USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1953 > Part 16
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150.00
2,100.00
22-Renewals (1954) All Forms Pkg. Goods Licenses
900.00
19,800.00
1-New License (1953) Beer & Wine Pkg. Goods License
300.00
300.00
18-Renewals (1954) Beer & Wine Pkg. Goods Licenses
300.00
5,400.00
6-Renewals (1954) Druggist, Section 30-A Licenses
300.00
1,800.00
72-Renewals (1954) Entertainm't Licenses
5.00
360.00
1-Renewal (1954) Entertainm't Licenses
1.00
1.00
1-Renewal (1954) Dance License
5.00
5.00
1-Renewal (1953) Inn Holder License
5.00
5.00
1-Renewal (1954) Inn Holder License ....
5.00
5.00
116-Licenses (1953) Automatic Amusement Device Licenses
20.00
2,495.55*
111-Licenses (1954) Automatic Amusement Device Licenses
20.00
2,520.00*
16-Transfers (1953) Automatic Amuse- ment Device Licenses
2.00
32.00
45-Special Alcoholic Licenses
5.00
225.00
216-Common Victualler's Licenses
5.00
1,080.00
199-Lord's Day License
5.00
995.00
4-Garage Licenses
2.00
8.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS EXPENSES
$108,431.55
7,599.04
NET TOTAL REVENUE of the Department-1953
$100,832.51
* The fee for an Automatic Amusement Device License is $20.00 per machine on a pro-rate basis
Respectfully submitted,
LICENSING COMMISSION G. VICTOR MURRAY, Chairman JOSEPH D. LONERGAN, Commissioner JEROME MCCARTHY, Commissioner
Attest MARY I. KENNEY, Clerk
253
RETIREMENT BOARD
REPORT OF THE SOMERVILLE CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT SYSTEM
The Somerville Contributory Retirement System under the provisions of Chapter 32 of the General Laws, Sections 1 to 28 inclusive, became operative in the City of Somerville on July 1, 1946. Employees entering or re-entering the service of the city after that date are subject to the provisions of said Chap- ter 32, Sections 1 to 28 inclusive. Employee's contributions under this law are at the rate of 5%.
The Somerville Contributory Retirement System was pre- viously governed by Chapter 184 of the Acts of 1930, as amended by Chapter 222 of the Acts of 1933. Members of this system contribute 4% of their salaries.
The following table shows the membership as of December 31, 1953:
Group
5% System
4% System
Total Both Systems
General Employees:
457
9
466
Women
230
230
Fireman and Policemen
336
336
1023
9
1032
The following table shows the number of beneficiaries on the roll of the 4% system as of December 31, 1953, together with the amount of their annual retirement allowances:
Employee Beneficiaries in Receipt of Service Retirement Allowances
Group
No.
Annuities
Pension Accumulation Fund
Pension Reserve Fund
Total Retirement Allowances
General Employees:
Men
9
$936.36
$6,837.76
$225.44
$7,999.56
Women
9
758.52
6,884.29
659.16
8,301.97
Firemen and Po-
licemen
....
........ ...
..........
........
..........
Total
18
$1,694.88 $13,722.05
$884.60 $16,301.53
Men
..
254
ANNUAL REPORTS
Dependent Beneficiaries of Deceased Employees and Employee Beneficiaries
Group
No.
Annuities
Pension Accumulation Fund
Pension Reserve Fund
Total Retirement Allowances
Men
Women
5
$43.56
$1,984.74
$2,473.13
$4,501.43
Total
$43.56
$1,984.74
$2,473.13
$4,501.43
GRAND TOTAL
23
$1,738.44 $15,706.79
$3,357.73 $20,802.96
The following tables show the number of beneficiaries on the roll of the 5% system as of December 31, 1953, together with the amount of their annual retirement allowances:
Employee Beneficiaries in Receipt of Service Retirement Allowances
Group
No.
Annuities
Pension
Total Retirement Allowances
General Employees:
Men
12
$2,417.16 $14,846.28 $17,263.44
Women
18
2,350.80
17,236.13
19,586.93
Firemen and Policemen
Total
30
$4,767.96 $32,082.41 $36,850.37
Employee Beneficiaries in Receipt of Disability Retirement Allowances
Group
No.
Annuities
Pension
Total Retirement Allowances
General Employees:
Men
12
$1,646.52 $28,384.15 $30,030.67
Women
3
244.56
2,115.24
2,359.80
Firemen and Policemen
..
.....
Total
15
$1,891.08 $30,499.39 $32,390.47
Dependent Beneficiaries of Deceased Employees and Employee Beneficiaries
Group
No.
Annuities
Pension
Total Retirement Allowances
Men
..
Women
11
$883.68
$7,882.56
$8,766.24
Total
11
$883.68
$7,882.56
$8,766.24
GRAND TOTAL
56
$7,542.72 $70,464.36 $78,007.08
SOMERVILLE RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Balance Sheet, December 31, 1953
Assets
Investments
$1,692,116.63
Deposits in Banks
33,000.00
Cash
31,837.74
.......
..
....
..
..
255
RETIREMENT BOARD
Accrued Interest
10,998.88
$1,767,953.25
Liabilities
Annuity Savings Fund, 5 %
$1,152,153.76
Annuity Reserve Fund, 5 %
90,289.27
Pension Fund, 5 %
309,184.23
Special Fund for Military Service Credit, 5 %
24,614.48
Annuity Savings Fund, 4 %
18,169.07
Annuity Reserve Fund, 4 %
10,407.07
Pension Accumulation Fund, 4 %
128,325.58
Pension Reserve Fund, 4 %
31,661.54
Special Fund for Military Service Credit, 4 %
191.20
Suspense Account, 4 %
598.47
Expense Fund
2,115.88
Withholding Tax
242.70
$1,767,953.25
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES FOR YEAR 1953
Receipts
Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1953
$33,069.96
Contributions by Members:
4 %
$1,374.77
5 %
152,372.37
Redeposits
9,065.38
Transfers from other sys-
tems
2,235.91
165,048.43
Contributions by City:
4 %
8,540.25
5 %
52,577.21
61,117.46
Reimbursement from other systems
36.80
Income from Investments ..
47,779.92
Redemption of Securities
15,510.05
Profit from Redemption of
Securities
287.50
Withholding Tax
969.96
$323,820.08
Expenditures
Purchase of Securities
$179,789.03
Accrued Interest on Securities Purchased
1,097.81
Pension Payments: 4 %
19,128.68
5 %
55,441.80
Annuity Payments:
4 %
1,750.84
5 %
6,580.26
74,570.48
8,331.10
256
ANNUAL REPORTS
Refunds:
4 %
4,973.19
5 %
14,405.90
19,379.09 288.00
Transfers to other systems ..
Pension Reimbursements paid to other systems
4,94
Administration Expenses
7,542.53
Withholding Tax
979.36
Cash on hand 12-31-53
31,837.74
$323,820.08
Respectfully submitted,
SOMERVILLE RETIREMENT BOARD
WILLIAM E. HOGAN, Chairman
GEORGE L. DOHERTY, JR., Vice Chairman
FRANCIS E. WALSH, City Auditor
257
HOUSING AUTHORITY
REPORT OF THE SOMERVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1953
The following Members of the Somerville Housing Au- thority assumed office in the year 1953:
CHARLES J. MURPHY Chairman
GEORGE F. HICKEY
Vice-Chairman
ERNEST E. JENNINGS
Treasurer
OSCAR P. GROVE
Member
*WALTER A. BURDETT
Member
* On July 30, 1953, Mr. Francis J. DiCiaccio was appointed as a member of the Somerville Housing Authority in place of Mr. Walter Burdett, whose term expired June 6, 1953.
SOMERVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY REVOLVING FUND BALANCE SHEET - DECEMBER 31, 1953
Assets
Cash in Bank
Petty Cash
Accounts Receivable-Linden
117.31
-200-1
6,364.96
-200-2
6,466.40
-31-1
2,291.28
11
-UR A-13
1,124.45
16,364.40
TOTAL ASSETS
$19,000.00
Liabilities
Accounts Payable-Linden
$300.00
11
-200-1
8,700.00
11
-200-2
8,000.00
-31-1
2,000.00
19,000.00
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$19,000.00
$2,535.60 100.00
258
ANNUAL REPORTS
SOMERVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY LINDEN AVENUE PROJECT BALANCE SHEET - DECEMBR 31, 1953
Assets
Administration Fund
$2,528.50
Contingency Fund
1.85
Revolving Fund, Etc.
300.00
2,830.35
Tenants' Accounts Receivable
90.00
TOTAL ASSETS
$2,920.35
Liabilities
Contingency Fund Capital
$1.85
Accounts Payable
117.31
Tenants' Security Deposits
40.00
Reserve for Tenants' Accounts Receivable
90.00
Reserve for R. M. & R.
540.00
Reserve for V. & G.
162.00
792.00
Dwelling Rent Income
5,400.00
Less-Expenses:
Management
649.77
Operating
95.27
Utilities
489.48
Repairs, Maintenance and Replacement
657.95
Insurance
1,448.34
Prov. for Tenants' Accts.
90.00
3,430.81
Net Income Due City
1,969.19
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$2,920.35
SOMRVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY SOMERVILLE 200-1 MASS. BALANCE SHEET - DECEMBER 31, 1953
Assets
Development Fund
$20,720.60
Administration Fund
71,745.82
Debt Service Fund
25,008.75
Debt Service Trust Fund
2,739.54
Revolving Fund Advances
8,700.00
Accounts Receivable-Tenants'
2,641.25
Accounts Receivable-Development
4,414.93
Cash Over and Short
5.00
15,761.18
92,466.42
27,748.29
Receivable
259
HOUSING AUTHORITY
Investments
30,000.00
Investments-Debt Service Trust Fund
39,000.00
Insurance Prepaid
Development Costs
2,258,000.00
Less-Dev. Cost Liquidation
35,000.00
2,223,000.00
TOTAL ASSETS
$2,428,052.36
Liabilities
Accounts Payable-Administration
$6,364.96
Accounts Payable-Development
25,135.53
Tenants' Security Deposits
2,070.00
Accrued Insurance
3,565.00
Accrued Pilot
5,038.01
8,603.00
Matured Interest and Principal
43,009.50
Debt Service Reserve
10,843.12
Unamortized Bond Premium
41,739.54
Working Capital
340.36
Reduction of Annual Contributions
14,311.07
Operating Reserve
51,440.00
161,683.59
Bonds Authorized
2,258,000.00
Less-Bonds Retired
35,000.00
2,223,000.00
Net Income (see Operating Statement)
1,195.27
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$2,428,052.36
ANALYSIS OF OPERATING RESERVE ACCOUNT-DECEMBER 31, 1953
Balance-October 1, 1953
$48,200.00
Quarterly Accrual
3,240.00
BALANCE-DECEMBER 31, 1953
$51,440.00
SOMRVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY SOMERVILLE 200-2 MASS. BALANCE SHEET - DECEMBER 31, 1953
Assets
Development Fund
$46,714.05
Premium Fund (National Shawmut)
21.00
Administation Fund
87,381.36
Indeterminate Expenditures
50,000.00
Accounts Receivable-Tenants'
1,887.26
Acounts Receivable-Development
36.00
Accounts Receivable-Administration (Rev. Fund)
8,000.00
Cash Over and Short
10.00
134,116.41
59,933.26
69,000.00 76.47
31,500.49
260
ANNUAL REPORTS
Prepaid Insurance
385.80 2,828,039.28
Development Costs
Incompleted Contracts
1,821.30
TOTAL ASSETS
$3,024,296.05
Liabilities
Accounts Payable-Development
$6,467.90
Accounts Payable-Administration
54,414.93
Contract Retentions
48,187.61
109,070.44
Notes Authorized
3,070,000.00
Notes Unissued
320,000.00
2,750,000.00
Interest Accrued
22,207.79
Tenants' Prepaid Rents
141.30
Tenants' Security Deposits
2,440.00
2,581.30
Contract Awards
1,821.30
Net Income
138,615.22
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$3,024,296.05
SOMERVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY SOMERVILLE UR A-13 MASS. 8-1 BALANCE SHEET - DECEMBER 31, 1953
Assets
Cash
$20.45
Petty Cash
25.00
45.45
Development Costs-Prel. Advance
27,323.12
Development Costs-Final Advance
32,387.59
59,710.71
TOTAL ASSETS
$59,756.16
Liabilities
Accounts Payable
$1,830.39
Notes Payable-Prel. Advance
25,835.00
Notes Payable-Final Advance
29,730.00
Accrued Interest-Prel. Advance
1,488.12
Accrued Interest-Final Advance
872.65
2,360.77
55,565.00
TOTAL LIABILITIES ....
$59,756.16
26Ľ
SANITARY DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE SANITARY DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville.
Gentlemen:
The report of the Sanitary Department for the year 1953 is respectfully submitted herewith:
COLLECTOR OF ASHES AND REFUSE
Loads
Yards
Tons.
January
2550
16575
5738
February
2475
16088
5569
March
2500
16250
5625
April
2350
15275
5288
May
2300
14950
5175
June
2300 2100
13650
4725
August
1950
12675
4388
September
2000
13000
4500
October
2250
14625
5063
November
2600
16900
5850
December
2500
16250
5625
COLLECTOR OF PAPER
Yards
Tons;
January
4000
533
February
3900
520
March
3800
507
April
3750
500
May
3650
487
June
3400
453
July
3350
447
August
3400
453
September
3500
447
October
3900
520
November
4050
540
December
4100
547
14950
5175
July
262
ANNUAL REPORTS
The above figures are approximate and are based on the general average of amounts carried by the trucks.
The ashes and refuse are being collected with motor trucks on account of the distance to the Medford dumps, which are being used by this department subject to the rules and regula- tions of the Board of Health of the City of Medford.
There is a general increase in the amount of rubbish being collected due to the fact, so many householders converted their heaters from coal to oil.
The total estimated collection of garbage amounted to 4200 cords, the work is being done by a contractor who fur- nishes trucks and chauffeurs, the City supplying the laborers and collections to be the same as previously, namely :- two collections a week throughout the year from private dwellings and three times a week from restaurants, stores, etc.
The department as a whole is operating efficiently and with the citizens' co-operation we shall continue to carry on in the usual manner.
I wish to thank His Honor, the Mayor, and the Board of Aldermen and the employees of my department for their co- operation extended during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. MESKELL,
Supt., Sanitary Department .
263/
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
CITY OF SOMERVILLE REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
December 28, 1953:
SCHOOL COMMITTEE ROOMS
Ordered, that the Annual Report of the Superintendent of Schools be adopted as the Annual Report of the Board of School Committee, it being understood that such adoption does not commit the board to the opinions and recommendations made therein; that it be incorporated in the reports of the city, and that the Superintendent of Schools be authorized to have six hundred copies printed separately at the earliest possible date.
EVERETT W. IRELAND,
Secretary of School Committee"
264
ANNUAL REPORTS
SCHOOL COMMITTEE Somerville, Massachusetts 1953
SARAH M. MCLAUGHLIN MARGARET R. MORRISSEY
Chairman Vice Chairman
MEMBERS
Ex-Officiis
JOHN M. LYNCH, Mayor WILLIAM J. DONOVAN President, Board of Aldermen
34 Browning Road 71 Bay State Avenue
Ward One
16 New Hampshire Avenue
FRANCIS H. BROWN
Ward Three
59 Preston Road
SARAH M. MCLAUGHLIN
Ward Five
27 Aberdeen Road
MARGARET R. MORRISSEY
17 Warner Street
Ward Seven
50 A Gordon Street
Superintendent of Schools EVERETT W. IRELAND
Office: West Building, High School, Highland Avenue Residence: 18 Day Street
The Superintendent's Office will be open on school days from 8:00 to 5:00. His office hour is 4:00 on school days.
Assistant Superintendent of Schools
LEO C. DONAHUE 108 Summer Street
Superintendent's Office Force
Marion E. Marshall, 62 Highland Avenue Regina Truelson, 23 Black Rock Road, Melrose Frances C. Geaton, 104 Bartlett Street William E. Hogan, 12 Richardson Road, Newton Julia DiMaggio, 53 Main Street Claire F. McAnneny, 33 Pearson Road Eileen M. Mahoney, 14 Madison Street
JOSEPH F. LEAHY
Ward Two
34 Bow Street
ELEANOR S. COYNE
Ward Four
167 Central Street
WILLIAM J. SHEA
Ward Six
JOHN J. BRENNAN
265
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Standing Committee of the Whole
With Chairman and Vice-Chairman designated to act during such times as the matters set opposite their names are under discussion:
TEACHERS Coyne, Shea (Brennan)
FINANCE Brennan, Mclaughlin (Brown)
CURRICULUMS AND INSTRUCTION Morrissey, Coyne
HEALTH, PHYSICAL TRAINING AND ATHLETICS
Shea, Leahy
INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION Leahy, Brown
SCHOOL ACCOMMODATIONS Mclaughlin, Morrissey
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Brown, Brennan
Meetings
January 5
April 27
October 26
January 26
May 25
November 30
February 24
June 29
December 28
March 30
September 28
266
ANNUAL REPORTS
TO THE HONORABLE SCHOOL COMMITTEE SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
In accordance with the provisions of the Rules and Regula- tions of the Somerville School Committee, the Superintendent of Schools has prepared and submits herewith his twenty-sixth annual report, which is the eighty-second in a series of annual reports of the Somerville Public Schools, and covers the cal- endar year 1953.
This document is prepared in three sections, Part I of which is the report of the Superintendent of Schools to the School Committee, comprising a discussion of (1) the matters involved in the outstanding activities of the School Committee, and (2) the condition of the schools with respect to changes, improvements, and progress, which includes statements re- garding personnel, membership, and buildings, with recom- mendations concerning the immediate and necessary needs of our educational system.
Part II is prepared as a report of the School Committee to the citizens and consists of (1) a description of the school property, (2) statistical tables which set forth comparative fig- ures covering a period of years concerning enrollment, mem- bership, attendance, cost of instruction and maintenance, and other matters of organization, and (3) tables showing statistics, not necessary for comparison, covering the last fiscal year.
Part III presents the organization of the school system at the close of the year 1953 and the lists of graduates of this year from the secondary schools, the evening high school, and the trade and vocational schools.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT W. IRELAND,
Superintendent of Schools
December 28, 1953
267
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
PART I REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS 1953
American Education Week, which is jointly sponsored an- nually by the National Education Association and the American Legion, seems to be a very appropriate time for the Superin- tendent of Schools to begin the preparation of his twenty-sixth Annual Report of a series of eighty-two such reports. Armistice Day, coming as it always does during American Education Week, calls to mind the fact that the two philosophies of life, which were the basis of the conflict in World War I are still today competing for the minds and hearts of men of the whole world.
Democracy, in which the state serves all the people, is competing with Totalitarianism, in which the people serve the state, without daring to challenge the policy of the state. To perpetuate the democratic way of life in this country youth must be made a part of it by the development of a belief in it, which is a fundamental obligation of the schools of America. This can be accomplished only by providing such teaching as will include a comparative study of the strengths and weak- nesses of all types of government, for through such analyses of the values and beliefs of each comes the ability to know, to describe, and to defend the democratic way of life.
All children do not profit equally from attendance upon an educational institution, primarily because of varying mental abilities and capacities, and secondarily because of varying ap- titudes, ambitions, and emotions. However, equal educational opportunity is provided for all the children of all the people, or as nearly equal as home environment and local endowment will or can allow.
To accomplish its obligation, the school system must keep the citizens who provide the financial support informed and acquainted about the conditions of the schools, and it is im- perative that the consent of the public be definitely obtained, for an informed and understanding public will support the type of education in which it believes.
It is not always possible for a community to meet all the implications which come from the requests and demands of groups of citizens, or which result from constant and frequent
268
ANNUAL REPORTS
changes in conditions. Change and progress do and will con- tinue. To resist change is usually futile, hence steps must be developed which make for progress.
Constructive criticism is always welcome. The citizen who is genuinely and sincerely interested in understanding the pur- poses and the programs of the schools attempts to bring about an improved performance of the functions of the schools by creating an influence which is constructive, thereby rendering a valuable service to the schools and to the community. How- ever, there are critics who are always protesting the expenditure of tax money for schools regardless of the need. The citizen who through misunderstanding and misinformation conceives and publicizes false charges concerning the schools, in an effort to destroy the confidence of his neighbors in their schools, does his schools and his community a great injustice and disservice.
The wise administrator will recognize the rights of all who have varying shades of opinion and will through study and re- search determine which ideas are valid and sincere and will endeavor to bring about the proper solution in the best inter- ests of the schools.
The needs of our schools, the program, the scope of the activities, and how well the schools discharge their responsi- bilities are of vital concern to all citizens. Therefore, the Superintendent of Schools presents herewith this annual re- port, covering the calendar year 1953, which is a report of the second year of the stewardship of the present school commit- tee. William J. Donovan, President of the Board of Aldermen for 1953, became an ex-officio member of the School Commit- tee by virtue of his aldermanic position, replacing former President Walter W. Whitney.
On the first Monday in January the School Committee for 1953, for the second consecutive time, organized by electing two ladies to preside over the activities of the legislative and policy-making body. Sarah M. Mclaughlin, who, serving her fourth year on the School Committee, had served as Vice- Chairman in 1952, was chosen to be the Chairman, while Miss Margaret R. Morrissey, who had the honor of being selected by the School Committee to complete the unexpired term of her mother, Mrs. V. Theresa Morrissey, and was serving for the second year of a regular term after election, was chosen to be the Vice-Chairman.
In view of the foregoing paragraphs which were intended to give a picture of the duties and responsibilities of those
269
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
charged with the obligation of conducting the schools, in the words of the immortal Al Smith, "Let's look at the record."
Since this committee had but one new member, Mr. Dono- van, and even he had just completed a year of service as a member of a legislative body, it appeared to be hardly neces- sary to spend much time on the task of orientation, usually pursued when the body is composed of several new members. The members realized that immediate study should be given to the bills which had been filed for consideration and action by the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1953, discovering those which would have implications for or effect upon their jurisdiction and actions, and determining the attitudes and actions which the Committee as a body should take with respect to the bills.
The first action of the School Committee along these lines was to adopt the following resolution: "That the School Com- mittee go on record as approving H-1579, which is designed to transfer to the School Committee the responsibility for the care and maintenance of school buildings, bringing Somerville into agreement with the recommendations of educational leaders and public administrators and into agreement with the almost universal practice nationally and in the Commonwealth of hav- ing the care and maintenance of school buildings in the hands of professional school administrators."
Although several times during the last twenty years the matter of the obsolete provision of our City Charter in respect to care and maintenance of school buildings has been brought to the attention of the citizens of our city through (1) the reports of the Superintendent of Schools, (2) newspaper editorials, and (3) through information given in speeches before meetings of parents and citizens, the Superintendent has discovered, even now, that very few parents or citizens realize the real issues of the present arrangements.
The City Charter places all matters pertaining to school buildings and grounds under the jurisdiction and control of de- partments of the City Government other than the School Com- mittee where the responsibilities logically belong. It should further be recognized that the responsibility for such control is divided among four different agencies (the School Commit- tee and the Departments of Public Buildings, Engineering, and Highway) with the School Committee's control limited to the instructional organization within the building. Such a divided control makes efficient cperation practically impossible. As has been previously stated by the Superintendent, "Since the
270
ANNUAL REPORTS
schools of the country are looked upon as tools of instruction and expressions of educational functions and purposes, and in view of the fact that schoolhouse planning is closely related to the processes of instruction, it is evident that the School Com- mittee is the logical agency to plan for, construct, care for, and maintain the school plant." Proof of this statement comes from the fact that over ninety per cent of the city school sys- tems in the country are under the complete control of school committees.
As in previous years, there was no doubt of the soundness of the provisions and the benefits which would be derived from the passage of the bill, yet as usual the bill was not enacted into law, and once again the School Committee, the agency elected by the public to establish and maintain an adequate school system for the furtherance of the welfare of all the chil- dren of all the people of the city, has been prevented from properly performing its fundamental duties and responsibilities.
The general public has shown its interest in matters which will benefit the efficiency of the operation of the affairs of the city, by its overwhelming vote in favor of the establishment of the Department of Public Works. Now that a similar bill to H-1579 has been filed for action by the General Court of 1954, there is hope that the public will be given the opportunity to show those who have previously opposed the provisions of the bill that the logical placement of the control and jurisdiction is the proper action to take. If given the opportunity the public will certainly assure the School Committee that they want the schools controlled by the proper authorities.
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