USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1934 > Part 16
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No. 8. Due October 1, 1940, at 3344 per cent .. 10,000.00
No. 9. Due October 1, 1941, at 33/4 per cent . . 10,000.00
No. 10. Due October 1, 1942, at 33/4 per cent . 10,000.00
$80,000.00
1934 FIRE AND POLICE STATION LOAN PAYABLE AT NATIONAL SHAWMUT BANK, BOSTON
No. 1. Due December 1, 1935, at 31/4 per cent .. $5,000.00
No. 2. Due December 1, 1936, at 31/4 per cent .. 5,000.00
No. 3. Due December 1, 1937, at 31/4 per cent .. 5,000.00
No. 4. Due December 1, 1938, at 31/4 per cent ..
5,000.00
No. 5. Due December 1, 1939, at 31/4 per cent ..
5,000.00
No. 6. Due December 1, 1940, at 31/4 per cent ..
5,000.00
No. 7. Due December 1, 1941, at 31/4 per cent ..
5,000.00
No. 8. Due December 1, 1942, at 31/4 per cent ..
5,000.00
No. 9. Due December 1, 1943, at 31/4 per cent ..
5,000.00
No. 10. Due December 1, 1944, at 31/4 per cent ..
5,000.00
No. 11. Due December 1, 1945, at 31/4 per cent ..
3,000.00
No. 12. Due December 1, 1946, at 31/4 per cent ..
3,000.00
No. 13. Due December 1 ,1947, at 31/4 per cent ..
3,000.00
No. 14. Due December 1, 1948, at 31/4 per cent ..
3,000.00
No. 15. Due December 1, 1949, at 31/4 per cent ..
3,000.00
No. 16. Due December 1, 1950, at 31/4 per cent ..
3,000.00
No. 17. Due December 1, 1951, at 31/4 per cent ..
3,000.00
No. 18. Due December 1, 1952, at 31/4 per cent .. 3,000.00
No. 19. Due December 1, 1953, at 31/4 per cent .. 3,000.00
No. 20. Due December 1, 1954, at 31/4 per cent ..
3,000.00
$80,000.00
295
OUTSTANDING BONDS
1934]
STATEMENT OF TOTAL BONDED DEBT
1910 Water Loan $ 4,000.00
1914 Water Loan
8,000.00
1916 Water Loan
1,000,00
1917 Water Loan
1,500.00
1930 Water Loan
5,000.00
Total Water Loans $ 19,500.00
1905 Schoolhouse Loan (E.S.) $ 1,000.00
1905 Schoolhouse Loan
3,000.00
1916 Schoolhouse Loan
7,000.00
1917 Schoolhouse Loan 500.00
1920 Schoolhouse Loan
3,000.00
1922 Schoolhouse Loan
20,000.00
1925 Schoolhouse Loan
30,000.00
1932 Schoolhouse Loan
80,000.00
Total Schoolhouse Loans ..
$144,500.00
1934 Fire and Police Station Loan . .
80,000.00
Total Bonded Indebtedness
$244,000.00
STATEMENT OF OTHER INDEBEEDNESS OUTSTANDING DECEMBER 31, 1934
Loans from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts TAX TITLE LOANS
April 15, 1933
$ 65,000.00
November 1, 1933 100,000.00
1934
80,000.00
$245,000.00
Less: Repaid year 1933 $ 34,424.40
Less: Repaid year 1934 61,804.28
96,228.68
Net Tax Title Loans
$148,771.32
296
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
PUBLIC WELFARE LOANS
Due December 15, 1935, at 31/2 per cent $6,000.00
Due December 15, 1936, at 31/2 per cent 6,000.00
Due December 15, 1937, at 31/2 per cent 6,000.00
Due December 15, 1938, at 31/2 per cent
6,000.00
$ 24,000.00 .
Temporary Loans in Anticipation of Taxes SOLD TO NATIONAL SHAWMUT BANK OF BOSTON
Nov. 26, 1934 March 15, 1935 .69% $ 25,000.00
SOLD TO MERCHANT'S NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON
Nov. 26, 1934 March 15, 1935
.69%
$ 25,000.00
July 30, 1934 April 18, 1935 1.74%
50,000.00
July 30, 1934 May 16, 1935
1.74%
50,000.00
SOLD TO FAXON GADE & Co.
Dec. 10, 1934
June 20, 1934
.92% $ 50,000.00
$200,000.00
Toum of Saugus Commonwealth of Massachusetts
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND
Superintendent of Schools
OF THE
Town of Saugus, Mass.
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1934
AUG
0
Q
1629.
1815
The Cliftondale Press, Saugus
2
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
In Memoriam
WHEREAS -
Almighty God in His infinite plan has called ARCHIBALD G. COLDWELL to his eternal reward - and -
WHEREAS -
ARCHIBALD G. COLDWELL gave more than a decade of his life as Principal of the Roby and Ballard Schools, - and -
WHEREAS --
His service was honest and faithful -
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED -
That the School Committee of the Town of Saugus, in session this December 20, 1934, gives thanks for the service of ARCHIBALD G. COLD- WELL and hereby votes that these resolutions be spread upon its official records and that a copy of the same be sent to his bereaved widow.
WALDO B. RUSSELL, Chairman, FREDERICK B. WILLIS, GEORGE A. MCCARRIER, MARIA E. SMITH, HARRY F. WENTWORTH.
3
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1934]
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
WALDO B. RUSSELL, Chairman
6 Anawan Avenue
FREDERICK B. WILLIS
Term Expires 1937
Tel. 77
29 Prospect Street
MARIA E. SMITH
Term Expires 1936 Tel. 1350-W
51 Essex Street
HARRY F. WENTWORTH
Term Expires 1936
11 Emory Street
Tel. 636-W
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
VERNON W. EVANS
Residence, 88 Chestnut Street
Tel. 805
Office, High School Building
Tel. 775
Office Hours-8:30 to 9:30 A. M.
3.30 to 4.30 P. M. on every school day.
SUPERINTENDENT'S SECRETARY
ANNA V. JACOBS
9 Laconia Avenue
ATTENDANCE OFFICER
GEORGE A. TWEEDY
217 Lincoln Avenue Tel. 275-R
MEETINGS OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month. 8 P.M.
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
DR. MYRON H. DAVIS 24 Main Street
Tel. 235
DR. LEROY C. FURBUSH 272 Lincoln Avenue
Tel. 120
DR. MARY PENNY 26 Jackson Street
Tel. 110
DR. JAMES A. CLARK 315 Lincoln Avenue Tel. 760
Term Expires 1937 Tel. 582
Willis Street GEORGE A. McCARRIER
Term Expires 1935 Tel. 732
4
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
SCHOOL NURSE
MRS. MARY DONOVAN Broadway, Lynnfield
Tel. Breakers 5090
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Fall term, 1934
Winter term, 1935 (first half)
Winter term, 1935 (second half)
Spring term, 1935
Opened September 5, 1934 Closed December 21, 1934 Opens January 2, 1935 Closes February 15, 1935 Opens February 25, 1935 Closes April 12, 1935
Opens April 22, 1935 Closes June 21, 1935
NO SCHOOL SIGNALS
Elementary Schools
8 A.M., 2-2-2-2 on fire alarm system and radio announce- ment from Radio Station WNAC, means no morning session for elementary schools and opportunity classes.
12:45 P.M., 2-2-2-2 on fire alarm system and radio announce- ment from Radio Station WHDH means no afternoon session for elementary schools.
High School and Junior High Schools 6:45 A.M., 2-2-2-2 on fire alarm and radio announcement from Radio Station WNAC at 7 A.M.
SCHOOL TELEPHONES
Armitage
1090
Mansfield
1096
Ballard
1091
Sweetser
1097
Cliftondale
1092
North Saugus
1098
Emerson
1093
Roby
1099
Felton
1094
Oaklandvale
731
Lynnhurst
1095
High School
260
Superintendent's Office 775
5
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1934]
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Saugus:
At a meeting of the School Committee held December 20, 1934, it was voted to accept the Annual Report of the Super- intendent of Schools as the report of the School Committee required by the Statutes.
WALDO B. RUSSELL, Chairman
6
REGISTRATION-by Schools and by Grades-January 1935
SCHOOLS
GRADES
TOTALS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
P.G.
Armitage
18
29
28
36
38
31
180
Ballard
34
29
35
40
33
38
209
Ballard
36
34
70
Cliftondale
40
38
40
34
152
Emerson
33
25
28
38
124
Felton
42
44
42
42
37
39
246
Lynnhurst
17
9
18
21
12
17
94
Mansfield
33
35
39
31
138
No. Saugus
15
10
12
15
14
14
80
Oaklandvale
16
29
17
16
18
13
109
Roby
37
45
55
37
41
31
246
Roby
37
36
73
Old Center
14
16
7
26
63
Sweetser Junior High
168
168
Sweetser Grades
51
61
112
Central Junior High
171
304
475
High School
280
270
159
158
16
883
Opportunity Class
34
Totals
322
307
330
317
306
314
339
304
280
270
159
158
16
3456
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
7
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1934]
Report of the Superintendent of Schools
To the Honorable School Committee and Citizens of Saugus:
It is both the duty and the privilege of the Superintendent of Schools to submit his second annual report for the School Department, the same being the forty-second annual report.
A YEAR OF PROGRESS
The year 1934 has been one of distinct progress for the School Department. It is a pleasure to report that in our school system practically every improvement contemplated and planned for the year 1934 has been accomplished. This has been possible through careful planning, much hard work, and the unstinted cooperation of a loyal and sympathetic School Committee. Many of the improvements accomplished are listed and explained below.
OUR TEACHING FORCE
I have said before that the efficiency of a school system depends upon the efficiency of its teaching staff more than upon any other single factor. We are indeed fortunate in Saugus in that we have an excellent corps of trained teachers. They have, almost to a teacher, cooperated in every particular. May I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for their loyalty and devotion to duty. The principals of the various buildings have been particularly cooperative and exceptionally efficient in the handling of their executive problems. My faith in their ability to be real executives has been proven beyond the shadow of a doubt.
On the whole we have had few changes in our teaching per- sonnel during the year 1934. Five teachers resigned to be married and one, Mr. Archibald Coldwell, Principal of the Ballard School, was taken by death. All the vacancies thus caused were filled by competent and well qualified teachers. We thus only lost six teachers out of a corps numbering 103.
8
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
This is a teacher-turnover of approximately 5% which is cer- tainly not more than normal. I only hope that we can keep our teacher-turnover at such a normal figure in the years to come.
OUR TEXT BOOK PROGRAM
School children are entitled to as good tools of education as is the carpenter to good tools for his workmanship. With this in mind we evolved a systematic program of text book replace- ment in April 1933. Since that time, or in approximately one year and a half, we have replaced 5,662 worn and out of date text books with modern up to date tools of education. Included in this program are many new basal installations. Grades I through IV in all schools have been equipped with the Elson- Gray basal readers. Grades III, IV, VII, and VIII in all schools have been equipped with the Triangle Arithmetic series. Grade IV in all schools has been equipped with the Atwood-Thomas Geography series. Grade VIII has been equipped throughout with new history books. This year, 1935, we will complete our reading text book replacement program by equipping Grades V and VI with the Elson-Gray readers. All six grades will then be equipped and our program in this respect com- pleted. We also plan to equip Grades V and VI with the Tri- angle Arithmetic series which will complete our arithmetic program from Grades III to VIII inclusive. We also plan to equip Grades V and VI with the Atwood-Thomas Geography series which will only leave Grade VII to be completed in 1936. Many supplementary readers and other correlative text books have also been added with a view to giving our Saugus boys and girls the best in text books obtainable. Text books in the Senior and Junior High Schools have also been replaced to good advantage.
It will thus be seen that we have followed a scientific book replacement program which will insure our school children text books second to none among our neighboring school systems.
IMPROVEMENT OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS
We were one of the first school departments in the State to take advantage of the opportunity of improving our school
9
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1934]
buildings under the Federal C.W.A. and E.R.A. programs. We started in November 1933 and, by securing the jump, suc- ceeded in completing a program which I believe has not been matched by any other school department.
May I list what we have been able to accomplish in this respect :
(1) Fourteen (14) school buildings painted two coats on exterior.
(2) Thirteen (13) school buildings painted two coats on interior.
(3) Thirteen (13) school buildings varnished throughout on interior.
(4) Three thousand (3000) pupils' desks refinished.
(5) Floors in two buildings cleaned and scoured through- out.
The above work could not have been accomplished out of ordinary school repair budgets short of a 10 year period. The cost to the citizens of Saugus in direct taxation would most certainly have approached a considerable sum. Under this program the cost to the Town of Saugus for the entire im- provements listed above has been materially under $2000.
IMPROVEMENT OF SCHOOL GROUNDS
Nothing does more to enhance the appearance of school buildings than attractive school grounds. In the past our school grounds have been anything but attractive. Attractive school grounds mean much to children, much to citizens, and even more to the general appearance of the community.
Under an E.R.A. Federal project we have sought to beautify our school grounds and at the same time eliminate all danger hazards to our school children. Statistics show that school areas in front of school buildings are always hazardous. They increase the danger of accident by providing the opportunity for children to run from the grounds directly into heavily travelled main arteries. In beautifying our school grounds we have simultaneously eliminated these danger hazards by land-
10
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
scaping the front areas and improved the back areas for recre- ation and play purposes. Lawns, shrubbery, evergreens, and walks now lend an attractive appearance to our school build- ings. The consequent improvement must be apparent to every citizen. The cost to the town has been negligible since all of the loam has come from the High School grounds without any expense for purchase.
Eight school grounds have already been completed. They are the High School, Felton School, Sweetser School, Clifton- dale School, Roby School, Lynnhurst School, Old Roby School, and the Emerson School. The North Saugus School and the Armitage School are now receiving our attention. The grounds of the remaining three, namely the Ballard, Mansfield, and Oaklandvale, will be taken in order.
At the High School a parking area for fifty automobiles has been completed. All automobiles will in the future be parked in this area thus eliminating the dangers caused by parking on Winter, Central, and the various side streets.
I am deeply grateful to the present E.R.A. Administrator, Mr. Paul J. Hayes and to former Administrator, Mr. Carl Chapman for all the kind and willing cooperation they have given to the School Department in connection with all of our C.W.A. and E.R.A. undertakings, They certainly have been truly cooperative. May I also express my appreciation to the entire Board of Selectmen and to Mr. Dexter Pratt, Superin- tendent of Public Works, for the able assistance they have given.
The results are my source of satisfaction for the effort and extra energy I have personally expended.
ECONOMY OF OPERATION
The Total school appropriation for the year 1934 amounted to $203,175. Of this amount $202,000 constituted the general appropriation, $1000 was for schoolhouse repairs and $175. for special schoolhouse repairs. This latter sum was trans- ferred to us from the reserve fund of the Finance Committee.
This year, as in 1933, the School Department will finish within its appropriation. When one considers that the school
11
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1934]
appropriation in 1931 was $224,683 against $203,175 in 1934 it can readily be seen that the School Department has expended its appropriation judiciously and wisely. Much of our success has been due to the installation of intelligent business methods in the purchasing and distribution of school supplies. Pur- chases have been made in quantity thus giving us the benefit of much lower prices. The distribution of supplies has been, as last year, upon requisition from a central supply storeroom.
We were also extremely fortunate in the purchase of fuel. The School Department has a contract with the Metropolitan Coal Company of Boston, in effect until May 1, 1935, whereby bituminous coal is purchased at $6.75 per ton and anthracite coal at $11.95 per ton. . This is coal of first grade quality delivered in our bins at the above prices. I am of the opinion that a comparison of prices paid by other school departments will show that the Saugus School Committee obtained an ex- ceedingly favorable contract. This excellent bargain becomes all the more significant to taxpayers when it is pointed out that our school buildings consume approximately 600 tons of soft coal yearly as well as nearly 200 tons of hard coal.
The new Junior High School is heated by fuel oil. This is purchased on contract from the Colonial Beacon Oil Company of Boston.
I can assure all citizens that the School Department has affected an economy of operation designed to give the Town one hundred cents for every dollar expended.
NEW CAFETERIA
The new cafeteria at the Central Senior and Junior High School will be placed in operation January 2, 1935. It is of first class construction and a credit to the Saugus High School Addition Building Committee which committee had charge of its installation.
This cafeteria marks a forward step in our school system since it will now be possible to serve hot lunches to our stu- dents. Such lunches are an absolute necessity and they can now be served under the most cleanly conditions.
An additional appropriation for the purchase of tables, chairs, dishes, and silverware must be requested of the coming
12
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
annual Town Meeting. The Saugus High School Addition Building Committee has no more funds for this necessary expenditure. The requested appropriation will not be large. With this appropriation the cafeteria will be completed.
REST ROOM FOR GIRLS
The Central Senior and Junior High School Building is now equipped with an up to date modern rest room for girls. There are between six and seven hundred girls housed in this school plant and it can readily be seen that such a rest room is highly desirable. The room is in the new building. It is comfortably and attractively furnished and has proven its value more than once during the year 1934. The total cost of furnishing it completely was under $100.00. It is worth the investment many times over.
First aid equipment will shortly be placed in the room.
REPAIR BUDGET
It is of course absurd to expect the School Committee to keep its schoolhouses in proper repair on a Schoolhouse Repair Budget of $1000 per year. This amount constituted the School- house Repair Budget for the year 1934.
Saugus has school property which could not be replaced short of $1,000,000. To expect a School Committee to keep a $1,000,000 worth of property in repair with an appropriation of $1000 per year is unreasonable.
A citizen with a $7000 home would most certainly expend at least $50 per year on the upkeep of his property. Even at this low ratio the School Committee would require an appro- priation of $7000 per year to care for $1,000,000 worth of property.
One little realizes that there are constant repairs in school- houses which must be cared for in the interest of health, safety and the comfort of the children attending our schools. We have 14 school buildings and many of them are buildings of good proportions. Boilers must be kept in repair and this item alone runs into money. There are thousands of other physical features of school buildings which must be kept in repair. It
13
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1934]
is not true economy to pinch on repairs and make yourself believe you are saving money. Delay means only a greater expenditure of money when the day of reckoning arrives.
The School Department should have an annual appropria- tion of $7000 for Schoolhouse Repairs. This would be only at the ratio of $7.00 for each $1000 worth of property.
CHADWICK CLINIC RE-EXAMINATION
This year the physicians from the State Department of Public Health conducting the Chadwick Clinic re-examined 62 of our school children who showed symptoms of tuberculosis when examined last year.
I have received their report and am pleased to report that each of the 62 children showed improvement.
SCHOLARSHIP STANDING OF OUR SCHOOLS
I am very proud of the scholastic standing of our Saugus Public Schools. In 1934 our High School was again rated as a Class A High School by the State Department of Education.
In 1934 the privilege of certifying our graduates to some fourteen leading colleges which are members of the New Eng- land College Entrance Certificate Board was renewed for four years or until 1938. Four year renewals are only granted to High Schools whose scholastic standing is unquestionable. This is proof positive that our school system is functioning efficiently.
It might also be interesting to note in passing that our elementary school children frequently are placed in a grade higher when they transfer to schools in other communities.
OPEN HOUSE NIGHT
The School Committee sponsored an Open House Night dur- ing Education Week this year. Every school building in town was opened for public inspection by our townspeople. Six of our buildings were lighted on the exterior by floodlights. The response of the people was indeed gratifying. Nearly 4000 persons visited the various schools throughout the town. The citizens were given the opportunity of viewing the C.W.A.
14
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
and E.R.A. improvements as well as the opportunity of meet- ing the teachers of their children.
May I extend my appreciation to the School Committee for their cooperation in helping make the Open House Night the success that it was. Also my thanks to the General Electric Company of Lynn for the loan of the floodlights and to the Lynn Gas and Electric Company for the loan of wire.
THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
It has been a pleasure to work with this present School Committee. I would be sadly lacking in gratitude did I not mention the loyal cooperation they have given me as Super- intendent of Schools. They serve without pay and give liber- ally of their time and talents. I have never in all my exper- ience seen a committee so keenly interested in the welfare of our boys and girls. They have given me loyal support and their confidence in me has made my work a pleasure. Political con- siderations have not interested them and on all occasions they have thought only of the success of our school system.
To them belongs much of the credit for the strides we have made in bettering our school system. They have allowed me to really be a Superintendent of Schools. They have backed me to the limit and stood solidly behind my recommendations and policies. A Superintendent of Schools can accomplish much with such a School Committee.
One can not fortell the future. I do not know how long I shall remain as Superintendent of Schools in this town of my birth. I am certain of this however. Whether here or else- where I may work with as good a School Committee, but never with a better one.
The citizens of Saugus have a right to be proud of their School Committee.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS
The Parent Teacher Associations have been helpful at all times during the year 1934. They have aided individual child- ren by providing much needed clothing. They have purchased various equipment for the schools. They have cooperated in
15
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1934]
all school affairs to the benefit of our school system. I feel deeply indebted to them for their thoughtfulness and for their genuine interest in the schools and what they stand for. These organizations have been a credit to their officers and their members.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1935.
I make the following specific recommendations for the year 1935.
(a) The appointment of a special teacher to relieve the Elementary School Principals thus giving them an opportunity to more closely supervise their teachers. This teacher to work on a regular schedule thus relieving each Principal equally during the school year.
(b) The removal of all existing toilets and urinals in the Roby and Old Roby Schools and the replacing of same with new material throughout. The present toilets and urinals are not sanitary.
(c) The whitening of ceilings in school buildings through- out the town. Dirty ceilings reflect poor light and at the same time mar the appearance of a classroom.
(d) The unfinished area beneath the assembly hall of the Sweetser School should be excavated and made into suitable basement space. The children in this school have no decent place to remain in doors and exercise or eat during the winter months.
(e) The establishment of suitable school libraries in each of our school buildings. This can be done over a reasonable period of time and the cost will not be prohibitive. Every school should have its own individual school library.
(f) Replacement of all curtans in both the Sweetser School and the Cliftondale School. The present curtains have outlived their usefulness and should be scrapped.
(g) Changing of the existing State law governing tuition cases so that a community may collect tuition for the educating of children whose parents clearly maintain no local residence.
16
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
In closing may I thank each and every person who has in any way assisted me. I have worked hard and conscientiously. The position demands much of a man's mentality, vitality, and physical strength. I have given freely of each without regard for self. To accomplish anything worth while means hard work. There is still more work to do.
Edgar A. Guest, the poet, perhaps best expresses this thought:
"The man who wants a garden fair, Or small or very big, With flowers growing here and there, Must bend his back and dig. The things are mighty few on earth That wishes can attain. Whate'er we want of any worth We've got to work to gain.
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