USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1928-1929 > Part 29
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Rochester, New York, is considered the home of the junior high school and has an excellent national reputation. It has com- bined junior-senior schools and separate schools. J. P. O'Hern, Deputy Superintendent of Schools in Rochester, writes: "If I had your problem I would add enough rooms to your present junior high school to make it into a six-year high school, just as we did with our Monroe Junior-Senior High School".
Thus leading educators both from a theoretical and prac- tical viewpoint endorse a combined building with the two units sep- arated.
2. IS THE PRESENT LOT TOO SMALL?
Supt. Fausey in his report on page 9 states that the present lot is too small for a combined school and recommends a twelve acre lot.
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The Junior High School lot contains 3.5 acres. The Pope lot (old lumber yard) recommended by the School Committee for pur- chase contains 1.1 acres. Within a short distance is the Stephens Field, which is well adapted for play activities. This contains 7.1 acres, making a total of 11.7 acres available. Approximately 2.5 acres in the rear of the Junior High School, if graded properly, will provide sufficient playground space for most activities.
This question of the size of grounds was referred to Carl Schrader, State Supervisor of Physical Education. His letter states : "If the athletic field were not available within a close proximity, I should consider the area for physical education and recreational purposes inadequate for both junior and senior high schools in the one building. With this additional athletic field available and the School Committee willing to make a proper time allotment to carry out an activity program for all pupils, the plan of housing both junior and senior high schools together is a very satisfying one. The program could be carried on very efficiently, and I am quite sure, more economically, inasmuch as the same teachers could function, or at least cooperate, in the maintenance of a worth- while health and physical education program. It seems to me that the matter of junior and senior high school pupils being both in the same building, and utilizing the same facilities, is largely a matter of administration which, if well thought out and efficiently carried through, should not result in any adverse experience. The planning of the indoor facilities, as well as the outdoor ones, for health and physical education, should be carefully made so as to render the plan feasible for an up-to-date school program."
The fact that the larger athletic field is away from the school building is a decided advantage in that it can be used throughout the summer time by any group without damage to expensive school buildings.
It would, of course, be admitted by everyone that the Holmes Field would make a more beautiful location for play activities, but the grading of the sloping and irregular field to provide for base- ball, track, soccer, tennis and other outdoor activities, would be a more expensive proposition than at the present location.
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3. IS THE PRESENT JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL MORE OFF-CENTER THAN IF LOCATED ON HOLMES FIELD?
Two years ago a pin chart was made of the homes of the Junior and Senior High School pupils by the School Department. The center of these six grades was Chilton Street.
Supt. Fausey's pin chart of the Junior High School pupils shows the center to be Cushman Street and that of the Senior High School at Brewster Street. These centers do not include the distribution of the Manomet and Chiltonville children, numbering 67 pupils. Were they counted in the centers would be a little farth- er south.
Assuming, however, that Cushman Street is the center, the distance to Hall Street,* opposite the proposed new building is .75 miles and to the present Junior High School it is .85 miles. Thus the Holmes Field is .1 of a mile, or about 500 feet nearer to the center of the Junior High School population.
The problems of transportation in the north would be offset by problems in the south, thus the difference, if any, in transportation cost would be small.
*Note .- There is an apparent discrepancy between the location of the proposed school as shown on page 17 on the map of the Fausey report and the description on page 16. The Holmes property is opposite Hall Street, nearly one fourth of a mile north of Russell Avenue. The center of the solid circle and the circle itself drawn on the map on page 17 should therefore be moved north this distance.
PROVISION FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
The present Junior High School rooms are well adapted for junior high school classes, which should usually number about 35 pupils. To try to fit these rooms over for the special classes re- quired in the High School such as bookkeeping, typewriting, phys- ics and chemistry, biology, sewing and cooking is unsatisfactory for each of the above must be planned for its special equipment and special use. Furthermore, on page 11 of the Fausey report, there are listed four rooms to hold 20 pupils. According to the present high school schedule at no period of the day are there more than two classes as small as 20 and most periods but one. In other words there are too many small rooms in the Fausey plan.
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Every modern well planned high school has a study hall and library. No reference is made to these rooms. There is no adequate office for the principal.
On page 8 Supt. Fausey states: "It is quite apparent that the enrollment of the Senior High School grades will not go over 300 for the next few years." In September the three upper grades numbered 332. This year the Sophomore class numbers 165 as against 101 a year ago with the Freshman class about the same as last year. This should bring the school up to 350-60 next year. This difference of 50 to 60 pupils must be provided for.
The only way the Junior High School building could meet the educational needs of the Senior High School would be to add three rooms as suggested on page 12 of the Fausey report, together with the gymnasium, auditorium and cafeteria. Even then it would not be ideal.
PROVISION FOR THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
The provisions as specified by Supt. Fausey would meet the immediate needs of the Junior High School with the exception of a room for drawing. There is no allowance for growth, for which every new building should provide.
USE OF OLD HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING
One half of the old high school should be used for the special class work now carried on at the South Street School and for the grades now occupying the Lincoln Street School. It would also per- mit further development of the work for some overage pupils now in the grades. With the present arrangement of the heaters this section of the building could be heated independent of the rest of the building at a cost no greater than that of heating these two schools. The janitor service would be no greater than that of these separate buildings.
ANALYSIS OF COSTS
A. Cost of changes in the Junior High School building.
On page 11 of the Fausey report the changes outlined are as follows :
1. "Remove the two wooden stairways at the ends of the building and install a fireproof stairwell and stairs."
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2. "Remove the two front stairways and convert the space they occupy into four classrooms." This involves building two walls to each room inside the school. It also involves putting in large windows on the outside in place of three small windows now present. This change would be in each of four rooms.
3. "Remove toilets from northeast room on ground floor". "Move partitions in back corner rooms so as to make pos- sible the installing of two toilets each on the second and third floors." All this necessitates new plumbing from the basement to the top floor.
The estimate of cost of the above is $6,000. From consultation with architects it would seem as if $10,000 is a conservative es- timate.
B. The estimate for installing a new heating system in the Junior High School is $4,000. When figures were obtained by the School Committee from actual specifications two years ago, a heating concern's close estimate was $7,500. Definite plans and specifications must be drawn up before a fair comparison can be made.
C. The addition of an auditorium to seat 400, a gymnasium and a cafeteria would cost $36,000 according to Supt. Fausey. No detailed plans are submitted nor are contractors' estimates given. The gymnasium implies another floor area as large as a gymnasium for lockers, dressing rooms, showers and rooms for the physical directors. The cafeteria with its facilities would have a floor area about the size of the auditorium. How four rooms of such size with the necessary heating and ventilating could be built for $36,- 000, may well be questioned.
Again, no positive statement is fair until actual plans are made, specifications drawn up and estimates of costs from reliable builders secured.
D. The new Junior High School is estimated at $250,000. This figure does not include architect's fees and equipment. In comparison with the above estimate are the following data:
A year ago last September, Rockland completed a new Junior- Senior High School to accommodate about 700 pupils. It has a
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similar number of rooms to that recommended by Supt. Fausey for his Junior High School. The cost of this building was as fol- lows :
General Construction (including heating, plumbing,
lighting, electrical work, etc.) $281,295.15
Finish Grading 6,000.00
Furniture and Equipment 35,000.00
Architect's Fee 19,337.70
Contingent Item
8,367.15
Total $350,000.00
Again, the only fair comparison of building costs is for plans and specifications to be drawn and actual estimates secured, as was done by the School Committee.
E. The cost figures submitted by Supt. Fausey do not in- clude architect's fees which are reckoned at 6% on new work and a higher rate for reconstruction.
Approximately $20,000 is needed for this item.
F. The cost figures submitted by Supt. Fausey do not include equipment. In the Davis plan a careful study was made and an estimate of $30,730 secured. With the duplication of the audi- torium, cafeteria, gymnasium and some duplication of the special rooms, the cost of equipment would be between $35,000 and $40,- OCO.
G. The cost figures of Supt. Fausey do not include the cost of the Holmes Field. As understood by the School Committee the land referred to by Supt. Fausey is the Holmes Field just south of Robbins Road. It contains approximately 12 acres and is assessed for $20,450.
H. The cost figures of Supt. Fausey do not include grading. Until plans are drawn no close estimate can be given. It seems only fair to state that this item must be considered in making any final estimate of total cost. In the Davis plan $15,000 was pro- vided for grading the grounds at the rear of the Junior High School.
It should be stated that Supt. Fausey and the Special Com- mittee of Nine did not have funds sufficient to secure specific plans
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and specifications for the new building upon which to base approx- imate costs. However, the report should have included such items as architect's fees, equipment, cost of land and grading.
COMPARISON OF COSTS
1. Alterations in Junior High School
A. Fausey Plan
(1) Install fireproof stairwell, remove toilets in base- ment, install toilets in four rooms, build four class- rooms, etc.
$6,000.00
(2) Revise heating system ..
4,000.00
B. Davis Plan
Central heating plant, larger boiler room, and changes in cor- ridor $27,500.00
2. Addition to Junior High School
for use by Senior High School
A. Fausey Plan
(1) Auditorium, cafeteria, gymnasium with locker rooms, showers, etc. . 36,000.00
B. Davis Plan
33 classroom units, auditorium, cafeteria, gymnasium 282,000.00
3. New Junior High School 250,000.00
Total cost construction and changes as recommended above
$296,000.00 $309,500.00
4. Necessary addition to present Junior High School for Senior High School use 16,000.00
Total cost construction to meet needs of schools $312,000.00 $309,500.00
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5. Other necessary items not included in Fausey report, but recommended by School Committee.
(a) Equipment
40,000.00
30,730.00
(b) Architect's Fees
20,000.00
19,770.00
(c) Land
25,000.00
8,700.00
(d) Grading
15,000.00
15,000.00
(e) Contingent Fund
10,000.00
10,000.00
Total cost fully equipped ready for use $422,000.00
$393,700.00
6. Not necessary, but advisable
(a) Heat carried to old Senior High School building
5,000.00
$398,700.00
Note 1 .- The Fausey plan would cost approximately $9,000 more than the Davis plan for equipment because it would need to include the following items:
(1) Plumbing and wiring in the old Junior High School for labora- tories for Senior High School use.
(2) Duplication of gymnasium equipment, also lockers and showers.
(3) Duplication of cafeteria equipment.
(4) Duplication of auditorium, seats and stage equipment.
(5) Duplication of equipment for at least two special rooms.
Note 2 .- The School Committee asked for $282,000 for the building. This included a pitched roof on the Lincoln Street front of the building. The architect estimated the cost of this type over a flat roof at $10,000 to $15,000. In the opinion of the Committee it seemed advisable to have the front of the building correspond in type to the other two school buildings.
Note 3 .- It seemed advisable to provide for the future heating of the old high school from a central heating plant. The laying of this pipe is more economical at present than later. This should not only provide more economical heating later but also would greatly reduce the fire hazard in the old building at the same time.
Elimination of these last two items would reduce the School Committee's request to $383,700.
The above figures show that the Fausey plan would cost $28,- 300 more than the Davis plan, if the question of carrying heat to the Senior High School is eliminated, and at least $38,300 if a flat roof is substituted for the pitched roof, as recommended by the School Committee.
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COSTS OF MAINTENANCE
From all evidence available the Fausey plan will be more costly in the yearly running expense, due to heating of duplicate large rooms; gymnasium, auditorium and cafeteria, heating in separate building, extra janitor service and extra teaching force. This would undoubtedly average over $5,000 a year.
ADVANTAGES OF FAUSEY PLAN
1. Ample grounds for the Junior High School.
2. Somewhat easier to arrange program because schools are inde- pendent.
DISADVANTAGES OF FAUSEY PLAN
1. More expensive in initial cost of construction because of dupli -ยท cation of gymnasium, auditorium, cafeteria and some special rooms.
2. More expensive to maintain.
(a) Heat-Two heating plants instead of one and more large rooms to be heated.
(b) Janitor Service-At least one more janitor.
(c) Some additional teaching force required because it would not be possible to arrange schedules of special teachers as efficiently in widely separated schools.
3. Does not permit as close correlation of school work.
4. Assembly hall and cafeteria and special rooms not used as ex- tensively as in Davis plan.
ADVANTAGES OF THE DAVIS PLAN
1. The two schools may work together as one comprehensive unit, permitting the interchange of teachers more readily and pro- ducing a closer correlation of the work in each study.
2. Pupils may be promoted more readily by subjects, for example : pupils in the ninth grade, failing in a study, may make up the failure without repeating all their work. From the present school records twenty-three sophomore pupils are thus affected.
3. Frequently pupils in grades 10, 11 and 12 need to take Algebra or Latin in the 9th grade to meet college or normal school requirements. This affects a less number than above, but is a serious condition for the few who decide late in their course to go to higher institutions.
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4. Each school still retains its own identity and administration.
5. The assembly hall, the cafeteria, the gymnasium and the spe- cial rooms are not duplicated and therefore used more exten- sively.
6. It is easier to arrange schedules for special teachers in the two schools than if widely separated.
7. From the financial side there would be economy :
(a) In heating as there are fewer large rooms to be heated- gymnasium, auditorium and cafeterias not duplicated. Also one central heating plant is more economical than two.
(b) In janitor service -- at least one less janitor would be needed.
(c) Probably in special teachers-this is difficult to analyze without actual working conditions. However, it would be the equivalent of at least one teacher.
8. The plans call for modern Senior High School rooms in the present Junior High School being made over to meet High School needs. These present rooms are better adapted to Jun- ior High School use.
9. Provided for future heating of old High School building in an economical method. This also reduces the fire hazard to a minimum.
DISADVANTAGES OF THE DAVIS PLAN
1. The outside playground is less than ideal for playground activi- ties. However, with Stephens Field near by and with the addi- tion of the Pope property, much of this objection is overcome.
BORROWING CAPACITY OF THE TOWN
Valuation for 1927 $26,447,375.00
Valuation for 1928 25,222,650.00
Valuation for 1929 25,061,325.00
Total
$76,731,350.00
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Average $25,577,117.00
3% $767,313.00
Total debt incurred and outstanding .. $367,167.00 Less: Plymouth County Hospital Loan ... $10,000.00 Water Loans 24,667.00
Total debt outside limit
34,667.00
Total outstanding within debt limit
$332,500.00
Borrowing capacity January 1, 1930 $434,813.00
Assuming that the town voted to issue twenty bond year bonds, totalling $375,000 to carry out the building plan as recommended by the School Committee it would leave a borrowing capacity of $59,813 as of January 1, 1930.
EFFECT ON COST OF YEARLY RUNNING EXPENSE
The present plan of two sessions at the Senior High School, which requires the freshmen to come afternoons, adds materially to the cost of running the schools. Extra transportation is required this year from Manomet, Long Pond and Chiltonville. This extra cost amounts to at least $2,400 a year. Extra janitor, lighting, and heating service required for the afternoon session, add a consid- erable amount to the cost. The extra teaching force, necessitated by the difficulty of arranging programs on the two session plan, costs about $2,000 which would be eliminated in the new plan. However, the new plan would call for three or four additional teachers in order to reduce the large classes of 40-45 pupils in the Junior High School to 35 pupils and to improve the teaching of some subjects now not adequately taught because of lack of facili- ties.
When all items are considered the yearly expense of running the combined school should not exceed the present cost by more than $3,000.
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COST OF THE DAVIS PLAN TO THE TAX PAYER
As previously stated, last March the School Committee asked, for the following:
(a) $390,000 for new building construction, changes in the Junior High School architect's fees, carrying heat to the old High School, equipment, contingent fund and grading, that is, everything complete, ready for use.
(b) $8,700 for the Pope and Frim property.
The above proposition may be financed as follows: $8,700 for the land and $15,000 towards the new construction to come out of the current tax levy, the balance of $375,000 to be provided for by twenty year serial bonds.
The cost to the tax payer would then be as follows:
Out of this year's tax
1. Cost of land-Frim and Pope lots $8,700.00
2. On construction program 15,000.00
Total $23,700.00
Increase in tax rate-$ .95
(Valuation of $25,000,000 assumed)
For the year 1931
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1/20 of $375,000 bond issue 18,750.00
Interest at 41/4% 15,937.50
Total $34,687.50
Increase in tax rate-$1.39
Succeeding years
Small decreases in interest, due to decrease in bonds.
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CONCLUSION
The School Committee unanimously approve and recommend the Davis plan as the most economical in construction, and main- tenance and the better when the educational needs of Plymouth are considered.
Signed, FREDERICK D. BARTLETT, Chairman, FANNIE T. ROWELL, Secretary, DR. E. HAROLD DONOVAN, ALBERT L. MELLOR, A. PERRY RICHARDS, HARRY W. BURNS,
Plymouth School Committee.
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SCHOOL CALENDAR 1930
Winter Term
Begins Thursday, Jan. 2-ends Friday, April 25
Recess Monday, Feb. 24-ends Friday, Feb. 28.
Spring Term
Begins Monday, May 5-ends Wednesday, June 25 Holiday : Friday, May 30
Fall Term
Begins Wednesday, Sept. 3-ends Friday, Dec. 19 Holidays : Monday, Oct. 13-Columbus Day on Sunday, Oct. 12 Tuesday, Nov. 11-Armistice Day
Thanksgiving Recess-Nov. 26-28 inclusive Teachers' Convention Visiting Day
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL 2-2 On Fire Alarm Code
7.05-No school for Junor and Senior High Schools. Does not apply to freshmen.
8.15-No morning session for the grades I to VI in- clusive.
11.15-One session for the grades I to VI inclusive, schools closing at 12.30.
11.45-No school for the freshmen.
12.15-No afternoon session for grades I to VI. This must not be confused by the freshmen with their no school signal.
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SCHOOL DIRECTORY
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Term Expires
Frederick D. Bartlett, Chairman,
1931
Fannie T. Rowell, Secretary,
1930
Dr. E. Harold Donovan,
1930
Albert L. Mellor,
1932
A. Perry Richards,
1931
Harry W. Burns, 1932
The regular meetings of the School Committee are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
Superintendent of Schools Anson B. Handy
Office hours of the Superintendent of Schools: 8.00 to 9.00 a. m., and 4.00 to 5.00 p. m. every school day, except as special duties may prevent. Special appointments may be made at other times.
Office Secretary Ruth F. Thomas Office open from 8.00 to 12 m. and 1.00 to 5.00 p. m. every school day. Saturdays: 9-12 m. Every Monday, 7.00 to 7.30 p. m.
Supervisor of Attendance John Armstrong
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FINANCIAL REPORT
RECEIPTS
Appropriation March, $248,000.00
Income from Trust Fund, 20.34
$284,020.34
PAYMENTS
General Expenses,
$8,467.26
Teachers' Salaries,
163,606.35
Text Books & Supplies,
11,980.96
Transportation,
18,044.11
Janitor Service,
12,674.23
Fuel,
9,260.36
Repairs and Maintenance,
12,923.97
Equipment,
1,293.41
Medical Inspection,
7,361.13
Tuition,
1,106.39
Total,
$246,718.17
Unexpended Balance,
$1,302.17
REIMBURSEMENTS
From the State for-
Teachers' Salaries,
$18,678.75
Americanization,
586.25
State Wards,
514.95
Tuition,
255.00
Miscellaneous,
347.31
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Total, $20,382.26
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGET FOR 1930 General Expenses-
Superintendent's Salary,
$4,700.00
Secretary,
1,000.00
Supervisor of Attendance, 300.00
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Stationery, Postage & Printing,
500.00
Telephone, 150.00
Travelling Expense,-in state 250.00
outside state 150.00
Automobile Expense, 500.00
Freight and Express,
200.00
School Census,
250.00
All Other,
300.00
8,300.00
Teachers' Salaries-
Day,
$164,000.00
Evening and Americanization, 2,000.00
Summer,
400.00
166,400.00
Text Books and Supplies-
Text and Reference Books,
$5,500.00
Paper, Blank Books, Etc., 4,000.00
Manual Training Supplies,
800.00
Domestic Science,
500.00
Athletic Supplies,
300.00
All Other,
400.00
11,500.00
Tuition and Transportation, out of town State Vocational Education,
6.00
Transportation, Pupils and Teachers,
17,000.00
Janitors' Services-
Day,
$13,000.00
Evening,
200.00
Watchmen, July 4th,
100.00
2,400.00
13,300.00
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Fuel and Light- Coal and Wood,
$11,000.00
Gas and Electricity,
1,500.00
12,500.00
Maintenance-
Salary of Building Supervisor, $2,600.00
General Repairs, 7,500.00
Flags and Flagstaffs, 150.00
Janitors' Supplies,
600.00
Telephones,
350.00
Ashes, etc., removed,
500.00
All Other (Labor and Material on grounds) 500.00
12,200.00
Furniture and Furnishings-
Typewriters,
600.00
Desks and Chairs,
General Equipment
800.00
All Other
1,400.00
Rent,
400.00
Diplomas and Graduation,
200.00
Medical Inspection-
Physicians,
2,400.00
Nurse and Assistant,
2,500.00
Dental Nurse,
1,500.00
Dental Clinic,
700.00
All Other,
700.00
7,800.00
Total,
$254,000.00
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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee:
I herewith submit to you my fourth annual report as Superintendent of the Plymouth Schools. This report is made possible through the splendid cooperation of the principals and supervisors, who have contributed much of the material.
CONDITION IN THE HIGH SCHOOLS
The most serious situation which confronts the school department is the lack of adequate facilities at the Junior and Senior High Schools. While there has been a small decrease in numbers at the Junior High School, it has not materially affected the size of several classes. At the Senior High School there has been an increase in the upper three classes which has brought about a con- gestion in some rooms while other rooms are used for purposes for which they are entirely unsuited. The fact that nearly 192 freshmen are losing twenty-five per cent of their school time and 332 in the upper classes over ten per cent should convince every one that first class work cannot be maintained. As Mr. Frank Morse, Supervisor of Secondary Education, states, "A good school will run on its momentum for a little while but I am quite sure from my experience and observation that it is practically impossible to maintain for any length of time, the proper standard of work when the school has as short a session as is now being employed in Plymouth. The short ses- sion is especially serious for those pupils who most need help. It may also be said that the afternoon group suffers worse than the forenoon group because, the afternoon, especially the late afternoon, is probably not so good for school work as the earlier hours of the day."
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