USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1955-1959 > Part 52
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This report would not be complete without mention of the fact that after more than thirty-two years of loyal service to the Trustees and to the patrons of Turner Li- brary, it was the request of Mrs. Eunice Martin, Assistant Librarian, that her resignation be accepted as of June 1,
152
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
1958. Expressing sincere appreciation for her splendid cooperation throughout these many years and for the faithful manner in which she always performed her work, the Trustees regretfully acceded to her request. At this time they again extend to her their best wishes for many years of health and happiness in her retirement.
The Trustees wish to call the attention of all towns- people to the specific hours of library service shown in the heading of this report. Compared with the 32 hours of service in effect a year ago, the present schedule totals 37 hours. These five additional hours are the result of extending evening service from 8:00 p. m. to 8:30 p. m., and of opening for service on Tuesdays at 10:00 a. m. instead of at 2:00 p. m. These changes have been favor- ably received and will be continued throughout the winter and spring.
Early last year the town appropriated $18,500 for the support of the Turner Library during 1958. Of this amount a total of $18,266.08 was used, leaving an unex- pended balance of $233.92 in the town treasury. The annual report of the Treasurer of the Library (shown be- low in full) gives a complete record of receipts and dis- bursements for the year and lists the Library's invested funds. With an inevitable further increase in circulation during 1959, with additional staff employees needed to handle even the present workload effectively and with the continuing need to provide and maintain an adequate sup- ply of books and other reading material, it has been neces- sary to request an increased appropriation from the town. The Trustees unanimously and urgently recommended that the increased amount-most of which will be devoted to salaries of the additional employees required, be granted.
In conclusion, it should be of interest to townspeople to know that for some time the Trustees have been aware of the eventual need of larger and more up-to-date quar-
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
ters for the library. Reached by a long flight of stairs, the present second-floor rooms are today not only inade- quate for serving the public, but also fall far short of meeting current space requirements for staff work (such as repairing books) and for staff quarters. However, there is no thought that the present building should be abandoned or replaced. Rather, the Trustees are looking toward the development of plans that will enlarge the first floor to an area that will meet the library's needs yet retain the desirable architectural features of the pres- ent building. Although no definite plans exist at the present time, the Trustees feel that it is not too soon for officials of the town-and townspeople generally-to be thinking of the Turner Library's future financial needs for this purpose. A building change of this kind appears to be a major undertaking requiring careful attention over several years to details of planning and financing. Meanwhile, the Trustees hope that residents of the town will become increasingly aware not only of the vital and unique contribution that a forward-looking library makes to the educational, recreational and cultural life of the community but also of the importance of the library's. physical facilities in carrying on an effective program.
Respectfully submitted,
LAURENCE F. SHURTLEFF, President of the Trustees
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
Report of The Librarian Turner Free Library
To the Trustees of the Turner Free Library.
Dear Friends :
It is with deep gratitude for your very warm and practical support, unstintingly given, but never forced, that the Turner staff shares with you another exteremely busy year's fruitage.
1958 proved many things. It proved, first of all, that active reading in Randolph is here to stay and that, given the books, a sufficient number of open-to-public hours and adequate personnel to carry on the library routines- which are legion-Randolph can be one of the most alert and reading-minded communities of suburban Boston ! Notice the following :
1. A year ago we were happy to have increased our hours of service from 191/2 to 32. 1958 saw that figure increased at 37.
2. A year ago we were delighted at an increase, over 1956, in books issued, of 14,062. This past year the increase has been 18,034 over 1957. This was an increase only. The total number of books which our public read was 43,544 !
3. 1,432 more people found their way to the library this last year to register and read.
4. Thanks to the foresight and community pride in educa- tional progress when Randolph residents voted an in- creased book budget, 2,321 volumes were added to the book collection during the past year.
5. Almost every month saw some new physical improve- ment; under-window shelving units, display-style low-
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
er shelves, bookstacks lowered, outmoded radiators removed, improved issue desk, flower gardens, mod- ern home-talent magazine rack, additional painting, etc.
6. Three new encyclopedia sets were added-the Britan- nica, American and Compton's, plus a gift of Webs- ter's Biographical Dictionary by the Randolph Reading Group.
7. Randolph playgrounds were visited, story hours were held, classes were given library instruction, and a successful summer reading club gave promise of an even busier summer in 1959.
These are only some of the more apparent activities. However, operating one staff member short, since Mrs. Martin's retirement, has only been possible because of the untiring and consistant cooperation of Mrs. Saunders and Mrs. Poehlman. Our boys-Peter Briggs, George Sullivan, Robert Benson, Paul Miller and William Wilbur, each available only certain days a week-have fallen to with quick wits and willing hands to try to lighten the interesting load.
Yes, 1958 has been a good year, with an appreciative public. 1959, with a full staff, if possible, should be a record breaker!
With all good wishes,
Gratefully yours, LUCIA S. FAULKNER, Librarian.
To the Trustees of the Turner Free Library :
In compliance with the requirements of the By-Laws, I hereby submit the annual report of the Treasurer of the Turner Free Library.
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
RECEIPTS
Dep. Randolph Savings Bank Jan. 1, 1958 $ 2,050.00
Bal. checking account Jan. 1, 1958
132.12
Income from other sources
Turner Fund $ 875.37
R. W. Turner
1,525.09
Remaining Funds
272.75
Rent
1,775.00
Fines
576.00
Collections
84.14
Bills paid by Town
18,266.08
$23,374.43
Withdrawn from Principal Fund, Randolph Savings Bank for
new investment $ 364.44
$25,920.99
DISBURSEMENTS
Cost of Operation
Books and Magazines
$ 5,191.84
Salaries
13,484.08
Electricity
371.62
Fuel
1,265.28
Printing
173.25
Insurance
29.46
Telephone
147.93
Supplies
1,079.23
New Equipment
48.39
Sundries
73.96
Repairs
938.82
Water
4.00
$22,807.86
Dep. Randolph Savings Bank Dec. 31, 1959
1,050.00
Paid out for new investment 364.44
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
Sale of Rights, returned to Principal Account, Randolph Savings Bank 208.39
Bal. Income Checking Account, Randolph Trust Co., Dec. 31, 1958
1,490.30
$25,920.99 JOHN L. PORTER,
Treasurer.
TURNER FREE LIBRARY INVESTMENTS
December 31, 1958
R. W. TURNER FUND
50 shares California Packing Co.
65 Chase Manhattan Bank
73 .. Chemical Corn Exchange
41
.. Commonwealth Edison Co.
14 Consolidated Edison Co. ..
95 .. First National Bank (Boston, Mass.)
50 ., Home Insurance Co.
18 New England Tel. and Tel. Co.
1 bond Ohio Power Co. ($1,000 Par Value, 1968)
13 shares Randolph Cooperative Bank ,
62 Standard Oil of New Jersey
25 Western Mass. Cos.
TURNER FUND
11 shares American Tel. and Tel. Co.
25 Boston Edison Co.
34
.. Chase Manhattan Bank
..
10 Consolidated Edison Co.
36 E. I. Dupont de Nemoure Co. 11 .. First National Bank (Boston, Mass.)
32 Great American Insurance Co.
31 . , National City Bank of N. Y. C.
11 Northern Illinois Gas Co.
330 .. Union Pacific Railroad
158
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
REMAINING FUNDS
12 shares American Tel. and Tel. Co.
41 " First National Bank (Boston, Mass.) JOHN L. PORTER,
Treasurer
Tree and Moth Department
To the Citizens of Randolph :
The Tree and Moth Department activities for the year of 1958 have been generally along the order of other years.
The regular program of repairing, trimming, and removal of dead and dangerous trees was carried on dur- ing the year. Tree planting has moved on, but not at the rate that is anticipated. This town shoupld plant over four thousand new trees. The town planted eighty-five trees in the year of 1958. Location of trees planted in the year of 1958 can be found in the Town Manager's office.
Every tree in a residential area, be it public or pri- vate, is a prospective patient of our if only for a diagnosis of its ills. The need of cabling and bracing, pruning and surgery on many storm damaged trees was taken care of. Eighty dead trees were removed and a great many pruned during the year.
Spraying by airplane over woodlands and streets of this town proved so successful for the control of gypsy moths, tent caterpillars, elm leaf beetles, mosquitoes, and other insects that I recommend this program be ex- tended in the year of 1959. The Commonwealth of Mas- sachusetts, through its insect Pest Control Department,
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
has notified this department that our liability for gypsy moth work for the coming year is $3,300.00.
At this time I wish to thank the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen and citizens for their splendid co- operation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH J. HART, Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent
Report of School Planning and Building Committee
The 18-classroom Elizabeth G. Lyons Elementary School was under construction on January 1, 1958. This construction was completed sufficiently to have the build- ing dedicated and occupied by December 2, 1958.
Of the $694,089.09 available to the committee on January 1, 1958, $591,120.43 was spent as partial pay- ments to the contractors, architect, and for site develop- ment, leaving a balance of $102,968.68 as of December 31, 1958, which sum will be spent to make final payments on the above.
The original appropriation was for building and furn- ishing an 18-classroom school only; however, the commit- tee was successful in providing the following extras: venetian blinds, maintenance equipment, and an access road from Liberty Street to the school. All this was at no extra cost to the town.
160
ELIZABETH G. LYONS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
-
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
The sum $10,000.00 was voted the committee for the purpose of preparing the preliminary plans and specifica- tions for a 600-pupil Junior High School. The committee was later advised by the School Committee that it required instead an 800-pupil school. Because of the effects on the Town's economy of such an expensive project, the School Planning and Building Committee felt it must be exhaustive in its selection of an architect. The commit- tee has interviewed a large number of architects and as of December 31, 1958, had not yet selected one. There- fore, the $10,000.00 appropriation is still intact.
Respectfully submitted,
SCHOOL PLANNING AND BUILDING COMMITTEE GEORGE C.' BEATTY, Chairman
JOHN J. DRISCOLL, JR., Assistant Chairman MRS. HELEN MILLEN, Secretary
EUGENE F. BESSETTE
GEORGE S. DRUMMEY, JR. FRANK R. EVERY
PAUL D. HOWARD JOSEPH A. MARSHALL
MRS. PATRICIA MCDERMOTT
EDWARD J. ROYCROFT MRS. MABEL RYAN A. LOUIS SARNO
WALTER J. TALLAFUS PAUL F. VINCENT
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
School Maintenance Public Works Department
Football Field:
Installed new bleachers.
New broadcasting booth.
Refilled running track.
Schools:
Painted exterior of Tower Hill, McNeil and Pauline Schools. Painted one classroom in Belcher.
Painted two classrooms in High School. One new wall erected in High School Cafeteria.
One new wall erected in Auto Shop.
Black top playground area in Stetson, also section of McNeil and Devine Playgrounds.
Installed hot water pressure tank in De- vine.
New back porch, steps and front door in- stalled at Pauline.
Installed new cellar door in McNeil. Erected recreation facilities in all play- grounds except Belcher.
General:
Clean all boilers and burners. Overhaul all motors and sewer pumps.
Overhaul all univents in High School and replace filters.
Replace filters in Devine School univents. Wash walls, windows, decks and chairs in all schools.
Wash and wax all tile floors and seal all wooden floors in elementary schools and seal gym floor.
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
Two partitions erected in Supt. Office. Acoustic tile put on walls in Supt. Office.
New cellar door in Belcher.
New windows in McNeil.
Replace all broken glass in all schools.
Repair sewer line in High School and Devine.
Mow and rake High School and Stetson lawns and football field.
Mark out football field for all games.
Painted all cement corridor floors and basement.
Five new door checks installed.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM HAWKINS, Superintendent of School Maintenance.
163
ANNUAL REPORT
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1958
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE-1958
To the Citizens of the Town of Randolph:
The School Committee herewith submits its annual report for the year 1958:
You are urged to read the complete report of the Randolph Public Schools in order that you may become more thoroughly acquainted with the operation of the schools.
The School Committee meets regularly on the first and third Mondays of the month at 8:00 p. m. in the Office of the Superintendent and the public is invited to attend these meetings. Committee members are elected for a period of three years and serve without pay.
A school committee rule that pupils who are truant more than once appear with their parents before the Committee has been strictly enforced and has resulted in a great many hours being devoted to this task. The High School Principal reports, however, that this ruling has been a very positive factor in lessening the number of cases of truancy.
Persons who have no desire to make the effort to learn have no place in the High School, for they are a detriment to the efforts of teachers and pupils who wish to benefit from their educational opportunities. Accord- ingly, in keeping with a recommendation of the High School faculty, and Dr. Conant, whose research in the area of High Schools is so well known, pupils who have attained the age of 16 and who are not doing passing work in a majority of their subjects are requested through their parents, to withdraw from school. Should they fail to do so, they will be expelled. School attendance is a privilege not to be treated lightly, and teachers are hired to teach, not to act as policemen. We are proud of the
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
continued progress of our schools and of the accomplish- ments of the great percentage of our student body. They deserve and must have every educational advantage pos- sible if our way of life is to survive.
The rapid expansion of our student population and the need for more school buildings continues to be our greatest problem. The opening of the new elementary school in December eased the situation somewhat, but it was with the greatest of regret, and only after an ex- haustive search for an alternative plan proved fruitless, that we voted to have the high school pupils (grades 9-12) attend morning classes only, and pupils on grades 7 and 8 attend only afternoon classes effective in September, 1959. This will mean that some pupils will have attended classes on an 80% basis (four hours daily, rather than five) ever since they left grade five. All of this in a period when educators such as Commissioner Kiernan are urg- ing a longer school day, and a longer school year. Addi- tional facilities must be provided in the immediate future.
Of the Federal Money received for reimbursement because of pupils whose parents work on federal property, $20,000 was used to lower budgetary requests, thereby reducing the tax rate. In addition, approximately $1500 was used to aid in the payment by the Town Manager for work performed by the Carlino Engineering Company on the Athletic field. The Committee proposes to use $12,500 of this money for the resurfacing of the baseball diamond and practice football field which erosion has left in such a condition as to make it unsafe for use. If sufficient money is available, it will be used to recondition the playing area adjacent to the Devine School.
We express our appreciation to the Superintendent of Schoools and his staff of administrators, to the teach- ers, clerks, custodians and all personnel for their cooper- ation and loyalty.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
The School Committee realizes that a school system is as good as the citizens of a community want it to be. We are sure that the citizens of Randolph want their school system to be a fine one. That task is never-ending. Your comments and constructive criticisms are always welcome.
RANDOLPH SCHOOL COMMITTEE EDWARD H. DUFFY, Chairman RAYMOND P. McGERRIGLE, Secretary CHARLES E. GREEN, JR. JOHN J. GRIFFIN JOHN W. CHURCHWARD
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS-1958
The Randolph Public School system has become one to "go to," rather than one to "go from," which is a very healthy situation. By this I mean that heretofore, teachers took positions in Randolph with the thought in mind of obtaining a "better" position in some other com- munity after having had a year or two of experience. Now, because of our good salary schedule, good working conditions, and the good professional standing of our system, teachers from other communities are desirous of coming to Randolph.
Furthermore, the teachers whom we wish to retain are not being lured away by neighboring towns. This year only one teacher resigned in order to accept a teach- ing position paying more money in a neighboring com- munity. This is quite a contrast to the situation a few years ago, when a great many of our teachers had to be replaced.
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
The outstanding ability of many of our staff mem- bers has been recognized, by their being invited to par- ticipate in Teacher Institutes, Teachers Conventions, and demonstrations of various types.
Our professional staff is expanding to meet the ever- growing pupil population and we are able to be highly selective in our choice of personnel. In searching for two elementary principals, to head the Lyons and Stetson Schools, we adopted criteria which included a pre-re- quisite of two years' experience as a principal. Out of an excellent group of candidates, Mr. John Murphy and Mr. Edward Keough were elected and the manner in which they are carrying out their duties displays the advantage of their having had previous experience.
Our In-Service Training program for the teachers con- tinues to function, in addition to which a very large per- centage of our staff is taking graduate courses at many colleges and universities.
Mrs. Lillian Kane, Asst. Principal of the Devine School, and Mrs. Ethel Atwood, Supervisor of Elemen- tary Art, accepted well-deserved retirements in June. We wish them both many years of health and happiness.
Dr. Stephen E. Hart resigned as Principal of the Stetson School in order to accept the position of Superin- tendent of Schools in Avon.
Mr. Raymond Stewart resigned as Director of Music to assume a similar position at the University of Bridge- port.
The death of Mr. Leslie Post, of the custodial staff, was felt keenly by us all. His ever-present smile, will- ingness to be of service, and devotion to duty, made him an ideal person for public service. Apparently, his years of hazardous duty in the South Pacific, as a member of the U. S. Marine Corps, were a strong factor in his un- timely passing.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
The need for additonal buildings continues to be acute. Despite the opening of the Lyons School in Decem- ber, we are still holding classes in eight sub-standard ele- mentary classrooms, and any increase, which we know is coming, will cause us to again have double sessions. The continued use of the old wooden two-room building, which was reopened three years ago as an "emergency" measure, is still necessary, and yet it is a great injustice to the children and the teachers involved. I strongly urge any interested citizen to view the premises.
Our classes are too large, particularly at the primary level, and yet under the existing conditions, there is no alternative.
As pointed out in the report of the School Committee, abbreviated sessions will be necessary in all secondary grades beginning next September. This certainly is a very serious situation, and I sincerely hope that the Town Meeting Members will vote to build new junior high facil- ities at once.
Our appropriation requests increase each year be- cause of rising costs, but mostly because of increasing enrollments, along with necessary increases in staff and supplies. However, despite the fact that we know that we are providing a very good educational program for all the school children of Randolph, statistics just released by the Massachusetts Department of Education show that of the 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth, 349 have a higher per-pupil cost than does Randolph. While the average cost per pupil in the state was $309.64, ours was but $196.70.
The Randolph Public School system is a community in which more than 4,000 individuals are involved, ex- clusive of the parents who are also frequently involved. Our duties are multifold, to educate and house more than 3,800 pupils from grades 1 through 12, to feed 1,200
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
daily, to transport 2,000 daily, to provide for their health and welfare. All in all, it is a gigantic operation in which misunderstandings are bound to arise, and despite all precautions, accidents will sometimes happen. There is no problem which cannot be solved, if there is complete cooperation and use of common sense.
The complete support of the members of the Ran- dolph School Committee and the financial support of the taxpayers in our efforts to constantly improve the educa- tional system of Randolph has been most gratifying.
All of our buildings and particularly the High, Devine and Lyons schools, continue to function as community cen- ters for all types of activities as well as serving as schools. This is as it should be for in this way the people of Ran- dolph obtain the maximum use for the money spent on the buildings. These facilities are offered free of cost to all local charitable organizations.
The total annual award in scholarships has tripled to $3600 since our first appeal in June of 1956. We are deeply grateful to all donors, and again urge that more be given in order to enable our deserving students to at- tend college.
The very substantial support rendered by the mem- bers of the various Parent-Teacher groups, the Band Parents and the Randolph Boosters Club has been most helpful both financially, and in upholding the morale of the staff and pupils. I thank you all in the name of those who have benefited by your efforts.
The retirement of Mr. Edward H. Duffy, present Chairman of the School Committee, at the end of his pres- ent term will mean the loss of a person who for four years has given greatly of himself, in order to raise the stand- ards of the Randolph Schools.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
Despite his own very demanding position in the busi- nessworld, and his poor health, he has been tireless in his work for the schools. As I stated last year, the aver- age citizen has no conception of the time and energy which is demanded of all school committee members, for which they receive no pay, and very little appreciation.
I wish to thank each and every member of the school system staff whose devotion to duty and cooperation have made it possible for us to educationally serve the needs of the youth of Randolph. The operation of our schools has also been greatly aided through the cooperation of the personnel of other town departments and to each of them we are deeply grateful. Your schools are, and will be, as good as you want them to be.
I pledge my continued efforts to constantly improve the total educational program and with your complete support, we shall attain our goal.
THOMAS L. WARREN, Superintendent of Schools.
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL-1958
Perhaps the most important consideration is the fact that the High School building has passed the point of saturation and even with the double sessions for grade seven and eight, the high school department has been cramped for space. The time has come now when the present arrangements will no longer satisfy the need for more space. In the opinion of the writer, it will be nec- essary to put grades nine through twelve on the morning shift and grades seven and eight on the afternoon session. This is far from satisfactory because it will be necesary to cut the high school class periods from six to five, shorten the length of periods, a situation which grades seven and
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