USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1891 > Part 10
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Accrued interest 13 33
R. L. Day & Co. for four thousand dol- lars Fitchburg R. R. Bonds 3,870 00 .
Amount carried forward
. $7,883 33
.
1
167
Amount brought forward
. $7,883 33
Paid Accrued interest
7 11
Braintree Savings Bank
147 47
Home Savings Bank
1,050 80
Warren
.
1,050 80
Charlestown
1,050 80
South Boston
1,050 80
Franklin
323 52
-
- $12,564763
Less amount of bonds sold with accrued
interest
$4,013 33
Total amount of sinking fund Dec. 31, 1891
$8,551 30
Amount to credit of sinking fund invested as follows :
Four Fitchburg R. R. Bonds $1000 each $3,870 00 Accrued Interest 11
Braintree Savings Bank
147 47
Home 66 66
1,050 80
Warren 66 66
1,050 80 ·
Charlestown Savings Bank
1,050 80
So. Boston 66 66
1,050 80
Franklin 66 66
323 52
$8,551 30
We have examined the above account as presented and find by reference to the Savings Bank Books that the amounts are deposited in the several banks to the credit of the Sinking Fund account and the Fitchburg Railroad Bonds as deposited with Security Safe Deposit Company, Boston.
DANIEL POTTER, L. WILLARD MORRISON, ALVERDO MASON,
Auditors.
BRAINTREE, Feb. 4, 1892.
·
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF BRAINTREE,
1891=92.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
ALBERT E. AVERY, Chairman,
L. H. H. JOHNSON, Secretary,
HENRY L. DEARING, M. D., .
GEORGE D. WILLIS,
MRS. A. M. BROOKS,
MRS. R. H. MORRISON,
Term expires in 1893.
66 " 1894.
66
66 1893.
66
1892.
66
66
144 1892.
66
1892.
STANDING COMMITTEES. On Accounts. MR. WILLIS AND DR. DEARING.
On Rules and Regulations. MR. AVERY AND MR. JOHNSON.
On Schoolhouses. DR. DEARING AND MRS. BROOKS.
On Text-books and Supplies. MR. JOHNSON AND MRS. MORRISON.
Regular meetings are held at the Committee Room on the last Monday of each month, at 3 o'clock, P. M.
Superintendent of Schools. CLARENCE W. FEARING.
OFFICE HOURS :
Mondays, at Committee Room, 8.30 to 9.30 A. M. Tuesdays, at Iron Works Schoolhouse, 4 to 4.30 P. M. Wednesdays, at Pond Schoolhouse, 4 to 4.30 P. M. Thursdays, at Union Schoolhouse, 4 to 4.30 P. M. Address, Box 60, Braintree.
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Public school instruction, in this Commonwealth, is regulated by law. The founders of the colony fully recognized, at a very early period, the importance and necessity of providing for the free and universal education of the people.
The Constitution of the State solemnly asserts that "it shall be the duty of Legislatures and magistrates, in all future periods of this Commonwealth, to cherish public and grammar schools in the towns."
" Though this provision," says an eminent jurist, " does not prescribe a precise practical rule, which is usually not within the purpose of a constitution, yet it does announce, in clear and ener- getic terms, the object of that Constitution to establish a free gov- ernment sustained by an enlightened, intelligent and educated people."
The Legislature has, therefore, in compliance with the spirit of the Constitution, enacted, from time to time, laws which compelled the establishment of a just, liberal and comprehensive system of education for all the people.
This compulsory system of free and universal education is re- garded with veneration by all worthy citizens, who recognize in it the security of popular government, which brings to the whole people " not only peace and order, but individual freedom and ele- vation of character." Free public schools are the very foundation of advanced civilization, and to guard, improve and strengthen them is the highest service that can be rendered to the Common- wealth.
Section 8, Chapter 46 of the Public Statutes reads as follows :-
" The school committee shall annually make a detailed report of the condition of the several public schools, which report shall con-
172
tain such statements and suggestions in relation to the schools as the committee deem necessary or proper to promote the interests thereof. The committee shall cause said report to be printed for the use of the inhabitants," etc.
In accordance, then, with the foregoing statute, the School Com- mittee of Braintree respectfully submit the following statement of the condition of our several public schools, together with such suggestions for the improvement of them as are deemed essential ; referring also to the most important matters which have received attention from the Board during the year 1891-92.
SCHOOL EXPENSES.
The expenditures were as follows :
For schools
$11,217 68
Incidentals for schools
.
542 41
Incidentals for schoolhouses
1,277 20
Text-books and supplies
684 11
Superintendent's salary .
1,816 67
For conveyance
214 54
Total
$15,252 61
The appropriations by the town, including income from school fund and dog tax, were as follows : -
For schools
$10,400 00
Town school fund
75 00
Dog Tax .
760 23
$11,235 23
Incidentals for schools
500 00
Incidentals for schoolhouses
1,000 00
Text-books and supplies
800 00
Superintendent's salary
1,200 00
For conveyance
200 00
Total
$14,935 23
173
The appropriations asked for, based upon a careful estimate of the necessary expenditures for the ensuing year, are as follows : -
For schools (in addition to dog tax
and school funds)
$11,100 00
Incidentals for schoolhouses
1,000 00
Incidentals for schools
500 00
Text-books and supplies .
700 00
Superintendent's salary .
1,400 00
Conveyance of pupils
200 00
Total .
$14,900 00
Special appropriation for Monatiquot school $500 00
For the ensuing year we ask for a general appropriation of $500 more than was expended last year.
Two hundred dollars of this sum will be applied to the payment of the Superintendent's salary, which the committee deemed advis- able to increase from $1,200 to $1,400.
The salaries of two of the teachers are also to be increased this year in accordance with the plan adopted by the committee relating to teachers' salaries, based upon term of service, which has for its object tenure of office. When once efficient and well qualified teachers are obtained, it is the desire of the committee to retain them as long as possible in the service of the town. Nothing is so detrimental to the progress of a school as a frequent change of instructors. This applies with equal force to superintendence. The present Superintendent is able, efficient and interested in the advancement of our school system. His whole time and energy are given to directing the administration of the schools, which at this time require far more attention than usual.
For instance during the four months last past he has visited the several schools not less than ninety-five times, and this is done in addition to other duties such as keeping his regular office hours, attending the meetings of the committee, preparing examination papers, holding teachers' meetings, revising courses of study and supervising other details incident to the proper regulation of the schools.
174
In view, then, of the multiplicity of the Superintendent's duties, and the increased labor and responsibility which the contemplated changes in the schools in the south and north parts of the town demand, the committee feel confident that the increase in salary was not excessive.
It is estimated that there will be many incidental expenses occa- sioned by the removal of the grammar grades to the new school- house ; many necessaries to be procured which are not within the province of the Building Committee to provide. There are also necessary repairs to be made, viz., to repaint the outside of the Iron Works, East, and the West Street schoolhouses. The estimates set forth in the table are intended to include all contemplated repairs and expenditures.
With the exceptions above indicated the several school build- ings have been put in thorough repair during the past year.
The Pond, Union, Middle Street and South schoolhouses have been painted outside. The roof of the South school has been shingled and the yard regraded. A new floor was laid in the Second Grammar room in the Iron Works building.
There is still much to be done' to the Pond and Union Buildings in the way of heating and ventilation, and we recommend that the town take action in this respect at the annual meeting.
We suggest that the town refer this matter to the committee now having under its charge the building of the Monatiquot School ; and that such sums be appropriated for heating and ventilation as it may advise.
During the past year the Board has endeavored to keep the various expenditures within the appropriations, but the crowded condition of the Pond and Union schoolhouses rendered it neces- sary to transfer many of the pupils to temporary quarters outside of their respective buildings. These changes caused additional and unexpected expenditures ; among other things for rent of Winter Building, for furnishing the same, as well as for furnishing the rooms for the use of pupils from the Pond school. Consequently, the committee was not only justified in overdrawing certain appro- priations, but was actually compelled to do so.
Aniy citizen can easily inform himself, by an examination of the books kept by the superintendent under the direction of the com-
175
mittee on accounts, in regard to the expenditures on the part of the Board.
Notwithstanding the unexpected increase in expenditures, the Board has sustained .a fair record with regard to the important items of school expenses.
The people of Braintree have always been liberal towards the public schools, and it is with great confidence that the Board can refer to its financial record, and claim that the present high stand- ard of efficiency maintained in our schools has been accomplished with the strictest regard for prudence and economy.
- The following table shows the amount of money actually ex- pended for the carrying on of the schools; the total number of children entitled to attend, and the cost per child for the past five years :-- -
YEAR.
Number of Children be-
tween 5 and 15 years of
age.
Number of Pupils over
15 Years of Age.
Schooling was provided. Total Number for whom
Expense of Schools (Teachers, fuel, and care of rooms).
Cost of Schools per Child.
Total Ex- pense of Schools (all ordinary Expenses).
Total Cost per Child.
«
1887-88
693
66
759
$9,024 66
$11 89
$11,875 66
$15 65
1888-89
658
65
723
9,482 64
13 12
12,474 68
17 25
1889-90
723
69
792
10,107 90
12 76
13,367 52
16 88
1890-91
671
75
746
10,432 17
13 98
14,164 04
18 99
1891-92.
785
81
866
11,217 68
12 95
15,252 61
17 61
The above table plainly shows that the cost per pupil is not large and has not greatly increased during the last five years, al- though the number of pupils has been growing larger ; meanwhile the efficiency of the schools has been rigorously maintained and improved in many respects.
In the year 1890, for each pupil between five and fifteen years of age, the town of Nahant appropriated $37.36 ; Brookline, $32.33 ; Hingham, $20.24 ; Randolph, $16.18; Weymouth, $15.23 ; Ply- mouth, $14.76 ; Braintree, $13.63.
Out of the twenty-seven towns in Norfolk County, Braintree
176
stands seventeen on the list with respect to the sums appropriated for each pupil between five and fifteen years of age, which fact in- dicates that the expense of maintaining our school system is not large comparatively.
CONDITION OF THE SEVERAL SCHOOLS.
The High School has accomplished as much as could be expected of it under existing conditions. The scholarship of the class which graduated in 1891 was good; the course of study outlined was fairly well completed. This school, however, needs to be thor- oughly reorganized ; the course of study rearranged, and the period for its completion extended to four years.
The High School is the only part of our system that has been neglected, and necessarily so on account of the impossibility of making any improvements while in its present quarters. But this defect will soon be cured ; and a model school, thoroughly equipped and adapted to furnish that broader, higher and more practical training which a high school should provide for its pupils, ought to be and, we trust, will be established.
" No branch of our educational system is more interesting or important than the high schools. The high schools have been , called the people's colleges ; everything should be done that can be done to infuse into them the liberal spirit, and to supply them with the most approved instruments and facilities of culture."
" Everything that savors of narrowness should be banished from them. Their courses of study should be broadened and diversified, so that all educational aptitudes and needs shall be provided for," and thus secure for our youth " that complete and generous educa- tion which fits a man to perform justly, skilfully, and magnani- mously, all the offices of private and public life."
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS ..
The Pond Grammar School, since September, has been taught by Mr. Brett quite successfully. This school has been holding its sessions in the armory room at the Town Hall, which has been temporarily fitted up for that purpose.
The Union Grammar School has been in charge of Miss Mills, whose excellence as a teacher has long been known ; her work has
177
been in every way satisfactory. This school has occupied both rooms in the Winter Building on Washington Street.
The Iron Works School, since it was regraded a few years ago, has made wonderful progress in the general character of its work. The seventh and eighth grades, under Miss Wilde, accomplish much good work, and the instruction the pupils receive is very thorough. The fifth and sixth grades under Miss Crowe have also been excel- lently taught. In fact this is one of the best schools in town, educa- tionally considered. This is saying a great deal, because at one time it was assumed to be the worst. Systematic grading with good teaching has done as much for this school as it did for the Pond and the Union Schools.
The time is at hand, however, when additional accommodations will be necessary ; and when the town is ready to move in this mat- ter, we suggest that a lot of land be selected at some central point, say at or near the junction of Liberty and Commercial Streets, upon which to erect an eight-room building, which will, it is estimated, afford the desired amount of space for all pupils residing in the east section of the town.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
The Union building is now occupied entirely by the primary grades (I. to IV. inclusive), and even in the short time since Sep- tember, the change has been very beneficial to the pupils and a decided improvement in every way.
The Pond building, with the exception of one room, is used by the primary grades, and the work here is well performed both by teachers and pupils. The second grade occupies a room in the engine house near the main building.
It is the purpose of the committee to use the outlying schools for instruction in the primary grades only ; this plan has already been put in force, where possible, with very satisfactory results.
The East, Middle Street, and West Street Schools are devoted mainly to primary work. And the teachers in charge of these respective schools are efficient and competent.
.The South School is the only one of the outlying schools in which the old-fashioned mixed system, so called, is retained. Miss Ban- non is one of the best teachers in town, and especially successful in her manner of teaching and conducting this grade of school.
178
We hope to be able to decrease the number of pupils under her charge, and as soon as the Monatiquot schoolhouse is finished pupils in the grammar grades of the South School will be transferred to the new building. This will be done in the interest of the pupils, and in order that they may enjoy the benefits of a graded school.
MONATIQUOT SCHOOL.
The new building now nearing completion was appropriately named by the building committee, the Monatiquot School. This name has been formally adopted by the School Committee. The building itself will be ready for occupancy about the first of May, but whether it will be advisable to occupy it for school purposes before September is very questionable.
The high school may be transferred very properly ; but the gram- mar grades would be seriously interfered with if the change were to be made so near the close of the school year, at which time the semi-annual examinations occur, which make severe demands upon both pupils and teachers.
The increased facilities which this building gives will be very ac- ceptable. The committee will then be enabled to put into practice, under the most favorable conditions, its long contemplated plan of thoroughly grading and consolidating the grammar schools of the Pond and Union districts. We apprehend that many of our citi- zens misconceive the effect of the consolidation of these schools. They imagine that the gathering together of a large number of pupils under one roof tends to make, so to speak, a huge educa_ tional manufactory of our schools, and of our children mere ma- chines to be drilled into uniformity by eternal inspections and examinations.
We certainly do not fear any such result. On the contrary, we know that the placing of a smaller number of pupils under one teacher, all very nearly of an age and instructed in the same branches, will not only give the teacher more time to devote to each pupil, but enable the pupil to thoroughly understand each lesson day by day as he progresses. In other words, there will be a greater opportunity for a freer communication between teacher and pupil, which is most desirable. Instead of the pupil receiving a more mechanical instruction than before, he will get much less,
179
and the organization of our school system will become more and more simplified as gradation progresses.
The following table shows the number of pupi's, according to their respective grades, who will occupy the four rooms set apart for the use of the grammar schools.
Grade.
From Pond School.
From Union School.
Total.
VIII. .
19
14
33
VII.
29
19
4S
VI.
22
17
39
V. .
33
20
53
Totals
103
70
173
·
It has come to be a recognized fact that one teacher should not undertake to instruct more than fifty pupils ; and even that number, it is contended by some educators, is too large. But the com- mittee feel that under the present arrangement each teacher in our schools can successfully take charge of, at least, fifty pupils, and it is our desire to establish this number as the limit. An examina- tion of the above table shows how nearly we approach this limit, and in one instance it is exceeded.
In the course of the next fewyears it is estimated that the . whole of this building will be needed for the grammar grades, and that a new building will be necessary for the high school. This, of course, was understood and forescen by the town in a measure ; but as it is a question about which there should be no misunder- standing, we feel obliged to refer to it in this report and especially does it become important in view of the continued rapid increase in our school population in the south and north sections of the town.
The Monatiquot School building is an imposing structure ; it is arranged and adapted for school purposes according to the very best and lastest methods.
Architecturally considered, the building is most assuredly a
180
success. Although there is a tendency to estimate the efficiency of a school by its external appearance, together with the character of its appliances for heating and ventilation, it is to be desired that this school will become celebrated for the excellence of its educa- tional work rather than the merit of its architectural characteristics.
SCHOOL BOARD.
The Board, during the year, has given much time and attention to the better grading and classification of the schools. A new code of rules and regulations has also been prepared, copies of which have been distributed to the parents of pupils. The grad- ing (which word as here used simply means the number of classes in a room) has been accomplished in a way that will lead to very satisfactory results, and we trust meet with the approval of the community. This system of grading went into effect in Septem- ber. The term "intermediate school" has been abandoned and in future the I., II., III., and IV. grades will be designated as Primary schools and the V., VI., VII., and VIII. grades as Grammar schools. In the south and north parts of the town all has been done in the matter of grading, with reference to the approaching removal of the grammar schools to the new building ; the teachers have been assigned to their respective grades and all arrangements have been made on the part of the Board to facili- tate the change with as little friction as possible.
The duties of the Board during the past year have been some- what burdensome ; but if its work has been a benefit to the schools in any way, and the wishes and desires of the people have been cor- rectly interpreted its labor has not been in vain.
The Board will endeavor, during the ensuing year, to correct and revise, under the advice of the superintendent, the course of study in the High School and make such other changes as may be advisable ; and when this school has been somewhat improved the condition and prospects of our whole school system will be most satisfactory.
The death of E. A. Wilde, Esq., a member of this Board since 1887, was sincerely regretted by his fellow members. Mr. Wilde
181
had earnestly and faithfully performed the duties of his office and was beloved and appreciated by all who knew him.
The vacancy, caused by Mr. Wilde's decease, was filled by the unanimous election of Mr. Geo. D. Willis.
SUPERINTENDENCE.
Within the past few years, and since the employment of a super- intendent in our town, it has become more and more evident to the people interested in the advancement of education, to the parents of pupils in our schools and to the members of the Board of School Committee, that the efficiency of the public schools depends in a great measure upon the skilled supervision which they receive.
It has become practically. impossible for members of the school board to devote the time necessary to properly administer the pub- lic schools, neither have they the qualifications and school experi- ences required for that purpose.
The value and continued necessity of such assistance as a trained and competent superintendent renders in the management of the schools is fully appreciated and recognized by this Board.
The opposition which formerly existed to the employment of a superintendent has gradually subsided as our schools have im- proved under the supervision of the superintendents we have been fortunate to have engaged. «
For the purpose of bringing to the attention of the people the work incumbent upon a superintendent, the following summary of the duties pertaining to that office, taken from the recent report of the State Board of Education, is set forth : -
1. The superintendent is the executive head or agent of the school board.
2. The superintendent is the professional head of the school system.
3. The superintendent makes school inspection a business.
4. He examines and recommends teachers.
5. He directs the work of teachers.
6. He unifies the work of all grades.
182
7. He arranges a course of study.
8. He visits other schools.
9. He encourages promptness and regularity in pupils.
10. He examines, classifies and promotes pupils.
11. He acts as an intermediary between parents and teachers.
12. And last but not least, he interests the people in the schools.
TEACHERS.
Although the appointment of teachers is placed in the school board, the recommendations of the superintendent in this respect are generally followed; and the duty of examining applicants for positions as teachers, and of selecting such as may be deemed capable of filling vacancies is virtually left with him, because he is better able, by reason of his position, to judge of their ability.
There have been important changes made during the past year. Many of the old teachers have been given better and more responsible positions, and in this way the board has endeavored to show its appreciation of their services.
The new teachers who have been engaged are successful and promising instructors, and it is hoped their services may be retained.
EDUCATION.
The great aim of our public school system is this : "To supply the opportunity of self-culture ; to train up a people second to no other in public and private intelligence, in vigor of practical under- standing, in high conceptions of human rights and duties, and in all the qualities of a vigorous, free, and advancing manhood." And this is to be accomplished not by the ideally complete educa- tion of the individual, but by the common education of the many.
The schools of Braintree have improved decidedly within the past ten years, but there is still much to be accomplished before the limit of development is reached. The Board appreciates the interest taken by many of the people in the work of the schools. This interest, however, should become universal, and it is the duty of parents of pupils in our schools to become more conversant
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