USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1931 > Part 4
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SWINE
There are 700 in town. There has been one case of hog cholera but premises were immediately quarantined and all animals disposed of.
DOGS
Have had three complaints where people were bitten but the dogs were immediately tied up for a term of (14) days. Nothing serious has happened, but such dogs have been liber- ated.
Submitted by LYMAN C. WILKINS.
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
School Committee
Superintendent of Schools AND
Yearly Statistics
OF THE
Grammar School
OF THE
Town of Middleton
FOR THE
Year Ending December 31, 1931
99
SCHOOL REPORT
School Department Report
School Committee
ETHEL M. STEWART
WAYNE A. GILES ARTHUR E. CURTIS
Term expires 1932 Term expires 1933 Term expires 1934
STEPHEN G. BEAN, Superintendent of Schools DR. ANDREW NICHOLS, School Physician MRS. M. E. ROUNDY, School Nurse WILLIAM H. YOUNG, Attendance Officer
TEACHING STAFF MISS C. ALICE MANNING, Principal, Grade 7 and 8 MISS MARGARET M. BERRY, Grades 5 and 6 MISS FANNIE C. HINKLEY, Grades 3 and 4 MISS MADELYN LAWRENCE, Grades 2 and 3 MISS COLBERT, Grade 1 MISS CAROLINE LITTLEFIELD, Coach Teacher
MRS. H. JANE MARTIN, Sewing Supervisor MRS. GENIE F. KIMBALL, Music Supervisor MISS HELEN FARLEY, Drawing Supervisor ELI RICHARDSON, Janitor
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL Two Rounds on Fire Whistle at 7.45 A. M.
100
SCHOOL REPORT
Superintendent's Report
To the School Committee :
Madam and Gentlemen : I submit herewith my eighth an- nual report as Superintendent of Schools.
This year I have made the report in the form of a ques- tionaire, such as any interested citizen might put before those charged with the administration of the local school system. It is hoped by this method to put before the voters some very important information concerning the support and administra- tion. This information is not often available without tedious research from sources not easily accessible.
NUMERICAL INFORMATION
What is the population of Middleton?
1,712-according to the census of 1930.
What persons are required by law, to attend school?
All between ages of 7 and 16 years, but a child of 14 may leave, under certain conditions, to go to work, provided he has completed the sixth grade or its equivalent.
How many pupils were enrolled in the elementary schools? 201 were enrolled in school on October 1, 1931.
How many pupils attend Danvers High School? 56. The largest number for many years.
ORGANIZATION
What is the form of organization of the Middleton Schools? We are operating on what is known as the 8-4 plan.
This means 8 years in the elementary grades and 4 years in the High School or Vocational School.
Is this a modern type organization?
No. It is what is known by its opponents, as the tradi- tional-meaning old-fashioned-type of organization. This dis- tinguishes it from the 6-3-3 plan in vogue in places like
101
SCHOOL REPORT
Danvers, where they have junior high schools, and divide the grades into six elementary, three junior high, and three senior high. There is also the 6-6 plan, wherein the division is into six elementary and six high school grades.
Would one of the more modern plans be desirable for Middleton?
No. No plan involving the support of a local high school would be economical as long as the high school enrollment remains less than 100 pupils. This, of course, provided we can continue to find accommodations for our high school pupils in towns not too distant from Middleton.
What is our method of promotion?
We promote annually on the basis of the child's ability to do the work in the next grade. When in the judgment of the teachers and superintendent it is for the child's best in- terest to repeat the work of any grade, we act accordingly. Double promotions are permitted in rare cases, and only when it seems unjust to the child to hold him to the pace of the average.
What subjects are required by law to be taught in the elementary grades?
Reading, writing, spelling, English language and gram- mar, geography, arithmetic, history and constitution of the United States, civics, physiology, and hygiene, physical educa- tions, drawing, and good behavior.
What additional subjects do we teach?
Music, manual training, sewing, and thrift.
They may have the full benefits of the course at Danvers High School, Essex County Agricultural School, or in the Vocational schools of nearby cities.
Is the town obliged to provde this vocational education?
Yes, according to the statutes of the Commonwealth. One-half of the cost of such tuition and transporation is borne by the state.
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SCHOOL REPORT
What provision is made for the special instruction of retarded children?
None, as yet, there being too small a number to make such a class an economical proposition. We do, however, have a class which gives special help to those children who do not seem to be able to keep pace with the regular classes in the school. These are grouped and given much more individual instruction than is possible in the large classes.
ADMINISTRATION
How many members has the School Committee?
Three, one being elected each year.
What are their powers?
Individually, none; collectively or by majority vote, they have absolute control, as representatives of the voters, over all questions relating to the conduct of the schools, not already covered by state law.
What are the duties of the School Committee?
It has entire control of the schools. It adopts the budget and determines how the appropriation shall be expended. It elects all school employees, examines and approves all changes . in school organization, courses of study, and changes in text- books. It authorizes all repairs and changes in the physical equipment of school buildings.
What are the duties of the Superintendent of Schools?
He is the advisory and executive officer employed by the Committee, as an expert, to carry out all plans and policies of the Committee. He acts for the Committee to make sure that the work of all its employees is carried on with promptness, efficiency, and economy. His duties are many more than these, but his general function is as stated. He is the first person who should be consulted on any question concerning any school activity. The Committee should only be asked to
103
SCHOOL REPORT
act as a final court of appeal from his decisions, thus conserv- ing the time and energy of this body.
How many persons are regularly employed by the School Committee?
1-Superintendent of Schools.
6-Teachers.
3-Supervisors.
1-Nurse.
1-School Physician.
1-Janitor.
1-Attendance Officer.
BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT
Is the Center School meeting our needs as to capacity, physical conditions, and equipment?
In general the conditions are satisfactory for our present enrollment and distribution of pupils. Any marked increase, however, will make necessary a reorganization of the work. As it is now there is difficulty in fitting the large manual training classes into space necessarily restricted by the pres- ence of class room furniture. We may eventually be forced to give up this type of education for lack of space in which to conduct it. It may be possible to make the basement room beneath the newer part. of the building usable for this pur- pose. This will involve the solution of the problem of light and ventilation.
A notable addition to the buiding's equipment was accom- plished by the teachers and pupils of the school. They have installed radio with individual loud speakers in three rooms used by the upper grades. This is but another evidence of the way in which this school unit keeps pace with the times.
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SCHOOL REPORT
FINANCIAL FACTS
The following information comes from the report of the State Department of Education and is for the last complete school year ending June 30, 1931.
What was the amount spent for support of schools?
$22,086.79.
How much from local taxation?
$17,110.78.
Who paid the difference?
Commonwealth $4,976.01.
What for?
$1,070.00-From income tax for teachers salaries.
312.87-From General Fund-Regulator state aid.
386.67-On salary and expenses of Superintendent.
1,840.47-On High School tuition.
1,366.00-On High School transportation.
What effect does this have on local cost of education?
It reduces it from $91.65 per pupil to $71.00, or about 22%. In other words the state pays 22% of the cost of edu- cation of each child in Middleton.
What is the cost per pupil for high school education?
$127.62 for both tuition and transportation. One half of this is refunded by the Commonwealth. The net cost to the town is $63.81.
Do these refunds effect the appropriation?
No. The money has to be appropriated and expended be- fore it is refunded. The effect is on the tax rate. It is made much lower.
What does the $1,070.00 from income tax "for teachers' salaries" mean?
This is a refund made to cities and towns to help pay teachers a just salary. It varies in amount with the salary,
105
SCHOOL REPORT
training, and experience of the teachers ; the amounts ranging from $100.00, to $200.00 per teacher.
Does the state also pay a part of the salary and expenses of the Superintendent of Schools?
Yes. Last year it paid $386.67 of the $756.08 paid to him, that is, more than half of the total.
Why does the state pay these sums?
To help equalize the educational opportunity for all chil- dren in the state, by helping the towns in proportion to their inability to pay. The richer the town, the less it is helped.
What is the annual cost of tranportation within the town?
$4,000.00 for the elementary schools.
Do we have to pay this?
Yes. It is a legal requirement when demanded by parents of children living two miles or more from the school of attend- ance.
Could we do away with this expense?
Yes, by unanimous agreement of all entitled to this service.
What is the largest school expense?
Teachers' salaries.
$8,050 in 1931 first year.
What is the average per teacher?
$1,341.66, compared to a state average of $1,702.00-25% below it.
What is the cost per pupil per day for teaching?
22c. per pupil-day.
How many would even take care of the average youngster at home for 22c. a day? We teach them also.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
There are probably many other questions of interest con- cerning the operation of the local school system. I have tried to state and answer those questions most commonly asked of school officials.
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SCHOOL REPORT
A greater number than usual should read this report be- cause it contains information which should be of special inter- est and importance in these times when expenditures are so carefully scrutinized. It is the writer's opinion that the ex- penditures of the school department will bare any examination with credit to the School Committee.
On pages which follow will be found tables showing the number and distribution in the grades of elementary school children of the town.
CONCLUSION
This year has as usual been marked by a spirit of helpful co-operation on the part of the School Committee and the teachers. Under such condtions a school system is bound to progress.
Respectfully submitted,
STEPHEN G. BEAN,
Superintendent of Schools.
Wilmington, Mass., January 20, 1932.
Age and Grade Distribution, October 1, 1931
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
T
UA
OA
I
8
15
6
2
1
32
8
3
II
8
9
4
1
22
8
1
III
4
8
6
1
1
21
4
3
IV
5
13
2
2
1
1
1
25
5
5
V
1
2
12
8
2
25
3
2
VI
3
13
9
4
2
2
33
3
8
VII
6
6
5
7
2
1
27
6
10
VIII
6
5
2
3
16
0
5
Total
8
23
19
20
22
18
29
20
15
16
7
4
201
37
37
Heavily leaded diagonals indicate age limits for the grades U A indicates the number of children young for the grade O A Indicates the number of children old for the grade
SCHOOL REPORT
107
108
SCHOOL REPORT
Table II Teacher Grade Distribution
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
Tot.
Miss Colbert
32
6
38
Miss Lawrence
15
19
34
Miss Hinckley
23
14
37
Miss Berry
11
27
38
Miss Littlefield .
1
2
2
6
5
16
Miss Manning
22
16
38
Total
32
22
21
25
25
33
27
16
201
TOWN WARRANT
AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
OF THE
FINANCE COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF MIDDLETON
MARCH, 1932
PART III
113
TOWN WARRANT
Town Warrant Meeting
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex, ss. To William H. Young, Constable for the Town of Middleton, in the County of Essex :
GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Town, qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs to meet at the Town Hall in said Town, on
Tuesday, the Fifteenth day of March Next
at eight o'clock in the afternoon, then and there to act on the following articles :
ARTICLE 1. To authorize the Selectmen to appoint such other Town Officers as are required to be chosen annually.
ARTICLE 2. To see what action the Town will take in defraying the Town expenses for the ensuing year.
ARTICLE 3. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money in anticipation of the revenue of the current year, and expressly made payable therefrom by this vote.
ARTICLE 4. To see if the refund of dog taxes shall be transferred to the Library fund.
114
TOWN WARRANT
ARTICLE 5. To see what action the Town will take in regard to letting the Town Hall.
ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town will vote to share in the expense of any telephones installed in other than public build- ings.
ARTICLE 7. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the transfer of the unexpended balance of the Electric Light Department of 1931 to the credit of the department of 1932, agreeable to the petition of the Electric Light Commission.
ARTICLE 8. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Electric Light Department to use the earnings of the de- partment for the ensuing year, agreeable to the petition of the Electric Light Commission.
ARTICLE 9. To see if the Town will vote to purchase a constant current transformer, for street lighting, and appro- priate the sum of $425 to purchase the same, agreeable to the petition of the Electric Light Commission.
ARTICLE 10. To see if the Town will vote to purchase a new truck, with snow plough equipment, for use in the highway department, and appropriate the sum of $1,100 for the same.
ARTICLE 11. To see if the Town will appropiate the sum of $7,500 for additional fire apparatus and repairs on the hose house.
ARTICLE 12. On petition of B. Gertrude Hayward and others, to see if the Town will vote to oil Mt. Vernon Street
115
TOWN WARRANT
from Maple to King Street, and appropriate money for that purpose.
ARTICLE 13. On petition of Eugene Pelletier and others, to see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to be ex- pended for gravel and repairs on Park Avenue, Haswell Park.
ARTICLE 14. On petition of Maurice B. Webb and others, to see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money sufficient for gravel and repairs on Webb Street.
ARTICLE 15. To see if the Town will vote to appropri- ate the sum of $1,000 for a Reserve Fund in accordance with Section 6 of Chapter 40 of the General Laws, to meet extra- ordinary or unforeseen expenditures. No transfer can be made from this fund except by a vote of the Finance Committee.
You are hereby required to notify and warn said qualified voters to meet at an adjourned meeting at the Town Hall, on Monday, March 21 next for the following purposes, viz :
To choose by ballot the following Town Officers for the ensuing year :
Moderator, Town Clerk, three Selectmen, one Assessor for three years, one member of Board of Public Welfare for three years and one for one year, one member of School Committee for three years, Highway Surveyor, two Trustees of Flint Public Library for three years, Constable, Treasurer, Tax Collector, Tree Warden, Superintendent of Burials, Custodian of Town Hall, one Water Commissioner for three years, one Cemetery Commissioner for three years, one Electric Light Commissioner for three years.
116
TOWN WARRANT
The polls will be open at 6.15 o'clock, A. M. and shall be closed at 5 o'clock, P. M.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant, by posting up attested copies thereof, one at the Town Hall, one at the Cen- ter Post Office, and one at the store at Howe Station in said Town, seven days at least before the time of holding said meetings.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this Warrant, with our doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of meeting, as aforesaid.
Given under our hands this sixteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, nine hundred and thirty- two.
ARCHIBALD L. JONES, GEORGE B. OGDEN, HARRY B. CROXFORD, Selectmen of Middleton.
A true copy.
Attest : WILLIAM H. YOUNG, Constable.
117
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Recommendations of the Finance Committee For the Year 1932
Selectmen
$300 00
Town Treasurer
300 00
Clerk 200 00
Accountant
300 00
Tax Collector
400 00
Assessors call for $675 00; recommend
600 00
Registrar of Voters
36 00
Moderator
25 00
Inspector of Slaughtering
Cattle
150 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
100 00
Constable call for $35 00; recommend
10 00
Board of Public Welfare
100 00
Superintendent of Burials
15 00
Cemetery Commissioners
30 00
Custodian of Town Hall
500 00
Electric Light Commissioners
150 00
Town Counsel
250 00
Chief of Fire Department
15 00
POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT
Police Department $1,000 00
Recommend that the officers on duty at School House, be paid out of this appropriation.
Fire Department call for $1,300 00 ; recommend
1,000 00
Salary of Firemen 55 00
FORESTY DEPARTMENT
Tree Warden called for $500 00; recommend 200 00
Moth department recommend 935 00
25 00
118
FINANCE COMMITTEE
HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES
Highways $4,500 00
(Selectmen to be authorized to apply to State
Highway Department for aid.
Sidewalks -- call for $300 00 ; recommend 200 00
(Hard surface on same between Town Hall and Church)
Fencing-call for $200 00; recommend 100 00
Snow removal -- call for $900 00; recommend 800 00
Bridges-call for $300 00; recommend 150 00
EDUCATION
School including tuition transporation,
Vocational education and transportation -- call for $27,000 00; recommend
$26,000 00
Library 500 00
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Board of Health
$1,000 00
Dental Clinic 260 00
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Relief (local, state and other towns) $6,000 00
Old Age Assistance 5,500 00
UNCLASSIFIED
Town officers expense-call for $900 00 ; recommend $700 00
Contingent fund-call for 1,000 00; recommend 800 00
Soldiers' relief 300 00
State aid 480 00
Insurance
1,484 85
Town Hall-call for $900 00; recommend 700 00
Memorial Day
250 00
Interest
2,600 00
Municipal Indebtedness
2,000 00
119
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Street lighting, basis of present hours
2,000 00
Cemetery-call for 1,000 00; recommend
600 00
Essex Sanitorium
465 74
Article 1. Favorable action.
Article 2. Favorable action.
Article 3. Favorable action.
Article 4. Favorable action.
Article 5. Favorable action.
Article 6. Not recommended.
Article 7. Favorable action.
Article 8.
Favorable action.
Article 9. Favorable action.
Article 10. Refer to (A) B) (C) (D).
Article 11. Recommend laid over for one year.
Article 12. Recommended to come out of Highway appro- priation.
Article 13. Favorable action.
Article 14. Not recommended.
Article 15.
Not recommended this year.
Article 10. (A) Recommend that the Town purchase a 22 ton truck for highway and snow.
(B) Recommend that the charge of $15.00 per day be charged to the department for which it is working, and said amount be taken from regular appropriation and turned over to the Town Treasurer.
(C) Recommend that the Highway Surveyor be put on a salary of $600.00 and that he will not be allowed to use other than town equipment, except in case of emergency.
(D) Recommend that the Highway equipment be left in care of Highway surveyor, and the Selectmen reserve his right examine the same at any time, also if the driver of motive equipment should prove unsatisfactory he be replaced by a competent man, by order of the Selectmen.
120
FINANCE COMMITTEE
SPECIAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommend that hereafter all new graded and seeded lots in Oakdale Cemetery shall be sold from $40.00 to 75.00 accord- ing to the amount spent on same. Cemetery Commissioners shall determine the price and money be turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Recommend that the sum of $3.75 per $100 be spent on all endowed lots per year, and the three Cemetery Commis- sioners paying out said sum of money, shall submit an itemized bill each month for the amount spent on said lots to the Town Treasurer.
Recommend some action be taken in regard to transpor- tation by bus for the High school pupils.
W. P. EARLEY, Chairman W. G. TURNBULL, Clerk H. M. RICHARDSON E. C. TOWNSEND A. T. PAGE
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