USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1930-1934 > Part 31
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The Committee is pleased to report that the much needed draining and grading of the Centre School grounds is pro- gressing; this having been made possible under the Civil Works Administration Program. It is expected that by the re-laying of the surface drains and the addition of many finger drains, so called, in that part of the field heretofore damp and spongy, and the grading and seeding of this section, the grounds will be very much improved and the full area will become adaptable for use.
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Finances
In preparing the budget of School Expenses for the year 1933, each item was gone over very carefully and cut to the lowest minimum; in fact as was proved later such cuts in some of the items were much below the safety margin. The items of High School "Tuition and Transportation" were based on conditions existing at the time of preparing that budget, but it was later discovered that no provision had been made to take care of any extra pupils ;- that is, pupils moving into the Town during the year, as also the fact that the class gradu- ating from the Junior High School in June all elected to go to Concord High School. Again at the Town Meeting a further cut of $1,250 was made from that amount as asked for and recommended by the Committee. This necessitated a re- duction in the salaries of teachers and janitors, which cut was based on the amount required and estimated at the time of preparing the budget and was equal to a reduction of 72% of the salary of each. Although protected by statute from a reduction in his salary, the Superintendent elected to share the cut with the others, thus preventing the necessity of a greater reduction in the salaries of the teachers and janitors.
After the opening of the schools in September, the Superin- tendent called the attention of the Committee to the fact that after a careful check-up on expenditures at that time, it would appear that the Committee was facing a deficit of about $1,600.00 in order to carry through to the end of the fiscal year. This amount would be required principally to take care of the additional cost of High School Tuition and Transportation, and did not take into consideration any allowance for extra- ordinary expenses that might occur.
Upon receipt of this information from the Superintendent, the Chairman of the Committee was delegated to confer with the Selectmen and ascertain whether the sum of $1,800 could be provided from the Miscellaneous or Overlay Account of
147
the Town, or if a Special Town Meeting would have to be called to supply this amount. The Chairman of the Select- men informed us that after consultation with the Department of Accounts at the State House, he was advised that no ap- propriation at that time would be legal as there was not any free cash in the Town Treasury. This was because so large an amount of taxes were then uncollected. It appeared at this time that the Committee would be faced with its only alternative; that of closing the schools on December 1, at which time its appropriation would have been exhausted. The Committee, after conference with the Selectmen and Concord School authorities, were able to make the following arrange- ments :------
1. Received from the Account "Unforseen Expenses" by transfer by the Selectmen, the sum of $600.
2. Defer the usual payment made in advance to Concord for tuition charges.
This made possible the covering of the deficit. However, the deficit payment to Concord will have to be met in this 1934 appropriation.
A detailed statement of costs of education and support in our schools has been prepared by the Superintendent and it is found in his report to the Committee. A careful study of this statement will throw some light on the matter of costs of instruction, however, due consideration should be given to the quality and standard of the education furnished.
In preparing the budget of School Expenses and Needs for the year 1934, very careful consideration has been given to each item, and reductions made where possible. Below is shown a statement showing how the school appropriation is divided.
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Estimate of Expenses for Year 1934
1. Salaries $19,500.00
2. Superintendent's Expenses 100.00
3. Fuel 800.00
4. Books and Supplies 700.00
5. Health 605.00
6. Miscellaneous Operating Expenses 400.00
7. Repairs 300.00
8. Local Transportation 6,678.50
9. High School Transportation 2,640.00
10. High School Tuition 7,300.00
11. Reserve 200.00
12. School Grounds, under C. W. A. work 300.00
$39,523.50
The Committee would respectfully recommend the follow- ing appropriations for 1934:
1. For General School Expenses $39,500.00
2. For Vocational Education 1,200.00
This does not take into consideration any appropriation to complete the draining and grading of the Centre School Play- ground in the event that sufficient money is not available to complete the program being carried out under the Civil Works Administration.
Attention is here called to item No. 12 of the above state- ment. At the time of submitting the project for work to be done on the Centre School grounds, it called for an expenditure of $1,500, from which sum $500 would have to be furnished by the Town, $200 of this amount toward the purchase of drain pipe and $300 for grading material. The School appropri- ation having been exhausted, the $200 was furnished by the Selectmen from funds in their charge and the item of $300 for
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grading was to be charged against the School appropriation for 1934.
We would like to record here the sudden passing of Mr. Harry M. Condit, Jr., who had nearly completed six years as a member of the School Board. To say that Mr. Condit was keenly interested in the Lincoln Schools would be but a mild expression complimentary to him. We can say without hesi- tation that he wanted our Schools to be of the highest standard and was ever willing and did work and give his best efforts to accomplish this end.
To fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Condit, a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and School Com- mittee was held and Dr. Roland C. Mackenzie was elected to serve until the election at the Town Meeting in March, 1934.
A summary of receipts and expenditures on account of the Schools for this year, together with the report of the School Nurse is attached to this report.
Respectfully submitted,
ANTHONY J. DOHERTY, GLADYS DE YONGH HERMAN, DR. ROLAND C. MACKENZIE.
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SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURES AND RECEIPTS ON ACCOUNT OF SCHOOLS
For the Fiscal Year Ending, December 31, 1933
Expenditures
Salaries:
Teachers
$13,381.97
Supervision
3,944.60
Janitors
1,424.63
Superintendent's expenses
91.22
Textbooks and Supplies
644.53
Fuel
646.94
Miscellaneous Operating Expenses
335.95
Repairs
201.43
Health
604.60
Local transportation
6,887.50
High School transportation
2,320.55
High School tuition
4,615.83
Total
$35,099.75
Receipts
Grammar School Fund
$50.06
City of Boston, tuition
36.85
Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
Part I, Chap 70.
2,060.00
Part II, Chap. 70
1,1182.85
Tuition
717.47
Transportation High School pupils (1932) ..
2,033.85
Transportation High School pupils (1933) ..
2,146.45
Miscellaneous
2.84
Total
$8,230.37
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Appropriation, Town Meeting
$34,500.00
Appropriation, special 600.67
Total
$35,100.67
Net cost of Schools
$26,870.30
Vocational Education
Appropriation, Town Meeting
$1,200.00
Expenditures, tuition and transportation 1,019.79
Balance $180.21
Receipts
Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
For tuition and transportation
$799.80
Net cost of vocational education 219.99
152
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
January 8, 1934.
To the School Committee of Lincoln:
The following report covering the fiscal year is the fifth re- port of the present Superintendent. Only such materials are included as may be of interest to the general public or which should be a part of the permanent records of the Town.
On June 6, all pupils were given the Metropolitan Achieve- ment Test. The results were generally excellent. On the basis of these tests pupils are now receiving special help in those subjects in which weakness was found. Of significant interest to me was the close correlation between the scores achieved in such an impartial test and the "marks" given by the teachers on report cards.
A grant of money from the Federal Government under the Civil Works Act has made possible the draining of the play area at the Center School. When seeded and rolled this should be an excellent surface for play activities. Two hard- surfaced courts will be available for volley ball and similar games.
Upon the joint request of the School Committee and the Board of Health the State Department of Public Health held a Chadwick Clinic in Lincoln. This clinic aims to discover those pupils infected with tuberculosis and give advice when necessary how best to overcome it. Special care of those chil- dren who have infection usually prevents the development of lung tuberculosis in later life.
Early in 1933 the posture pictures taken by Mr. Fradd were sent to the parents. A public meeting was held at the Town Hall and Mr. Fradd explained the purpose of the survey. As a result there has been considerably interest in correct posture.
The de Cordova Medal was awarded in June to Ellen
153
Wheeler in the Elementary School, and to Grace Wheeler and Guilbert Winchell in the Junior High School.
The town is at present paying tuition and transportation charges for pupils attending the following schools :
Concord High School 38
Waltham High School 5
Weston High School 1
Boston Public Latin
1
Waltham Trade School
7
The splendid reception given the Cantata "George Wash- ington" in 1932 prompted us to give another in 1933. On May 12, the pupils presented to a capacity audience the can- tata "Rip Van Winkle," illustrated with slides made by the pupils. Plans are now under way for an operetta to be given by the pupils the evening of February 9, 1934.
In order to dispel any misunderstanding regarding the cost of these performances it should be noted that not one cent of the cost has been borne by the School Committee. From the beginning they have been self-supporting projects. The music, slides, tickets, draperies, janitor service, and all other incidental charges have been paid for from the proceeds of a small admission charge. Surplus funds have paid for an annual picnic for the ninth grade, a Keystone lantern, a pic- ture of Abraham Lincoln, umpires at baseball games, a set of slides for instruction purposes, and the necessary music for the coming operetta. A balance of $3.03 is on deposit in the Concord National Bank.
At the request of the Lincoln Post, American Legion, the pupils again took part in the Memorial Day exercises. The Commander of the Post complimented the pupils and teachers for their part in an unusually dignified program.
Since the tables of costs which were printed as part of my report a year ago have caused some comment I am tempted to believe that the citizens of the town, and patrons of the
154
schools may be interested in a further discussion of the costs of education in Lincoln. All figures are taken from the Annual Report of the Department of Education of Massachusetts for the year ending November 30, 1933.
Net average membership, year ending June 30, 1933 234
Number of days schools were in session
177
Expended for text books $314.56
Other expenses of instruction (supplies, etc.)
424.62
Expended for textbooks for one pupil for one year 1.34
For supplies and textbooks for one pupil for one year 3.16
For supplies and textbooks for one pupil for one day 0.018
Salaries of teachers, principal, supervisors $16,445.50
Cost of teaching, per pupil, per year 70.28
Cost of teaching per pupil, per day
0.40
Cost of teaching, per pupil, per hour
0.067
Length of school day
6 hours
Books, supplies, salaries of instruction
$17,184.68
Cost of instruction, per pupil, per year
76.43
Cost of instruction, per pupil per day 0.43
The above figures are gross costs. For net costs it is necessary to deduct from the salary item $2,060 received from the state income tax under Part I, Chapter 70 of the General Laws.
High School pupils and pupils for whom tuition is paid for more than half the school year are not included in the table.
These figures tell an interesting story. Such an array is one of the strongest arguments for the maintenance of public schools. Where can one hire an experienced tutor of all sub- jects taught in the elementary or primary school for 40 cents a day? Or a tutor of Latin, algebra, history, or English com- position for 40 cents a day? Less than 7 cents an hour. Per- sonal 'experience has shown me that a girl who "minds the baby" (and he may be sound asleep), is paid 25 cents an hour.
What parent can purchase for his child number books, read- ' ing books, music books, histories and geographies, reference
155
books, language and composition books, and all other books which help to make the well-equipped modern school, for the sum of $1.34 a year? That is what Lincoln spent during the school year ending June 30 for text books for each pupil.
For ink, pencils, pens, erasers, paper of all kinds, maps and globes, protractors, compasses, chalk, crayons, water colors, brushes, paste, blotters, note-book covers, and the numerous other supplies necessary for efficient teaching we spent $1.82 per pupil during the past school year.
In other words all necessary books and supplies are made available at a cost of one and eight-tenths cents per day per pupil. Less than the cost of a package of gum, a chocolate bar, or a cake of yeast.
Adding the cost of materials of instruction to the salaries of instruction we find a per pupil cost per year of $76.42, or an average of 43 cents per day per pupil.
To say the above in another way; your child is supplied with the materials best suited to help him to learn effectively and efficiently and is assigned for six hours a day, five days a week, thirty-eight weeks a year to a teacher of successful experience who is trained in the use of the materials supplied. All that for 43 cents per day per pupil. Where can such an oppor- tunity be duplicated outside of a public school supported at public expense?
Another significant view of the picture is that taken from the angle of the taxpayer. Using the latest complete data, that for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1932, let me outline briefly what all the above means to the individual taxpayer.
The rate of total tax per $1,000 valuation in 1932 was $24.50. Expenditures for school support from local taxation amounted to $9.54 per $1,000 valuation. School support then accounted for 38 per cent of the tax per $1,000, or 38 cents out of every dollar paid in taxes in 1932. The taxpayer may say then that out of every ten dollars he paid in taxes, $3.80
156
was spent on schools. Thus if the assessed valuation of his property was $3,000 he contributed $28.62 to education; if valued at $5,000 his contribution was $47.70; if valued at $10,000 his contribution was $95.40.
We are now transporting 210 pupils on four busses which travel 79 miles daily. These busses conform to all regulations of the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and the laws of the state governing such vehicles.
The year just past was saddened for all those connected with the schools by the sudden death of Mr. Harry M. Condit, Jr., a member of the School Committee. The pupils and teachers enjoyed his frequent visits, his cheerful presence. He was sincerely interested in the welfare of the children of Lincoln.
For the fourth consecutive year I am happy to report that there has been no change in the teaching personnel.
Let me record permanently my sincere appreciation of the counsel and co-operation of your Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
CARL F. HOLLORAN, Superintendent of Schools.
Graduates, June, 1933
Suel Bowen
Jane Lennon
Jeanette Campobasso
Edward Macleod, Jr.
Rocco Cirasso
Ada Nelson
Thomas Coan
Mary Neville
Harry Davis
George Powers
William Dean
Frank Rockwell
Randolph Foreman
Joan Wilson
Lindol French
Guilbert Winchell
Myrtle Hanlon
Membership by Age and Grade, October 1, 1933
BOYS
Age
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Totals
Grade
I
3
12
15
II
6
9
1
1
1
18
III
9
3
1
13
IV
2
10
3
1
16
V
1
4
4
3
2
14
VI
5
1
6
VII
1
4
2
2
2
11
VIII
2
8
1
11
IX
2
5
3
1
11
Totals
3
18
9
12
15
8
15
9
14
6
5
1
115
157
Membership by Age and Grade, October 1, 1933 - Continued
GIRLS
Age
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Totals
Grade
I
4
2
6
II
3
9
1
13
III
5
10
2
17
IV
3
9
6
18
158
V
1
3
8
3
15
VI
6
3
4
13
VII
9
8
4
1
22
VIII
1
6
1
8
IX
4
1
5
Totals
7
16
15
14
20
15
13
10
5
2
117
159
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To the School Committee of Lincoln :
A report of the School Nursing for the year ended Decem- ber 31, 1933, is hereby submitted.
Schools have been visited daily, 442 office calls of pupils treated or advised, 226 home visits made, 14 pupils taken to clinics, hospitals, or doctor's office, 81 pupils taken home from school. This number was largely due to the precaution taken in September and October to prevent the spread of whooping- cough.
In April, Dr. Wood gave the toxin-antitoxin to eight pupils, and the Schick Text to 17 (11 pupils and 6 teachers). On May 26, was held the first Summer Round-Up. Parents co-oper- ated splendidly and 13 pre-school children attended, were weighed and measured, then given a physical examination by Dr. Wood.
In September I assisted Dr. Wood with the yearly physical examination of all pupils.
All pupils were weighed and measured four times, and re- ceived frequent examination of skin and scalp during the year.
During October and November, 297 calls were made taking School Census.
The Chadwick Clinic was held in December, tests being given to 191 pupils out of 237.
Mr. Holloran, Superintendent of Schools, and seven of the nine teachers had the test.
The Lincoln Dental Committee, of which Mrs. Robert Loring is Chairman, conducted a very successful dental clinic.
160
I assisted the dentist, Dr. William Cosgrove of Lexington, two mornings each week from 9 to 12 A.M.
Two hundred and eight pupils received dental certificates.
Attended two meetings for State School nurses, one held at Worcester, other at Boston, Mass.
The Lincoln Tuberculosis Committee purchased from funds received from sale of Christmas Seals, eyeglasses for two children, and dental work for six children.
Respectfully submitted,
MARION N. OBER, R.N., School Nurse.
161
NOTICE:
Business Meeting, Monday, March 5, at 7.30 P.M.
WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MIDDLESEX, ss.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Lincoln in said County: GREETINGS:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify the legal voters of said Town of Lincoln, qualified to vote in Town Meeting for the transaction of Town affairs, to meet in the Town Hall in said Lincoln on Monday, the fifth day of March next at 7.30 o'clock P.M., then and there to act on all of the following Articles, except Article 2, and also to meet in said Town Hall on Saturday, the 10th day of March next, at 12 o'clock Noon, then and there to act on the following Article 2, by posting a copy of this Warrant, by you attested, in each of the Post Offices and in some other public place in said Town seven days at least before the fifth day of March next:
The polls for voting the Australian ballot on Saturday, March 10th, will be open at 12.00 o'clock Noon, and may be closed at 6.30 o'clock P.M.
162
Article 1. To choose a Moderator.
Article 2. To bring in their votes for the following Town' Officers and any other Officers required by law, to be elected by Australian Ballot, viz .:
One Moderator for one year.
One Town Clerk for one year.
One member of the Board of Selectmen for three years. One member of the Board of Assessors for three years. One member of the Board of Health for three years. One Treasurer for one year.
One Collector for one year.
One Auditor for one year.
Two Constables for one year.
One Tree Warden for one year.
One member of the Trust Fund Commissioners for three years.
One member of the Trustees for Free Public Lectures for three years.
One member of the School Committee for one year.
One member of the School Committee for three years.
163
One member of the Board of Water Commissioners for three years.
One member of the Board of Cemetery Commissioners for three years.
Also to vote "Yes" or "No" on the following questions:
To obtain a full expression of opinion, voters should vote on both of the following questions. (a) If a voter desires to permit the sale of any and all alcoholic beverages in this Town he will vote "YES" on both questions.
(b) If he desires to permit the sale of wines and malt beverages only herein, he will vote "NO" on question 1 and "YES" on question 2.
(c) If he desires to prohibit the sale of any and all alcoholic beverages herein, he will vote "NO" on both questions.
1. Shall licenses be granted in this Town for the sale therein of all alcoholic beverages (whisky, rum, gin, malt beverages, wines and all other alcoholic beverages)?
YES
NO
2. Shall licenses be granted in this Town for the sale therein of wines and malt beverages (wines and beer, ale, and all other malt beverages)?
YES
NO
Article 3. To bring in their votes for any committees, com- missioners, trustees and other officers, required by law to be elected by ballot or otherwise.
Selectmen
164
Article 4. To hear and act upon the reports of Town Offi- cers, Committees, Commissioners and Trustees.
Selectmen
Article 5. To appropriate money for the necessary and expedient purposes of the Town and enact anything in relation to the same.
Selectmen
Article 6. To determine the manner of collecting taxes for the ensuing year.
Selectmen
Article 7. To determine the compensation of the Collector of Taxes for the ensuing year.
Selectmen
Article 8. To see if the Town will authorize the Treas- urer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money
165
in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year begin- ning January 1, 1934, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, any debt or debts incurred under this vote to be paid from the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1934.
Selectmen
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum sufficient to pay the County of Middlesex, as required by law, the Town's share of the net cost of the care, main- tenance, and repair of the Middlesex County Tuberculosis Hospital, and for the Town's share of the expense under the provisions of Chapter 331 of the Acts of 1933, which provides for the settlement of certain claims of the Commonwealth against the Middlesex County Tuberculosis Hospital District, including interest or discount on temporary notes issued therefor, as assessed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 111 of the General Laws, and Acts in amendment thereof, and in addition thereto, or take any action in rela- tion thereto.
Selectmen
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the balance in the Water Works Sinking Fund to the general account of the Water Works or take any action relative thereto.
Selectmen
166
Article 11. To see if the Town will provide for a Com- mittee to study the question of the Town operating and housing all motor driven trucks, school busses, or other units, or take any action relative thereto.
Selectmen
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to pay to the Merchants National Bank of Boston, the sum of One Hundred dollars annually to cover the cost of the annual compensation of the Merchants National Bank as despository under the agreement between Julian de Cordova and the Merchants National Bank of Boston dated November 29, 1930, or take any action relative thereto.
Selectmen
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to accept as a public street the road leading from Station Road to the baseball field, or take any action relative thereto.
Selectmen
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to relay with six-inch pipe the water pipes in Mackintosh Lane between Station Road and the estate of H. E. Warner, appropriate money therefor or take any action relative thereto.
By Request
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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 time for the meet- ing aforesaid.
Given under our hands this 14th day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and thirty-four.
GEORGE G. TARBELL, ROBERT D. DONALDSON, HERBERT G. FARRAR, Selectmen of Lincoln.
REPORT OF THE OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF LINCOLN
FOR THE YEAR 1934 ALSO
THE REPORT OF THE SCHOOL AND OTHER COMMITTEES FOR THE YEAR 1934
I&LING T& INC
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.IN.174
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NEWTON GARDEN CITY PRESS, INC. 1935
REPORT OF THE OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF LINCOLN
FOR THE YEAR 1934 ALSO THE REPORT OF THE SCHOOL AND OTHER COMMITTEES FOR THE YEAR 1934
&LINCOL
INCO
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IN.174
T. IN.1754.AS.A.TOWN
NEWTON GARDEN CITY PRESS, INC. 1935
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 57
Assessors, Report of
Auditor, Report of
81
Bemis Lecture Fund Trustees, Report of
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