USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1958 > Part 9
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4. Helping children make friends.
5. What good is school, anyway?
6. You and Your goals.
The ninth and twelfth grade group guidance courses are called the Core Course. These courses, under the supervision of the Guidance Director, meet three times per week and are taught by three members of the High School faculty. Much time is spent on the study of differ- ent occupations and the training necessary to enter various careers. The ninth graders make reports on the vocations in which they are most interested and this information is of value in helping them plan their High School programs. The Seniors learn about job details.
Speakers from various industrial concerns retail and wholesale business establishments, community institutions and service organizations, among others, are scheduled to talk to the group and obtain first-hand, up-to-date occupational information and it may be instrumental in channeling some of our youth toward the vocation that is best suited for him. The school needs more participation from the home. This can be accomplished if more parents will make arrangements to discuss educational, vocational and emotional needs with the Guidance Department.
Two examples or case studies are included here to illustrate how the guidance director helps exceptional student cases. Each case speaks for itself.
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TOWN OF MERRIMAC
CASE STUDY No. 1 J. R.
J. R. registered as a ninth grader this fall. He has a very severe speech handicap and hearing defect. The teachers were having difficulty with J. R. because he could not achieve very well in a regular classroom.
One teacher requested that J. R. be given an intelli- gence test and that all information in the cumulative record be sent to her. J. R. had transferred into our system without any information whatsoever. My first conference with J. R. was September 25, 1958. He told me that he had attended a special school for several years and that he had received very little help with his speech handicap.
Contact was made with the Mass. General Hospital and they sent evaluations and recommendations concern- ing J. R .to the Guidance Department. Mr. Anderson of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation was contacted to determine the possibility of State aid for special therapy. He visited the school and the family and within a month the complete cost of special therapy was arranged through the Vocational Rehabilitation Division.
A letter was also sent to the Beverly School For The Deaf which forwarded all testing data and other helpful information to the school. All the data was collected and forwarded to the speech teacher and all teachers were also given this information.
J. R. is now being tutored in speech therapy twice a week and will continue for the next year under the super- vision of the Vocational Rehabilitation Division. The case will be reviewed at the end of one year and if it is possible to improve the student's speech, he will be recommended for further study.
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SCHOOL REPORT
CASE STUDY No. 2 A. C.
A. C. was enrolled in our tenth grade and was inter- ested in shop work and mathematics especially. A. C. was not particularly interested in doing much preparation in English and Social Studies. He left school without any contact with the Guidance Office and was working on two different jobs. Information was passed along to me that A C. was earning approximately $20.00 a week and that he did not like the two part-time jobs. It was recom- mended that A. C. make an appointment for a Monday evening to see about attending night school in Haverhill.
A. C. said that he was interested in welding and that he would like to try to obtain a job in that field. The following day, several companies were contacted and finally an opening was located with a welding company . in the area. An interview for the job was arranged and A. C. was hired after the completion of the interview. He started working for $22.00 a week and at the same time was attending the Haverhill night school. The tuition of $24.00 per year was being paid by one of the three towns.
Upon hearing that this boy was earning less than a dollar an hour, the Apprentice Training Division in Lawrence was contacted. The representative of this division called on the welding company and convinced the owner to participate in the Apprentice Training Program for this youngster. This meant that the boy would immediately receive a minumum of $1.00 per hour and that his "take home" pay would be approximately $47.00 a week rather than $22.00 a week. At the end of every six months, A. C. will receive a raise in pay and his work will be reevaluated by the representative of the Appren- tice Training Division in Lawrence, Mass. He will receive a certificate at the end of every thousand clock hours which will be of value when he applies for another job.
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TOWN OF MERRIMAC
This Apprentice Training program also means that he will receive training in all types of welding and not just be kept busy sweeping floors and doing odd jobs. At the end of three years, A. C. will receive a certificate of his Appren- tice Training program indicating that he is a skilled worker.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT J. COLLIER Guidance Director
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Department of Corporations and Taxation Bureau of Accounts State House, Boston 33
July 14, 1958
Pentucket Regional District School Committee West Newbury, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the Pentucket Regional School District for the period from April 13, 1957 to March 25, 1958, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. William Schwartz, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours, HERMAN B. DINE
HBD:GBS
Director of Accounts
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SCHOOL REPORT
Mr. Herman B. Dine
Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation State House, Boston Dear Sir:
In accordance with your instructions, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the Pentucket Regional School District for the period from April 13, 1957, the date of the previous examination, to March 25, 1958, and submit the following report thereon:
The ledger accounts were analyzed and proved, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared showing the financial condition of the district on March 25, 1958.
The books and accounts of the district treasurer were examined and checked. The receipts were checked with sources from which money was paid into the district treasury, and the payments, as entered, were checked with the warrants approved by the district school commit- tee authorizing the treasurer to expend district funds and with the vouchers, payrolls and bills on file. The cash book additions were proved, and the cash balance on March 25, 1958 was verified by reconciliation of the bank balances with statements furnished by the depositories and by verification of the United States Treasury Bills held in a bank for safekeeping.
The payments of maturing debt and interest were proved with the amounts falling due and with the can- celled securities and coupons on file. The bond and coupon account was reconciled and the outstanding coupons were listed.
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TOWN OF MERRIMAC
The clerk's records of the district school committee meetings were examined for financial votes, and the assessments against member towns to provide funds for operating expenses of the district were checked.
The surety bond of the treasurer, filed for the faithful performance of his duties, was examined and found to be in proper form.
There are appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, tables showing reconciliations of the treasurer's cash and the bond and coupon account, as well as summaries of the payroll deductions and assessment accounts.
During the progress of the audit cooperation was received from the several district officials, for which, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, I wish to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM SCHWARTZ Assistant Director of Accounts
WS:GBS
RECONCILIATION OF TREASURER'S CASH
$861,003.54
Balance April 13, 1957
1,130,353.67
Receipts April 13 to Dec. 31, 1957
$1,991,357.21
Payments April 13 to Dec. 31, 1957
$1,016,060.61
975,296.60
Balance December 31, 1957
$1,991,357.21
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SCHOOL REPORT
Balance January 1, 1958 $975,296.60 3,959.62
Receipts Jan. 1 to March 25, 1958
$979,256.22
Payments Jan. 1 to March 25, 1958
$305,134.58
Balance March 25, 1958
Merrimack Valley National Bank, Haverhill,
per check book $ 7,080.20
Second Bank - State Street
Trust Company of Boston,
per statement and
check book 168,874.44
United States Treasury
Bills, verified 498,167.00 674,121.64
$979,256.22
Merrimack Valley National Bank, Haverhill
Balance March 25, 1958, per statement $ 7,107.88
Balance March 25, 1958, per check book $ 7,080.20 Outstanding checks March 25, 1958, per list 27.68
$
7,107.88
RECONCILIATION OF BOND AND COUPON ACCOUNT Second Bank - State Street Trust Company
Balance March 25, 1958, per statement $ 2,423.75
Payments in advance of maturity :
Coupons, $ 1,017.50
Outstanding March 25, 1958, per list:
Coupons, 1,406.25
$ 2,423.75
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TOWN OF MERRIMAC
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
Federal Taxes
Deductions April 13 to Dec. 31, 1957
$ 90.00
-
Payments to Director of Internal Revenue April 13 to December 31, 1957 $ 90.00
Deductions January 1 to March 25, 1958 $ 23.80
Balance March 25, 1958 per list
$ 23.80
Teachers' Retirement System
Deductions April 13 to December 31, 1957
$ 18.72
Payments to Teachers' Retirement Board April 13 to December 31, 1957 $ 18.72
Deductions January 1 to March 25, 1958
$
4.16
Payments to Teachers' Retirement Board
January 1 to March 25, 1958
$
4.16
County Retirement System
Deductions April 13 to December 31, 1957 $ 12.48
Payments to County Treasurer April 13 to December 31, 1957 $ 12.48
Deductions January 1 to March 25, 1958
$
6.66
Payments to County Treasurer January 1 to
March 25, 1958
$
6.66
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SCHOOL REPORT
DISTRICT ASSESSMENTS - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE.
Outstanding April 13, 1957:
Groveland,
$ 13,271.01
Merrimac, 16,563.22
West Newbury,
11,954.27
Payments to Treasurer April 13 to December 31, 1957
$ 41,788.50
$ 41,788.50
Assessments January 1 to March 25, 1958:
Groveland,
$ 67,299.74
Merrimac, 78,219.12
West Newbury,
54,481.14
$200,000.00
Outstanding March 25, 1958:
Groveland, $ 67,299.74
Merrimac, 78,219.12
West Newbury
54,481.14
$200,000.00
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Balance Sheet - March 25, 1958
GENERAL ACCOUNTS
Assets
Liabilities and Reserves
Cash
$674,121.64
Payroll Deductions : Federal Taxes
$ 23.80
Town Assessments :
Appropriation Balances : Revenue $258,594.26
Groveland, $ 67,299.74
Merrimac, 78,219.12
Non-Revenue 512,618.97
West Newbury, 54,481.14
$771,213.23
$200,000.00
Assessment Revenue Surplus Revenue
$200,000.00
$ 98,959.61
Estimated Receipts - To be collected 196,075.00
$1,070,196.64
$1,070,196.64
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Net Funded or Fixed Debt
$1,900,000.00
Serial Loans : School Construction $1,900,000.00
MERRIMAC
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TOWN OF
Accounts Receivable :
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SCHOOL REPORT
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TREASURER'S REPORT RECONCILIATION OF CASH
Cash Balance January 1, 1958 $975,296.60
Receipts
Assessments to the Towns
$200,000.00
Interest Income on U. S. Treasury
Bills
6,124.00
Comm. of Mass. Reimbursements
60,612.50
Payroll Deductions
14,165.40
School Lunch Program Fund
13,783.56
Athletic Program Fund
299.88
Rent
25.00
Donations
165.00
Tuition
1,165.92
Refunds
33.63
$296,374.89
$1,271,671.49
Expenditures
Operating and Maintenance
$149,633.42
Construction 719,353.77
Amortization - Debt & Interest
174,637.50
Payroll Deduction Payments
14,165.40
School Lunch Program Fund
16,718.88
Athletic Program Fund
223.54
$1,074,732.51
Cash Balance December 31, 1958
$196,938.98
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TOWN OF MERRIMAC
Receipts
Town Assessments :
Groveland Merrimac West Newbury
$ 67,299.74 78,219.12 54,481.14
$200,000.00
Interest Income on U. S. Treasury Bills
6,124.00
Comm. of Mass. Reimbursement for Construction Costs 60,612.50
Payroll Deductions :
Federal Withholding Tax Fund $ 9,222.69
Teachers' Retirement Fund 3,010.80
Essex County Retirement Fund 833.41
Blue Cross and Blue Shield
1,098.50
$ 14,165.40
School Lunch Program Fund: Receipts from Lunches 13,783.56
Athletic Program Fund: Sale of Tickets
299.88
Rental of Cafeteria
25.00
Donations for Brochure
165.00
Tuition Payments
1,165.92
Refund on Insurance Policies
33.63
Total Receipts for Year Ended
December 31, 1958 $296,374.49
Expenditures
Operating and Maintenance:
GENERAL CONTROL:
School Committee Expense $ 170.95
Superintendent's Salary 666.60
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SCHOOL REPORT
Treasurer's Salary
499.92
Accountant's Salary
300.00
Secretarial Service
1,264.93
Supervisors of Attendance
30.00
Postage, Printing and Office Supplies
1,317.04
Telephone
110.33
Travel (incl. Out-of State)
245.65
Other Expenses
248.18
Treasurer's Supplies
67.36
$
4,920.96
INSTRUCTION :
Administrator's Salaries
$ 7,563.39
Administrators' Travel
115.94
Teachers' Salaries
49,997.12
Substitutes
268.00
In-Service Education
160.19
Association Memberships
36.00
Clerical
2,579.91
Postage, Forms, Printing
1,774.58
Textbooks
13,425.78
General Supplies
5,747.63
Homemaking Supplies
286.38
Science Supplies
3,268.51
Guidance Supplies
16.05
Industrial Art Supplies
6,936.03
Audio-Visual Supplies
1,410.80
Art Supplies
1,847.47
Music Supplies
233.48
$ 95,667.26
OPERATION OF SCHOOL PLANT:
Janitors' Salaries $ 7,249.16
Telephone 477.28
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TOWN OF MERRIMAC
Janitors' Supplies
3,277.15
Fuel
4,468.99
Electricity
2,972.69
Insurance -
Workmen's Compensation
572.15
Insurance - Building
2,678.00
Water
8.00
Gas
324.79
Trucking
8.00
$ 22,036.21
MAINTENANCE :
Upkeep of Grounds
$ 692.10
Snow Removal
92.00
AUXILIARY AGENCIES :
Library
$ 831.59
School Physician
650.00
School Nurse
756.50
Health Supplies
208.79
2,446.88 $
NON-CLASSIFIED :
Athletics
$ 1,972.33
Assessments - Essex Co.
38.76
Retirement Fund
213.50
Auditing
183.00
Treasurer's Bond
421.75
Transportation - Athletics
$
784.10
2,829.34 $
CAPITAL OUTLAY : Equipment: Piano, Band Equipment, Audio-Visual, Homemaking, Science, etc. $ 20,948.67
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SCHOOL REPORT
CONSTRUCTION:
General Contractor
$436,737.80
Sub Contractors
61,199.08
Architect's Fees
31,837.43
Equipment
177,189.05
Equipment Consultant's Fees
3,916.66
Clerk of Works' Salary
6,630.00
Legal Fees
150.00
Advertising for Bids
167.92
Printing Bid Specifications
64.89
Insurance
1,377.99
Postage
25.95
Labor
21.00
$719,353.77
AMORTIZATION :
Payment of Principal
$101,000.00
Payment of Interest on Bonds
73,637.50
-
$174,637.50
PAYROLL DEDUCTION PAYMENTS:
Federal Withholding Tax Fund $ 9,222.69
Teachers' Retirement Fund 3,010.80
Essex County Retirement Fund 833.41
Blue Cross - Blue Shield
1,098.50
$ 14,165.40
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM FUND:
Salaries $ 4,362.40
Food
11,735.56 620.92
Other
$ 16,718.88
ATHLETIC PROGRAM FUND:
Referees, Police
$
108.00
Other
115.54
-$ 223.54
Total Expenditures for Year Ended
December 31, 1958 $1,074,732.51
BALANCE SHEET - DECEMBER 31, 1958
GENERAL ACCOUNTS
Assets
Liabilities
Cash :
Revolving Funds:
General
$196,938.98
School Construction
$ 27,277.22
School Lunch Program Fund 64.68
Petty Cash : Principal of School
50.00
School Athletic Program Fund 76.34
Reserve for Petty Cash Advances 50.00
Total Assets
$196,988.98
Surplus Revenue 169,520.74
Total Liabilities
$196,988.98
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Net Funded or Fixed Debt
$1,849,000.00
School Construction Loans: October 1, 1955
$ 69,000.00
. $1,849,000.00
January 15, 1957
950,000.00
December 1, 1957
830,000.00
$1,849,000.00 SYDNEY A. O'NEILL, Treasurer
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
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: SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL BUILDING NEEDS COMMITTEE
January 13, 1959
At the Annual Town Meeting on March 3, 1958 a vote of the people established a School Building Needs Commit- tee to study and report on the future elementary school housing needs. We submit the following report based upon certain facts and considered opinions.
First we established the elementary housing needs as shown on the projected enrollment chart.
Even a cursory examination of the local birth rate and the constantly increasing school enrollment shows that some measures will have to be taken immediately to ameliorate the situation.
Present Facilities
The Merrimac Elementary School has twelve usable classrooms constructed specifically for instructional pur- poses. In addition, the School Committee has provided a folding partition in the all-purpose room which is now used by two classrooms of children. The shower areas, of which there are two, may seem to offer two additional classrooms. However, these areas, being substantially below ground level, will not be passed for inspection by the Department of Public Safety even if they were com- pletely redone for school purposes. Moreover, any Sub- stantial alteration would be expensive and would prevent the future use of these facilities for the purposes intended.
What of the former high school building? This Committee feels that the rehabilitation of the high school building would be unsound, uneconomical and inimical to the interests of a sound education. The details of this decision will be completely presented toward the end of this report.
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TOWN OF MERRIMAC
Births
GRADES
Year
No.
School Year
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total % Born 1-6 in town
1942
29
1948
66
44
49
40
35
45
279
1943
43
1949
61
63
40
51
31
35
281
1944
28
1950
43
64
58
43
56
36
300
1945
32
1951
57
41
56
61
51
50
316
1946
45
1952
69
51
41
56
60
46
323
1947
62
1953
74
59
48
50
54
60
345
69%
1948
50
1954
69
67
54
39
51
47
327
80%
1949
63
1955
75
56
64
50
40
58
333
84%
1950
48
1956
75
60
63
67
54
37
356
84 %
1951
44
1957
71
60
68
62
66
54
381
82%
1952
64
1958
79
70
73
67
60
63
412
81%
1953
61
1959
94
71
69
74
68
59
435
1954
49
1960
76
84
69
70
75
67
441
1955
51
1961
79
67
82
70
71
74
443
1956
77
1962
119
70
66
84
71
70
480
1957
80
1963
124
106
69
67
85
70
521
*1958
62
1964
96
110
104
70
68
83
531
*1959
61
1965
94
85
108
106
71
67
531
*1960
60
1966
93
83
83
110
107
70
546
1961
59
1967
91
83
81
85
112
106
558
Index Number :-
1.55
.89
.98
1.02
1.02
.98
Figures above broken line = actual figures.
Figures below broken line = projected figures
*= decline in births estimated at 1% of last five year average.
¡Births from 1953 to 1957 Averaged 63.
From the above projection and examination of our present facilities, this Committee concludes that construc- tive and positive action is warranted immediately by this Town.
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SCHOOL REPORT
Alternatives
This Committee has investigated the many alterna- tives open to the townspeople. A quick resume shows these possibilities :
1. The construction of a six-room addition to the present elementary school.
2. A separate six-room building with additional facilities in another growing area of this town.
3. Platooning grades as needed.
4. Conducting a year-round school.
5. The rehabilitation of the old high school building.
6. Dividing the already divided all-purpose room again, making two additional classrooms and adding a cafeteria and two extra classrooms.
This Committee has investigated the various possibil- ities mentioned above and will therefore present the issues relative to each of the six suggestions.
1. Alternative One is the construction of a six- room addition to the present building and any additional facilities that may be needed. Background: This build- ing was originally planned to contain four additional classrooms. These classrooms were omitted because the originally proposed building could not be built by the funds available at that time. Provisions were incorporated for an addition on the south side of the building at a later date when the need was more pressing (the time has come). The boiler room was constructed to permit the inclusion of an additional boiler should classrooms be added at some future time. The filter bed was also con- structed with a possible future addition in mind. The construction of such an addition would permit the present all-purpose room to continue as a lunch room and serve as a community and recreation center, which is vitally needed in this town.
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TOWN OF MERRIMAC
2. The second alternative is to construct a separate six-room addition with other facilities in a populated and growing section of Merrimac. This project, if approved by the School Building Assistance Commission, would be 50% reimbursable including all equipment, whereas an addition would be reimbursed the same amount for facili- ties outside the present building only. For example, the new boiler and such duct work as would be needed would not be reimbursed at all in the present building. Some advantages to this plan are: children would be near their homes; bus transportation would be eliminated for many if not all the children near the school; and a separate local community center would be provided.
The disavantages to such a plan would be: a possible higher original cost (though not necessarily) ; separate cafeteria facilities or at least transporting prepared food from the present cafeteria; site costs; sewer costs; and some administrative problems.
3. Alternate three would call for platooning as needed. Platooning of various grade levels has already been tried on several levels in Merrimac and elsewhere and always found wanting. It would appear that by 1963 at least 12 classes would be platooned. Six classes might continue the present full day schedules, while six classes would attend morning sessions, say from 7:30 A. M. to 12:00 noon, while six other classes would attend school from 12:30 P. M. to 5.00 P. M.
The effect of such a proposal would shorten an al- ready short day; it would part the no-shift automobile before the two-shift school; it would further disrupt fam- ily life which all social agencies consider disrupted ex- cessively at the present; it would revive the three-trip bus schedules, thereby vastly increasing transportation costs ;
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SCHOOL REPORT
it would cheat your children of the best education which, heaven knows, we need so badly today. Moreover, pla- tooning never was and never will be a permanent solution to a most difficult problem.
4. Alternate four is the operation of the elemen- tary school on a year-round basis. We mention this pro- posal to you, not because we can justify such a program, but to show its weaknesses.
There are local individuals who have probably heard glowing reports of the Year-Around Operation of Schools, instead of the present ten-month operation. To this pro- posal, it would be easy to say that every school system in the United States during the last 35 years that tried this plan has abandoned it, and let it go at that. How- ever, this might not satisfy some skeptics and therefore a full report is being made here.
On paper it might look easy to apply a simple form- ula; let us say that 75% of all the children would be in school all the time and 25% would be on vacation all the time. Theoretically, one-fourth less capacity is therefore needed. The illustration below shows its possibilities for the Merrimac Elementary School.
Using the 12 classrooms in the school plus the two made-over gymnasium classrooms gives us 14 classrooms of the minimum of 18 regular classrooms projected for 1963 and thereafter. A simple plan for the twelve-month operation follows :
How It Works For 540 Students
FALL
Grade One 3 classes Grade Two 3 classes
WINTER Grade One 3 classes Grade Two 3 classes
SPRING Grade One 3 classes
Vacation
SUMMER Vacation
Grade Two
3 classes
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TOWN OF MERRIMAC
Grade Three Vacation
Grade Three Grade Three
3 classes
3 classes 3 classes
Vacation
Grade Four
3 classes
Grade Four Grade Four 3 classes 3 classes
We now have 9 classrooms out of fourteen in full-time use, but have lost the use of the all- purpose room. There are still 5 classrooms left for 6 sections.
Grade Five
Grade Five
Grade Five Vacation
3 classes
3 classes
3 classes
The fifth grade occupies 3 of the 5 classrooms left, and this leaves the three sixth grades to be educated.
Grade Six
Grade Six Grade Six Grade Six
Sect. 1 & 2 Sect. 1 & 3 Sect. 2 & 3 Sect. 1, 2 & 3
Vacation Vacation Vacation
Sect. 3 Sect. 2
Sect. 1
Obviously, since there are only 14 classrooms in session, only fourteen teachers would be necessary at any one time. Since, however, teachers will have their duties increased approximately one-third, a commensurate sal- ary increase would be effected. Therefore the savings in salaries would be negligible.
Now again theoretically if the plan above is to work, the grades would have to be divided into somewhat equal size or teach several grade levels which, although possi- ble, is not conducive to many instructional areas.
Additional drawbacks must be noted.
1. Since the 12-month plan operates by quarters, at least four registrations will be necessary.
2. It is impossible to give uniform teaching loads to teachers because of the changes in class sizes, although this is somewhat true even now.
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SCHOOL REPORT
3. Transportation costs on a four-quarter basis are increased because the density of the population is affected.
4. To get the same quality of instructional service would require air-conditioning the building. Although this is not practical, failure to do so means a loss in the quality of education.
5. Repairs and thorough cleaning are hampered by such programs.
6. The four-quarter plan splits families - a con- dition already too excessive according to social agencies.
7. Pre-school and post-school planning is abandoned or less comprehensively done.
Such a program would give each child a three-month vacation annually, but other children would be in school for nine months without days off except for weekends. It would mean, if the above program was adopted, that children in Grade four would have to go nine months in Grade four and nine additional months in Grade five without a vacation, or for one and one-half years with no break except weekends.
We do not recommend the Year-Around School, but this is a matter for the people to decide.
5. Rehabilitation of the High School Building :- This Committee has experienced great difficulty in trying to get the State Building Inspector to even visit the school for a careful evaluation. Nevertheless, it is an established fact that the following repairs or alterations must be in- cluded in any rehabilitation program:
1. The installation of a new heating-ventilating system according to state health regulations.
2. Repair, recondition or replace the stairs which present a safety hazard.
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TOWN OF MERRIMAC
3. Rehabilitation of the completely inadequate cellar toilets.
4. Installation of fire escapes from the second floor.
5. Repair present windows and sash and install storm windows in order to keep heat within the building.
6. Repair or re-install all floors.
7. Replace or repair blackboards, install tackboard.
8. Provide storage spaces.
9. Repair plaster walls and ceilings.
10. Paint the entire building on the inside.
11. Paint the entire building on the outside.
12. Furnish proper furniture.
13. Replace inadequate plumbing; install additional plumbing and sinks.
Any program of rehabilitation would have to be completely paid for by the Town of Merrimac, since there is no school Building Assistance from the State for old buildings. But unless all the inside walls were torn out and the entire interior redone, there still would be only four classrooms available, whereas six are needed.
Other considerations also militate against such a plan. Although this building might be used, there are leaks in the roof which permit discoloration of the ceilings and walls, the safety of our children is endangered, school lunch facilities would be available only at the Elementary School, and the building is expensive to maintain.
80
SCHOOL REPORT
In regard to this building this Committee feels that today's skimping will be tomorrow's expense in upkeep and maintenance. We point out that the question is not one of spending as little as possible, but getting value for anything spent. In addition we must consider safety, flexibility, convenience, and educational efficiency.
6. The last consideration - again dividing the all- purpose room and adding new facilities - would not be a sound investment in view of the costs involved. And certainly this arrangement has nothing in its educational favor.
The Building Needs Survey Committee recommends that the Town of Merrimac take immediate action to carry out either of the first two proposals of this Com- mittee - to add such additional facilities to the present elementary school as may be needed to house our children or build a separate building.
We submit the need is present; the alternatives have been explored and found wanting.
Respectifully submitted,
Arnold W. Spofford, Chairman
Irving A. Blake
Mrs. Clifford K. Clark
Kenneth G. Fowle
Edmond L. Hamel Alvin F. Heath
Mrs. Russell S. Kaskiewicz
George P. Stevens
Mrs. Milton E. Webster
SCHOOL BUILDING NEEDS COMMITTEE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Appropriations Made 1958
15
Fire Alarm
9
In Memoriam
125
Jury List
11
Town Officers
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Town Warrant
114
Reports of -
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22
Board of Public Welfare
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35 33
Dog Officer
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Inspector of Wires
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Inspector of Milk, Animals and Slaughtering
45
Municipal Light Board
31
Playground Commissioners
25
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Public Health Nurse
37
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43
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129
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102
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25
Town Accountant
46
Town Clerk
27
Town Forest Committee
40
Town Treasurer
40
Trustees of Kimball Park
39
Water Commissioners
28
Vote for Town Officers
111
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