USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1948 > Part 5
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THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The United States of America occupies an out- standing and unique position among the countries of the world. She ranks first in so many things that it is a waste of time and space to enumerate them. She is, com- paratively speaking, an infant among the nations. Yet, young as she is, she is a leader. There must be a reason, or better still, there must be reasons. There are-geo- graphical position, natural resources, climate, etc. (all physical). Important as these may be, there are certain other reasons-and more important-that might be classed as "of the spirit". In the van of these is educa- tion-widely diffused. It is the distinguishing mark of our country. It is the major reason for our greatness- greatness in industry, greatness in business, greatness in commerce, greatness in the arts, greatness in philan- thropy, greatness in charity, greatness in spirituality, greatness in tolerance, greatness in all things "of the spirit."
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Education is not appreciated ; teachers are not. Does this paint a true picture? "The united voice of teachers would reach across America. In all reality, their lines do cross America. There is a school and a teacher in far- thest Eastern Maine. There is another in farthest West- ern Oregon. Between them, as the ninth hour races across the nation, it touches teachers in the broad valleys of New York, on the level Kansas plain, in the high mountains of Colorado, and on the shining coast of Cal- ifornia. It finds teachers in bee-hive city schools, in the white-framed classroom of the lonely spaces, in the plea- sant little towns and isolated glens. Teachers everywhere, holding in their hands the glory of America-the heroes of its past, the children of its future.
"Suppose all teachers suddenly folded their hands together and said with one voice :- 'We'll teach no long- er!' In the length of one generation as schools stopped, the wheels of America would run down. The yawning mouths of the press would refuse the newsprint. The business machines would find no operators to feed their tape. The silver airfleets would be grounded. In every city, town, and hamlet would rise a generation of bewild- erment; children would grow up in a world they did not understand.
"Then starvation and want would stalk the land and lawless gangs of ignorance roam the broken streets. Men would live by fear and fear alone.
"America needs teachers. She needs teachers whose hearts will leap when children run to meet them in the morning, whose eyes will flash with pride when the schoolhouse door swings open. She needs teachers who are trained and dedicated to the building of a better generation and a better world.
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"The schools could stop suddenly, or they can be worn down by the slow attrition of public neglect. In the long future, the result will be the same."
HIGH SCHOOL
Standing. Scholastically, Palmer High School stands well-she always has. Her certificate is ac- cepted by any college accepting pupils upon this basis. Many of her graduates are in higher institutions and doing well. Several of last year's seniors won sizable scholarships in competitive endeavors.
Memorial. As yet, nothing has been done to memorial- ize the nearly sixteen hundred (1,600) men and women from Palmer who were in the Armed Forces in World War II. Sixty-one per cent (61%), roughly speaking, were graduates and part-time members of the high school. Twenty-five (25)-sixteen (16) graduates and nine (9) members-paid the supreme sacrifice. Their names belong on a Gold Star Honor Roll.
Are we remiss in our duty ? Is memory so short- lived ?
We hope the answer is "No". Later, we may have a suggestion.
100th Anniversary. In two years-1951-the 100th anniversary of the founding of the high school should be observed. May it be a significant occasion !
Addition. Plans for an addition to the high school, under Federal subsidy, are nearing completion. They have been studied by all interested people-school com- mittee, superintendent, principal, physical education di-
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rector and coach, music supervisor, and others. Several glaring lacks in the present building are remedied-lacks largely due to failure to adopt the so-called Parsons Plan in 1922. This plan contemplated a much more commo- dious building with larger facilities for doing effective high school work. Roughly, the present building cost about $205,000, equipped. The Parsons building would have cost $125,000 more. The cost of an addition today "runs into real money".
The ray of hope lies in an "act to encourage the es- tablishment of regional and consolidated public schools and to provide financial assistance to cities and towns in the construction of school buildings" passed by the last legislature. A "consolidated school shall mean any school constructed or enlarged with the intent of eliminating one or more existing schools"-quotation from act. The total construction grant for any approved school project in any city or town shall be one fourth of the product of the approved cost of the project multiplied by the equal- ized valuation per pupil in net average membership for the entire commonwealth divided by the equalized val- uation per pupil in net average membership of the city or town; provided, however, that no grant shall be ap- proved for an amount less than twenty percent or more than fifty percent of such approved cost"-further quo- tation from act. Under this formula, Palmer would re- ceive 40% of the cost from the State. The building elim- inated would be the Old High School. The act is in force from July 1, 1948, to June 30, 1951-three years.
Palmer should avail herself of this aid-a real life- saver.
Accounts. You will find a statement of the Palmer High School Accounts for the school year 1947- 1948. Briefly, they show :- Balance on hand, September
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1, 1947, $2,820.26; Receipts for the year, $12,848.16; Total Receipts, $15,668.42; Expenditures, $12,533.29; Balance on hand at the end of June, 1948, $3,135.13. This statement in full appears on the next page.
Lunchroom. The Federal Government is still giving a subsidy on certain types of menus served in our High School Lunchroom. We receive 11/2 cents on half-pints of white milk, if purchased separately, and 2 ·cents, if purchased as part of hot-dish meal; 7 cents on hot dishes without milk; and 9 cents on hot dishes with milk.
Our prices are very moderate :- (Example) Com- plete meal-orange or tomato juice, meat or fish, pota- to, vegetable, bread and butter or margarine, milk, and dessert-25 cents.
Federal Commodities, plus Federal Subsidies, make this low price possible. A pupil can eat with us cheaper than at home.
During the past school year, we received the follow- ing commodities :- 23 cases of tomato juice, 2 cases of peach jam, 3 cases of dried milk, 23 cases of canned to- matoes, 2 cases of dried eggs, 6 cases of peanut butter, 6 cases of dried peaches, 7 cases of prunes, 6 cases of raisins, 9 cases of grapefruit juice, 4 cases of figs, 17 boxes of fresh apples, 2 boxes of walnut meats, 3 cases of dried apples, 4,500 lbs. of potatoes, and 210 lbs. of cheese.
A financial statement on the lunchroom from Sept- ember 1, 1947, to July 1, 1948, shows the following :
STATEMENT OF PALMER HIGH SCHOOL ACCOUNTS School Year September, 1947 - June, 1948
Account
Balance Sept. 1947 $ 0.00
Receipts 1947-1948 $642.00
Total Receipts $ 642.00
Total Payments $ 642.00
Balance June, 1948 $ 0.00
Activity Fund
Assembly
211.00
118.19
329.19
37.25
291.94
Athletic Association
827.37
3,911.62
4,738.99
3,662.07
1,076.92
Band
161.13
689.80
850.93
644.37
206.56
Class of 1948
400.62
5,819.43
6,220.05
6,220.05
0.00
Class of 1949
155.18
1,437.36
1,592.54
1,320.70
271.84
Class of 1950
45.75
128.15
173.90
82.26
91.64
Class of 1951
0.00
83.56
83.56
5.00
78.56
Dramatic Club
345.43
154.27
499.70
112.86
386.81
French Club
12.28
0.00
12.28
0.00
12.28
General Fund
207.74
13.00
220.74
5.00
215.74
Glee Club
25.38
0.00
25.38
0.00
25.38
Orchestra
17.04
0.00
17.04
0.00
17.04
"Palmer, The"
248.70
414.03
662.73
428.50
234.23
Pep Club
74.45
20.20
94.65
1.00
93.65
Pro Merito
10.70
36.55
47.25
11.25
36.09
Student Council
66.03
0.00
66.03
7.24
58.79
Treasurer's Fund
11.46
47.00
58.46
20.74
37.72
Totals
$2,820.26
$12,848.16
$15,668.42
$12,533.29
$3,135.13
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Balance on hand, September 1, 1947
Receipts
$ 833.22 6,572.14
Total Receipts
$ 7,405.63
Expenditures :
Labor
$ 1,637.98
Supplies
5,094.46
Miscellaneous
109.56
Total Expenditures
6,842.00
Balance on hand, July 1, 1948
563.36
Food Inventory, July 1, 1948
646.37
Total-Balance and Inventory
$ 1,479.59
A financial statement on the lunchroom from Sep- tember 1, 1944, to June 9, 1948,-a four-year period dur- ing which time the lunchroom has operated under the present set-up-shows the following (this is given to show how large the project bulks over a period of years- receipts, expenditures, Federal Subsidies, Federal Com- modities, etc. A report for one year fails to do this) : Balance on hand, September 1, 1944 $ 125.01
Receipts
28,720.15
Total Receipts
$ 28,845.22
Expenditures :
Labor
$ 6,441.52
Equipment
1,232.43
Supplies
20,283.74
Miscellaneous
324.17
Total Expenditures
$ 28,281.86
Balance on hand, July 1, 1948
$ 563.36
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SUMMARY
1944
Balance on hand, September 1, 1944 $ 125.07
Food Inventory, September 1, 1944
247.90
Total-Balance and Inventory
$ 372.97
1945
Balance on hand, September 1, 1945
$ 537.48
Food Inventory, September 1, 1945
199.79
Total-Balance and Inventory
$ 737.27
1946
Balance on hand, September 1, 1946
$ 851.39
Food Inventory, September 1, 1946
317.37
Total-Balance and Inventory
$ 1,168.76
1947
Balance on hand, September 1, 1947
$ 833.22
Food Inventory, September 1, 1947
646.37
Total-Balance and Inventory $ 1,479.59
1948
Balance on hand, September 1, 1948
$ 563.36
Food Inventory, September 1, 1948
552.13
Total-Balance and Inventory $ 1,115.49
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We have received through Federal Commodities dur- ing this four-year period the following foods :- 29 cases of tomato juice, 4 cases of peach jam, 12,500 lbs. of po- tatoes, 5 cases of dried milk, 23 cases of canned tomatoes, 2 cases of dried eggs, 330 lbs. of cheese, 6 cases of pea- nut butter, 6 cases of dried peaches, 7 cases of dried prunes, 6 cases of raisins, 9 cases of grapefruit juice, 4 cases of dried figs, 17 boxes of fresh apples, 2 cases of walnut meats, 3 cases of dried apples, 32 cases of beets, 24 cases of carrots, 17 cases of crushed pineapple, 16 cases of tomato flakes, 4 cases of peach halves, 1,000 lbs. of onions, 1,000 Ibs. of cabbage, and 5 cases of orange nectar.
The total value, roughly, is $2,043.73.
We have received from the Federal Government the following equipment :- a gas range (10 open-top burners with double oven), an electric refrigerator, and a food mixer.
Total Federal Contributions:
Federal Re-imbursements (cash)
$
2,546.69
Federal Commodities
2,043.73
Federal Equipment
885.53
Total
$ 5,475.95
Athletics: The financial statement of the Palmer High School Athletic Association for the school
year 1947-1948 is as follows:
Balance on hand, September 1, 1947 Receipts
$ 827.37
3,911.62
Total Receipts Expenditures
$4,738.99
3,662.07
Balance on hand, September 1, 1948
$1,076.92
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Our three major athletic activities are baseball, basketball, and football. As a whole, the year was suc- cessful, especially in basketball and football. Excepting baseball, the public supports the teams quite well. Some day when we trade our "bandbox" gym for a real one, we can accommodate the public and our suppport in basketball will be fine.
Athletics, properly handled, make a real contribu- tion to the making of a well-rounded man. The parti- cipant learns "team play". He learns he is a part of the whole, and not the whole. One thing that makes Amer- ica "click", in peace or war, is team play-learned on the playfields.
Band: We take a real pride in our band. Our "hearts leap up" when we hear and see it-uniforms, majorettes, baton twir'ers, and pennant carriers.
The composition of the band is as follows :- 1 Leader, 1 Leading Majorette, 2 Assistant Majorettes, 5 Pony Majorettes, 5 Pennant Twirlers, and 42 Uni- formed Players (56 in all).
The band has 56 complete uniforms, all paid for, without any cost to the School Department, at a cost of $2,213.37.
The band has done such an excellent job of financing itse'f that you should visualize it by means of this finan- cial statement:
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PALMER SCHOOLS BAND School Year 1945-1946
Balance, September 1, 1945
$ 87.42
Receipts :
War Bond Sale
$ 531.73
Operetta
393.00
Band Pictures
19.50
St. Joseph's Society (donation)
50.00
Forest Lake Dairy
"
50.00
Note-Palmer Natl. Less Int.
341.25
1,385.48
Total Receipts
$1,472.90
Expenditures :
War Bond Sale
$ 41.88
Operetta
152.95
New Inst. Bell Lyre
70.00
Trombone Repaired
23.40
Letter Awards & Pictures
58.63
1st New Uniforms
1,104.15
Total Expenditures
$ 1,451.01
Balance, June 1, 1946
$ 21.89
School Year 1946-1947
Balance, September 1, 1946 $ 21.89
Receipts :
2 Operetta Performances $ 569.60
Radio Sale
644.00
Donation-Wilbraham Academy
30.00
1,243.60
Total Receipts
$ 1,265.49
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Expenditures :
2 Operettas $ 259.45
Radio Sale 92.02
2 Second-hand Instruments 65.00
Repairs, Bass Drum
21.51
Note Pd. Bank, Extra Band Capes and Alterations 623.01
Band Awards, Music Festival Fee, Senior Program Ad. 43.37
Total Expenditures 1,104.36
Balance, June 1, 1947 $ 161.13
School Year 1947-1948
Balance, September 1, 1947 $ 161.13
Receipts :
Palmer Memorial Day Exercises $35.00
Wilbraham Memorial Day Exercises 35.00
Donation, Wilbraham Academy 16.00
A. Karlon for Clar. Repairs 5.00
Minstrel Show receipts
606.00
697.00
Total Receipts $ 858.13
Expenditures :
5 Extra Uniforms-Majorette $ 179.56
Minstrel Show Expenses 170.09
Senior Ad, Treasury Fund 6.50
2 New Instruments 140.00
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Band hat Lights special drill 51.65
New Drum Heads, Clar. and Trumpet Repairs 69.22
Music Festival Reg. Fee
34.55
651.57
Balance, June 1, 1948
$
206.56
September 1, 1948 to October 1, 1948
Balance, September 1, 1948 $ 206.56
Receipts :
Palmer Memorial Day
$ 45.00
Radio Sale receipts to date
320.00
365.00
Total Receipts
571.56
Expenditures :
1/3 Payment, 12 new uniforms
255.00
Balance, November 1, 1948
$ 316.56
Total Receipts
$3,778.50
Total Expenditures
3,461.94
Balance
$ 316.56.
Band Personnel Composition
1 Leading Majorette
2 Substitute Majorettes
5 Pony Majorettes
5 Flag Twirlers
42 Uniformed Players
1 Band Leader
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Values Acquired and Expenses
56 Complete Uniforms, Paid. $2,213.37
Sale and Show Expenses 716.39
5 Additional Instruments
275.00
New Drum Heads, Inst. Repair.
114.13
Awards Festival Fees, Etc.
142.05
$3,461.94
Parent-Teacher Associations
There are four Parent-Teacher Associations-Park Street, Quabaug, Three Rivers, and Thorndike. This is their second year of operation. They have been, and are, very helpful and co-operative. They have accom- plished many things which we, alone, could never have effectuated. An outstanding evidence of this is the re- wiring, re-fixturing, and re-decorating of the Park Street School at a cost of nearly $12,000.00. Pupils and teachers, both, have found it a joy to work in this building this year. Parents and citizens have gotten a real "up-lift" from its appearance. We need more of it!
The Quabaug Association has enlarged its lunch program. Pupils now get orange or tomato juice; soup, stew, or chowder; peanut butter, cheese, or other kind of sandwich-all for a dime. Federal Commodities fur- nish juices, vegetables, cheese, and peanut butter. The Federal Government subsidizes this program four cents per meal. They have given $200 for an electric refrig- erator. About 130 meals are served daily under the worst possible conditions. Better facilities must be fur- nished. One hundred sixty bus pupils must be given rea- sonably good accommodations. A real major operation on the building should be made. The Quabaug Associa- tion will seek it at Town Meeting this year.
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Three Rivers and Thorndike Associations are doing a good job. They are patiently biding their time to get improvements.
SOME MAJOR PROJECTS
All of the schools need major repair and replacement work. Palmer, in common with every other city and town, practically speaking, has done nothing more than replace "break-downs" for some eighteen years. There have been two primary causes-depression and war. Roughly, from 1930 to 1939, the entire country was going through the throes of a depression-Result :- Plenty of labors and materials, but no money. From 1939 to 1948, the entire World was at war and in the aftermath of war-Result: -Plenty of money, but no labor and materials. The time has arrived when the price must be paid.
Last year, a real start was made at the Park Street School, as previously mentioned. The word "start" is used advisedly.
A careful study has been made of badly needed im- provements. In many cases, an estimate of probable costs has been obtained. These have been presented to the School Committee and now are called to attention of the local electorate. These are not all-inclusive-Three Rivers and Thorndike are not mentioned in detail.
Take them school by school.
BONDSVILLE SCHOOL
1. Heating: There are twin boilers-Hudson-of 1910 vintage (no longer made)-in the school. They are "shot" to the extent that boiler inspectors will not pass them another year. We were lucky to get approv- al last summer.
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A careful survey has been made by a heating engin- eer from the standpoint of heating and ventilating per Massachusetts requirements. Roughly, he recommended the installation of a new Smith boiler-15-section No. 42; together with a pit for boiler to be lowered twenty- four inches, water-proofed, with cement curbing around top to prevent water from running down into pit; plus the disconnection of a leaky section or two in heating units in plenum chamber; plus engineering commission at, roughly, 6%, at a total cost of $7,000, approximately, He said, if inclined to use univent, or similar system, in- stead of present duct-ventilating system, in seven rooms, add another $7,000, a total of $14,000.
2. Re-decorating : An estimate on re-decorating seven classrooms, hallways, stairways, en- trances, lavatories, and assembly room was secured- about $2,500. We have the estimate in detail.
3. Re-lighting: An estimate on re-wiring and re-fixtur- ing same part of building was secured -about $7,610. A re-check of the estimate, with the thought of some substitutions to effect economy without undue sacrifice of efficiency, has been made by a light engineer. The estimated cost of this revised plan is $5,383. We have these in detailed form.
The School Committee is definitely asking for $14,000 to cover new boiler, re-decorating, and re-light- ing-$7,000 for boilers and $7,000 for re-decorating and re-lighting ($3,000 less than estimates).
4. Yard: Yard could stand rolling and oiling, with in- stallation of Chain Link Fence fronting street. No estimates have been obtained, but can easily be gotten.
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5. Exterior: Wooden portion of building needs paint- ing ; all windows need puttying and draw- ing. Tar roof needs a coat. No estimates obtained.
QUABAUG SCHOOL
1. Lunchroom: Plans for work necessary at the Qua- baug School to make it more adaptable for serving noonday lunches to transportation pupils have been drawn. There are about 160 such pupils. About 130 are served by the Parent-Teacher Association under extremely deplorable conditions-no lunchroom, no hot water, no sink, no heating unit, no kitchen (“no noth- ing"). Adaptation of an excavated, but unfinished base- ment; new entrance-similar to bulkheads; small kitch- en; fair-sized cafeteria; equipment-tables, chairs, range, hot water tank, etc .- all are planned at estimated cost of $9,000. The P. T. A. is deeply interested ; has had a special article inserted in the Town Warrant; and plans to push the matter.
2. Re-decorating: An estimate has been secured on two bases :- One without any re-plaster-
ing; the other, with. Estimated costs are :- #1, $2,400; #2, $3,000.
This is a very poorly constructed building in several ways-an 8-room building was built at a cost of at least $10,000 less than it should have cost in 1926 when $10,000 was $10,000. The plaster is poor; sufficient air space be- tween plaster and outer brick walls was not left; roof has always leaked.
The paint is in wretched condition ; plaster, in uncer- tain state, especially along stairways. It is questionable if any child attending this school lives in a home that needs re-decorating as badly as this school. If re-decorated,
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money will be wasted, I believe, unless plaster is removed from walls on stairwells; 3/4" furring strips are placed on metal lathe for air space ; this is covered with an addition- al metal lathe; and a good re-plastering job is done.
3. Fence: A Chain Link Fence, 2" mesh #9 gauge, 5 ft. overall, should enclose the entire yard- some 850 ft. The fence alone runs about $1.48 per linear foot, erected. This does not include End, Gates, and Cor- ner Posts. The fence is needed from school and abuttors viewpoint. The cost is estimated at $1,561.25.
4. Yard: The yard is composed largely of clay. In weather when frost comes out and rain comes down, it is a mass of mud. Parents have been very patient and charitable. Likewise, teachers and janitor have been long-suffering when this mud is tracked into the building.
An estimate on bull-dozing some four or five inches of earth off the surface; re-filling with coarse, then fine gravel; rolling; and applying a good coating of oil, such as used on the roads, has been secured-about $1,594.
PARK STREET SCHOOL
1. Yard: This needs a somewhat similar treatment to that suggested for Quabaug. The presence of clay is not as marked. No estimate has been secured.
2. Fence : The wire fence on Park and School Streets needs straightening and strengthening. The wooden fence on the other two sides should be replaced with Chain Link as outlined for Quabaug. An estimate secured totals $514.95. Add $130 for straightening old fence and painting-total $644.95.
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3. Re-flooring : This school needs a new floor-wood, rubber, linoleum, or asphalt tile. Any type of floor but wood would require new type of desks. The expense would be very heavy. No estimate has been secured.
HIGH SCHOOL
1. Auditorium: (a). This is used so extensively by so many groups for community purposes that it should be re-decorated-rough estimate, $2,000.
(b). New seats should be bought :- Wood-500 @ $6.40 per sitting, $3,200; or Steel-500 @ $3.80 per sitting, $1,900.
Our seats have been loaned so often for town meet ing, beano, church suppers, etc., that they are anything but an ornament in the auditorium. We could well supply some of our elementary schools with seats for P. T. A and other meetings (also loan for town meetings) using our present seats; and keep the new where they belong.
A justifiable pride should impel the Town to "keep up appearances" in the auditorium. Let's point to it with pride !
2. Gymnasium: Unless, within a year or two, there is a new gym, unit heaters should be in- stalled in the present one. The gym is very hard to heat. Some town elections cost us three ton of coal. Unit heaters -gas for fuel-with no connection with present heating system would be ideal-cost, $2,386.00, approximately.
3. Interior: The exterior was placed in good condition this past summer. Anytime, now, a re- decorating job is in order-cost, I dare not ask. The last one was done in 1934-almost 15 years ago.
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THORNDIKE AND THREE RIVERS SCHOOLS
These are very well-built buildings. They have fair- ly new heating units. They could stand a new interior dec- orating job. Their yards could stand improvement.
OLD HIGH SCHOOL
I "hate" to spend money on this building-it is like "throwing it down the drain".
Re-decorating interiorly and painting exteriorly are badly needed. Roof needs additional coating of tar. Walks could stand replacement.
An addition to the so-called new high school would eliminate its use. That is our hope; our prayer.
PURPOSE
It is not our intention to frighten you; it is not our intention to be flippant. It is to show you what should be done-not all at once, but over a period of years, and not too many years.
Each year, several major repairs should be under- taken. Bondsville and Quabaug are "crying the loudest".
STATE AID
Chapter 643-An Act Relative to School Funds and State Aid for Public Schools-was passed by the last leg- islature and approved June 17, 1948.
The purpose of the act is "to promote the equaliza- tion of educational opportunity in public schools of the commonwealth and the equalization of the burden of the cost of schools to the respective towns". The state
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treasurer is commanded "to pay annually to the several towns sums as provided in this chapter, which sums shall be known as school aid", said amounts to be paid on or before November twentieth each year.
The funds for this purpose "shall come from revenue of the Massachusetts School Fund, any federal funds available for the purposes of this chapter, and such addi- tional amounts as may be necessary from the proceeds of taxation on incomes under chapter sixty-two or, if such proceeds are insufficient, from such other revenue as may be appropriated therefor".
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