, toilet paper, etc.
$421.00
VIII Maintenance
Budget
Budget Expended
1932
1931
1931
$400.00
The following list gives the main items of repairs :
New locks on outside doors required by the state
$66.90
building inspector
22.20
Repairs on toilet system
33.65
Furnace repairs
37.68
Work bench in art room
14.15
Roof repairs
the high school
43.13
and miscellaneous repairs
43.80
Painting and repairing ceilings
9.82
Desks-repairs
12.70
Repairs to bells and batteries
8.35
Shelves, etc .- lumber
3.50
Typewriter repairs
1.60
Sewing machine-repairs
3.50
Clocks-repairs
8.00
Drain-repairs
5.50
Piano tuning
10.00
Flag pole repairs
53.29
Miscellaneous repairs
$377.77
There are several major repairs and replacements which have been imminent for some time and may be- come necessary in 1932. The installation of metal weather strips on the windows of one room in the pri- mary building two years ago has made it possible to heat that room in even the worst weather. It has also been more economical in the fuel supply because of this protection. One more room in that building and the
Electric lights-additions in
$485.00 $377.77
43
ANNUAL REPORT
two small class rooms in the high school building are very difficult to heat and need the weather strips. A more adequate fire signal system is another needed re- placement. None of these are included in the following estimate.
Repairs and replacements to the following items ap- pear necessary for 1932 :
Furnace
Steam boiler
$ 75.00
Desks and chairs
25.00
Bells and batteries 75.00
Toilet system 15.00
Shades 25.00
Electric lights 25.00
35.00
drain, flag pole. drinking fountains, locks, ceilings, etc.
125.00
$400.00
IX Health
Budget
Expended
1931
1931
Budget 1932
$415.00
$387.82
$415.00
In 1931 there was spent under health :
School Nurse-salary
$259.00
School Physician
100.00
Dental examination
21.72
7.10
$387.82
For 1932 the estimate is :
School Nurse
$304.00
Supplies
100.00
11.00
$415.00
X Transportation
Budget 1931
Expended 1931
$2,675.00
$2,675.00
Budget 1932 $2,675.00
School Physician
Supplies
Miscellaneous-pipes, roof, windows, clocks,
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ANNUAL REPORT
This transportation was under contract awarded this year. The cost is the same as for several years. The cost for 1932 will be the same.
XI New Equipment
The summary of expenditures follows :
$230.00
Five typewriters replaced 90.31
Shades in primary building . 18.00
Dishes in domestic science room
Fire gong in high school-the gong in the pri-
mary building was presented to the school by
Milton Bradley Company of Boston 12.76
High School laboratory equipment 40.99
$392.06
Due to the rapid growth in the commercial department in the last three years annual expenditure on type- writers had to be for additional machines. Therefore the old equipment needed replacement. All except one machine are now up to date new models and in good order. There will not be any unusual needs the coming year.
For 1932 $30.00
Laboratory equipment 45.00
One typewriter
$75.00
General School Costs
The following two tables of general school costs are taken from the reports of the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Education-Vol. 95, Part II, 1931. The costs for each elementary school pupil and for each high school pupil in Plainville and for ten surrounding towns and cities with the state averages are given below. In elementary schools, the Plainville cost is, with one ex- ception, the lowest in this list of near-by towns. The state average for towns of our classification is over $10 per pupil greater than in Plainville. The state average for the entire state is over $20 greater. A comparison of high school costs will show that the Plainville cost is
45
ANNUAL REPORT
nearly at the average of the towns of our classification. The decreased enrollment last year made the pupil cost higher. With many costs which are fixed the small high schools of necessity show a greater per pupil expendi- ture. The conclusion may be drawn that for all schools Plainville does not spend for each pupil as much as the surrounding towns and cities.
Expenditure for support, exclusive of general control, per pupil in average membership Elementary High School
Plainville
$59.92
$140.99
Foxboro
78.22
163.23
Walpole
68.56
166.08*
Mansfield
81.31
126.88
Norton
68.98
147.43*
Attleboro
64.84
151.71
North Attleboro
76.37
118.39
Sharon
68.45
108.30
Millis
64.05
174.43*
Medway
50.47
110.24*
State average, group 3 towns
$71.76
$139.70
State average, complete . .
80.95
126.41
* There are Junior High Schools in these communities and so High School figures are for last three years.
The following table gives the net expenditure .per pupil from local taxation (omitting the part paid by state reimbursements), the numbers of teachers and the num- ber of pupils in ten towns according to the state reports having the same organization of grades and high school. The ten towns of this group nearest to Plainville in population are shown in this comparison. These figures represent the effort of the towns to support their schools as the amount received from the state has been deducted. The net amount per pupil in Plainville is $63.07 while the average of these towns is $79.20. The number of full time teachers is 11 in Plainville and the average is 14. Clearly, Plainville is not furnishing as many teachers for its educational work as these other towns. The Plainville pupils total 299 which is very close to the average-300 pupils. Of the 109 towns in this classification of the state report, 80 towns spend
79.98
223.72*
Wrentham
46
ANNUAL REPORT
more from local taxation per pupil than does the town of Plainville or 73% of the towns spend more for the educa- tion of each child. Such comparisons should strengthen a resolve to maintain, at least, the present educational standard and also to raise it if possible.
Population 1930 Census
Expenditure from local taxation per pupil in average membership
Number of Teachers
Number of pupils in average mem'ship
Northfield
1,888
$ 53.57
19
420
Dennis
1,829
111.33
13
256
Yarmouth
1.794
124.36
16
310
Stockbridge 1,762
283
Sheffield
298
Plainville
1,583
63.56
17
264
Shelburne
1,544
55.04
15
361
Tisbury
1,541
77.65
10
243
Essex
1.465
56.97
14
319
Chester
1,464
12
252
Littleton
1,447
84.86
14
300
Average $79.20
An earnest effort has been made in this report to show how the school appropriation has been expended. In every way the greatest return for the money expended has been sought. Every economy possible will be con- tinued.
During the present school year the study of mental hygeine and its importance in the solution of educational problems has been started through professional books. meetings and speakers. Another major activity this year is the program to carry out the Bi-Centennial of the Birth of George Washington. A committee. of teachers is working in conjunction with the State Committee to carry on these activities. The instruction in citizen- ship and character training is devoted to this special purpose.
It was a very fortunate circumstance to have only one change on the teaching staff during the summer vaca- tion. With the securing of an experienced teacher in this position, for the first time, I believe. all of the teachers at present are experienced teachers. Many advantages in continuity of work and greater educa-
13
295
108.39
15
1,650
72.41
11
63.07
47
ANNUAL REPORT
tional progress result from this fact. Even more important factors in the effectiveness of the operation of the school and of the teaching procedures are the execllent professional spirit and earnest co-operation which are very manifest on the part of all teachers.
Summary of Reports
Comment on the reports which have been submitted to me by those in charge of special school activities follows :
1
The report of Harry L. Dixon, Principal of the High School.
"The High School Library is probably our most val- uable contribution to the school. Its successful operation was noted in last year's report. Many problems have been given to us because of the Library. Much energy has been spent in trying to find the most satisfactory solutions for these problems. Many of these problems would not have been presented to us in the form that they were if it had not been for the situation which the Library provided. However, we are far from wishing that the Library had not been started because it has been a fine aid to the academic program and is certainly a training for better use of leisure time. But more than that the turning of the spotlight on various individual behavior problems has given us as a faculty, a chance to do some training for citizenship which might otherwise have been denied us. And in these days of such stress on the school as a training ground for citizenship. teachers should welcome such an opportunity for in- creased service of so necessary a nature."
"Very nearly as worth while in some ways as the Library is the Secretarial Staff. The Commercial students who graduated last June received very fine training in practical office work. Such training could not have been given to them in any other way in this school. This year with no Seniors in the Commercial Course the work of the staff is of a much different nature and is quite a contrast to that done up to the time school closed in June. The reason for this is that we are now quite dependent on Juniors who had no instruction in Shorthand previous to this school year. Their value is
48
ANNUAL REPORT
therefore not nearly so great as it unquestionably will be next fall or possibly later on this spring."
"The Studio or Art Room has for the most part work- ed out quite satisfactorily. Mrs. Rice has expressed her appreciation of the present arrangement as being more agreeable than any of those which have been used in the past. She has supervised the decoration of the room and in so doing has created an atmosphere much more typical of the kind of room it is than would have been possible in any other place we have to offer for such use."
"Increased use is now being made of this room be- cause both the Girls' and Boys' 4-H Clubs are working there at least once a week. The opportunity which we thus accept to cooperate with this national organization is providing some of our children with a chance to make things with their hands. Since it is quite out of the question for us to support any Manual Training Depart- ment so much needed by the adolescent boy and girl we are only too glad to encourage the 4-H Club. For the benefit of all who may find use for it we have had built a very fine work bench along the west end of the room. This bench was very well received by pupils and teachers in charge."
"Classroom activities are being made to conform to the current belief that the student should be in the fore- ground instead of the teacher. This is of course also a major motive in the planning of the school assembly programs. Debates in English, History and Economics classes. dramatization of scenes in books being studied in English, Latin, and French classes, and discussion of Current Events whenever they are pertinent to class work or a real student interest are some of the main ways in which this worthy student participation is en- couraged."
"This year with the sanction of the State Department of Education we introduced an Elementary Course in Economics. The prime reason for this was the necessity of strengthening the Commercial Curriculum in the Sophomore year. It is too early to say whether this course is quite a success or not, but certainly with some changes which we may find necessary to make for next
49
ANNUAL REPORT
year we believe it will be found to be a very valuable addition to our program."
"Early in the fall I called a meeting of all of those who would be interested in forming a Science Club. Prac- tically all of the Freshmen boys and the four boys from the Chemistry Class met and a club was formed. Regu- lar meetings started immediately. Those who were really interested have derived quite a bit of pleasure and instruction from the meetings. There were some who joined the club with more of a desire for amusement than for learning but I believe that they have obtained enough from the contributions of others to have justified their membership. I have thus far resisted temptation and have left the program planning and the conduct of the meetings almost entirely in the hands of the boys. Here then is provided another opportunity for pupil activity along lines suggested by the pupil himself."
II The report of Mrs. Harriet F. Washburn, Supervisor of Music.
The primary course of study has been changed with increased interest and results. The operetta of the pri- mary school cooperation of teachers and parents was appreciated. Interesting progress was noted in the fol- lowing activities :
Rhythmic orchestras, high school orchestra, and the school band. The harmonica band in the second grade under Miss Fuller deserved the praise which they re- ceived from so many sources. The grammar school graduation operetta brought the school year's activities to a pleasing finish.
III The report of Mrs. Rowena B. Rice, Supervisor of Art.
The high school handicraft class has done excellent work this year. The development of the new art room in the basement of the high school has been an important project. The fact that the graduates of the school are entering art schools shows the interest that has been aroused and the training that has been given. During this year every opportunity to use art in connection with the George Washington celebration is being given in all classes.
4
50
ANNUAL REPORT
IV The report of Mrs. Mary J. Croke, Domestic Science Teacher and Director of School Lunch.
The suggested course of study of the state department of Education is used as the basis for the lessons and projects. The lengthened class periods in the upper grades has helped these classes. By means of the indi- vidual notebooks which contain records and samples of the work done by each pupil there is this year very definite evidence of the results accomplished.
V The report of the School Nurse . Mrs. Ruah M. Harris.
This report is a summary of the very careful and devoted work which Mrs. Harris has given at all times t othe health activities, health inspection, and health instruction in the class rooms. Child Health Day was observed with the assistance of all the teachers. The Summer Round-Up of children about to enter school was conducted as usual in June. The dental clinic with Mrs. Helen O'Reilly, chairman, was a splendid success. Seventy-four children were treated. Much free work was given in needy cases. A balance of $22.56 at the present time was reported. The assistance of the Plain- ville Parent-Teacher Association, the Junior Red Cross Fund, the Christmas Seal Sale Fund, the Red Cross and many kind individuals have helped in furnishing medical assistance in cases of special need and in general welfare work for school children.
VI The report of the School Physician, Dr. N. C. Bul- lard.
There has been no epidemic of any serious nature. The general health conditions in the schools have been ex- ceptionally good.
I wish to express my appreciation of the many helpful suggestions and pleasant educational discussions at the School Committee meetings during the past year. Such things are an inspiration to greater progress and re- newed zeal.
Respectfully submitted. LAURENCE G. NOURSE.
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ANNUAL REPORT
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES PLAINVILLE HIGH SCHOOL June 22, 1931
Class Colors-Green and Gold Motto-"Think Apart, Work Together" Class Flower-Yellow Tea Rose
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