USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1931 > Part 4
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STATE READING PLAN
The results for the last school year were as follows: -Enrollment, 1,039; Certificates, 1,192; Percent, 114.72.
HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
The enrollment in the high school this year is the largest within the history of the school. An increase of one hundred (100) pupils over that of the previous year was registered in the fall of 1930 and an additional increase of 60 was registered in the fall of 1931. The enrollment last September was 508. In brief, the in- crease in enrollment in the past two falls has meant practically an increase of 50% over the enrollment regis- tered in the fall of 1929.
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There is one factor to be borne in mind in this increase in enrollment in the High School; namely, that the average cost per pupil is approximately double in the High School as compared to that in the grades.
AMERICANIZATION
The statistics for work in Americanization for the last year were as follows: - Enrollment, 117; With- drawals, 21; Promotion, 15; Perfect in attendance, 16; Made Citizens during year, 5.
COST
The annual report of the State Department of Edu- cation for the year ending November 30, 1931, shows some interesting facts regarding educational costs.
A state-wide comparison is made, based upon sworn uniform blanks gotten out by the State Department, and submitted to it by every town and city in the state. This method of comparison is purely business-like; purely scientific. Every business analyzes its cost per unit in like manner. In the textile business, the unit is the cost per yard produced; in the steel business, the cost per ton fabricated; in the coal business, the cost per ton mined. In the school business, it is the pupil handled, or the cost per pupil educated during the year.
In this State Report, statistics are given for every one of the 355 towns and cities in the State, which are divided into four groups :- Group I, Cities (There are 39.); Group II, Towns of 5,000 Population or over- Palmer is a member of this group (There are 83.) ; Group III, Towns of less than 5,000 Population and main- taining high schools (There are 109.) ; Group IV, Towns of less than 5,000 Population and not maintaining high schools (There are 124.).
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The average cost per pupil based on net average membership for each Group, the State, and Palmer is as follows: Group I, $103.82; Group II, $92.30; Group III, $98.18; Group IV, 105.59; State, $100.82; Palmer, $84.44. Palmer's cost is $19.38 less than that of Group I; $7.86 less than that of Group II, her own group; $13.74 less than that of Group III; $21.15 less than Group IV; $16.38 less than that of the State.
Compared over a period of the past thirteen years, the average cost per pupil based on average membership for each Group, the State, and Palmer was :- Group I, $83.14; Group II, $75.05; Group III, $79.81; Group IV, $85.82; State, $83.68; Palmer, $66.84. Palmer's cost was $16.30 less than that of Group I; $8.21 less than that of Group II; $12.97 less than that of Group III; $18.98 less than that of Group IV; $16.84 less than that of the State.
On the basis of relative rank for the 355 towns and cities in the state, Palmer, for 15 years, ranked as fol- lows:
Year
Rank
1913
334
1915
335
1917
342
1918
339
1919
342
1920
346
1921
347
1922
230
1923
216
1924
229
1925
258
1926
293
1927
259
111
1928
261
1929
253
1930
274
Average Rank-16 years 293
During these 16 years, Palmer ranked about 67th in population, and only 293rd in cost per pupil.
In view of Palmer's geographical lay-out-four dis- tinct villages with a distance of several miles interven- ing-certain factors, of necessity, cause increased cost. Transportation is thereby involved. In the high school alone, transportation is a big item of cost. The resi- dences of high school pupils are :- Palmer, 172; Three Rivers, 172; Bondsville, 68; Thorndike, 64; Palmer Cen- ter and Forest Lake, 10; Boston Road, 10; Monson Road, 2. Nearly 1,200 tickets a day are required at a cost of $.041 each-about $50 per day.
Were Palmer a concentrated town, the schools would be sufficiently closely situated so that imaginary district lines could be expanded or contracted to take care of in- equalities in grade distribution in any building. Heavier teaching loads could be carried in many places. Fewer teachers would be required. All things considered, a possible saving of about $20,000 would be involved. This would reduce the cost per pupil at least $9.00, which would make a cost rather difficult to duplicate elsewhere in the State.
The cost per pupil in average mem- Local Comparison bership for the fiscal year of 1930 in towns and cities within and ap- proximate radius of twenty-five miles was as follows :- Agawam, $85.90; Amherst, $101.42; Barre, $82.50; Bel- chertown, $94.81; Brimfield, $178.42; Brookfield, $96.74; Chicopee, $85.47; Dana, $169.53; East Brookfield, $85.75; Easthampton, $84.04; East Longmeadow, $94.09 ; Enfield,
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$159.98; Greenwich, $215.74; Hardwick, $120.69; Hamp- den, $153.24; Holland, $239.93; Holyoke, $112.01; Long- meadow, $128.76; Ludlow, $85.92; Monson, $95.14; Mon- tague, $92.41; North Brookfield, $108.39; Palmer, $84.44; Spencer, $78.82; Springfield, $123.70; Sturbridge, $98.75; Wales, $160.69; Ware, $92.29; Warren, $94.74; West Brookfield, $114.31; West Springfield, $99.61; Wil- braham, $102.61.
A study of these costs shows that, with three ex- ceptions, out of thirty-two communities, Palmer has the lowest cost. The towns and cities are not hand-picked; they were selected because of their propinquity.
The brevity of this report makes it
Conclusion. very sketchy. Fuller information will be furnished upon request.
Appreciation is extended to all who have aided the schools in any way during the year just concluded.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFTON H. HOBSON
Superintendent of Schools.
Palmer, Mass., January 11, 1932.
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COST LESS REIMBURSEMENTS AND REVENUES RECEIVED AND RECEIVABLE 1931
*General School Fund
$18,747.20
*Americanization
847.25
*Vocational School
305.90
Tuition :
*State Wards
1,640.96
Towns
5,086.90
Rentals
437.35
Telephones
7.45
Sale of Merchandise
49.56
$27,122.57
Expenditures
$174,228.45
Reimbursements and Receipts 27,122.57
Net Direct Cost $147,105.88
Average Membership 2,189.14
Cost Per Pupil Based on Average Membership $67.19+
From State of Massachusetts
+ This, in reality, is the cost per pupil based on money raised by taxation. The appropriation was $175,557.37. A balance of $1,328.92 was unexpended, making the total expenditure. $174,228.45. Our reim- bursements and received and receivable revenues were $27,122.57. The amount spent, therefore, from money raised by taxation was $147,105.88.
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Appendix
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR YEAR-1931
Appropriation
Expended
Balance
Commercial
$ 7,910.00
$ 7,884.53
25.47
Fuel & Light
8,110.00
7,748.97
361.03
Furniture and
Furnishings
500.00
694.28
-194.28
General Expenses
8,130.00
7,963.45
166.55
Janitor's Services
11,275.00
11,021.98
253.02
Maintenance of
Buildings and
Grounds
2,900.00
3,567.69
-- 667.69
Music, Manual
Training and
Drawing
3,900.00
3,436.95
463.05
Other Expenses
6,010.00
6,663.79
-653.79
Repairs
1,500.00
2,704.28
-1,204.28
Teachers' Salaries 103,190.01
100,862.80
2,327.21
Textbooks and
Supplies
6,500.00
6,320.33
179.67
Transportation
14,032.36
14,228.70
-196.34
Americanization
1,600.00
1,130.70
469.30
$175,557.37
$174,228.45
$1,328.28
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Town Warrant
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
County of Hampden, ss. Town of Palmer
To either of the Constables of the Town of Palmer, in said County,
GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby required to notify and warn all the in- habitants of the Town of Palmer, qualified to vote in elections of town officers, to meet at the several poll- ing places in said Palmer, designated by the Selectmen, to wit: In Precinct A, in the High School Gymnasium on Converse Street in the Depot Village; in Precinct B, at Recreation Building (Hall on the second floor) on Com- mercial Street in Thorndike; in Precinct C, at Polish National Home Building (hall on the second floor) on East Main Street in Three Rivers, and in Precinct B, at Boston Duck Company's Hall on Main Street in Bonds- ville, on Monday, the first day of February, A. D. 1932, at six o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to give in their votes on one ballot to precinct officers of the several voting precincts of said town, for the following officers, to wit: Three Selectmen, a Town Treasurer, a Collector
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of Taxes, three Auditors, five Constables, three License Commissioners, and a Tree Warden, all for the term of one year; one Member of the Board of Public Welfare, one Assessor, one Member of the Board of Health, one Cemetery Commissioner, two Members of the School Committee and two Members of the Planning Board, all for the term of three years.
The polls will be open at six o'clock in the forenoon and will be closed at three-thirty o'clock in the after- noon.
And you are further hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Palmer, qualified to vote in town affairs, to meet at the Town House at Four Cor- ners, in said Palmer, on Monday, the eighth day of February, A. D. 1932, at seven o'clock in the evening, then and there to act on the following articles, viz:
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Article 2. To choose all other usual town officers.
Article 3. To act on the reports of the town officers.
Article 4. To raise money and make appropriations to defray expenses of the town for the ensuing year.
Article 5. To see if the town will authorize the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow during the ensuing financial year, in anticipation of the revenue of said year, such sums of money as may be necessary for current expenses of the town, but not exceeding in the aggregate the amount permitted by law, giving the note or notes of the town therefor, pay- able within one year from the date thereof, all debts incurred under authority of this vote to be paid from the revenue of the said financial year.
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Article 6. To hear and act on the reports of com- mittees.
Article 7. To choose committees and give them in- structions.
Article 8. To determine the manner and state the terms and conditions of collecting the taxes for the ensuing year, and fix the compensation of the collector of taxes.
Article 9. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate money to convey pupils to and from public schools, and instruct the school committee as to the manner of letting the contract for such conveyance.
Article 10. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate money for the Young Men's Library Association, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 11. To see if the town will vote to raise money for the observance of Memorial Day.
Article 12. To see what action the town will take in respect to lighting the streets and whether it will authorize the selectmen to make contract therefor, and raise and appropriate money for the same.
Article 13. To see what action the town will take in reference to the planting and preservation of shade trees.
Article 14. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate money for the improvement of cemeteries.
Article 15. To see what action the town will take relative to suits and claims now pending against the town.
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Article 16. To see if the town will appropriate money for the suppression of gypsy, brown-tail and satin moths and elm tree beetles, and other insect pests.
Article 17. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate money for the insurance and mainten- ance of the auto fire trucks for the ensuing year, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 18. To see if the town will appropriate such sum of money as may be necessary to defray the cost of rent, janitor service and maintenance of the town offices in the Holbrook Building.
Article 19. To see if the town will vote to sprinkle or spread upon its public ways, or parts thereof, water or any liquid or material suitable for laying or prevent- ing dust and preserving the surface of such ways and for sanitary purposes, the cost thereof to be assessed upon abutting estates, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 20. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1000.00 to help defray the cost of maintaining the District Nurse.
Article 21. To see if the town will vote to maintain police in the several villages, authorize the selectmen to make rules and regulations for the government of all the police officers of the town, and raise and appropriate money for the same.
Article 22. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate money to meet the town's share of the cost to the County of Hampden for providing adequate hospital care for consumptives under the provisions of Chapter 111 of the General Laws.
Article 23. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate the sum of $500.00, or any sum, to be expended
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within the town under the direction of the Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture, for the promotion of boys' and girls' work in agriculture, home making and country life in the town, including agricultural demonstration work on land owned by the town, or owned by any resi- dent of the town, in accordance with the provisions of Section 45 of Chapter 128 of the General Laws.
Article 24. To see if the town will appropriate money under the authority of Section 22 of Chapter 115 of the General Laws for the care of graves of persons who served in the Army, Navy or Marine Corps of the United States in time of war or insurrection and were honorably discharged from such service.
Article 25. To see if the town will appropriate money, to be expended in the discretion and under the direction of the selectmen, for the repair and mainten- ance of the clock in the Universalist Church tower in the Depot Village, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 26. To see what action the town will take in relation to sewers.
Article 27. To see what action the town will take in regard to sidewalks and curbing.
Article 28. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate any sum of money to be paid to the Wing Memo- rial Hospital Association for the charitable purposes of said association in this town, or for the care and sup- port in said hospital of persons wholly or in part unable to support or care for themselves, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 29. To see if the town will vote to pur- chase for cemetery purposes a tract of land containing about 11/2 acres adjoining the Four Corners Cemetery, now believed to be owned by Mary and Kathryn Lawlor,
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raise and appropriate any sum of money therefor, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 30. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate any sum of money to grade and fence any land purchased as an addition to the Four Corners Cemetery, or take any other action relative thereto.
Article 31. To see if the town will vote to appro- priate any sum of money for the granting of adequate assistance to deserving citizens of the town in need of relief and support seventy years of age or over under the provisions of Chapter 402 of the Acts of 1930, and for expenses to be incurred in connection with the grant- ing of such assistance, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 32. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money not to be paid from the revenues of the current financial year, to meet expenses incurred or appropriations made under any of the articles of this warrant.
Article 33. To see if the town will vote to widen Park Street in the Depot Village from its intersection with Central Street to land of James H. and Georgianna MacGeachey, raise and appropriate money for the same, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 34. To see if the town will vote to widen Central Street in the Depot Village from its intersection with Pleasant Street to its intersection with Park street, raise and appropriate money for the same, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 35. To see if the town will vote to accept a deed to it from Charles E. Collins of Pawtucket, R. I., Trustee, dated June 4, 1931, and conveying to the town all of the grantor's right, title and interest in and to
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the streets in the Village of Three Rivers, in said Palmer, shown as Ruggles Street, Lafayette Avenue, Riverview Avenue, Cottage Street and Camp Street, on "Plan No. 2, Riverside Terrace, situated in Palmer, Mass., Platted for the Cronin-Swift Land Co., July, 1909, F. T. West- cott, Eng'r", recorded in Hampden County Registry of Deeds, File 290.
Article 36. To see if the town will vote to sell and convey the Mason District school building and lot, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 37. To see if the town will vote to appoint a committee of five to consider the matter of the town adopting a by-law providing for the appointment and duties of a finance committee and report at a future meet- ing of the town.
Article 38. To see what action the town will take relative to the care and preservation of the plots of land in the several villages of the town on which the memo- rial boulders are located.
Article 39. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate the sum of $150.00 to provide and maintain quar- ters for Edward T. Goodreau Post No. 1813, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, for the year 1932.
Article 40. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate money for the improvement of highways as fol- lows: (a) Repair and oil road leading from Palmer- Ware State Highway, at Palmer Center, by Lake Thomp- son, to farm of Nelson Brothers: (b) Repair and grade Woodland Street in the Depot Village in accordance with
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specifications submitted by the town engineer; (c) Re- pair that portion of Hill Street in the Village of Thorn- dike known as the hill.
Article 41. To see if the town will vote to install and maintain additional electric lights as follows: (a) 1 light at the corner of Woodland and Holbrook Streets in the Depot Village; (b) 1 light on Main Street in the Village of Thorndike near the Ware River Railroad crossing at the No. 1 Mill.
Article 42. To see if the town will vote to con- struct a cement sidewalk on the northerly side of the highway leading from the Village of Thorndike to Four Corners, from the westerly end of the present walk near property of one Lawlor to the Bondsville Road, and assess no part of the cost thereof upon owners of abutting land, raise and appropriate any sum of money therefor, or take any other action relative thereto.
Article 43. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate the sum of $3848.28 to meet that portion of the cost of the removal of Whiting Bridge, so-called, over the former location of The Hampden Railroad Corpora- tion in Palmer which has to be borne by the Town of Palmer under the provisions of Chapter 388 of the Acts of 1930.
Article 44. To see if the town will vote to increase the number of members of the School Committee from six to seven or nine.
Article 45. To see if the town will vote to appoint a committee consisting of five to confer with a commit- tee representing the Palmer Fire District Number One of Palmer relative to a sale by the town to said district
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of the engine house property on Park Street in the Depot Village and report, with recommendations, at a future meeting of the town.
Article 46. To see if the town will vote to purchase a bronze tablet and erect the same in some suitable place in the town in connection with the dedication of the Massachusetts George Washington Highway, and raise and appropriate any sum of money therefor, or take any other action relative thereto.
Article 47. To see if the town will authorize the school committee to appoint any member thereof to the office or position of school physician and determine and fix the salary of any such appointee under the provisions of Section 4a of Chapter 41 of the General Laws.
Article 48. To see if the town will vote to sell and convey the whole or any portion of a tract of land situate in Palmer Center on the northerly side of the highway leading from Palmer Center to Thompson's Pond and known as the Pesthouse property, or take any action relative thereto.
And you are hereby directed to serve this warrant by posting up attested copies thereof in some one public place in each of the four villages of the town known as the Depot Village, Thorndike, Three Rivers and Bonds- ville, seven days at least before the holding of said meet- ing, and by publishing an attested copy thereof in at least two issues of the Journal-Register, a newspaper published in said Palmer, the first publication to be not less than seven days before the holding of said meeting.
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Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at or before the holding of said meeting.
Given under our hands this thirteenth day of Janu- ary, A. D. 1932.
DAVID B. SMITH, CHARLES A. CALLAHAN, LUDWIK MARHELEWICZ,
A true copy, Attest :
Selectmen of Palmer.
MICHAEL COLLINS,
Constable of the Town of Palmer.
Index to Contents
Assessors' Report -
-
-
-
56
Auditor's Report - -
-
-
95
Board of Health - -
- - 80
Board of Public Welfare - -
72
Cemetery Commissioners' Report - -
60
Jury List - -
-
- - 87
School Committee - - - -
101
Sealer of Weights & Measures Report - 70
Selectmen and Highway Report -
- 18
Tax Collector's Report
-
-
93
Town Bookkeeper's Report -
-
-
21
Town Clerk's Report - -
-
-
5
Town Officers-Expiration Date - -
3
Town Warrant -
-
-
- 115
Treasurer's Report - -
-
-
55
Trial Balance - - -
- 53
Young Men's Library Association
- 90
-
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